Yes, but the bank must allow it, and you will need to be present or use a representative
You can open a bank account in Pakistan while living abroad, but not all banks offer this option and the process differs from opening one in person. Most Pakistani banks require either your physical presence at a branch, a video call with a bank officer, or a representative acting on your behalf with a power of attorney. The timeline and documents needed depend on which bank you choose and whether you are a Pakistani citizen, a non-resident Pakistani (NRP), or a foreign national.
The key constraint is that Pakistani banks must comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) rules set by the State Bank of Pakistan. This means the bank needs to verify your identity and source of funds before opening the account. Remote opening is possible, but the bank controls whether they will do it.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistani banks that allow remote account opening include HBL, UBL, MCB, and Habib Bank, though each has different requirements and fees.
- You will need a valid passport, proof of address in your current country, and documentation of your source of funds — the exact list varies by bank.
- Video verification with a bank officer is the most common method for opening an account from abroad, and it usually takes one to three weeks after documents are submitted.
- If you hold a Pakistani CNIC (national ID), the process is faster and cheaper than if you are a foreign national or NRP without one.
- Some banks allow a representative to open the account on your behalf using a power of attorney, but this adds time and requires a notarised document.
Which Pakistani banks allow remote account opening
HBL (Habib Bank Limited) offers remote account opening through its HBL Digital service. You can start the process online, but you will need to complete video verification with a bank officer. HBL accepts Pakistani citizens, NRPs, and foreign nationals, though the documents required differ for each category.
UBL (United Bank Limited) allows account opening via video call for Pakistani citizens and NRPs. You submit documents online, then schedule a video appointment with a branch officer. The process typically takes 10 to 15 business days after verification is complete.
MCB (Muslim Commercial Bank) offers remote opening for Pakistani citizens and NRPs through its online portal. You will need to upload documents and complete a video call with the bank. MCB also allows opening accounts in foreign currency if you are an NRP.
Habib Bank (separate from HBL) allows remote opening for Pakistani citizens and NRPs. They require video verification and have a dedicated NRP banking section that handles accounts for Pakistanis living abroad.
Smaller banks and Islamic banks like Meezan Bank and Al Baraka also offer remote opening, but their processes and document requirements vary. Contact the bank directly to confirm they accept applications from your country of residence.
Documents you will need to submit
The exact list depends on your citizenship status and the bank, but most banks require these core documents:
- A valid passport (yours, not a photocopy)
- Proof of current address in your country of residence (utility bill, rental agreement, or government-issued ID from that country)
- A recent photograph (usually 4x6 cm, colour, on white background)
- Documentation of your source of funds (bank statements, employment letter, or business registration)
- A completed account opening form, signed and dated
If you hold a Pakistani CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card), include a copy — this speeds up verification because the bank can cross-check your details with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). If you do not have a CNIC, the bank will rely on your passport and may ask for additional proof of identity.
For NRPs, some banks ask for proof of your NRP status or a copy of your NRP certificate. If you are opening an account as a representative for someone else, you will need a notarised power of attorney document in addition to your own identification.
How the video verification process works
Most banks that allow remote opening use video calls to verify your identity and confirm you are opening the account willingly. The process usually works like this: you submit your documents online through the bank's portal or email them to the designated account opening team. The bank reviews the documents and checks them against their KYC requirements. If everything is in order, they contact you to schedule a video call.
During the call, a bank officer will ask you to show your passport, confirm your address, explain your source of funds, and answer questions about how you plan to use the account. The call usually lasts 10 to 20 minutes. The officer may also ask you to sign a document on camera or confirm your signature matches the one on your passport. Some banks use a find video platform; others use WhatsApp or Zoom.
After the call, the bank processes your process. This can take anywhere from three to ten business days. You will receive notification by email or SMS when the account is ready. The bank will provide your account number, branch code, and initial login credentials for online banking.
Timeline and costs for opening an account remotely
The total time from submission to account opening is usually two to four weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly you respond to the bank's requests and whether your documents are complete on the first submission.
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Document submission and initial review | 2 to 5 business days |
| Video verification scheduling and call | 3 to 7 business days |
| Final processing and account set up | 3 to 10 business days |
| Total | 8 to 22 business days |
Costs vary by bank and account type. Most banks charge no fee to open a savings account remotely, but they may charge a monthly maintenance fee (typically 300 to 500 Pakistani rupees) or require a minimum balance (usually 1,000 to 5,000 rupees). Some banks waive fees for NRPs or accounts linked to remittances. Ask the bank about fees before you submit documents.
If you use a representative to open the account on your behalf, you may need to pay for notarisation of the power of attorney document in your country, which can cost 50 to 200 USD depending on where you live.
Using a representative or power of attorney
If you cannot complete a video call or prefer not to, you can authorise someone in Pakistan to open the account on your behalf. This person must have a notarised power of attorney document signed by you and witnessed by a notary public in your country of residence. The document must state that the person is authorised to open a bank account in your name.
Your representative will then visit a branch of your chosen bank in Pakistan with the power of attorney, their own identification, and your documents. The bank will verify the power of attorney and your representative's identity, then open the account. This process usually takes one to two weeks once your representative visits the branch, but the notarisation step adds time on your end.
Some banks are reluctant to accept power of attorney for account opening because it increases their compliance risk. Contact the bank first to confirm they will accept it before you pay for notarisation.
Differences for Pakistani citizens, NRPs, and foreign nationals
Pakistani citizens with a CNIC have the fastest and cheapest process. Most banks can verify your identity through NADRA in one to two days. You may not need to provide proof of address in your country of residence if you have a current CNIC with a Pakistani address, though some banks ask for it anyway.
Non-resident Pakistanis (NRPs) are Pakistani citizens living abroad who have registered with the State Bank of Pakistan. If you have NRP status, you can open an account faster than a foreign national because the bank can verify your citizenship. Some banks offer special NRP accounts with benefits like higher interest rates or lower fees. You will still need proof of your current address abroad.
Foreign nationals can open accounts in most Pakistani banks, but the process takes longer because the bank must verify your identity through your passport and may ask for additional documentation. Some banks limit the types of accounts foreign nationals can open or require a higher minimum balance. A few banks do not accept foreign nationals at all — ask before you submit documents.
What happens after your account opens
Once the bank confirms your account is active, you will receive your account number and branch code by email or SMS. Most banks automatically set up online banking access, and you can log in using your CNIC number or passport number as your username. You will be asked to set a password and may need to set up two-factor authentication using your mobile number.
You can transfer money into the account from abroad using international bank transfers (SWIFT transfers). Provide your account number, branch code, and the bank's SWIFT code to whoever is sending you money. Transfers from outside Pakistan usually take three to five business days to arrive.
If you need a debit card, you can request one through online banking or by contacting your branch. The bank will mail it to your address in Pakistan or to the address you provided during account opening. Delivery usually takes one to two weeks. Some banks charge a fee for the card; others include it free with the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Pakistani bank account if I do not have a CNIC?
Yes. You can use your passport instead. The process takes longer because the bank cannot verify your identity through NADRA, but most banks accept passport-only applications. You will need to provide additional proof of address and source of funds to compensate.
What if the bank rejects my documents?
The bank will tell you which documents are missing or unclear. You can resubmit corrected or additional documents, and the bank will review them again. This usually adds one to two weeks to the timeline. If the bank continues to reject your process, ask to speak with the account opening team directly — sometimes a phone call can clarify what they need.
Can I open a business account remotely?
Most banks require business account owners to visit a branch in person or send a representative with a power of attorney. Business accounts have stricter KYC requirements because the bank must verify the business itself, not just the owner. Contact your chosen bank to ask whether they allow remote business account opening.
How do I send money into my new Pakistani account from abroad?
Use an international bank transfer (SWIFT transfer). Provide the sender with your account number, branch code, bank name, and the bank's SWIFT code. Transfers take three to five business days. Some banks charge a small fee for incoming transfers; ask your bank what they charge.
Can I open an account in a currency other than Pakistani rupees?
Some banks offer foreign currency accounts (usually in USD or GBP) for NRPs and foreign nationals. These accounts are useful if you receive money in foreign currency and want to avoid exchange rate losses. Not all banks offer them, and they may have higher minimum balances. Ask your bank whether foreign currency accounts are available.