PTA Temporary Mobile Registration for Overseas Pakistanis: 120 Days Tax-Free
Overseas Pakistanis can register one phone tax-free for 120 days on PTA DIRBS. Documents, step-by-step process, rules after 120 days and common mistakes.
With PTA temporary mobile registration, overseas Pakistanis and foreign visitors can register one mobile phone in Pakistan free of FBR taxes for 120 days from their date of arrival through PTA’s DIRBS portal (dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs). You need your passport, CNIC/NICOP, the phone’s IMEI and a Pakistani SIM registered in your own name. If you apply more than 30 days after arriving, the free registration lasts 90 days instead of 120.
PTA temporary mobile registration at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | Overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals visiting Pakistan for a short stay |
| Devices | One mobile phone per applicant |
| Duration | 120 days from arrival (90 days if you apply after 30 days) |
| Tax | No FBR duty or tax for the temporary period |
| Portal | dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs |
| Verification | Passport checked against FIA immigration records (IBMS) |
| Repeat visits | Allowed; submit a new application each visit |
Source: PTA “Temporary Registration” FAQs and DIRBS portal.
Documents and information you need
- Passport number (as recorded at immigration) and arrival and departure dates.
- CNIC or NICOP (not needed for foreigners).
- The phone’s IMEI number. Dial *#06# to see it; dual-SIM phones show two IMEIs.
- A Pakistani SIM issued in your own name, and access to it for the OTP.
- An email address.
How to apply for PTA temporary mobile registration: step by step
- Go to dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs and sign up, choosing the temporary registration option for overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals. Returning users log in with their old account.
- Enter your passport, CNIC/NICOP and travel details exactly as at immigration.
- Verify your account by email or SMS.
- Enter your phone’s IMEI and select single or dual SIM.
- Enter your Pakistani mobile number and select its operator (Jazz, Zong, Telenor/Ufone).
- Submit and confirm with the OTP sent to your number. Once verified, the phone works on Pakistani networks for the allowed period.
Important rules
- Foreign SIMs: you cannot register a foreign SIM, but you can use it on roaming without registration.
- Dual SIM: you can add another SIM in your name to the same DRS account.
- No transfers: an IMEI registered this way cannot be registered again under another person’s passport.
- After 120 days or if you sell the phone: it must be registered normally with FBR duty and taxes, via *8484#, the DRS website or an operator’s service centre.
Tips to avoid problems
- Apply within 30 days of arrival to get the full 120 days.
- Use a SIM in your own name; applications with a relative’s SIM are rejected.
- Keep your passport details identical to immigration records.
Frequently asked questions
Is temporary PTA registration free?
Yes. No FBR tax is charged for the temporary period. Duty applies only if you register the phone permanently.
Can I register more than one phone?
No. The facility allows one mobile device per applicant.
What happens after 120 days?
The phone will stop working on Pakistani networks unless you register it permanently and pay the applicable tax.
Related: Mobile phone news · Telecom · Dollar rate in Pakistan
Sources: PTA: Temporary Registration FAQs; PTA DIRBS portal; FBR press release. Featured image: AI-generated illustration, for representation only.
