In short
- If you spend less than 183 days in Pakistan in a tax year, you are generally non-resident.
- Non-residents are taxed only on income from Pakistan, such as rent, bank profit or property gains.
- Filing a return keeps you on the Active Taxpayers' List, which lowers tax when you buy or sell property.
What is taxed in Pakistan
- Rent from property in Pakistan.
- Profit on Pakistani bank accounts and investments.
- Gains when you sell property or shares in Pakistan.
Money you send home
- Remittances sent through banks are generally not taxable and are easy to show in a wealth statement.
- Roshan Digital Accounts let you invest in Pakistan with simpler tax treatment.
- Keep bank records of what you send. They support your wealth statement later.
Example
Hamza works in Dubai and owns a rented house in Lahore
He spends about two months a year in Pakistan, so he is non-resident. His Dubai salary isn't taxed in Pakistan, but the rent from Lahore is. He files a return each year to declare the rent and stay on the Active Taxpayers' List.
Common mistakes we fix
- Letting family collect rent without anyone declaring it.
- Buying property while not on the Active Taxpayers' List.
- Not keeping travel records to prove the days spent in Pakistan.
Can you file my return while I'm abroad?
Yes. Everything can be done online. We work with you on WhatsApp and email.
Do I need an NTN?
Your CNIC or NICOP number works as your NTN once you register on IRIS. We can register you.
General guidance for Tax Year 2027, not advice on your specific case. Rules change with each Finance Act, so please speak to us before acting on it.