In a significant move to support the Pakistani diaspora, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in collaboration with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has rolled out a new policy allowing overseas Pakistanis to register their mobile phones without paying any tax for up to 120 days per visit. This initiative is a part of the government’s broader efforts to facilitate temporary visitors and ensure seamless digital connectivity during short stays in the country.
To implement this tax-free allowance, the PTA has introduced a Temporary Mobile Registration System (TMRS)—a fully online, automated service integrated into the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). Overseas visitors can access the platform at https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs to register their devices in just a few minutes, entirely free of charge.
The system is designed to eliminate paperwork and long processing times that travelers previously faced. Once registered, the mobile phone can be used in Pakistan on any local network for up to 120 days without triggering import taxes.
Why This Matters
Previously, overseas Pakistanis—even those visiting for short periods—were required to pay substantial import taxes to use their phones on Pakistani networks. These taxes were imposed under the DIRBS framework, which ensures that only registered and legally imported phones operate in the country. The costs were often prohibitive, especially for newer or flagship models.
Typical PTA/FBR Tax Rates for Mobile Phones
The amount of tax imposed depends on the phone’s make, model, and customs value. Here’s an approximate breakdown of taxes imposed under the DIRBS system for non-eligible devices (if not availing the 120-day exemption):
| Phone Model/Series | Total PTA Tax with Passport (PKR) | Total PTA Tax with CNIC (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 125,000 – 130,000+ | 140,000 – 150,000+ |
| iPhone 14 Pro | 110,000 – 120,000 | 125,000 – 135,000 |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | 105,000 – 115,000 | 120,000 – 130,000 |
| Samsung Galaxy A series | 30,000 – 50,000 | 40,000 – 60,000 |
| Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo (mid-range) | 15,000 – 30,000 | 20,000 – 35,000 |
| Older/low-end phones | 3,000 – 8,000 | 5,000 – 10,000 |
Note: The tax amount varies based on currency conversion rates and customs assessments. These figures are approximate and updated periodically by FBR.
With the new policy, visitors can now bypass these charges entirely for short-term stays, as long as they use the TMRS system for temporary registration.
Digital Inclusion for the Diaspora
According to PTA, this initiative aligns with their vision to enhance digital inclusion and offer a user-friendly experience for overseas Pakistanis. It’s expected to benefit thousands of returning citizens each year, ensuring they stay connected without facing unnecessary bureaucracy or financial burdens.
This tax exemption policy reflects a broader commitment by the government to simplify telecommunications access and reduce costs for the overseas community—especially those making frequent or short visits to Pakistan.