Through corporate bank accounts via wire transfer/SWIFT, or through Roshan Digital Account for non-resident Pakistanis. Export proceeds must be repatriated within 180 days per SBP FECL 05/2026.

Proceeds Realization Certificate — required for every export remittance received. Issued by your bank after confirming foreign exchange receipt.

SBP requires export proceeds to be repatriated within 180 days from the date of shipment under FECL 05/2026. The bank issues an FFR (Foreign Form of Remittance) or PRCL (Proceeds Realization Certificate) upon receipt. For IT services, the 180-day clock starts from the date the bank credits your account. Late repatriation can result in penalties and may disqualify you from the 0.25% WHT rate. PSEB-registered exporters should ensure timely repatriation to maintain their eligible status.

Roshan Digital Account (RDA) is an SBP initiative for Non-Resident Pakistanis (NRPs) to open bank accounts online from abroad. 14 participating banks offer RDA with features: (1) Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPC) at up to 11.5% profit rates; (2) Stock market investment; (3) Property purchase in Pakistan; (4) Free inward remittance; (5) PKR savings, current, and NPC accounts available. Account opening is fully online at roshandigitalaccount.com. Withholding tax: 15% on PKR savings profit, 10% on NPC profit.

IT exporters should open a dedicated export remittance account with a designated bank branch. PSEB has identified specific bank branches for IT sector facilitation. Requirements: (1) SECP certificate; (2) NTN; (3) PSEB registration certificate; (4) Bank reference letter; (5) Export contract or invoice. The remittance must arrive within 180 days (extended from 120 days) per SBP FECL 05/2026. Banks offer preferential exchange rates for IT remittances. List of designated branches available at pseb.org.pk.

Roshan Digital Account (RDA) at roshandigitalaccount.com enables overseas Pakistanis to open Pakistani bank accounts digitally. IT freelancers living abroad can use RDA for: (1) Receiving client payments; (2) Investing in PSX, Naya Pakistan Certificates, property; (3) Repatriation at preferential rates. RDA holders get 1% better exchange rate for inward remittances. The account is opened through SBP-authorized banks (HBL, UBL, MCB, Bank Alfalah, etc.). Domestic freelancers should use regular export remittance accounts instead.

SBP Cyber Shield (launched March 19, 2026, BPRD CRMD CL 01/2026) is a cybersecurity framework for the banking sector, not directly for IT companies. However, IT companies providing services to banks must comply with SBP's security requirements. Key impacts: (1) Banks may require IT vendors to meet SBP security standards; (2) IT companies handling banking data need SOC 2 or ISO 27001 certification; (3) Third-party risk assessments by banks are now mandatory. If your IT company does NOT serve banks, Cyber Shield does not directly affect you.

Key banking services for IT startups: (1) PSEB-facilitated branches for export accounts; (2) SBP Refinance Scheme for IT (6-month KIBOR + 2% for IT exports); (3) PM's Kamyab Jawan loan (up to Rs. 5M at 3-5%); (4) SBP startup finance (Venture Capital fund matching); (5) Ignite Pakistan Venture Fund; (6) Digital payments via Raast (instant, free); (7) Teen bank accounts for youth (13-18, BPRD CL 01/2026). Also: FBR TaxRay portal, PSEB helpline 0800-01010.

Current SBP policy rate: 10.50% (unchanged as of March 9, 2026). Impact on IT: (1) Higher rates = stronger PKR, better for import costs but tougher for export competitiveness; (2) KIBOR 12M at 11.51% affects business loan pricing; (3) PIB 5Y at 12.50% affects bond yields; (4) SBP liquidity injections (Rs. 13.68T on Apr 4, 2026) indicate system liquidity needs. For IT exporters: remittances benefit from higher rates (PKR stability). For IT startups: borrowing costs remain elevated but not prohibitive.