Overseas Pakistanis are now eligible to register their mobile phones without paying tax for up to 120 days per visit, under a policy enabled by Federal Board of Revenue and facilitated by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. This tax-free registration process is part of the Temporary Mobile Registration initiative accessible through the DIRBS portal, allowing visitors to stay connected while in Pakistan without incurring additional import duties on their personal mobile devices.
PTA has enabled the automated registration through the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System platform, which provides a simplified and free-of-cost process for eligible travelers. The initiative ensures that overseas visitors, including Pakistani expatriates returning temporarily or foreign nationals visiting the country, can use their mobile phones with local SIMs for the duration of their stay without facing service interruptions or compliance issues.
To complete the temporary registration, individuals must first access the DIRBS portal and log in or create an account. Depending on their status, they must choose either “Individual – Pak (Travelled on Visa)” or “Individual – Foreigner” to initiate the registration process. The form requires basic travel and identity details including passport number, date of entry, a mobile number, and an email address.
Applicants must then proceed to apply for a Certificate of Compliance by selecting the option for temporary registration. The system prompts for the IMEI number of the device, which can be retrieved by dialing *#06# on the handset or checking the phone’s original box. Supporting documents may be required based on the status of the applicant. Once the application is submitted and approved, the phone is registered free of tax for a maximum period of 120 days from the date of entry.
This digital solution is aligned with broader national efforts to facilitate seamless connectivity and support digital access for all categories of users, including those visiting from abroad. By automating the process and offering a tax waiver for short-term use, the system addresses longstanding concerns faced by travelers who previously encountered difficulty using their mobile devices without incurring duty fees.
The registration system also ensures that devices brought into Pakistan are traceable and compliant with national telecom standards, which supports regulatory goals related to device authentication and import oversight. Through this initiative, PTA continues to expand its digital services while helping improve the user experience for temporary visitors who rely on uninterrupted mobile access during their stay.
This temporary registration policy serves a dual purpose—enabling convenience for travelers while ensuring compliance with FBR’s import documentation and telecom regulations. The combination of automated service delivery and real-time verification reflects an approach that blends technology with accessibility, keeping digital infrastructure aligned with user needs across all segments of the population, including those visiting from overseas.
