Key Takeaways
- The Pakistani remittance market is crowded, but many services don’t actually support local withdrawals in Pakistan;
- The most common transfer methods for the UAE-Pakistan corridor include internal, bank, crypto transfers, and cash pickup;
- Ogvio fully works in Pakistan and supports both PKR and AED.
Stop overpaying - start transferring money with Ogvio. Sign up, invite friends & grab Rewards now! 🎁
Ask a member of the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE. Chances are, they’ll agree that how to send money from UAE to Pakistan isn’t always easy. Most people have little choice but to use informal channels such as Hundi or Hawala to ensure that a portion of their hard-earned income gets home.
Keep that up long enough, and you’ll realize (or you already do) that it’s neither a reliable nor a sustainable method to transfer money from the UAE to Pakistan. Once authorities step in, the consequences can be as severe as imprisonment.
Admittedly, it’s hard to find a platform that operates within Pakistan’s legal boundaries. But modern remittance solutions are keeping up with the times, and Ogvio is an example of a neobank that lets you move funds to your loved ones back home. Let’s explore how a compliant money transfer looks today.
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Table of Contents
- 1. The Challenge of Sending Money to Pakistan
- 2. How to Send Money From the UAE to Pakistan
- 2.1. To a Pakistan Bank Account
- 2.2. Using Ogvio’s @Tag
- 2.3. To a Crypto Wallet
- 3. Money Transfer Method Comparison
- 4. Other Ways to Send Money From the UAE to Pakistan
- 4.1. Using a Payment Link
- 4.2. Cash Pickup
- 5. Regulations Surrounding the UAE-Pakistan Corridor
- 6. Conclusions
The Challenge of Sending Money to Pakistan
If you’re on the sender side, navigating how to send money from the UAE to Pakistan is the least complicated step.
Latest Deal Active Right Now:Since the country is home to approximately 1.5 million Pakistani expats (and many foreign workers from other nations), the UAE has developed a mature infrastructure to facilitate high-volume outgoing remittances.
As a result, you gain access to plenty of compliant options backed by a well-established regulatory environment, whether you want to send money from the UAE to Pakistan online, offline, or somewhere in between.
But once the narrative flips to the other side, ironically, the one(s) receiving money may not always have a straightforward withdrawal experience.
To be fair, there has been tremendous progress in this field, thanks to the government’s generous incentives for foreign remittances. People commonly rely on banks to cash out, but fluctuating FX rates, high transfer costs,[1] and slow SLAs push users toward backstreet channels.
Compounding that challenge, many international money transmitters do not operate in Pakistan or have a limited presence there. These include PayPal and Wise, among others.
Pakistan’s Electronic Money Institution (EMI) framework has created a high-cost, high-liability environment for businesses to operate.
Many Pakistanis are left in a bind. In this economy, they want to save up. At the same time, they don’t want to cross legal boundaries.
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How to Send Money From the UAE to Pakistan
While systemic gaps remain a reality in Pakistan, alternative remittance models exist to bridge them. Take Ogvio, for instance, a neobank that addresses users’ demand for the best app to send money from the UAE to Pakistan. One that is compliant-first and prioritizes convenience.
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Table: Ogvio's asset movement
Some banks in the UAE may advertise zero-fee transfers. But once the money lands in a Pakistani bank account, it will be subject to fixed or percentage-based incoming charges of up to 8%. That amount can compound with undisclosed costs and FX spreads, all of which the receiving end has to pay for.
Sure, using the Pakistani rupee from the start can reduce the expenses, but strict withdrawal ceilings and widespread underbanking in rural areas continue to limit practical access to funds.
Ogvio isn’t constrained by cash-out limits and branch availability. The flow stays digital, so your family only needs a working device and an internet connection to collect their money. Depending on the chosen payout method, having a bank account is not even necessary.
There’s no explicit withdrawal limit for the Pakistan corridor on Ogvio.
Transfer costs are fully transparent, so what you see is what you pay. Zero PKR is lost to FX markups. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Deposit Fee | Free |
|---|---|
Transfer Fee | ≈364 PKR as of the current rate to USD (fixed no matter how much you send) |
Withdrawal Fee | 368 PKR |
Table: Ogvio’s pricing (for bank transfers)
Fee exposure varies depending on the transfer approach. Meanwhile, certain methods significantly lower or eliminate charges altogether, so let’s look into what you can do.
📚 Read More: Best Way to Send Money to Pakistan
To a Pakistan Bank Account
On its own, Ogvio is already a neobank, so you can use it to deposit, store, and send money, with the potential to spend your balance once the Ogvio card rolls out.
At the same time, Ogvio also acts as a gateway that connects you to the global world as well as local or global banks. It readily supports AED and PKR for sending and integrates with a range of financial institutions, including the National Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank Limited, and United Bank Limited.
Ogvio works in 160+ countries. Even if you relocate elsewhere, you can continue using it to send money. If you have family or friends abroad, you can invite them and earn passive income along the way.
Bank transfers via Ogvio cut through the lengthy processing times typical of traditional cycles. The platform has its own real-time settlement rail, removing intermediary layers and manual processing queues. Last time I tested, funds were credited to my local bank account in a few minutes.
So if you need to move money quickly, follow the tutorial below on how to send money from the UAE to Pakistan with Ogvio. Steps 1-5 are required to set up your account, so be sure to complete them even if you choose a different transfer path later.
![How to send money from UAE to Pakistan: the [Get Started] button on Ogvio's starter page.](https://assets.bitdegree.org/images/how-to-send-money-from-uae-to-pakistan-get-started.jpg "How to send money from UAE to Pakistan: the [Get Started] button on Ogvio's starter page.")
Most of Ogvio’s core features are available without KYC, so you can skip it if your transaction doesn’t involve the bank.
![How to send money from UAE to Pakistan: the [Add money] menu on Ogvio.](https://assets.bitdegree.org/images/how-to-send-money-from-uae-to-pakistan-ogvio-add-money.jpg "How to send money from UAE to Pakistan: the [Add money] menu on Ogvio.")
![How to send money from UAE to Pakistan: the [Bank Transfer] option under Ogvio's Add Money menu.](https://assets.bitdegree.org/images/how-to-send-money-from-uae-to-pakistan-bank-transfer-add-ogvio.jpg "How to send money from UAE to Pakistan: the [Bank Transfer] option under Ogvio's Add Money menu.")
![How to send money from UAE to Pakistan: [Bank Transfer] option under the Add Recipient menu on Ogvio.](https://assets.bitdegree.org/images/how-to-send-money-from-uae-to-pakistan-add-recipient-bank-ogvio.jpg "How to send money from UAE to Pakistan: [Bank Transfer] option under the Add Recipient menu on Ogvio.")
![How to send money from UAE to Pakistan: [PKR] as an available currency on Ogvio.](https://assets.bitdegree.org/images/how-to-send-money-from-uae-to-pakistan-pkr-ogvio.jpg "How to send money from UAE to Pakistan: [PKR] as an available currency on Ogvio.")
Mind that you can use the same flow for domestic bank-to-bank transfers. The funds should reach the recipient instantly, and they can withdraw them for cash at nearby ATMs using their debit card, since it also pulls the balance stored in your bank.
Using Ogvio’s @Tag
Bank transfers make sense if your recipient already has an account or is more comfortable with official channels. Still, they’re not always the cheapest, even if providers like Ogvio already keep costs remarkably low.
If you want to skip fees for good, Ogvio’s internal transfers provide one of the best ways to send money from the UAE to Pakistan. Both your and your recipient’s @Tags play an important role, so ask them to create an account by following steps 1-5 in the previous section. Better yet, as already mentioned, you can get rewards from inviting people to Ogvio and following the rules.
The process is incredibly easy. Just click on your recipient’s @Tag and enter the details of your transfer. In only a few taps and seconds, the transfer is already complete and sent, so you can notify your recipient of the happy news.
@Tags are also helpful if your family members reside in rural areas, where access to formal financial services is scarce. A @Tag replaces complex bank details, and the money will go straight to your relative’s Ogvio account.
Now that you have the background on how @Tags work, let’s see how you can use them to transfer money from the UAE to Pakistan for free.
![How to send money from UAE to Pakistan: the [+Send to new recipient] under Who are you sending to? menu on Ogvio.](https://assets.bitdegree.org/images/how-to-send-money-from-uae-to-pakistan-send-to-new-ogvio.jpg "How to send money from UAE to Pakistan: the [+Send to new recipient] under Who are you sending to? menu on Ogvio.")
![How to send money from UAE to Pakistan: [To Ogvio User] option under the Add Recipient menu.](https://assets.bitdegree.org/images/how-to-send-money-from-uae-to-pakistan-to-ogvio-user-880.jpg "How to send money from UAE to Pakistan: [To Ogvio User] option under the Add Recipient menu.")
![How to send money from UAE to Pakistan: the [Top up] button next to Your balance is empty message.](https://assets.bitdegree.org/images/how-to-send-money-from-uae-to-pakistan-ogvio-top-up.jpg "How to send money from UAE to Pakistan: the [Top up] button next to Your balance is empty message.")
Congratulations, your Abu, Ammi, or family members at home have just received a dollar top-up without losing a penny.
To a Crypto Wallet
Crypto is tapping into the mainstream remittance channel[2] in Pakistan. Compared to cash, which has been the norm for centuries, crypto is a relatively new tool, and many are not familiar with how to use it. Although digital asset adoption is steadily rising across the Gulf and in Pakistan, high-profile mishandling cases have made many people cautious.
It’s important to underline the keyword “mishandling”. In most cases, the issue doesn’t inherently come from the crypto itself, but from a lack of research that leads to people clicking on exchanges that expose them to scams.
When money is on the line, there’s one quote that the crypto world holds on to:
Don’t trust; verify.
And this should be the practice when you interact with the online ecosystem. Always check the background of the platform you sign up for. Check their trust scores and the licenses they’ve obtained. Even sites that have high security ratings don’t always guarantee positive user experiences, so it’s equally necessary to read real user testimonials.
I’ll save you the hard work. Ogvio is registered as a Money Service Provider under FinCEN, one of the toughest regulatory bodies in the world. Your Ogvio account is non-custodial, which means that no one has control over funds but you. Every communication stays encrypted, and there’s no middleman getting in the way.
On top of that, crypto transfers on Ogvio work identically to fiat transfers - you practically won’t notice the difference between the two. The main currency is USDC, which holds the same value as the actual dollar. Even if it’s in crypto, you can easily convert it to other currencies, minus the price fluctuations that commonly appear with non-pegged assets.
Let’s see how to send money from the UAE to Pakistan with USDC as the intermediary on Ogvio:
Before proceeding, always ensure you have an available balance to cover the transfer and any fees.
Sending to a crypto wallet is one of the best ways to send money from the UAE to Pakistan without a bank account, and in case your recipient needs urgent funds. It’s also a cost-efficient route, since Ogvio covers the gas fees on your behalf.
Money Transfer Method Comparison
Regulatory hurdles should no longer cause friction if you have already mastered the basics around how to send money from UAE to Pakistan online and own an Ogvio account. And in a market where financial service limitations are common, having plenty of options is a real privilege.
But of course, you need to keep the profile of your recipient in mind. Ask the following questions:
- Do they have a bank account?
- Are they tech-savvy?
- Do they prefer accepting fiat, crypto, or both?
The answers will decide the best transfer approach that fits the risk profile of your recipient. Start with the route that feels the safest, and branch out to alternatives as you slowly become more confident. If you’re still undecided, check out the comparison table below:
Fees | Speed | Bank Account Required | Best For | KYC Required | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bank Transfer | Free deposit Transfer and withdrawal fees apply | Instant to same day | ✓ | Recipients who prefer traditional channels | ✓ |
@Tag | None | Instant | ✗ | Budget-conscious users, families in rural areas, unbanked recipients | ✗, but the recipient must have a @Tag |
Crypto Wallet | 0.3$ Gas fees covered | Instant | ✗ | Crypto-aware individuals | ✗ |
Table: Money transfer method comparison
I’d advise going for a bank transfer if your recipient needs direct settlement in PKR. @Tag transfers are best if you want to skip fees entirely, so your family gets the full dough. Crypto transfers can be a backup if your recipient has basic knowledge of crypto wallets. Before remitting your funds, you can also double-check with your family member which option they’re most comfortable with.
Other Ways to Send Money From the UAE to Pakistan
Sometimes, your situation changes, and that’ll affect how you need to move your funds. Here are other possible ways you can try out.
Using a Payment Link
If you’re a freelancer, an online creator, or a remote worker, you know how hard it is to find the best app to send money to Pakistan from UAE or anywhere else in the world. PayPal is geographically non-existent, and while Patreon is accessible, its local payout choices leave little room to maneuver.
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Most people usually attach their crypto wallet address to their YouTube descriptions, Fiverr profiles, or other public bios. But when your client asks for a non-crypto payout channel, you go back to scrambling for another workaround.
One solution that will solve these problems is using the payment link on Ogvio, since this service works for users in Pakistan with no apparent restrictions. Aside from getting paid, you can even use this link to pool donation money or receive gifts.
Say you’ve just finished a project with a client in the UAE. You can send an invoice with your Ogvio’s payment link, and the client simply needs to click on the link to complete the business transaction.
The link is completely free to generate, but the amount that lands in your account depends on the fees deducted by your payer’s chosen payment method.
This method adds flexibility, but there’s also a high reliance on the sender. Delivery speed depends on how quick they process the payment. Likewise, your client’s card provider or money transfer service dictates how much they can send. Instead of sending you a large one-off transfer, they may split the payment into multiple smaller amounts.
But I wouldn’t call that a trade-off, since no matter what platform you use, you’ll deal with the same thing. And if the other party is still hesitant, one of the biggest advantages of a payment link is that the sender isn’t obligated to have an account, unlike on other money apps. They get the freedom to choose how they want to pay, and you get the flexibility of managing your earnings in one place.
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Cash Pickup
If your parents prefer collecting cash in person, then this is the recommended approach. To get started, you can either fill out an online form or walk into an agent location near you. Cash pickups are flexible in the sense that, as a sender, you have multiple funding methods apart from your credit/debit card.
Major money transmitters even allow you to remit funds to non-bank account holders, including Western Union, Remitly, and MoneyGram. They only need to show a valid ID and a reference number at the counter, and after passing the verification, they can carry the cash home with them.
Compared to online transfers, cash pickup can be more expensive, though some providers cut you some slack for first-time transfers. Nonetheless, most people keep going back to this method due to its traceability. First things first, you’ll always know how much your recipient will get and how much you owe in fees. Then, you can check the progress of your transfer in real-time, since you’ll get a tracking code.
In Pakistan, it’s easy to find a cash pickup outlet, even if your family resides in rural areas. This is because they can collect cash from any partner bank. For the full list, you should confirm with your provider, but most likely, they’re integrated with MCB or HBL.
Regulations Surrounding the UAE-Pakistan Corridor
Money transfers are not as simple as pressing send and calling it a day. Every country has its own rule that you must comply with.
Generally, the UAE does not put a cap on how much you can send overseas. But if your transfer amount exceeds AED 3,500 (especially if conducted offline), you’ll need to prepare the following:
- Full sender and beneficiary names, addresses, or ID/passport details;
- The sender/beneficiary account numbers;
- A clear purpose of payment.
Things get a bit tricky when you transfer the money on behalf of someone else. There are many layers to jump through, one of them being tight ID checks for both the account holder and the third-party transacting. There’s also a tight limit of 24,000 AED per year on this type of transfer.
Now comes the fun part - taxes. The UAE imposes 0% tax on outbound remittances, but your provider might charge a 5% VAT on service fees or commissions.
Once the money leaves the country and enters Pakistan, a different set of rules applies. As in many other places, digital transfers are easier to manage, since they come with fewer terms to follow compared to physical cash encashment.
So, if you decide to send the money through cash pickup, your recipient will likely need to:
- Show their ID if the amount is equal to or more than $500.
- Present a document explaining the purpose of the transaction if the amount is above $1,000.
- Undergo biometric verification if they’re a Pakistani national and meet any of the conditions above.
Aside from that, there isn’t much to worry about, since the Pakistani government doesn’t put a lot of restrictions on remittance and even encourages it.
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Conclusions
How to send money from the UAE to Pakistan might be hard if you don’t have the manual, so treat this as one. The challenge already starts at step one, since finding a compliant platform can feel like getting stuck in a Karachi traffic jam. Plenty of "cars" or options around you, but very few ways to actually move forward.
But once you find a tried-and-true platform, you’re on the highway. You’ll see multiple routes to make the transfer, which you can choose based on your priority, whether it’s speed or cost.
Ogvio lets you send money without the regulatory guesswork and integrates with Pakistani banks. Try sending money the Ogvio way, and while you’re at that, give yourself a shot at the $20,000 Season 9 airdrop prize pool hosted by BitDegree.
Scientific References
1. Ahmed J., Mughal M., Martínez-Zarzoso I.: 'Sending Money Home: Transaction Cost and Remittances to Developing Countries';
2. Haider S., Arshad A. W., Khattak A.: 'Pakistan’s Invisible Billions: How Crypto Is Becoming the Nation’s Largest Unregulated Remittance Channel'.
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