This page summarises options for sending money from United Arab Emirates to Pakistan and links the relevant regulator. Always compare the recipient amount and exchange rate on each provider's own site before sending - rates and fees change.
Editor's note
Outbound remittances from the UAE are regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), which licenses and supervises all exchange houses and money transfer operators operating in the country. Transfers to Pakistan are subject to standard anti-money laundering checks under UAE federal law, and senders may be required to provide identification and source-of-funds documentation for larger transfers.
Providers we have referenced for United Arab Emirates to Pakistan
Pricing changes. Confirm the current fee, exchange rate, and recipient amount on each provider's own site.
| Provider | Fee | Speed | Exchange rate | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Variable percentage-based fee plus a small fixed component. See wise.com for a live quote before sending. | Transfers typically arrive within hours to one business day, depending on the receiving bank in Pakistan. | Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and displays its margin transparently at the time of the transaction. | Wise is regulated in the UAE by the CBUAE. Transfers are sent to Pakistani bank accounts in PKR. The recipient needs a local bank account. | |
| Revolut | Fees vary by plan tier and transfer amount. Standard and free allowances apply on some plans. Check the Revolut app for a live breakdown. | Delivery times vary. International transfers to Pakistan may take one to three business days. | Exchange rates vary by plan and may include a markup outside standard market hours. Review the in-app quote before confirming. | Check whether Revolut supports direct PKR transfers to Pakistan from the UAE on the official Revolut website, as corridor availability can change. | |
| Al Ansari Exchange | Fee structures vary by transfer amount and delivery method. Fees are displayed at the point of transaction in-branch or via the app. | Many transfers to Pakistan are processed on the same day or within a few hours, particularly to major Pakistani banks. | Al Ansari sets its own PKR exchange rate, which differs from the mid-market rate. Compare the displayed rate against the mid-market rate before sending. | Al Ansari Exchange is licensed by the CBUAE. It has a large branch network across the UAE and supports transfers via bank deposit and cash pickup in Pakistan. | |
| Al Fardan Exchange | Fees depend on the amount and transfer channel. Confirm the exact fee in-branch or via the official app before transacting. | Transfers to Pakistan are generally processed quickly, often the same business day. | Rates are set by Al Fardan Exchange and are displayed at the time of the transaction. Rates fluctuate and may differ from the interbank rate. | Al Fardan Exchange is licensed by the CBUAE and operates across the UAE. It supports bank transfers and cash pickup in Pakistan. | |
| LuLu Exchange | Fees vary by transfer amount and delivery option. See the LuLu Exchange app or visit a branch for the current fee schedule. | Pakistan is one of LuLu Exchange's high-volume corridors. Many transfers process within hours. | LuLu Exchange sets its own PKR rate, shown at the point of transaction. Compare with the mid-market rate for reference. | LuLu Exchange is regulated by the CBUAE and has branches across the UAE. Cash pickup and bank deposit options are available for Pakistan recipients. | |
| Bank wire (UAE commercial bank) | UAE banks typically charge a flat international wire transfer fee. Some banks add a correspondent bank charge. Fees vary by bank. Check with your specific bank before sending. | International SWIFT transfers to Pakistan typically take two to four business days. | Banks apply their own foreign exchange spread on top of the interbank rate. The markup is not always displayed separately. Request a full quote including the exchange rate before initiating. | Sending via SWIFT requires the recipient's IBAN or account number, bank name, branch address, and SWIFT or BIC code. Pakistan introduced IBANs, so confirm the correct format with the recipient. | |
| Western Union | Fees depend on the send amount, delivery method, and payment method. Use the Western Union price estimator on westernunion.com for a quote. | Cash pickup transfers can be available within minutes. Bank deposit transfers to Pakistan may take longer. | Western Union applies its own exchange rate, which includes a margin. The total cost includes both the fee and the exchange rate spread. Review the total recipient amount before confirming. | Western Union operates through licensed agents in the UAE under CBUAE oversight. Cash pickup and bank deposit are available for Pakistan. | |
| MoneyGram | Fees vary by amount, delivery method, and payment type. Use the MoneyGram fee calculator on moneygram.com before sending. | Cash pickup can be near-instant at agent locations. Bank deposits may take one to two business days. | MoneyGram sets its own exchange rate, which includes a markup. The quoted recipient amount reflects both the fee and the rate used. | MoneyGram is available through authorised agent locations in the UAE. Confirm current availability and supported delivery methods for Pakistan on the official MoneyGram website. |
The general process
- Choose a provider that is licensed in United Arab Emirates and serves the Pakistan corridor.
- Open and verify an account. You will typically need a valid government-issued ID and proof of address.
- Enter the transfer details. Recipient name must match their bank account exactly, with the correct account number or IBAN.
- Check the total cost. Compare the recipient amount and exchange rate against at least one other provider.
- Fund the transfer using a method the provider supports.
- Confirm delivery. Keep the reference number; it helps if you need to query the transfer with either provider.
The real cost of a transfer
A "low fee" is not always the same as a low cost. The total cost of a transfer is the explicit fee plus any markup between the provider's exchange rate and the mid-market rate (the rate you see on Google or Reuters). The clearest way to compare providers is to look at the amount the recipient actually receives in PKR for a given amount of AED.
Total cost = transfer fee + (mid-market rate − provider rate) x amount
Worked example
Suppose you want to send 10,000 AED to Pakistan. Two providers, two structures:
| Item | Provider A | Provider B |
|---|---|---|
| Headline fee | 30 AED | 0 AED |
| Exchange-rate margin | 0% (mid-market) | 1.5% |
| Hidden FX cost on 10,000 | 0 AED | 150 AED |
| Total cost | 30 AED | 150 AED |
The "zero fee" option costs five times as much in this example because the FX margin is hidden inside the rate. The numbers above are illustrative - real margins and fees vary by provider and corridor. Always check the recipient amount on the provider's own quote screen before sending.
Tips
- 1Always compare the total recipient amount, not just the stated fee. The exchange rate margin can represent a significant portion of the total cost of a transfer.
- 2For large transfers, contact your UAE bank or exchange house directly. Some providers offer rate negotiations or reduced fees above certain thresholds.
- 3Pakistan requires sender information for incoming remittances above certain limits under State Bank of Pakistan regulations. Ensure the recipient is aware of any documentation their bank may request on arrival of funds.
- 4Confirm your recipient's full IBAN, bank name, and branch details before initiating a bank transfer. Incorrect details can cause delays and may be difficult to reverse.
- 5Exchange rates fluctuate throughout the day. The rate displayed at the time of confirmation is the rate that applies. Lock in the rate before completing the transaction.
- 6UAE exchange houses regulated by the CBUAE are legally required to provide you with a receipt showing the exchange rate, fees, and amount to be received. Keep this for your records.
- 7If sending via a fintech app for the first time, allow additional time for identity verification. Upload documents in advance to avoid delays when you need to send urgently.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a limit on how much money I can send from the UAE to Pakistan?
- UAE-licensed exchange houses and banks may apply transaction limits based on their own compliance policies and CBUAE requirements. There is no single published universal cap for individual remittances, but large transfers typically require additional documentation. Check with your specific provider for their applicable limits.
- What documents do I need to send money from the UAE to Pakistan?
- You will generally need a valid Emirates ID or passport for identity verification. For larger transfers, some providers may request proof of source of funds, such as a salary certificate or bank statement. Requirements vary by provider and transfer amount.
- Can I send money to Pakistan using cash in the UAE?
- Yes. Many UAE exchange houses, including Al Ansari Exchange, Al Fardan Exchange, and LuLu Exchange, accept cash payments in-branch for transfers to Pakistan. The recipient can collect as cash at a partner location in Pakistan or receive the funds in a bank account, depending on the option selected.
- Does Pakistan tax incoming remittances?
- Personal remittances sent to family members in Pakistan through banking channels are generally exempt from income tax under Pakistani tax law. However, tax rules can change and individual circumstances vary. Recipients should consult a local tax adviser or the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) website in Pakistan for current guidance.
- How do I find the current USD to PKR or AED to PKR rate?
- The State Bank of Pakistan publishes indicative exchange rates on its official website. However, the rate you receive from a UAE exchange house, bank, or fintech will differ from the interbank or mid-market rate. Always request the exact rate from your chosen provider before confirming the transfer.
- What is Roshan Digital Account and is it relevant for UAE senders?
- The Roshan Digital Account (RDA) is a scheme introduced by the State Bank of Pakistan that allows overseas Pakistanis to open bank accounts in Pakistan remotely and receive remittances with certain benefits. If your recipient holds an RDA, transfers can sometimes be directed to it. Check with your UAE provider and the receiving bank for compatibility.
- Are mobile wallet transfers to Pakistan available from the UAE?
- Some providers support transfers to mobile wallets in Pakistan, such as JazzCash or Easypaisa. Availability depends on the specific UAE provider and the current corridor offering. Confirm with your provider before initiating a transfer intended for a mobile wallet.
- What should I do if my transfer to Pakistan is delayed?
- Contact your UAE provider with your transaction reference number. For SWIFT bank transfers, delays can occur due to correspondent bank processing or compliance reviews. Exchange houses typically have dedicated customer support lines for tracking transfers. If the issue is unresolved, you can escalate to the CBUAE Consumer Protection Department.
Official sources
Verify any provider is licensed before sending money: Central Bank of the UAE - Licensed Financial Institutions.