PTA Mobile Registration 2025 – Complete Guide

Introduction

If you purchase a non-PTA-approved phone, whether it’s new or used from overseas, you can use it in Pakistan for up to 60 days without any issues. After that period, you must register it with PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) and pay the applicable tax to continue using mobile networks.

Additionally, if you are an overseas Pakistani visiting Pakistan, you can use your phone for up to 4 months free of cost without paying any PTA tax. However, if you plan to use the phone permanently in Pakistan, you will need to register it.

This guide provides PTA tax details for Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung S24 models, along with a step-by-step process to register your phone and pay the tax online.

PTA Tax for iPhone 16 (All Variants)

The following table shows the PTA tax payable for Apple iPhone 16 models based on whether you register using a passport or CNIC.

Note: The tax applies to all storage variants (256GB, 512GB, 1TB, etc.).

PTA Tax for Samsung Galaxy S24 (All Variants)

The Samsung Galaxy S24 series also requires PTA approval for continued use in Pakistan. Below are the tax amounts for each model:

PTA Tax Rates for Different Phones

The PTA tax varies based on whether you register using a passport or CNIC. The tax remains the same for all storage variants (256GB, 512GB, or 1TB).

iPhone PTA Tax (2025):

• With Passport: Lower tax amount
• With CNIC: Higher tax amount

Samsung PTA Tax (2025):

• Similar price difference based on passport vs CNIC registration

Tip: If you have a valid passport, use it for registration to get a 20% discount on the PTA tax.

Who Needs to Pay PTA Tax?

Before you proceed, it’s important to understand whether your phone requires PTA approval:

Newly Purchased Non-PTA Phone – If the phone is not yet registered and has never been used in Pakistan, you must register it within 60 days of first use.

Used Non-PTA Phone – If you bought a second-hand non-PTA phone and its 60-day period has expired, you need to immediately register it; otherwise, your phone won’t receive network signals.

Overseas Visitors – If you are a visitor in Pakistan, you do not need to register your phone. Overseas Pakistanis can use their foreign phones free of cost for up to 4 months every time they visit Pakistan.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pay PTA Tax & Register

If your 60-day limit has expired or you simply want to get your phone PTA-approved, follow this process:

Step 1: Check Your IMEI Number

Dial *#06# on your phone to get the IMEI number(s) and note them down.

Step 2: Register via SMS

1. Dial *8484# from another phone.
2. Select Option 1 (Register Device).
3. Choose your region (Pakistan, Azad Kashmir, or Gilgit-Baltistan).
4. If registering within 30 days of arrival, select passport registration (for a 20% tax discount). Otherwise, choose CNIC registration.
5. Enter your CNIC or Passport number.
6. Select if your phone has one SIM slot or two.
7. Enter your IMEI number(s) and submit.

Confirmation Messages
Once you complete the steps, you will receive multiple SMS notifications with:

• PTA tax amount
• PSID code (Payment Slip ID)
• Phone details (model, IMEI numbers, etc.)

Step 3: Pay PTA Tax via JazzCash, EasyPaisa, or Bank App

You can now pay your PTA tax using any digital payment method.

1. Open JazzCash, EasyPaisa, or your banking app.
2. Go to Government Payments and select FBR (Federal Board of Revenue).
3. Enter the PSID Code (received via SMS).
4. The exact tax amount will be displayed.
5. Click Next and complete the payment.

Your PTA tax payment is now submitted!

Step 4: Wait for PTA Approval

Once you’ve paid the tax, your phone will be registered within 2 to 48 hours. You’ll receive a final SMS confirmation stating:

• Custom duty paid
• Phone registration approved
• IMEI numbers activated

If you don’t receive confirmation within 48 hours, contact PTA support.

How to Check If Your Phone is PTA Approved?

To verify your phone’s PTA approval status:

1. Dial *8484# and follow the prompts.
2. Visit the DIRBS PTA website and enter your IMEI number:
   https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/
3. You will see one of the following results:
   • Approved – Your phone is fully registered with PTA.
   • Not Approved – You need to pay the PTA tax.

Alternative Method: Registering Through the PTA Website

If you prefer to register online, follow these steps:

1. Visit PTA’s official website for mobile registration.
2. Click on Mobile Phone Registration and Sign Up (if you don’t have an account).
3. Sign In and agree to the terms.
4. Select “Temporary Registration for Overseas Pakistanis” if you’re an expat.
5. Enter your CNIC, passport number, arrival date, and expected departure date.
6. Select if your phone is single-SIM or dual-SIM.
7. Submit your details, and your phone should get PTA approval within 2-48 hours.

If you register as an overseas visitor, you do not have to pay any PTA tax.

Important Points to Remember

You can use a non-PTA phone for up to 60 days without registration.
Overseas Pakistanis can use their phones for free for 4 months.
PTA approval is mandatory after 60 days to continue using mobile networks.
Registering with a passport saves you 20% on PTA tax.
Use JazzCash, EasyPaisa, or bank apps for quick PTA tax payments.

Final Thoughts – Is Paying PTA Tax Worth It?

If you plan to use your phone in Pakistan long-term, then registering your phone with PTA is necessary to continue using mobile networks. While the tax may seem high, it ensures legal usage and prevents your phone from being blocked.

However, if the PTA tax is too high, consider buying a PTA-approved phone locally to avoid extra costs.

Tip: Always check PTA tax rates before purchasing a non-PTA phone to avoid unexpected charges.

Share this guide with anyone who needs to register their phone!

FAQs About PTA Mobile Registration

How long does PTA approval take?
2 to 48 hours after tax payment.

Can I use my phone without PTA approval?
Yes, but only for 60 days. After that, you must register it.

What happens if I don’t pay the PTA tax?
Your SIM signals will be blocked, and you won’t be able to use mobile networks.

Is there a way to avoid the PTA tax?
No (unless you are an overseas visitor using your phone for less than 4 months).