How to Get Your NTN Number in Pakistan: The Ultimate Guide

NTN Number in Pakistan: Tax compliance in Pakistan is no longer optional—it’s mandatory. Whether you are a salaried professional, freelancer, business owner, or even an overseas Pakistani, obtaining a National Tax Number (NTN) is the first step toward becoming part of the formal economy.

Without an NTN, you face higher taxes, limited financial access, and exclusion from many government benefits. With an NTN, however, you can enjoy lower tax rates, financial transparency, and filer benefits that save you money in the long run.

In this article, we provide the most comprehensive NTN guide for 2025. We’ll cover:

What NTN is and why it matters.
Who needs an NTN.
Step-by-step online and manual registration process.
Required documents.
Verification process.
Benefits of becoming a filer.
NTN rules for freelancers, companies, NGOs, and non-residents.
Common issues and how to solve them.

Let’s dive in.

What is NTN (National Tax Number)?

The National Tax Number (NTN) is a unique identification number issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). It is used to register individuals and businesses in the tax system of Pakistan.

Think of NTN as your digital tax identity. It is essential for:

Filing income tax returns.
Registering vehicles or property.
Participating in government tenders.
Opening business bank accounts.
Claiming tax refunds and rebates.

👉 Example: If you want to buy a car or a property, the NTN proves your status as a filer. Without it, you will be charged higher tax rates.

Who Should Have a NTN Number in Pakistan?

NTN is not just for large companies—many individuals also need it. The following categories must have an NTN:

Salaried Employees (earning above taxable threshold).
Freelancers (receiving international payments from Fiverr, Upwork, Payoneer, etc.).
Sole Proprietors & Business Owners.
Partnership Firms & AOPs.
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs).
NGOs & INGOs (operating in Pakistan).
Overseas Pakistanis (with Pakistan-sourced income).

Real-Life Case: A freelancer earning $500/month on Fiverr must register for NTN to withdraw money into their Pakistani bank account at reduced tax rates.

Benefits of Getting an NTN Number in Pakistan

Why should you apply for an NTN? Here are the key advantages:

Filer Benefits – Filers pay significantly lower withholding taxes compared to non-filers.
Tax Rebates & Refunds – Registered taxpayers can claim deductions, rebates, and refunds.
Government Contracts – No NTN means no eligibility for government tenders.
Financial Transparency – Easier for businesses to manage accounts and avoid audits.
Proof of Legitimacy – Many companies require your NTN certificate before signing contracts.

Example: According to FBR’s 2023 report, over 4.9 million Pakistanis filed tax returns, showing a 13% increase compared to 2022—proving more people are realizing the benefits of becoming filers.

Documents Required for NTN Registration

Before you start, prepare the following documents:

For Individuals

CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card).
Active mobile number (registered on your CNIC).
Email address.
Proof of residence (utility bill, rental agreement, property papers).

For Businesses / Companies

Incorporation certificate (for companies).
Partnership deed (for AOPs).
Company bank account details.
Registered office address.

👉 Tip: Make sure your mobile number is registered under your CNIC. Mismatches often cause delays.

How to Obtain a NTN Number in Pakistan Online

The most popular method is applying online through the IRIS 2.0 portal. The process is free and usually takes 2–3 business days.

Step-by-Step NTN Online Registration

Visit the IRIS Portal → iris.fbr.gov.pk. Click on “New Registration.”
Enter Basic Information → Provide CNIC, name, phone, and email.
Provide Address Details → Add residential or business property information.
Verification → Enter OTP codes sent to your phone and email.
Receive Credentials → FBR will send your username and password within 2–3 working days.
Log In and Apply for NTN → Complete the NTN application form on IRIS.
Download NTN Certificate → Once approved, you can download the certificate directly.

How to Manually Obtain the National Tax Number?

If you prefer an offline method, you can visit the nearest Regional Tax Office (RTO).

Bring original CNIC + photocopy.
Provide proof of residence and business documents (if applicable).
Fill out NTN registration form.
Submit and wait for verification.
Collect NTN certificate from the RTO.

This method is slower and less common now, but still valid for those with limited internet access.

How to Verify the NTN Number in Pakistan Online

Verification is simple and ensures your NTN is valid.

Visit the official NTN verification portal: FBR e-Services.
Enter CNIC or NTN number.
Complete the captcha.
Click verify → details will appear instantly.

👉 Always verify before entering business contracts.

Filer vs Non-Filer in Pakistan – Why NTN Matters

The biggest advantage of NTN registration is filer status. Let’s compare:

Transaction	Filer Tax Rate	Non-Filer Tax Rate
Vehicle Purchase	2%	5–10%
Property Purchase	2%	7–10%
Banking Transactions	0.3%	0.6%

Conclusion: Non-filers often pay double the tax. For frequent transactions, this difference can cost lakhs annually.

Is there any Fee for Obtaining NTN Number in Pakistan?

Online NTN registration is completely free through the IRIS portal.
Manual applications may involve minor processing fees (e.g., challan bank fee ~PKR 200).

What Should I Do if I Encounter Issues While Applying?

Common issues include:

OTP not received → Ensure SIM is active and registered on your CNIC.
Email verification failed → Use Gmail or Outlook.
Portal errors → Switch browser or clear cache.

👉 If unresolved, contact FBR Helpline: 0800-99000 or visit your nearest RTO.

Can Non-Residents Apply for NTN?

Yes. Non-resident Pakistanis and foreign nationals can apply if they have Pakistan-sourced income.

Requirements:

Passport copy.
Local Pakistani address.
Representative/agent for document verification.

Example: An overseas Pakistani renting property in Lahore must have an NTN to declare rental income.

What if I Lose My NTN Number in Pakistan?

Losing NTN is not a problem—you can retrieve it easily.

Log in to the IRIS portal → download your certificate.
Or, visit RTO with CNIC to reissue the certificate.

NTN for Freelancers & Small Business Owners in Pakistan

Freelancers, e-commerce sellers, and small shop owners increasingly need NTNs.

Platforms like Payoneer and banks often require NTN for withdrawals.
Registering helps avoid extra tax deductions.
It also builds credibility with international clients.

💡 Example: A Daraz seller with monthly income of PKR 80,000 must register an NTN to remain compliant.

NTN for Companies, AOPs, and NGOs

For organizations, NTN is mandatory.

AOPs/Partnerships → Need partnership deed.
Companies → Incorporation certificate.
NGOs → Registration with SECP or relevant authority.

These entities cannot open bank accounts, bid contracts, or receive funds without NTN.

Common Issues in NTN Registration & How to Fix Them

CNIC mismatch → Cross-check NADRA record.
Wrong address format → Enter official address as per documents.
Portal downtime → Try after working hours.
Multiple applications → Contact FBR to resolve duplicates.

FAQs about NTN in Pakistan

Q1. Is NTN free?
Yes, NTN registration is free on the FBR IRIS portal.

Q2. How long does it take to get NTN?
2–3 working days online; up to a week manually.

Q3. Do students need NTN?
Only if they earn taxable income (freelancing, jobs, business).

Q4. Can overseas Pakistanis apply?
Yes, through the IRIS portal with a local proxy for verification.

Q5. What is the difference between NTN and filer?
NTN is your tax ID. Filer status means you’ve filed your income tax return.

Q6. What if I lose my NTN certificate?
Re-download it from IRIS or request at the RTO.

Conclusion

The National Tax Number (NTN) is the backbone of Pakistan’s tax system. Whether you are a salaried person, freelancer, business owner, or overseas Pakistani, you need an NTN to become a filer, reduce taxes, and participate in the formal economy.

The good news? Registration is free, simple, and online through the FBR IRIS portal. Don’t wait—become a filer today, enjoy lower taxes, and secure your financial future.

Also read: Filer vs Non-Filer in Pakistan 2025: The Ultimate Guide

Spread the love