Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few questions that we are asked often and their responses.
FAQ on RIA Money Transfer
RIA Money Transfer is a service that allows you to send money to family and friends around the world. It provides a simple, reliable, and convenient way to handle global remittances.
RIA Money Transfer is available to all individuals, both Bhutanese and non-Bhutanese, who are residing abroad.
To create a RIA account via the mobile app, follow these steps:
- Download the RIA app from Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS).
- Open the app and confirm your country of residence.
- Enter your cell phone number.
- Enter the 6-digit verification code sent to your phone.
- Create a password for your account.
- Read and accept RIA’s terms of service.
- Enter your first name, last name, email address, and date of birth. In some cases, you may also be asked for your country of birth, nationality, occupation, and a valid ID.
- Click “Continue.”
- Decide whether you wish to receive promotional information from RIA
Sending money online through the RIA mobile app is straightforward:
- Log in to your RIA account.
- Tap on the “Send money” button.
- Choose the destination country for the transfer.
- Enter the amount you wish to send.
- Select the payment method.
- Choose the delivery method for the recipient.
- Provide the recipient’s information.
- Complete the payment for the transfer.
- Confirm the transaction details to finalize the transfer.
To send money online to a bank account via the RIA app or website, you will need:
- The full name of the recipient.
- The recipient’s bank account number or card number.
- The name of the recipient’s bank.
You can track your money transfer using the RIA transfer tracking tool. Both the sender and the recipient can use this tool by entering the transfer PIN. You can also track the transfer in real-time through the RIA app.
RIA Money Transfer offers competitive rates and low fees. The exact fee may vary depending on the amount sent, destination, and payment method. For the most current rates, please check the RIA app or website.
RIA offers two delivery methods: Cash Pickup (where the receiver needs to visit the bank to get money) and Bank Deposit (where the bank directly deposits the money into the receiver’s account).
There are three payment methods available for the sender to choose from: Debit/Credit Card and Pay ID.
No, the verification code is sent to the phone number, not by email.
No, customers in Bhutan cannot receive the verification code via a Bhutanese phone number or email. However, if customers register abroad, they can use RIA money transfer services in Bhutan.
- For Bank Deposit (automated): The transfer will be credited to the receiver’s account within 5 minutes after the transaction is made.
- For Cash Pickup: The money is available for pickup once the receiver visits any branch with the PIN number and CID card.
The customer should reach out via WhatsApp +975-17947516 for assistance.
FAQ on BLA Loan Products
Any Bhutanese residing overseas, with sufficient repayment capacity, are eligible to apply for BLA loans.
Applicants can email the duly filled forms, along with other required documents to bob_bla@bob.bt
You can download them from our website at www.bob.bt
Applicants or guarantors (residing outside Bhutan) can assign Power of Attorney (POA) to family members who are residing in Bhutan, authorizing them to execute the documents on their behalf.
Original documents should be mailed to CRM, Loan Section at Thimphu Main Branch, Bank of Bhutan.
The loan repayment should be routed through BLA FC account.
Multiple income sources of the applicant will be considered, including the income of immediate family members (spouse and children)
For permanent resident/green card holder, 50% of the monthly net income, and for temporary residents, 20% of the monthly net income will be considered for loan repayment.
HOUSING LOAN
You can avail housing loan for following purposes:
The current floating interest rate for non-commercial housing is 8.13% per annum, and for commercial housing, it is 8.93% per annum.
The maximum loan tenure is 30 years (360 months) excluding gestation period.
The maximum allowed gestation is 3 years (36 months).
The maximum limit for non-commercial housing is Nu. 10.00 million, while there is no ceiling for commercial housing.
No, BLA housing loan is exclusively available for the construction, renovation and purchase of properties within Bhutan.
The loan amount will not be disbursed in a lump sum; instead, it will be disbursed in tranches based on the progress of the construction. For purchase of property, it will be disbursed to seller’s CASA account.
The bank may consider the sale deed value when calculating the loan amount, but the insurance value of the property must, at a minimum, equal the loan amount. When purchasing a home or building, it is advisable to confirm with the insurance company the maximum coverage limit for the property.
EDUCATION LOAN
Bhutanese individuals living abroad can avail education loan for advancing their studies or covering the educational costs of family members and relatives both within and outside Bhutan.
The current floating interest rate is 8.13% per annum.
The maximum loan tenure is 10 years (120 months) including gestation period.
The maximum allowed gestation is 24 months.
The maximum limit of Nu. 10.00 million for students studying in India or abroad and Nu. 1.50 million for students studying in Bhutan.
70% of the value of the collateral or 90% of the cash collateral but not exceeding the maximum ceiling of Nu. 10.00 million.
Reimbursement of already incurred expenses is not permitted. Education loan will be given for pending tuition fees and will be remitted directly to the institution. Living expenses will be disbursed to the CASA account of the applicant.
Except for the living expenses, tuition fees will be remitted directly to institution’s account.
Yes, as long as an individual has sufficient collateral and repayment capacity. However, the applicant will have to submit us the proof of relationship.
Yes, despite having adequate repayment capacity, individuals are required to provide collateral security.
The collateral offered should be within the areas falling under the bank’s rate. Rural land not included in the Bank’s rate will not be accepted.
Interest accrued during the gestation period can be set aside from the approved limit, paid monthly, or settled in a lump sum at the end of the gestation period.
SHARE LOAN
The current floating interest rate is 10.77% per annum.
The maximum loan tenure is 10 years (120 months) for permanent resident/green card holder and 5 years (60 months) for temporary visa holder.
There is no gestation period; repayment must commence immediately.
Maximum of 50% of the market price.
The share loan is exclusively offered for the purchase of share of domestic companies listed with RSEBL with minimum 5 years of operations.
No, individuals cannot obtain a share loan by pledging existing shares. It is solely for the acquisition of new shares.
Collateral security is not required. However, the shares acquired will be pledged with the bank.
BUSINESS LOAN
Bhutanese individuals living abroad who wish to establish a business in Bhutan can apply for a business loan.
The interest rate is different depending on the type of business. Please visit our website www.bob.bt for interest details.
The maximum loan tenure is 20 years (120 months) excluding gestation period.
The maximum allowed gestation is 5 years (60 months)
Maximum of 75% of the project cost.
Individuals applying for a business loan must possess a valid business license issued by MoEA.
The business can be managed by a partner or family member(s) residing in Bhutan, whose details should be included in the DPR.
FAQ on Economic Stimulus Plan (ESP)
ESP is a government initiative launched in 2024 to help the economy recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on domestic production and employment generation.
The ESP aims to boost domestic production, improve foreign currency reserves, generate employment, and promote new businesses.
You can apply by visiting the nearest BOBL branch with a completed application form.
You can get the application form from the nearest branch office or download it from the BOBL website:
You can get the document checklist from the nearest branch office or download it from the BOBL website:
Individuals over 18 years, businesses with a valid trade license, new and existing borrowers, and those with a clean CIB report are eligible.
Existing distressed borrowers or those showing potential for revival are eligible, as long as they are not classified as willful defaulters.
Distressed borrowers include viable businesses and projects that are unable to complete, operate, or take off. This also covers loans classified as NPL (Non-Performing Loans), deferred, charged-off, or under gestation, provided they have the potential for revival.
Agriculture & Livestock: Up to Nu. 1 million.
Production & Manufacturing:
i. Small Scale: Up to Nu. 10 million.
ii. Medium Scale: Between Nu. 10 million and Nu. 100 million.
Business Reinvigoration: There is no fixed investment limit for this sector.
Repayment starts after the gestation period or immediately, depending on the type of loan. The terms and conditions vary based on the project and financial institution’s norms.
Yes, the interest subsidy will be recovered from the borrower’s loan account.
Borrowers can apply for either Modality 1 or Modality 2, but not both.
Applications must be submitted to the respective PFIs on or before December 31, 2024.
The time it takes to process an ESP loan depends on:
FAQ on ESP Education Loan Scheme
To be eligible for loan, applicants must be:
Household Income is computed as the total combined income earned by both parents (or legal guardians) in a year. For salaried parents verified through PIT (Total Adjusted Gross Income) and for business through BIT (Net Taxable Income).
The maximum loan amount available under this scheme is Nu. 1,500,000 (One Million Five Hundred Thousand).
The interest rate is 4% per annum (fixed interest)
The loan tenure is 10 years (excluding the gestation period)
The loan will cover both tuition fee for the course and living expenses.
The Bank will release the tuition fee directly to the colleges/institute and living expenses will be disbursed to clients’ CASA account.
Yes, but only within India.
No. You must be below 25 years of age at the time of application.
Yes. You are eligible for the loan as long as you fulfill other terms and conditions.
Yes! Even if you already started your course in July 2025, you could apply if you fulfill the eligibility criteria.
If your loan application is approved, the Bank will reimburse the tuition fees if you have already paid for the first semester, provided you submit the official receipt or proof of payment along with your application.
If your loan gets approved but decide to defer the start of your course, you must immediately inform the Bank.
Yes, the ESP Education Loan Scheme will still be available for courses starting in 2026. The scheme is being implemented from July 2025 to June 2028, with two application cycles every year.
The total fund allocated for this scheme under ESP is Nu. 600.00 million.
The scheme will discontinue as soon as the fund allocated for the scheme is exhausted.
Yes, Annual financing under the scheme shall not exceed Nu. 150 million.
The loan application will be processed within 3 working days after the submission of the complete set of documents.
You can apply either through the Digital Lending Platform of Bank of Bhutan or visit any nearest Branches. https://bobloan.bob.bt/dlp/#/dashboard
Yes, guarantor for this scheme is mandatory. Applicant’s parents or legal guardian will act as your guarantor.
No, you are ineligible for the loan.
Yes, you will be eligible for the loan subject to fulfilment served some cooling period. Please visit the nearest branch for more information and clarification.
The gestation period is Course Duration plus 1 year.
Repayment begins after graduation plus 1 additional year to allow for job search. For example, if you’re pursuing a 4-year course, your repayment starts in the 6th year. This gestation period ensures that you are not burdened while studying or immediately after graduation.
If you discontinue the course midway through a semester, you will be required to repay the loan amount disbursed for the entire semester immediately.
If you fail a semester, the bank will not finance that particular semester. However, the loan will be available for the following semesters once you continue your studies.
No, only enrollment from July 2025 and hereafter will be eligible for the loan.
No. If you fail one or two subjects and need to take back papers, the bank will not cover the back paper fees. You will need to pay those fees yourself.