How long does it take to register a company in Pakistan?

One of the most common questions from entrepreneurs, freelancers, and investors is: “How long does it take to register a company in Pakistan?” Thanks to the digital transformation led by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the company registration process is now fast, efficient, and paperless. While the core registration through SECP can take as little as 3 to 5 working days, the total time from name reservation to operational readiness—including tax registration and banking setup—can range from 7 to 14 working days depending on the structure and complexity of the business. This article provides a detailed breakdown of each step involved in company registration in Pakistan and the timeframes associated with them.

1. Overview of the Company Registration Process in Pakistan

The process of registering a company in Pakistan generally consists of the following stages:

• Name Reservation (SECP)

• Preparation of Incorporation Documents

• Digital Signature Procurement

• Submission of Incorporation Application

• Certificate of Incorporation Issuance

• Post-Incorporation Compliance

  • Tax Registration (NTN, STRN)

  • Bank Account Opening

  • PSEB Registration (for IT companies)

  • Filing of Form 29 (appointment of directors)

Let’s break down the time taken at each stage.

2. Step-by-Step Timeframe for Company Registration

Step 1: Name Reservation (1–2 Working Days)

• Submit name reservation request via SECP’s eServices Portal

• Check for prohibited words and availability

• Pay the fee (Rs. 200 – Rs. 1,000)

• Receive SECP’s approval or rejection within 24–48 hours

Tips for Faster Approval:

• Avoid using restricted or sensitive words

• Ensure the name reflects the business activity

• Check name availability beforehand using SECP search tools

Step 2: Preparation of Incorporation Documents (1–3 Working Days)

Once the name is approved, prepare the following documents:

• Form-I – Declaration of Compliance

• Form-21 – Address of Registered Office

• Form-29 – Particulars of Directors, CEO

• MOA and AOA – Legal structure and internal rules

• Scanned CNICs or Passports

• Digital Signatures (PKI Tokens) for all subscribers

Preparation time depends on:

• Whether templates are available

• If legal consultants or firm like Sterling.pk is involved

• Speed of documentation from shareholders/directors

Step 3: Obtain Digital Signature (1 Working Day)

• Purchase a PKI token from NIFT or SECP partner

• Each director and subscriber must have one

• Required for signing incorporation documents on eServices Portal

Time taken:

• 1 working day for issuance (sometimes same day)

Step 4: Submission of Incorporation Documents (Same Day)

• All forms and documents are submitted online via SECP’s eServices portal

• Pay incorporation fee online (amount depends on authorized capital)

• If documents are complete and correct, submission takes 1–2 hours

Step 5: Certificate of Incorporation (3–5 Working Days)

SECP reviews the application. If approved, issues a digital Certificate of Incorporation.

Time taken:

• 3 to 5 working days (standard)

• May be faster if using SECP’s Fast Track Service (FTS)

Total Time for SECP Registration:
5–7 working days (including all above steps)

3. Post-Incorporation Timeframes

After getting the Certificate of Incorporation, the company must complete the following:

a. NTN Registration with FBR (2–3 Working Days)

• Apply online via IRIS Portal

• Upload incorporation certificate, CNICs, address proof

• Verify email and phone number

• NTN issued within 48–72 hours

b. Sales Tax Registration (Optional – 3–5 Working Days)

• Apply for STRN (Sales Tax Registration Number) if offering taxable goods/services

• Required for local businesses in retail, trading, and non-export services

• Sales tax registration takes 3 to 5 days through FBR or PRA/SRB

c. Bank Account Opening (3–5 Working Days)

Documents required:

• Certificate of Incorporation

• NTN Certificate

• MOA, AOA

• CNICs of directors

• Board resolution authorizing bank signatories

Time varies by bank, usually 3–5 working days

d. PSEB Registration (For IT/Software Companies – 5 to 7 Working Days)

Required for:

• Claiming income tax exemption on export income

• Availing benefits like reduced sales tax, tech grants, and workspace in IT parks

Documents required:

• Incorporation certificate

• NTN

• SECP filings

• Bank account details

• Export income proof (if applicable)

Total time: 5 to 7 working days

4. Total Time to Complete Company Registration in Pakistan

Total Time (Average Range):
7 to 14 working days for complete setup

5. Fast Track Company Registration Options

SECP offers Fast Track Service (FTS) in major cities (Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi):

• Priority review of applications

• Same-day name reservation and incorporation (in some cases)

• Additional fee applies

• Ideal for investors on tight timelines

6. Factors That May Cause Delays

• Using prohibited or similar company names

• Errors in documents (spelling, signatures, missing fields)

• Slow response from directors/shareholders

• Delays in acquiring digital signature

• Choosing complex ownership structures (e.g., foreign shareholders)

• High volume periods (end of financial year)

7. Foreign Company Registration Timeline

Foreign investors registering a company with foreign shareholding may require:

• Notarized and attested documents (passport, board resolution)

• Bank remittance of investment

• Board of Investment (BOI) approval for some sectors

Foreign company registration may take 15–25 working days due to additional verifications.

8. Timeline for Section 42 (Non-Profit) Companies

Non-profit companies must:

• Apply for license from SECP

• Submit additional documentation (project plan, objectives, funding sources)

• After license approval, proceed with incorporation

Time taken: 15–30 working days, depending on documentation and approvals

9. How Sterling.pk Helps Reduce Registration Time

At Sterling.pk, we streamline the company registration process through:

• Pre-screening of company names

• Instant digital signature facilitation

• Pre-filled SECP and FBR forms

• End-to-end online submission within 24–48 hours

• PSEB registration for IT companies

• Bank account setup support

With our expert guidance, most clients receive their incorporation within 3 to 5 working days and become fully operational in under two weeks.

Conclusion

The digitalization of SECP processes has significantly reduced the time it takes to register a company in Pakistan. While basic registration can be completed within 5–7 working days, total operational readiness—including tax registration and banking—takes around 7 to 14 working days on average. Businesses that plan properly, avoid documentation errors, and engage professional support like Sterling.pk can further expedite this process and start their business journey without delay.