Introduction
Form 1 is the official application form for the incorporation of a company in Pakistan, as prescribed under the Companies Act, 2017 and administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Whether you’re forming a private limited company, single-member company (SMC), or public limited company, filing Form 1 correctly is essential for obtaining your Certificate of Incorporation.
This guide provides a complete, step-by-step breakdown of how to prepare, complete, and submit Form 1 via the SECP eServices portal, ensuring your new business is registered efficiently and in compliance with all legal requirements.
1. What is Form 1?
Form 1 is the “Declaration of Compliance” under Section 16 of the Companies Act, 2017. It is filed with SECP during company incorporation to confirm that:
✅ All registration requirements of the law have been met
✅ The proposed directors, subscribers, and company structure are lawful
✅ All necessary documents (e.g., MoA, AoA) are attached
✅ The person submitting is authorized and accepts legal responsibility
2. Legal Framework
Form 1 is mandated under:
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Section 16 of the Companies Act, 2017
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Companies (Incorporation) Regulations, 2017
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SECP eServices guidelines and FAQs
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SECP Circulars on digital incorporation and verification
Non-compliance with filing or misstatements in Form 1 may lead to penalties or rejection of incorporation.
3. Pre-Requisites for Filing Form 1
Before filing Form 1, ensure the following steps are completed:
✅ Company name reserved through Form I
✅ Digital Signature obtained from NIFT
✅ Memorandum of Association (MoA) drafted
✅ Articles of Association (AoA) drafted
✅ All subscribers and directors’ details ready
✅ Scanned copies of CNIC/NICOP/Passport for all participants
✅ Valid email address and mobile number
4. Who Can File Form 1?
Form 1 can be filed by:
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A subscriber to the Memorandum of Association
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A legal representative or consultant (e.g., CA, lawyer) authorized by the promoters
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Any authorized person with a digital signature
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Form 1
Step 1: Create an Account on SECP eServices
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Sign up as a new user
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Verify using email and CNIC/NICOP/passport
Step 2: Reserve Company Name (Form I)
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Select “Name Reservation” option
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Submit at least 1–3 proposed names
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Pay the fee (PKR 200–500 depending on company type)
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Wait for approval (usually within 24–48 hours)
Step 3: Start Incorporation Process
After name reservation is approved:
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Select “Incorporation of a Company” under eServices
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Choose the company type:
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Private Limited
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Single Member Company
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Public Limited
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Section 42 Company (Non-Profit)
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Step 4: Fill Out Form 1
This is the Declaration of Compliance confirming that:
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All legal incorporation steps have been completed
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All statutory documents are attached
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There is no false or misleading information
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The applicant takes responsibility for the accuracy of details
Key Fields in Form 1:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Name of Company | As approved under Form I |
| Type of Company | SMC, Pvt Ltd, Ltd, etc. |
| Subscriber Details | Full name, CNIC/passport, nationality, address |
| Director Details | Same as above |
| Registered Office Address | Official business location in Pakistan |
| Business Object | Summary of main business activities |
| Witness Details | Required for MoA/AoA verification |
| Declarant’s Name and Capacity | Who is submitting the form (e.g., director, subscriber) |
| Date and Digital Signature | Signed using SECP-certified digital signature (NIFT) |
6. Supporting Documents Required
When filing Form 1, you must upload the following documents in PDF format:
| Document | Mandatory? |
|---|---|
| Memorandum of Association (MoA) | ✅ Yes |
| Articles of Association (AoA) | ✅ Yes |
| Scanned CNIC/NICOP/Passport | ✅ Yes |
| Form 21 (Registered Office) | ✅ Yes |
| Form 29 (Particulars of Directors) | ✅ Yes |
| Name Reservation Letter | ✅ Yes |
| Incorporation Fee Challan (Bank Draft) | ✅ Yes |
| Power of Attorney (if filed by a consultant) | Optional |
| Declaration of Compliance (Form 1) | ✅ Yes |
7. Payment of Incorporation Fee
The fee depends on:
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Company type (Pvt, Ltd, SMC, Section 42)
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Authorized capital
Payment Options:
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Credit/debit card via eServices portal
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Challan deposit at MCB Bank
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IBAN transfer using SECP’s payment instructions
Once paid, upload the scanned challan to eServices.
8. Digital Signature (Required to Submit Form)
You must obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) from NIFT, Pakistan’s authorized provider.
How to Get DSC:
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Go to https://www.nift.com.pk
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Fill out the online application
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Submit payment and required ID documents
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Install DSC into your browser or token
Without a DSC, Form 1 cannot be submitted.
9. Submission and Acknowledgment
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Once Form 1 and all attachments are uploaded:
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Digitally sign and submit the incorporation bundle
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Receive an Acknowledgment Slip
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SECP reviews and processes within 1–3 working days
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Upon approval, SECP issues:
✅ Certificate of Incorporation (PDF)
✅ Company Unique Identification Number (CUIN)
✅ SECP login credentials for ongoing filings
10. Post-Incorporation Compliance
After filing Form 1 and receiving the incorporation certificate, you must:
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| File Form C (Special Resolutions) | If applicable |
| Apply for NTN/STRN with FBR | Tax registration |
| Open a company bank account | Using incorporation documents |
| Maintain statutory registers | Register of members, directors, shares |
| File annual return (Form A) | Due after first AGM |
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Incorrect or incomplete Form 1 data | Rejection by SECP |
| Not matching MoA object with Form 1 | Delay in approval |
| Submitting unsigned documents | Treated as non-compliant |
| Not obtaining Digital Signature | Cannot submit Form 1 |
| Mismatch in director details | SECP may issue show-cause notice |
12. Penalties for False Declaration
Under the Companies Act, 2017:
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Misstatement in Form 1 can lead to a fine up to Rs. 500,000
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If intentional fraud is proven, it can result in criminal liability
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The company may be struck off or declared non-operational
Always ensure the declaration is accurate and truthful.
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the purpose of Form 1?
It’s a declaration that all company registration requirements have been complied with.
Q2: Can Form 1 be filed manually?
No. All incorporation filings are processed digitally via SECP eServices.
Q3: Is Form 1 needed for partnerships or sole proprietorships?
No. Form 1 is only for companies under the Companies Act, 2017.
Q4: Who signs Form 1?
The subscriber or authorized person, using a digital signature.
Q5: Is it mandatory to file Form 1 for every year?
No. Form 1 is only filed once at the time of incorporation.
14. How Sterling.pk Can Help
At Sterling.pk, we make incorporation hassle-free by:
✅ Drafting MoA and AoA in compliance with SECP rules
✅ Completing and submitting Form 1 on your behalf
✅ Handling NIFT Digital Signature process
✅ Paying challans and uploading documents to eServices
✅ Providing full incorporation support — from name reservation to FBR registration
Let us set up your company quickly, correctly, and compliantly.
Conclusion
Form 1 is a critical legal document that declares a company has fulfilled all legal requirements for incorporation. While SECP has made the process digital and transparent, attention to detail, accurate documentation, and timely filing are essential to avoid delays or rejections.
Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding your group, or formalizing a business, make sure Form 1 is filed properly. With expert guidance from Sterling.pk, you’ll be ready to operate your company with full legal backing and peace of mind.
