A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Company’s Name

Introduction

A company’s name is more than just a legal identity—it’s a reflection of its brand, purpose, and vision. Over time, a company may decide to change its name due to rebranding, mergers, market repositioning, or compliance reasons. In Pakistan, this process is legally permissible and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under the Companies Act, 2017.

This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about changing your company’s name, from legal provisions and required documents to the filing process and post-approval steps.

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Why Change a Company’s Name?

There are several valid business and strategic reasons for changing a company’s name:

• Rebranding for marketing purposes

• Reflecting a merger or acquisition

• Aligning the name with a new line of business

• Resolving legal conflicts with trademark or copyright holders

• Simplifying or modernizing the existing name

• Changing from public to private or vice versa

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Legal Framework

Governing Law:

• Companies Act, 2017

• Section 12 & Section 13 – Change of name and amendment of Memorandum of Association

Regulatory Authority:

• Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)

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Step-by-Step Process to Change Your Company’s Name

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Step 1: Check Name Availability

Before making any official filings, check if your desired new name is available and compliant with SECP’s naming guidelines.

How to Check:

• Visit: https://eservices.secp.gov.pk

• Use the Name Availability Search Tool

• Ensure the name:

  • Is not identical or deceptively similar to an existing company

  • Does not use prohibited or sensitive words (e.g., “Federal”, “State”, “Authority”)

  • Complies with Company Name Reservation Regulations

Tips:

• Have at least two backup names

• Avoid using trademarked or offensive words

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Step 2: Reserve the New Name

Once you’ve identified a valid name, you must reserve it with SECP.

Filing Requirement:

• Form I – Application for Reservation of Name

Documents Required:

• CNIC copy of authorized person

• Existing Certificate of Incorporation

• Digital Signature

Fee:

• PKR 200 to 500 depending on company type

Validity:

• Name reservation is valid for 60 days

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Step 3: Pass Special Resolution

After name reservation, convene a general meeting of shareholders to approve the change in name.

Procedure:

1. Send 21 days’ notice to shareholders

2. Include the agenda for name change

3. Pass a Special Resolution under Section 12(3) of the Companies Act, 2017

Resolution Must State:

• Approval of new name

• Authorization for filing amendments

• Approval of alteration in Memorandum and Articles of Association

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Step 4: File Form 26 and Form 27 with SECP

A. Form 26 – Special Resolution Filing

• File within 15 days of passing the resolution

• Attach a certified copy of the special resolution

B. Form 27 – Application for Change of Name

• Attach:

  • Certified copy of special resolution

  • Updated Memorandum of Association

  • Updated Articles of Association

  • Copy of Name Reservation Letter

  • Affidavit confirming the change was approved lawfully

  • NOC from any authority, if required

Fee:

• Based on company capital (usually ranges from PKR 1,000 to 10,000)

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Step 5: SECP Review and Approval

• SECP reviews documents

• May seek clarification or additional documents

• Upon approval, issues a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name

This new certificate replaces the old one and confirms the legal effectiveness of the name change.

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Post-Change Compliance Requirements

Once the company’s name is legally changed, several regulatory and operational updates are necessary.

A. Update Internal Documents

• Company letterhead, signage, stationery

• Contracts, invoices, emails

• Digital assets: website, social media, apps

B. Notify Tax and Government Authorities

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Documents Required Throughout the Process

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Timelines

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Key Considerations

1. Maintain Continuity

• Business continues as the same legal entity under a new name

• Contracts, bank accounts, tax obligations remain intact

2. Check for Trademark Conflicts

• Search IPO-Pakistan database before filing

• If you have a trademark, apply for update after name change

3. Inform Stakeholders

• Send notifications to clients, vendors, banks, and regulatory bodies

• Update marketing and legal materials

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Penalties for Non-Compliance

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Real-Life Example

Case: Digital Tech (Pvt.) Ltd → Elevate Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd

• Rebranded for international expansion

• Reserved name and held EGM within 10 days

• SECP approved change in 7 working days

• Updated FBR, banks, and clients within 2 weeks

• Result: Stronger brand identity, seamless compliance

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How Sterling.pk Can Help

At Sterling.pk, we assist Pakistani companies with:

✅ Preparing board/shareholder resolutions
✅ Reserving names and drafting legal forms
✅ Filing Form 26 & 27 on SECP e-portal
✅ Updating MoA, AoA, and regulatory registrations
✅ Managing post-approval compliance (FBR, bank, chambers)

Let us manage the paperwork while you focus on growing your business.

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FAQs

Q1. Will our incorporation number or NTN change?
No. Your company’s incorporation number and NTN remain the same.

Q2. Do I need to file a new tax return after the name change?
No, but you must update your name in the IRIS system.

Q3. Is name change allowed for Section 42 companies?
Yes, but with prior SECP approval and strict documentation.

Q4. Can a company change its name and nature of business together?
Yes. However, changes in business objects also require updates to Memorandum of Association and possibly new licenses.

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Conclusion

Changing your company’s name in Pakistan is a legally structured but manageable process. With careful planning, compliance with SECP’s documentation requirements, and timely updates to tax and business records, your business can transition smoothly to its new identity.

Whether you’re rebranding or simplifying your corporate structure, let Sterling.pk ensure your name change is quick, compliant, and error-free.