Incorporating a company in Pakistan is now easier and fully digital thanks to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and its online portal known as eServices. Whether you’re registering a Private Limited Company, Single Member Company (SMC), or a Public Limited Company, the process requires specific documentation to comply with the Companies Act, 2017. Submitting the correct documents not only ensures a smooth registration but also avoids delays caused by SECP queries. This article provides a complete list of documents required for online company registration in Pakistan through SECP eServices.
1. Name Reservation Approval Letter
Before you can submit your incorporation documents, you must first obtain SECP approval for your proposed company name. This is done by filing a name reservation application via the SECP eServices portal. Once approved, download the Name Availability Letter, which is valid for 60 days and must be attached during incorporation.
2. Memorandum of Association (MoA)
The Memorandum of Association defines the company’s primary business objectives and powers. It must include
-
Company name and registered office location
-
Main objects and ancillary objects
-
Liability clause
-
Capital clause (authorized capital and number of shares)
-
Subscriber details and signatures
3. Articles of Association (AoA)
The Articles of Association lay out the rules and regulations for internal governance of the company. It includes provisions for
-
Appointment and powers of directors
-
Share transfer rules
-
General meeting procedures
-
Voting rights and dividend declarations
-
Management and administrative structure
SECP provides sector-specific templates for MoA and AoA which can be modified accordingly.
4. Form II – Declaration of Compliance
This form confirms that all the requirements of the Companies Act, 2017 have been complied with. It must be
-
Signed by one of the subscribers or an authorized intermediary
-
Attested and uploaded during the incorporation process
5. Form 21 – Notice of Registered Office Address
You must declare the official registered office address of the company within Pakistan. The form should include
-
Exact office location with city and province
-
Email address and telephone number
-
Rent agreement or ownership proof may be required during verification
6. Form 29 – Particulars of Directors, CEO, and Officers
This form lists the initial board of directors, chief executive, company secretary, and any other designated officers. For each person, the following details are required
-
Full name and CNIC/passport number
-
Residential address
-
Nationality
-
Occupation
-
Consent to act as a director or officer
7. CNIC or Passport Copies of Subscribers and Directors
For each director, shareholder (subscriber), CEO, and authorized person, you must upload
-
Clear scanned copy of Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) for Pakistani nationals
-
Passport copy for foreign nationals
Make sure the CNIC/passport details match exactly with the information entered in the forms.
8. Photographs of Directors and Subscribers
-
Recent passport-sized color photographs in JPEG or PNG format
-
Required for each individual listed in Form 29
-
Upload via eServices portal under subscriber profile section
9. Authorization Letter or Power of Attorney (if applicable)
If an application is being submitted on behalf of the subscribers by a legal representative or consultant, an authorization letter must be attached stating
-
Full name and CNIC of authorized person
-
Scope of authority (filing, correspondence, etc.)
-
Signatures of all subscribers
10. Payment Receipt or Challan Copy
After completing the forms, the SECP system will generate a fee challan based on your authorized capital. You must
-
Pay the incorporation fee via 1Link, credit/debit card, or bank branch
-
Upload the scanned proof of payment or let the system auto-verify
Incorporation fees vary depending on the company type and capital structure.
11. Digital Signatures (If Required)
While not mandatory for all incorporations, some cases may require digital signatures issued by NIFT.
-
Apply for digital signature via SECP-approved process
-
Submit along with signed PDF forms as required
12. Lease Agreement or Property Ownership Document (Optional but Useful)
To validate your registered office address, you may be asked to upload
-
Rent/lease agreement if property is rented
-
Property ownership documents if owned by a subscriber or director
-
Recent utility bill (electricity, gas, or internet) not older than 3 months
Additional Documents for Special Company Types
-
For Section 42 Non-Profit Companies: License from SECP under Section 42, NOC from relevant ministry, and detailed business plan
-
For Foreign-Owned Companies: Copy of parent company incorporation documents, board resolution, and passport copies
-
For Sector-Specific Companies: NOC or approval from regulatory bodies such as SBP, PTA, NEPRA, or PBA
Post-Incorporation Documentation
Once incorporation is approved, you should also prepare
-
Company letterhead and rubber stamp
-
Board resolution for bank account opening
-
Share certificates for subscribers
-
Statutory registers (members, directors, share allotment, etc.)
Conclusion
To register a company online in Pakistan through SECP, it is essential to prepare a complete and accurate set of documents including constitutional documents (MoA and AoA), identification details, director and shareholder forms, and proof of payment. Having these documents in hand will significantly streamline the process and reduce the risk of SECP objections or delays. Whether you are incorporating a startup, IT firm, manufacturing company, or nonprofit, understanding the required documents ensures a smooth start to your legal business journey in Pakistan.
