How to check the registration status of a company in Pakistan?

Whether you’re entering a business partnership, verifying a vendor, or planning to file a legal complaint, it is crucial to confirm the legal existence of a company. In Pakistan, checking the registration status of a company is a straightforward yet essential step in conducting due diligence. This guide provides an in-depth look at the methods available to verify a company’s registration, using official government platforms and tools.

We cover everything you need to know — from checking registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to provincial and chamber affiliations, including tips for interpreting company profiles and legal classifications.

Importance of Verifying Company Registration

Confirming whether a company is properly registered has several benefits:

• Ensures legal compliance and protects against fraud

• Confirms authenticity of potential business partners

• Helps in tax and regulatory filing

• Required in due diligence for investments, loans, or mergers

• Avoids dealing with blacklisted or fake entities

Government Authorities Responsible for Registration

In Pakistan, various government departments handle different aspects of company and business registration. These include:

• SECP: Registers companies under the Companies Act, 2017

• FBR: Issues NTN and STRN for tax purposes

• Provincial Authorities: Register sole proprietorships and partnerships

• Chambers of Commerce: Membership registration for commercial entities

Each has its own verification method, and checking all relevant databases gives you a complete picture of a company’s status.

Method 1: Check Company Registration on SECP Portal

The primary regulator for company registration in Pakistan is the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). You can verify registration via their online Company Name Search tool.

Steps to Check Company Status on SECP:

1. Visit SECP’s eServices Website: https://eservices.secp.gov.pk

2. Click on “Company Name Search”

3. Enter the company name (full or partial)

4. Press Search

5. The results will show:

   • Company name and status

   • Incorporation number

   • Type of company (Private Limited, Public Limited, etc.)

   • Incorporation date

   • Jurisdiction and office location

SECP Status Types:

• Active: Properly registered and operational

• Dissolved: Ceased operations officially

• Under Liquidation: Assets being disposed

• Struck Off: Removed due to non-compliance

Method 2: Verify NTN and Tax Status via FBR

Once registered with SECP or as a sole proprietorship/AOP, a company must also obtain a National Tax Number (NTN) from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

How to Verify NTN:

1. Visit https://e.fbr.gov.pk

2. Go to “Taxpayer Profile Inquiry”

3. Select “NTN Inquiry”

4. Enter:

   • CNIC (for sole proprietors)

   • Company name or NTN

5. View details such as:

   • Company Name

   • Registration Date

   • Business Activity

   • Active/Inactive Taxpayer Status

Active Taxpayer List (ATL):

The ATL confirms whether a company files regular income tax returns. This impacts:

• Withholding tax rates

• Eligibility for contracts

• Reputation in the corporate ecosystem

The ATL can be accessed at https://iris.fbr.gov.pk/public/txp/ATL

Method 3: Search Provincial Business Registrations

Sole proprietorships and partnerships (AOPs) are not registered with SECP. Instead, they are typically registered with provincial authorities such as:

• Registrar of Firms

• Excise and Taxation Departments

• Trade License issuing authorities

How to Verify:

There is no unified online portal for firm registrations in all provinces. However, in Punjab, firm registrations can be checked via:

• https://firms.punjab.gov.pk

For other provinces, verification may require visiting local offices or requesting certified copies of registration documents.

Method 4: Verify Sales Tax Registration (STRN)

For companies dealing in goods and taxable services, Sales Tax Registration Number (STRN) is mandatory.

How to Verify STRN:

1. Visit https://e.fbr.gov.pk

2. Select “Sales Tax Registration Inquiry”

3. Enter the STRN or company name

4. Verify:

   • Sales tax status (active/inactive)

   • Effective registration date

   • Type of business

   • Sector/category

Being an active sales tax filer is crucial for supply chain vendors, importers, and exporters.

Method 5: Check Chamber of Commerce Membership

Most reputed companies in Pakistan are registered members of local or regional Chambers of Commerce. These include:

• Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)

• Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)

• Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI)

Each chamber maintains a member directory:

• Visit the chamber’s official website

• Use their member search tool or request verification

• Get details such as:

  • Membership ID

  • Nature of business

  • Year of registration

This serves as an additional layer of verification for legitimacy and networking.

Method 6: Confirm Import/Export License from WeBOC

Companies involved in international trade must be registered on WeBOC (Web-Based One Customs) system.

How to Confirm:

• Request the WeBOC User ID

• Verify using FBR or Pakistan Customs

• Confirm valid Import-Export license, GD filings, and duty payments

A company engaged in trade without WeBOC registration is operating illegally.

Method 7: Request Corporate Documents

If online search is insufficient or you’re conducting due diligence, request the company to provide:

• Certificate of Incorporation

• Memorandum & Articles of Association

• Form A / Annual Return

• NTN Certificate

• Sales Tax Certificate

• Chamber Membership Card

You can also verify the authenticity of these documents directly with SECP or FBR using reference numbers and QR codes.

Red Flags When Verifying a Company

When checking registration status, beware of the following:

• No SECP record but claiming to be a Pvt Ltd or Ltd company

• Inactive NTN or ATL status

• Mismatch between claimed address and registered office

• No trace on sales tax portals despite taxable operations

• Frequent name changes or multiple associated businesses with the same directors

These are red flags that could indicate fraudulent activity or compliance issues.

Use of Third-Party Verification Services

For added assurance, you may engage third-party services such as:

• Business credit bureaus

• Due diligence consultants

• Corporate lawyers

• SECP certified intermediaries

They can provide in-depth reports covering:

• Director background checks

• Litigation history

• Tax compliance certificates

• Financial ratios and audit summaries

When You Should Verify a Company’s Registration

• Before entering a joint venture or partnership

• When appointing a vendor or supplier

• Before making a large payment or placing an order

• During due diligence for investment or M&A

• For legal enforcement of contracts or claims

Verification can prevent losses and provide peace of mind.

Legal Consequences of Doing Business With Unregistered Entities

• No legal standing in court if agreements are unsigned or unregistered

• May be subject to tax penalties or blacklisting

• Exposure to fraudulent practices

• Difficulty in recovering dues

• Risk of money laundering investigations

Only companies registered with SECP, FBR, and relevant authorities can conduct legitimate business activities in Pakistan.

Best Practices for Businesses

For registered companies, it’s equally important to maintain transparency and credibility:

• Keep your NTN and STRN updated on all invoices

• Display your incorporation certificate at office premises

• Update your SECP record with any changes in directors or address

• File your returns on time to maintain ATL status

• Provide verification links to clients and vendors upon request

Future of Corporate Transparency in Pakistan

Pakistan is moving toward greater transparency and digitization in corporate governance:

• Centralized Beneficial Ownership Registry

• Integration of SECP and FBR records

• Real-time tax compliance monitoring

• Public APIs for verification

• Blockchain initiatives to prevent document forgery

This will make it easier to verify registration and trust status of companies in real time.

Conclusion

Verifying the registration status of a company in Pakistan is a necessary due diligence step for businesses, professionals, and consumers alike. With multiple online platforms such as SECP, FBR, WeBOC, and provincial portals, the process is now faster and more transparent.

At Sterling.pk, we not only help you register companies across Pakistan but also guide you in verifying any business entity for your legal and commercial safety. Whether you’re forming a new business or reviewing potential partners, ensure proper verification before proceeding