Registering a company in Pakistan is the first formal step toward starting a business in a legal and structured manner. The registration process is governed by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under the Companies Act, 2017. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a startup founder, or an expanding business, registering your company ensures limited liability protection, legal recognition, investor credibility, and eligibility for tax incentives.
This article provides a complete, step-by-step guide on how to register a company in Pakistan, including the types of companies, registration procedures, required documents, timelines, costs, and post-registration compliance.
Regulatory Authority: SECP
The SECP is the primary regulatory authority for corporate sector registration in Pakistan. It provides an online portal called eServices that facilitates the electronic registration of companies nationwide. All companies must comply with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2017 and SECP’s rules and regulations.
Types of Companies You Can Register in Pakistan
The SECP allows registration of the following types of companies:
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Private Limited Company
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Single Member Company (SMC)
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Public Limited Company (Listed and Unlisted)
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Section 42 Company (Non-Profit Organization)
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Foreign Company (Branch/Liaison Office)
Among these, the Private Limited Company and SMC are the most commonly registered business types.
Benefits of Registering a Company
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Limited liability protection for shareholders
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Separate legal identity distinct from owners
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Perpetual succession, irrespective of change in ownership
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Access to funding from investors and banks
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Eligibility for contracts, tenders, and grants
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Enhanced brand credibility
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Tax planning and business expansion flexibility
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Company in Pakistan
Step 1: Name Reservation on SECP eServices
Log in to the SECP’s eServices portal at https://eservices.secp.gov.pk
Select “Name Reservation” and fill Form A for availability of your proposed company name.
Guidelines for Name Selection:
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Must not be identical or similar to existing names
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Should not include prohibited or sensitive words
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Must not violate public morality or state ideology
Fee: PKR 1,000 (online submission)
Timeline: 1 working day (usually)
Once approved, the name is reserved for 60 days.
Step 2: Preparation of Incorporation Documents
Prepare the following documents based on the type of company:
For Private Limited Company
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Memorandum of Association (MoA)
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Articles of Association (AoA)
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CNIC copies of all directors/subscribers
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Form 29: Particulars of directors and officers
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Form 21: Notice of registered office
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Form 1: Declaration of compliance
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Digital signatures of all subscribers/directors
For SMC
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Same documents, plus:
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Nominee director details
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Affidavit on stamp paper regarding nominee
These documents must be digitally signed and uploaded through SECP’s portal.
Step 3: Payment of Incorporation Fee
The incorporation fee is based on the authorized share capital of the company. Online payment can be made via:
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Debit/Credit Card
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Bank Challan at designated branches
Example Fees (Online Filing):
| Authorized Capital | Incorporation Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to PKR 100,000 | PKR 5,500 |
| PKR 500,000 | PKR 7,700 |
| PKR 1,000,000 | PKR 11,000 |
Add PKR 1,500–2,000 for Digital Signature Certificate via NIFT.
Step 4: Submit Incorporation Application
After completing the forms and uploading documents:
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Submit your application on SECP eServices
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Attach scanned copies in PDF format
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Ensure all directors/subscribers have verified their email and phone via OTP
You will receive an acknowledgment and tracking number.
Step 5: Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation
Upon successful verification and approval by the SECP, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation digitally in your eServices account.
Timeline: 1 to 3 working days (if all documents are in order)
The company is now legally registered.
Post-Registration Steps
Once the company is incorporated, there are several post-registration steps to comply with legal and operational requirements.
1. Obtain NTN from FBR
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Log in to https://iris.fbr.gov.pk
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File Form 181
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Upload incorporation documents, CNICs, utility bills
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NTN is usually issued within 24–72 hours
NTN is mandatory for tax filing, invoicing, and bank account operations.
2. Open a Business Bank Account
Submit the following to the bank:
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Certificate of Incorporation
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MoA and AoA
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NTN Certificate
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Board Resolution for account opening
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Form 29 (showing authorized signatories)
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CNICs of directors and signatories
3. Register with the Chamber of Commerce (Optional but Recommended)
Required for export activities and local business recognition.
Documents needed:
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NTN and Incorporation Certificate
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Company letterhead and stamps
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Application form and payment of fee (varies by region)
4. Sales Tax Registration (If Applicable)
If your company deals in taxable goods/services:
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Apply via IRIS portal for STRN (Sales Tax Registration Number)
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Submit photos, utility bills, rent agreement
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STRN enables monthly GST returns and compliance
5. Register with PSEB (For IT Companies)
IT and software export businesses can register with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) for:
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Tax exemptions
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Freelance support
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Certification for foreign clients
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Company Registration
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Submitting incorrect or incomplete documents
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Using a company name similar to an existing one
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Providing invalid contact details
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Forgetting to submit digital signatures
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Not complying with post-incorporation filings
Always verify your documents, spellings, and attachments before submission.
SECP Forms for Company Incorporation
| Form No. | Description |
|---|---|
| Form A | Name Reservation |
| Form I | Declaration of Compliance |
| Form 21 | Registered Office Location |
| Form 29 | Details of Directors and Officers |
| MoA | Memorandum of Association |
| AoA | Articles of Association |
Required Documents Checklist
| Document | Private Ltd | SMC |
|---|---|---|
| CNICs of Subscribers | Yes | Yes |
| MoA and AoA | Yes | Yes |
| Nominee Information | No | Yes |
| Utility Bill of Business Premises | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Signature Certificate | Yes | Yes |
| Passport (for foreign directors) | If applicable | If applicable |
Professional Assistance for Registration
Registering a company involves legal and technical formalities. Hiring a corporate consultant like Sterling.pk helps ensure:
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Name availability
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Accurate document drafting
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Seamless SECP eServices handling
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Timely NTN and STRN registration
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Chamber and licensing support
Advantages of Registering with SECP
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Access to formal credit and banking
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Investor trust and transparency
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Compliance with international business standards
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Availability of company data on SECP public portal
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Legal protection for brand and assets
Company Registration Timelines
| Task | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Name Reservation (SECP) | 1 day |
| Incorporation Approval | 2–3 days |
| NTN Issuance (FBR) | 2–3 days |
| Bank Account Opening | 2–5 days |
| Chamber Registration (optional) | 3–7 days |
| Sales Tax Registration (optional) | 5–10 days |
Total time: 5–10 business days (if executed correctly)
Cost Estimate for Company Registration in Pakistan
| Item | Approx. Cost (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Name Reservation (SECP) | 1,000 |
| Incorporation Fee | 5,500 – 15,000 |
| Digital Signatures | 1,500 – 2,000 |
| NTN Registration | Free |
| Consultant Fee (Optional) | 10,000 – 25,000 |
| Chamber Membership (Optional) | 3,000 – 10,000 |
Total Estimated Cost: PKR 10,000 – 50,000+ depending on entity type and services used
Conclusion
Registering a company in Pakistan through SECP is a streamlined and fully digitized process that gives your business legal recognition, credibility, and access to formal markets. From name reservation to post-incorporation compliance, each step requires attention to detail and adherence to legal requirements. Whether you are launching a new startup, expanding your business, or seeking to formalize your existing operations, company registration is a foundational move that protects your interests and opens the door to growth and opportunity.
At Sterling.pk, we provide full-service company registration support — from name search and document drafting to SECP incorporation and FBR compliance. Let us help you establish your business professionally, legally, and efficiently.
