How to register a company in Pakistan

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:

  • Private Limited Company

  • Single Member Company (SMC)

  • Public Limited Company (Listed and Unlisted)

  • Section 42 Company (Non-Profit Organization)

  • 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

  • Limited liability protection for shareholders

  • Separate legal identity distinct from owners

  • Perpetual succession, irrespective of change in ownership

  • Access to funding from investors and banks

  • Eligibility for contracts, tenders, and grants

  • Enhanced brand credibility

  • 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:

  • Must not be identical or similar to existing names

  • Should not include prohibited or sensitive words

  • 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

  • Memorandum of Association (MoA)

  • Articles of Association (AoA)

  • CNIC copies of all directors/subscribers

  • Form 29: Particulars of directors and officers

  • Form 21: Notice of registered office

  • Form 1: Declaration of compliance

  • Digital signatures of all subscribers/directors

For SMC

  • Same documents, plus:

  • Nominee director details

  • 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:

  • Debit/Credit Card

  • 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:

  • Submit your application on SECP eServices

  • Attach scanned copies in PDF format

  • 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

  • Log in to https://iris.fbr.gov.pk

  • File Form 181

  • Upload incorporation documents, CNICs, utility bills

  • 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:

  • Certificate of Incorporation

  • MoA and AoA

  • NTN Certificate

  • Board Resolution for account opening

  • Form 29 (showing authorized signatories)

  • 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:

  • NTN and Incorporation Certificate

  • Company letterhead and stamps

  • Application form and payment of fee (varies by region)

4. Sales Tax Registration (If Applicable)

If your company deals in taxable goods/services:

  • Apply via IRIS portal for STRN (Sales Tax Registration Number)

  • Submit photos, utility bills, rent agreement

  • 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:

  • Tax exemptions

  • Freelance support

  • Certification for foreign clients

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Company Registration

  • Submitting incorrect or incomplete documents

  • Using a company name similar to an existing one

  • Providing invalid contact details

  • Forgetting to submit digital signatures

  • 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:

  • Name availability

  • Accurate document drafting

  • Seamless SECP eServices handling

  • Timely NTN and STRN registration

  • Chamber and licensing support

Advantages of Registering with SECP

  • Access to formal credit and banking

  • Investor trust and transparency

  • Compliance with international business standards

  • Availability of company data on SECP public portal

  • 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.

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