How to register a company in SECP Pakistan?

Starting a company in Pakistan requires proper registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Whether you’re forming a Single Member Company (SMC), a Private Limited Company, or a Public Limited Company, SECP provides a streamlined, fully digital platform to incorporate your business.

This guide will walk you through the complete SECP company registration process, explain each step, required documents, and legal references, ensuring you comply with all legal obligations.

Step 1: Name Reservation and Company Incorporation

The first and most important step in registering a company is reserving a unique business name and applying for incorporation through SECP’s eServices portal (https://eservices.secp.gov.pk/).

Name Reservation Process

You must propose three business names in order of preference. The SECP registrar will approve one name based on availability and compliance with legal requirements.

Legal Reference:

• Section 10 of the Companies Act, 2017

• Regulation 4 of the Companies (Incorporation) Regulations

Certain names are restricted, prohibited, or require NOCs (e.g., if they imply association with government bodies, professions like “bank”, “insurance”, etc.).

You can check the availability of your proposed names using SECP’s Company Name Search feature on their website — free of cost.

Required Incorporation Documents

Once the name is approved, prepare and upload the following documents:

1. Memorandum of Association (MoA)

2. Articles of Association (AoA)

   • Templates for various sectors are available on SECP’s website

3. CNIC/NICOP/Passport copies of all subscribers, directors, CEO, and authorized persons

4. NOC/License/Letter of Intent from the relevant regulatory authority (for specialized businesses such as education, health, security services, etc.)

5. In case of foreign subscribers:

   • Company profile

   • Details of directors, their nationality

   • Certified copies of charter or statute

   • Notarized documents and embassy attestation (if applicable)

6. Authorization Letter signed by all subscribers for one person to file documents

7. Registration/filing fee, payable via eServices portal

Two Methods for Submission

You can either:

• Submit the name reservation and incorporation together, or

• First apply for name availability, and later submit the incorporation application.

In either case, you must file using SECP’s eServices, where you will create a user account, fill out online forms, upload scanned documents, and pay fees digitally.

Fee Structure

Fee varies based on authorized share capital and mode of submission (online or offline). For example:

You can pay through:

• Credit/debit card

• Bank challan

• Mobile wallet (Easypaisa/JazzCash)

• Internet banking (ADC)

Step 2: Receive the Company Incorporation Certificate

Once all documents are verified and payment is confirmed, SECP issues the Certificate of Incorporation.

This certificate:

• Establishes your company’s legal existence

• Includes your company registration number

• Can be downloaded from your SECP eServices account or sent to your registered email

• May be issued digitally or in physical form

Make sure to print and store multiple copies of your certificate, as it will be required when:

• Opening a company bank account

• Applying for an NTN

• Registering with PSEB, EOBI, or other authorities

• Signing contracts or government tenders

Step 3: Start Your Business

For Private Limited and SMCs

Once the certificate is issued, you can legally start your business operations immediately. You may also:

• Apply for National Tax Number (NTN) from FBR via IRIS Portal

• Register for Sales Tax (STRN) if applicable

• Register with EOBI and Social Security Institutions

• Set up a company bank account

• Apply for PSEB registration if you’re in the IT/Software sector

For Public Limited Companies

These companies cannot start operations immediately after incorporation. They must:

• File a verified declaration of compliance (Section 19 of Companies Act, 2017)

• Get approval from the Registrar that required conditions are met

• Submit declaration signed by the CEO and Company Secretary in accordance with the Companies (Compliance and Reporting) Regulations, 2017

Only after acceptance and registration of these declarations, the public company can begin business activities.

Final Thoughts

The company registration process in SECP has become more digital, faster, and transparent in recent years. It typically takes 1 to 3 working days, provided all documents are in order and the name is available.

Whether you are a local entrepreneur, overseas Pakistani, or foreign investor, registering your company through SECP is the first legal step towards building a reliable and recognized business in Pakistan.