Registering a company name is the first and most important step in establishing a business in Pakistan. It not only gives your enterprise a unique identity but also reserves legal rights to operate under that name. In Pakistan, company name registration is administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under the Companies Act, 2017. The SECP offers a fully digital platform, known as eServices, which allows entrepreneurs and companies to reserve and register their business names online. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to register a company name in Pakistan, including rules, requirements, application procedures, and tips to avoid rejection.
Who Needs to Register a Company Name
Anyone intending to incorporate a business as a
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Private Limited Company
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Single Member Company (SMC)
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Public Limited Company
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Non-Profit Association (Section 42 Company)
must first register their company name with SECP. Sole proprietors and partnerships do not need to register their name with SECP, but can operate under trade names with FBR and Registrar of Firms, respectively.
Step 1: Understand SECP Naming Guidelines
Before applying, review SECP’s Company Name Reservation Guidelines to ensure your proposed name complies with the law. A company name
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Must not be identical or similar to an existing company or trademark
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Must not contain prohibited or sensitive words like “Bank”, “Trust”, “Federal”, “Authority”, etc., unless special approval is obtained
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Must reflect the nature of business, particularly for regulated industries like insurance, construction, or healthcare
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Must include the correct suffix, such as “(Private) Limited”, “Limited”, or “(SMC-Private) Limited” depending on the company type
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Must not be misleading, offensive, or religiously sensitive
Step 2: Create an Account on SECP eServices Portal
To apply online, visit the SECP eServices portal at https://eservices.secp.gov.pk and register as a new user. You will need to provide
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Full name
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CNIC number (or passport for foreign nationals)
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Email address
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Mobile number
After successful account verification, you can log in to begin the name reservation process.
Step 3: Choose Suitable Company Names
Prepare three name options in order of preference. SECP may reject a name if it violates their rules, is already taken, or is too similar to an existing company. Having multiple options reduces the risk of application rejection and delay.
Step 4: File an Online Name Reservation Application
From the eServices dashboard, select the “Company Name Reservation” option and fill out the required form
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Select company type (e.g., Private Limited, SMC, Public Limited)
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Enter up to 3 name options in order of preference
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Enter principal line of business
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Provide details of the applicant (director, sponsor, or authorized representative)
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Attach scanned copies of CNIC or passport, if required
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A standard affidavit is included for online declarations
Step 5: Pay the Name Reservation Fee
After submitting the form, the system will generate a challan for payment. The official fee for name reservation is Rs. 200. Payment can be made via
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1Link-supported online banking
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Credit/debit card
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Bank branches through manual challan
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JazzCash or Easypaisa (if enabled)
Once paid, upload the payment proof or let the system detect the payment automatically.
Step 6: SECP Review and Approval
After payment and submission, SECP will review your application, usually within 1 to 2 working days. If the proposed name
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Complies with SECP guidelines
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Is not already taken
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Accurately reflects the declared business activity
Then SECP will issue a Name Availability Letter. You can download this from your eServices dashboard. The name is reserved for 60 days, during which you must complete the company incorporation process.
Step 7: What to Do If Your Name Is Rejected
SECP may reject a name for various reasons, such as similarity to an existing name, inappropriate wording, or missing suffix. If your name is rejected
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Review the objection or query raised
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Modify your application with a new name suggestion
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Reapply through the same process
There is no additional fee to respond to a query, but a new fee applies if submitting a fresh application after rejection.
Step 8: Use Reserved Name for Incorporation
Once approved, you can proceed to the next step — company incorporation using the reserved name. During incorporation, ensure that
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You use the exact spelling and punctuation of the reserved name
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You complete incorporation within 60 days (or request an extension)
If the name expires before use, you must reapply for reservation.
Additional Tips for Choosing a Company Name
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Check name availability online or search existing company names at https://www.secp.gov.pk
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Avoid including restricted words unless you have industry-specific permission
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Use words that are easy to remember, spell, and pronounce
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Consider trademark availability if you want exclusive brand protection
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Ensure domain name (.com or .pk) availability if you plan to build a website
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using misleading terms like “Government”, “National”, or “Pakistan” without permission
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Failing to add “(Private) Limited” or “(SMC-Private) Limited” as a suffix
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Proposing names too similar to well-known trademarks or existing companies
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Providing incorrect or mismatched business activity in the form
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Not using the reserved name within the 60-day validity period
Conclusion
Registering a company name in Pakistan is a critical first step toward setting up a legal business entity. The SECP’s online portal has made the process fast, transparent, and efficient, enabling entrepreneurs to secure a name and proceed with incorporation without visiting any physical office. A well-chosen and properly registered company name enhances business identity, trust, and legal protection. Following SECP’s guidelines and carefully completing each step ensures a smooth name reservation process, laying the foundation for a fully compliant and credible business venture.
