How to register a company online in Pakistan?

In recent years, the process of registering a company in Pakistan has been simplified and digitized, allowing entrepreneurs to incorporate businesses entirely online through the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Whether you’re starting a tech startup, trading firm, manufacturing unit, or a consultancy, online company registration is the first legal step toward building a compliant and recognized entity in Pakistan.

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about online company registration in Pakistan — from choosing a business structure and name reservation to preparing documents, completing eServices filing, and obtaining a National Tax Number (NTN) from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Benefits of Online Company Registration in Pakistan

• 100% online process through SECP’s eServices portal

• Faster turnaround (typically within 3–5 working days)

• Reduced need for physical visits to government offices

• Real-time document upload and fee payment

• Legal protection and official recognition of your business

Who Regulates Company Registration?

The primary regulatory body for company registration in Pakistan is the:

• Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) — Responsible for registration, compliance, and regulation of companies under the Companies Act, 2017

Other relevant authorities involved post-incorporation include:

• Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) — Tax registration (NTN/STRN)

• Provincial Revenue Boards — Sales tax on services

• Chamber of Commerce — Membership (optional)

Types of Companies You Can Register Online

You can register the following types of companies online:

• Private Limited Company (Ltd)

• Single Member Company (SMC)

• Public Limited Company (Unlisted or Listed)

• Non-Profit Association (Section 42)

• Foreign Company (Branch or Liaison Office)

Most startups and SMEs in Pakistan choose to register as Private Limited or SMC companies for flexibility and limited liability.

Step-by-Step Process of Online Company Registration in Pakistan

Step 1: Create SECP eServices Account

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

2. Click on Sign Up

3. Provide:

   • CNIC/NICOP

   • Mobile number and email

   • User ID and password

4. Activate your account using email verification link

This account allows you to file all registration documents online.

Step 2: Reserve Company Name

1. Log in to the eServices portal

2. Select “Company Name Reservation”

3. Enter:

   • Proposed name of the company

   • Business activity and objectives

4. Pay the Rs. 200 fee online via 1LINK, debit card, or bank transfer

5. Submit the application

You will receive SECP approval via email usually within 1–2 working days

Name Guidelines:

• Must be unique and not deceptive

• Should not resemble any existing company or trademark

• Certain words are restricted (e.g., “State,” “Federal,” “Bank”)

Use the Name Search feature on SECP’s website before applying.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

For a Private Limited or Single Member Company, you will need:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA) – Company objectives

• Articles of Association (AOA) – Governance rules

• CNIC/NICOP/passport copies of all directors/shareholders

• Form 1 – Declaration of compliance

• Form 21 – Address of the registered office

• Form 29 – Particulars of directors and officers

• Email, phone, and photograph of the applicant

• Authority letter (if filed by a consultant)

SECP also provides pre-filled templates for MOA and AOA for standard businesses.

Step 4: File Incorporation Application

1. Log in to the eServices Portal

2. Select “Incorporation of a New Company”

3. Choose:

   • Company type (SMC, Pvt Ltd, etc.)

   • Principal line of business

4. Fill online Forms:

   • Form I (compliance declaration)

   • Form 21 (office address)

   • Form 29 (director info)

5. Upload documents:

   • MOA, AOA

   • CNICs/passports

   • Utility bill of registered address

6. Pay online incorporation fee (starting from Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 5,000)

Once submitted, the SECP will review and approve within 3 to 5 working days.

Step 5: Obtain Certificate of Incorporation

Upon approval, you will receive:

• Digital Certificate of Incorporation

• Company Incorporation Number

• Digitally signed MOA and AOA

These documents serve as proof of legal existence of your company in Pakistan.

Step 6: Register for NTN with FBR

Once incorporated, companies must register with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to obtain a National Tax Number (NTN).

Procedure:

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

2. Sign up using company details

3. Complete Form 181 (Registration Form)

4. Upload:

   • Certificate of incorporation

   • MOA, AOA

   • Director CNICs

   • Office utility bill

   • Bank account details (if available)

5. Submit the application

NTN is issued within 24 to 72 hours and allows:

• Tax return filing

• Bank account opening

• Government bidding

• Sales tax registration

Optional: Sales Tax Registration (STRN)

If your company deals in taxable goods or services, you may need a Sales Tax Registration Number (STRN).

This can be done:

• Online via the FBR IRIS portal

• Alongside NTN registration

• Requires similar documents and business proof

STRN enables you to issue tax invoices, claim input tax, and file monthly sales tax returns.

Post-Incorporation Compliance Checklist

Types of Businesses Suitable for Online Company Registration

• IT & software companies

• eCommerce businesses

• Consulting and advisory firms

• Trading and import/export businesses

• Manufacturing units

• Real estate and construction

• Educational and training institutions

SECP allows all standard business categories to register online, provided documentation is accurate and compliant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Selecting prohibited or already-registered company names

• Providing incomplete director or address information

• Missing utility bills or invalid rental agreements

• Using incorrect MOA language

• Failing to obtain NTN or STRN on time

• Not updating Form 29 after director changes

Hiring a compliance consultant or firm like Sterling.pk can ensure these issues are avoided.

Cost of Registering a Company Online in Pakistan

These costs may vary based on company capital, number of directors, and legal support required.

How Sterling.pk Can Help

At Sterling.pk, we provide complete company registration solutions including:

• Name reservation and documentation preparation

• Drafting customized MOA and AOA

• SECP filing and eServices navigation

• NTN and STRN registration with FBR

• Post-incorporation compliance and advisory

With our expertise, your company can be legally incorporated within 3 to 5 working days with full documentation and support.

Advantages of Company Registration

• Limited liability for directors and shareholders

• Greater access to funding and tenders

• Improved business credibility

• Tax benefits and legal protections

• Eligibility for PSEB, export, and foreign remittance incentives

Whether you’re starting a tech venture or a trading company, online incorporation is the first step to legitimacy and scalability.

Conclusion

Registering a company online in Pakistan has become faster, more transparent, and accessible to entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes. By using the SECP eServices portal and following a structured documentation process, a fully registered company can be up and running within days.

While the process is simplified, ensuring legal accuracy and timely filings is critical to avoid delays or penalties. With professional help from experts like Sterling.pk, your company registration can be completed efficiently and without hassle.