The fashion industry in Pakistan is one of the country’s most vibrant sectors, spanning clothing brands, textile design houses, fashion retail chains, e-commerce boutiques, modeling agencies, and designer labels. Whether you are launching a fashion startup, a luxury label, or a digital fashion store, your business must be registered and compliant with regulatory requirements.
This guide explains the step-by-step process of registering a fashion company in Pakistan, including SECP incorporation, FBR tax registration, brand name protection, and compliance with provincial authorities.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
| Type of Fashion Business | Suggested Legal Form |
|---|---|
| Clothing brand or designer label | Private Limited Company |
| E-commerce fashion store | Private Limited or Sole Proprietorship |
| Fashion retail outlets | Private Limited or Partnership |
| Textile or apparel manufacturer | Private or Public Limited Company |
| Modeling or talent agency | Private Limited Company |
Tip: For brand building, investor trust, and growth, a Private Limited Company is the most preferred option.
Step 2: Reserve Company Name with SECP
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Go to the SECP eServices portal
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Apply for Name Reservation
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Choose a unique and brandable name (e.g., “Trendora Clothing Pvt Ltd”)
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Avoid restricted words (e.g., “Pakistan”, “Authority”, “Bank”) without permission
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Upon approval, SECP issues a Name Reservation Certificate (valid for 60 days)
Step 3: Incorporate Your Fashion Company
Log into SECP eServices and fill out the online incorporation form.
Documents required:
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Name Reservation Certificate
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Memorandum of Association (MOA) – include activities like “manufacturing, marketing, retail, and export of fashion apparel, accessories, and textiles”
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Articles of Association (AOA) – outlines management structure
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CNICs/passports of directors and shareholders
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Company office address
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Forms 21 and 29 (for office and board structure)
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Payment of incorporation fee online or via designated bank
Once processed, SECP will issue:
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Certificate of Incorporation
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Company Registration Number (CRN)
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Company status as a registered legal entity
Step 4: Register for Tax with FBR
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Go to the FBR Iris portal
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Register using your SECP Company Number
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Apply for a National Tax Number (NTN)
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Also register for Sales Tax (STRN) if you’re selling taxable fashion goods or services
Documents required:
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Incorporation certificate
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MOA and AOA
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Bank account details
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Business address and utility bill
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CNICs of directors
Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account
Visit a scheduled bank with:
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Certificate of Incorporation
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NTN
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Board resolution for account opening
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CNICs of authorized signatories
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MOA and AOA
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Form 29
Deposit initial capital and begin commercial transactions under the company’s name.
Step 6: Provincial Tax Registration (If Providing Services)
If your fashion business provides services such as:
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Fashion consultancy
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Photography or styling
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Model management
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Design services
You must register for Sales Tax on Services with the relevant authority:
| Province | Authority |
|---|---|
| Punjab | Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) |
| Sindh | Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) |
| KPK | KP Revenue Authority (KPRA) |
| Balochistan | Balochistan Revenue Authority (BRA) |
File monthly returns and issue service tax invoices if applicable.
Step 7: Register Your Brand Name and Logo (IP Protection)
To protect your fashion brand name, logo, and designs:
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Register your trademark with the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO Pakistan)
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Apply online or via attorney for:
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Brand name (word mark)
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Logo (device mark)
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Design registration (for clothing patterns)
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Trademark protection is valid for 10 years (renewable)
This is essential for exclusive rights, avoiding brand theft, and franchising your fashion brand.
Step 8: Register for Other Applicable Licenses
Depending on your business activities:
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Exporters of clothing: Register with TDAP (Trade Development Authority of Pakistan)
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Manufacturers: Register with WeBOC (Customs Portal) and Chamber of Commerce
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Retailers in malls or high-traffic areas: May require local trade license or NOC from the municipal body
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E-commerce businesses: Consider PSW registration for exports
Step 9: Fulfill Ongoing Compliance
| Compliance Item | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Income Tax Return | Annually |
| Sales Tax Return (FBR/PRA) | Monthly |
| Withholding Tax Statement | Monthly |
| SECP Annual Return (Form A) | Annually |
| Form 29 (Director Updates) | As changes occur |
| Trademark Renewal | Every 10 years |
| Audit Report (if turnover > Rs. 100 million) | Annually |
Taxation for Fashion Companies
| Tax Type | Rate / Applicability |
|---|---|
| Corporate Income Tax | 29% (TY 2025) |
| Sales Tax on Goods (FBR) | 18% |
| Sales Tax on Services (PRA/SRB) | 13%–16% |
| Minimum Tax on Turnover (Section 113) | 1.25% |
| Withholding Tax on Salaries, Rent, Contracts | As per Income Tax Ordinance |
Marketing and Branding Tip
Registering your business also allows you to:
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Set up social media and paid ads in your brand’s name
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Work with influencers and PR agencies professionally
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Join fashion expos and fashion weeks as a recognized company
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Build vendor relationships with textile mills, printers, and exporters
Conclusion
Registering a fashion company in Pakistan is a strategic move that formalizes your brand, provides access to markets and investors, and ensures compliance with tax and legal requirements. From SECP registration to FBR NTN, sales tax, and trademark protection, each step helps you establish a credible and scalable fashion business.
Whether you’re starting a boutique brand, a fast-fashion label, or an e-commerce platform, legal registration is the first step toward long-term success in the fashion industry.
