The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) is the apex government agency under the Ministry of IT & Telecom responsible for promoting Pakistan’s IT and software industry. Registration with PSEB not only validates your business as a software export entity but also makes you eligible for tax exemptions, government incentives, capacity-building initiatives, and global visibility.
If you are planning to launch or formalize your software house in Pakistan, registering with PSEB is a critical step. Below is a fully updated guide for 2025 outlining who needs to register, how to register, and what documents are required.
Why Register with PSEB?
PSEB registration provides numerous benefits for software houses and IT companies, including:
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Income Tax Exemption on IT/ITeS exports until 2026 (under section 65F of Income Tax Ordinance)
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Access to PSEB certifications, international marketing support, and trade shows
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Eligibility for PSEB-funded training, incubators, and grants
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Access to Pakistan’s freelancer registration program for single-person software startups
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Inclusion in PSEB’s directory of IT companies used by international buyers
Obligations After Registration
PSEB-registered software houses must comply with certain requirements:
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Compliance with National Laws: Including labor, tax, and intellectual property regulations
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Annual Fees: Payment of PSEB membership and renewal fees as notified annually
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Operational Reporting: Submission of business performance data and export records
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Quality Assurance: Ensuring high-quality standards in software development and delivery
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Industry Participation: Active involvement in trade shows, IT expos, and events organized by PSEB
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Transparency: Sharing marketing strategies and business updates with PSEB
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Collaborative Engagement: Participation in sector-wide activities to uplift Pakistan’s IT exports
Eligibility for PSEB Registration
You can register your business with PSEB if you fall under any of the following categories:
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Software Development House
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IT Services Provider (e.g., BPO, SaaS, Cloud, Cybersecurity)
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Freelance software entrepreneur (registered business name required)
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Exporter of software or IT-enabled services
Step-by-Step Process to Register with PSEB (2025 Updated)
Step 1: Obtain an NTN from FBR
Before anything else, your software house must register with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and obtain a valid National Tax Number (NTN).
Step 2: Company Incorporation with SECP
Register your business as a Private Limited Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). This is mandatory for formal corporate operations.
Documents required include:
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Memorandum & Articles of Association
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Certificate of Incorporation
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CNICs of directors/shareholders
Step 3: Apply for PSEB Membership Online
Go to https://registration.pseb.org.pk and create an account. Fill out the PSEB Registration Form and upload all necessary documents (see list below).
Step 4: Submit Application and Pay Registration Fee
Upload documents, pay the registration charges, and submit the application online. PSEB reviews the application and may request additional information or schedule a virtual inspection.
Step 5: PSEB Review and Certificate Issuance
Upon approval, PSEB issues a Certificate of Registration. You will also receive access to PSEB’s dashboard for data reporting, certifications, and support programs.
Step 6: Obtain Local Trade License
Although not always enforced, it is advisable to get a trade license from the local development authority or relevant metropolitan office.
Step 7: Register with EOBI and Social Security (If Employing Staff)
If you hire employees, register with:
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Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI)
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Provincial Social Security Institution
These registrations ensure legal coverage of employee retirement and social security benefits.
List of Documents Required for PSEB Registration (2025)
Mandatory:
• Completed online registration form (with no missing fields)
• Company profile or brochure on letterhead
• Paid registration fee receipt
• CNIC copies of all directors/partners
• Business NTN certificate
• Attested SECP documents (Certificate of Incorporation, MoA, AoA)
• Attested copy of the partnership deed (if applicable)
• Partnership or firm registration certificate (if not a company)
• Latest 6-month business bank statement
Optional but Recommended:
• Visiting cards of key personnel
• Passport copies of foreign shareholders/directors
• Export contracts (if available)
• Tax returns from the previous year (if applicable)
