Online business registration services in Pakistan

The rise of digital transformation in Pakistan has made it easier than ever to start and operate a business, thanks in large part to online business registration services. Whether you’re launching a startup, a freelance brand, or a full-fledged company, you can now register your business from the comfort of your home or office without visiting government offices.

This article explains everything you need to know about online business registration services in Pakistan — including platforms involved, step-by-step procedures, required documents, types of businesses supported, and how professional firms like Sterling.pk simplify the process for entrepreneurs.

Importance of Online Business Registration

Online business registration provides a fast, accessible, and cost-effective way for new entrepreneurs and companies to legalize their business activities. It enhances:

• Ease of doing business

• Transparency and accountability

• Entrepreneurial access to markets and funding

• Eligibility for tenders, bank loans, and tax benefits

Pakistan’s key regulators — the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) — now fully support online registration for most business types.

Benefits of Online Business Registration

• Convenient: Register from any location using a laptop or mobile

• Paperless: Fully digital submission and approvals

• Time-saving: Avoid delays associated with manual processing

• Lower cost: Minimal travel and document printing expenses

• Instant verification: Automated checks and system validations

• Accessible 24/7: Applications can be filed anytime via online portals

Key Online Platforms for Business Registration

1. SECP eServices Portal

For registering companies and LLPs
Website: https://eservices.secp.gov.pk

Services available:

• Name reservation

• Company incorporation (Private Ltd, SMC, Public)

• Filing of statutory returns and forms

• Download of incorporation certificates

2. FBR IRIS Portal

For tax registration (NTN and STRN)
Website: https://iris.fbr.gov.pk

Services available:

• Income tax and sales tax registration

• Tax return filing

• Withholding tax statements

• Compliance certificates

3. Provincial Revenue Portals

For service tax registration in respective provinces:

• Punjab: https://e.pra.punjab.gov.pk

• Sindh: https://e.srb.gos.pk

• KP: https://kpra.kp.gov.pk

• Balochistan: https://www.bra.gob.pk

4. Pakistan Single Window (PSW)

For import/export and trade documentation
Website: https://www.psw.gov.pk

Types of Businesses You Can Register Online

1. Sole Proprietorship

   • Registered via FBR for NTN

   • Optional chamber and sales tax registration

2. Partnership Firm

   • Manual registration with Registrar of Firms (some regions allow partial online processing)

   • Online tax registration via FBR

3. Private Limited Company

   • Full online registration via SECP

   • Post-registration FBR and STRN registration via IRIS

4. Single Member Company (SMC)

   • One-person company registration through SECP eServices

   • Ideal for freelancers and solo startups

5. Section 42 Non-Profit Organization

   • Apply for license and incorporate fully online via SECP

   • Requires digital signatures and scanned documents

6. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

   • Registration through SECP portal

   • Hybrid model combining elements of a company and a partnership

Online Business Registration Process – Step by Step

Step 1: Decide the Type of Business

Evaluate your goals, structure, investment needs, and compliance readiness to select one of the following:

• Sole Proprietorship (simplest)

• Partnership (multi-owner model)

• Private Limited Company (recommended for startups)

• SMC (best for individuals with limited liability needs)

Step 2: Name Reservation (SECP for companies)

• Create an account on SECP eServices

• File Form A for name reservation

• Pay PKR 1,000 via bank or credit card

• Name approval usually takes 1 working day

Step 3: Prepare Incorporation Documents

• Memorandum and Articles of Association

• CNICs of directors/shareholders

• Registered business address and utility bill

• Digital signature certificates (obtainable online via NIFT)

• Nominee details (for SMC)

Step 4: File Incorporation Forms Online

Using the SECP portal:

• Fill Forms I, 21, and 29

• Upload scanned documents in PDF

• Pay the incorporation fee based on authorized capital

Step 5: Get Certificate of Incorporation

Once approved, SECP will issue a Certificate of Incorporation digitally via your eServices account.

Step 6: Tax Registration (NTN)

• Create an account on IRIS FBR portal

• File Form 181 for registration

• Upload required documents:

  • CNICs/SECP certificate

  • Utility bill

  • Rent agreement (if applicable)

  • Bank details

NTN certificate will be available within 1–3 business days.

Step 7: Sales Tax Registration (If applicable)

• Log in to IRIS and apply for STRN

• Upload GPS-tagged photos of premises via Tax Asaan App

• FBR will verify and issue STRN

Step 8: Apply for Other Licenses (if needed)

Based on your business type, you may need:

• Chamber of Commerce membership

• PRA/SRB registration for service tax

• Professional tax registration

• Trade license (from municipal authorities)

Documents Required for Online Registration

All documents must be uploaded in scanned format (PDF/JPEG) under 5MB size per file.

Time Required for Online Business Registration

Common Issues Faced During Online Registration

• System errors or session timeouts on eServices/IRIS

• Document format mismatch or file size errors

• Incomplete digital signatures or activation delays

• Mismatch in business address and utility bill

• Name rejection due to similarity or banned words

How Sterling.pk Helps You

Sterling.pk offers end-to-end online business registration services, ensuring:

• Business type consultation

• Name selection and SECP reservation

• Digital signature acquisition

• Legal drafting of MoA and AoA

• SECP eServices filing

• FBR NTN and STRN application

• Chamber and tax authority registration

• PSEB registration for IT startups

• Ongoing compliance support

Our services are ideal for:

• Startups

• Freelancers

• E-commerce businesses

• Exporters and manufacturers

• Tech-based companies

Cost Estimate of Online Business Registration

Note: Costs vary based on business structure, city, and urgency.

Future of Online Business Registration in Pakistan

Pakistan is actively working to simplify business startup procedures through:

• Integration of SECP, FBR, and NADRA databases

• One-window registration through Pakistan Business Portal

• Digitization of provincial and municipal licensing

• Simplified registration processes for women and youth entrepreneurs

Online registration is expected to become faster and more transparent in the coming years, promoting a culture of formal entrepreneurship.

Conclusion

Online business registration in Pakistan has significantly improved over the past few years. With platforms like SECP eServices, FBR IRIS, and PRA/SRB portals, entrepreneurs can now register their businesses without stepping foot in a government office. However, the process still involves legal forms, document handling, and technical steps where expert assistance can be invaluable.

Sterling.pk provides one-window online business registration services that guide you through every stage — from selecting the right structure to securing tax numbers and compliance certifications. With our professional support, you can save time, avoid errors, and focus on growing your business with confidence