The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is the principal regulator of corporate and financial sectors in Pakistan. With the advancement of digital technologies and the need for streamlined business registration processes, SECP introduced the eServices portal, a fully online platform for company incorporation and statutory filings. As of 2025, SECP’s eServices portal has become the backbone of formal business registration in Pakistan, enabling entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors to incorporate and manage companies without visiting any office physically. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the SECP online registration system—from creating an account to receiving a digital certificate of incorporation, and ensuring compliance with SECP’s regulatory requirements.
The Importance of Digital Company Registration in Pakistan
Digital registration has revolutionized the way businesses start and operate in Pakistan. Traditionally, setting up a company required multiple in-person visits, physical paperwork, and long waiting periods. The online portal eliminates geographical barriers, reduces bureaucratic hurdles, and supports transparency. In addition, the digital process ensures faster approval times, real-time status tracking, and easy access to company documents. For entrepreneurs based in remote areas or even overseas Pakistanis, the SECP eServices portal is a game-changer. It allows for a smooth, paperless incorporation experience, reducing costs and increasing efficiency in compliance.
What is SECP’s eServices Portal?
SECP’s eServices portal is a web-based platform accessible at https://eservices.secp.gov.pk. It was introduced to automate company incorporation, registration of documents, statutory filings, compliance, and record-keeping. This centralized platform supports all types of legal business entities in Pakistan—Private Limited Companies, Public Limited Companies, Single Member Companies (SMCs), and even foreign companies setting up a presence in Pakistan. It is designed to serve both new and existing companies by facilitating a wide range of services under one roof.
The portal is secure, user-friendly, and constantly being updated to incorporate new business reforms and regulations. It also supports integration with other government bodies like the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI), and Provincial Revenue Authorities to ensure end-to-end digital onboarding.
Features of the SECP Online Registration System
The eServices portal is rich in features that are tailored to meet the needs of businesses at various stages. Key features include:
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Online account creation and verification
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Name reservation system for new companies
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Preparation and electronic submission of incorporation documents
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Integration with FBR for National Tax Number (NTN) issuance
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Real-time status updates and SMS/email notifications
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Online payment through debit cards, bank transfers, or mobile wallets
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Digital issuance of Certificate of Incorporation
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Filing of statutory returns like Form A, Form 29, annual returns
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Online submission of auditors’ appointments, share transfers, and other company changes
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Access to digital archives of filed documents
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E-signatures and authenticated verification system
These features ensure a smooth experience from start to finish, eliminating the delays and errors common in manual filings.
Step-by-Step Guide to Company Registration via SECP Portal
Step 1: Create an Account on the eServices Portal
Visit the SECP eServices portal and click on “Sign up for eServices.” You will be required to input your name, CNIC (or passport number for foreigners), mobile number, and email address. Once submitted, you will receive a verification email and SMS with your login credentials and PIN code. It’s important to verify your mobile and email for future alerts and secure communication.
Step 2: Name Reservation
After logging into your eServices account, select the “Company Name Reservation” option. You can propose up to three names, prioritized by preference. SECP will check for uniqueness, compliance with naming conventions, and availability. The fee for name reservation is Rs. 200 for online filing. The approved name is reserved for 60 days, during which the company must complete the incorporation process. You will receive a digitally signed name reservation certificate upon approval.
Step 3: Filling the Incorporation Application
Once the name is reserved, you can proceed with the incorporation application. You will need to provide detailed information, including:
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Type of company (Private, Public, SMC, etc.)
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Registered office address
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Principal line of business
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Authorized and paid-up capital
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Number of shares and shareholding structure
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Particulars of directors and subscribers
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Appointment of company secretary and legal advisor (if required)
You will also be asked to upload scanned copies of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, CNICs/passports of directors, and other supporting documents.
Step 4: Online Payment of Incorporation Fee
The portal calculates the incorporation fee based on authorized capital and company type. Payment can be made through debit/credit card, Easypaisa/JazzCash, or direct bank transfer. Once payment is made, an online receipt is generated and tagged with your application. The fee for incorporation typically ranges from Rs. 1,800 to Rs. 10,000 depending on the company’s capital and structure.
Step 5: Application Review and Processing by SECP
SECP officials will review your submitted documents and information. If any corrections are needed, you will receive a notification with remarks. Otherwise, approval is granted within 1 to 3 working days. In case of discrepancies, you may be asked to re-submit specific sections or documents. Communication is done entirely through the portal and email.
Step 6: Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation
Once the application is approved, the SECP issues a digital Certificate of Incorporation. This certificate includes the company’s incorporation number, date of registration, and status. The document is available for download and serves as proof of legal existence. For most companies, this process is completed within a week if there are no objections.
Step 7: Post-Incorporation Registrations
After incorporation, SECP’s system is linked with FBR and other departments. This allows automatic issuance of the NTN and helps facilitate registrations with:
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Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)
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Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI)
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Punjab Revenue Authority or relevant provincial authority for sales tax
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Labour Department and Social Security
This integration ensures a “one window” operation for all initial corporate compliance registrations.
Benefits of Using SECP’s eServices Portal
Cost-Effectiveness
Online filing reduces costs associated with travel, printing, courier services, and in-person consultations. SECP also offers discounted fee structures for online submissions compared to manual filings.
Time-Saving
The portal drastically reduces the time required for company incorporation. Instead of weeks or months, the entire process can be completed within a few days, subject to proper documentation.
Accessibility and Convenience
The system is accessible 24/7, allowing users to register a company at their own convenience. No need to physically visit SECP offices, which is especially helpful for overseas Pakistanis and remote users.
Transparency and Real-Time Updates
Real-time notifications through email and SMS keep users informed of each step. The ability to track application status minimizes uncertainty and increases trust in the system.
Security and Compliance
All communications and filings are encrypted, and sensitive data is protected. The system enforces SECP’s compliance standards, ensuring that companies remain legally compliant from day one.
Who Can Use the SECP eServices Portal?
The SECP eServices portal is available to all citizens, residents, and foreign nationals interested in registering a company in Pakistan. It is widely used by:
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Entrepreneurs and startups
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Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
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Corporate law firms and legal advisors
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Chartered accountants and company secretaries
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NGOs and not-for-profit organizations
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Foreign companies looking to establish a local office
For foreign nationals, an authorized intermediary or local partner with a CNIC/NICOP may be required to complete the filing process.
Challenges and Common Issues in Online Registration
Document Upload Errors
One of the most common issues is incorrect formatting or poor-quality scans of required documents. SECP requires files to be in PDF format and clearly legible.
Name Rejections
Names that resemble existing companies, violate public morality, or contain restricted words are often rejected. Users should consult SECP’s naming guidelines to avoid delays.
Payment Failures
Sometimes, online payments fail to process due to connectivity or integration issues. It is recommended to use a reliable payment method and ensure sufficient balance.
Technical Glitches
Users occasionally face glitches in portal navigation, dropdowns not working, or timeouts. SECP regularly updates the system to fix bugs, but browser compatibility is essential. Using Google Chrome is generally recommended.
Limited Guidance for First-Time Users
Though SECP offers user manuals and helplines, new users may find the system complex. In such cases, engaging a corporate consultant or legal advisor is beneficial.
Future Improvements and Digital Initiatives by SECP
To further enhance user experience, SECP plans to implement:
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Artificial intelligence for automated document verification
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Integration with NADRA for instant identity confirmation
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Expansion of services in Urdu and regional languages
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Mobile app version of the eServices portal
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Biometric authentication for directors and subscribers
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Blockchain-based digital records for tamper-proof company filings
These improvements are aimed at making Pakistan’s corporate environment more investment-friendly and globally competitive.
Conclusion
Registering a company in Pakistan has never been easier, thanks to SECP’s eServices portal. It is a vital step in formalizing a business, gaining access to legal protections, entering contracts, and building investor trust. The portal provides a seamless, transparent, and user-friendly platform that enables both local and international entrepreneurs to incorporate their business with minimum hassle. Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding your operations, or entering the Pakistani market for the first time, this portal is the gateway to business legitimacy and success.
