In recent years, Pakistan has made significant strides toward digitalization, particularly in the area of business facilitation. One of the most notable developments is the introduction of online company registration through the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). This move has revolutionized the process of incorporating a company by eliminating cumbersome paperwork and streamlining bureaucratic procedures. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur, a freelancer looking to formalize your services, or an established business expanding operations, registering your company online can save you time, effort, and cost. This detailed step-by-step guide will walk you through the complete online company registration process in Pakistan using SECP’s eServices portal.
Step 1: Understand the Legal Structure and Requirements
Before starting the registration process, it is essential to decide the legal structure of your business. In Pakistan, the most common types of companies are:
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Single Member Company (SMC) – suitable for sole owners
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Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) – for two or more shareholders
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Public Limited Company – for businesses planning to raise capital from the public
Understanding the differences is crucial because each type has different compliance requirements, minimum capital thresholds, and post-registration obligations. For most startups and SMEs, the Private Limited or SMC formats are ideal.
Step 2: Create an Account on SECP’s eServices Portal
Visit https://eservices.secp.gov.pk and create an account. You will need to provide your CNIC (for Pakistani nationals) or passport number (for foreigners), mobile number, and email address. After completing the form, a verification email will be sent to your registered email ID. Click the verification link to activate your account. Once activated, you can log in and access the dashboard to initiate the registration process.
Step 3: Name Reservation
The first step in the registration process is to reserve a unique name for your company. Navigate to the “Company Name Reservation” section and fill out the required form. You’ll need to provide:
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Three name options in order of preference
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Company type (SMC, Private Limited, etc.)
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Description of business activities
Ensure the names comply with SECP’s guidelines. Avoid prohibited terms like “bank,” “trust,” or “stock exchange” unless special approval has been granted. A thorough check of the Company Name Guidelines is highly recommended. Once submitted, SECP usually takes 1–2 working days to process your name reservation application. Upon approval, you will receive a Name Reservation Certificate valid for 60 days.
Step 4: Prepare Required Documents
Next, prepare the mandatory incorporation documents. For online registration, these documents must be scanned and uploaded in PDF format. The main documents required are:
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Memorandum of Association (MoA) – outlines the business objectives
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Articles of Association (AoA) – outlines the rules for internal management
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Form 1 (Declaration of Compliance) – affirms that all legal requirements are met
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Form 21 (Registered Office Address) – states the principal place of business
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Form 29 (Particulars of Directors and Officers) – for Private Limited and Public companies
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Copy of CNICs/Passports of directors, CEO, and subscribers
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Bank receipt or online payment confirmation of incorporation fee
Templates for MoA and AoA are available on SECP’s website, customized by business sector. Ensure all documents are digitally signed or scanned in good quality.
Step 5: Fill Out the Incorporation Application
Login to your eServices portal and navigate to the “Incorporation of a Company” tab. Select the type of company you’re registering and fill out the online form by providing the following details:
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Proposed company name
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Share capital and number of shares
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Shareholder and director information
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Company’s registered office address
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Business sector and activities
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Duration of the company (usually perpetual)
Double-check all information for accuracy. Errors can lead to application rejection or delays.
Step 6: Payment of Incorporation Fee
Once the application is completed, the system will automatically calculate the government fee based on your share capital and company type. Payment can be made through:
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Online Banking (1Link System)
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Credit/Debit Card
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Bank Challan at Designated Branches
After payment, upload the receipt to the eServices portal to continue processing your application. SECP typically offers reduced fees for online submissions compared to manual filings, providing both financial and procedural advantages.
Step 7: Submit Application and Track Status
After payment confirmation, submit the application for final review. You will receive a Tracking ID to monitor your application’s progress. SECP will verify the documents and data provided. If any discrepancies are found, a query will be raised in your dashboard requiring correction or clarification. Make sure to respond to SECP queries promptly to avoid delays. In most cases, if everything is in order, the company will be incorporated within 1–3 working days.
Step 8: Receive Certificate of Incorporation
Once approved, SECP will issue the Certificate of Incorporation electronically. You can download this from your eServices dashboard. This certificate includes the company’s name, incorporation number, date of incorporation, and company type. It is the legal proof of your company’s existence and is required for bank account opening, tax registration, and other official uses.
Step 9: Apply for National Tax Number (NTN) with FBR
After incorporation, register your company with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to obtain a National Tax Number (NTN). This can be done via FBR’s IRIS portal at https://iris.fbr.gov.pk.
Steps include:
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Create an FBR IRIS account
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Fill out the NTN registration form (Form 181)
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Attach SECP certificate, CNICs, rent agreement or ownership proof of business premises
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Submit and wait for NTN issuance (usually within 24–48 hours)
NTN is required for tax compliance, invoice generation, and bank transactions.
Step 10: Register with Other Authorities (If Required)
Depending on your business type, you may need additional registrations:
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Sales Tax Registration with FBR (for import/export or manufacturing businesses)
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Provincial Revenue Authorities for services (PRA, SRB, KPRA, BRA)
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EOBI and Social Security Institutions for employee registration
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Chamber of Commerce Membership (optional but useful for exporters)
Ensure all these registrations are aligned with your business activities and operational needs.
Step 11: Open a Corporate Bank Account
With your incorporation documents and NTN, you can now open a corporate bank account. Most banks in Pakistan require:
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Certificate of Incorporation
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NTN Certificate
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MoA and AoA
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CNICs of directors
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Board resolution (in case of multiple directors)
Choose a bank that supports digital business banking and offers additional services such as mobile apps, payment gateways, and business loans.
Step 12: Maintain Compliance with SECP
After incorporation, a company must comply with ongoing regulatory requirements such as:
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Filing of Annual Returns (Form A and Form 29)
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Updating changes in company structure (directors, address, capital, etc.)
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Holding Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
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Filing audited financial statements (for companies exceeding revenue thresholds)
Non-compliance may result in fines, penalties, or even de-listing of the company. Ensure you or your appointed consultant monitors deadlines through SECP’s portal.
Step 13: Optional: Apply for PSEB Registration (for IT/ITES Companies)
If your company operates in the IT sector, registering with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) can offer several benefits including tax exemptions, export facilitation, and access to government grants. Visit https://www.pseb.org.pk and submit an online application along with your incorporation documents, FBR registration, and business profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Online Registration
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Submitting inconsistent or mismatched documents
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Using a business name that violates SECP’s guidelines
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Uploading low-quality or illegible scanned documents
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Missing mandatory fields in the application form
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Not responding to SECP queries on time
Avoiding these mistakes ensures faster processing and successful incorporation.
Conclusion
Online company registration in Pakistan has revolutionized the process of starting a business. With a few clicks, entrepreneurs can now reserve a company name, submit incorporation documents, pay fees, and receive their certificate—all without visiting an office. SECP’s eServices portal has not only simplified the procedure but also made it faster, cheaper, and more transparent. By following this step-by-step guide, you can successfully register your business and take the first step towards formal entrepreneurship. As the government continues to promote ease of doing business, adopting digital registration is the smartest and most efficient way to formalize your business in Pakistan today.
