Introduction
Choosing the right name for your company is one of the most critical early steps in setting up a business. In Pakistan, before incorporating a company, you must reserve a unique and legally acceptable company name with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The process is regulated under the Companies Act, 2017 and implemented through SECP’s online eServices portal.
This detailed guide provides everything you need to know about the company name reservation process in Pakistan, including rules, requirements, step-by-step procedures, and frequently asked questions. Whether you’re forming a startup, expanding your business, or rebranding an existing entity, this article helps ensure your application is smooth, successful, and fully compliant.
Why Is Name Reservation Important?
Company name reservation is the first legal step toward forming a company in Pakistan. The name becomes the official identifier of the business in SECP’s records and is also used in dealings with:
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Banks
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Tax authorities (FBR/PRA)
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Customers and suppliers
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Legal and regulatory bodies
Without reserving an approved company name, you cannot file incorporation documents or establish legal standing.
Legal Framework
Governing Law:
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Companies Act, 2017
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Regulation 3 to 9 of the Company Name Reservation Regulations, 2017
Regulatory Body:
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Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)
Eligibility to Apply
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Pakistani nationals
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Foreign nationals or entities with valid identification
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Authorized intermediaries (e.g., lawyers, accountants)
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Corporate service providers registered with SECP
Applications must be submitted through an SECP eServices account with a valid CNIC/NICOP/Passport or digital certificate.
Types of Companies Requiring Name Reservation
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Private Limited Companies
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Single Member Companies (SMCs)
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Public Limited Companies
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Not-for-Profit Companies (Section 42)
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Foreign Companies (for branch office registration)
Key Rules for Choosing a Company Name
To avoid rejection, ensure your proposed company name:
✅ Is not identical or closely resembles an existing company
✅ Does not include prohibited words such as:
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Federal
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National
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Pakistan
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Authority
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Bank
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Trust
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Cooperative
✅ Does not contain religious, political, or offensive terms
✅ Is not misleading or deceptive
✅ Is distinct and clear, avoiding general terms like “International Group” or “Enterprises”
✅ Does not infringe on trademarks or copyrights
🔎 Tip: Conduct a name search at both SECP and IPO Pakistan to avoid legal issues.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reserving a Company Name with SECP
Step 1: Sign Up on SECP eServices Portal
Visit: https://eservices.secp.gov.pk
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Create an account using your CNIC or NICOP
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Foreign nationals can register using passport details
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Validate account through email or SMS
Step 2: Prepare the Required Information
Have the following details ready:
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Proposed name(s) (up to 3 suggestions)
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Nature of business
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Contact details of applicant
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Copy of CNIC or Passport
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NTN (optional but helpful)
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Valid debit/credit card or bank challan
Step 3: Select “Name Reservation” Application
From the dashboard, choose:
“Company Name Reservation – Form I”
Step 4: Fill in the Application Form
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Enter all required personal and business details
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Provide at least one proposed name (up to three can be submitted)
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Mention the business object (e.g., IT services, food production)
Step 5: Pay the Name Reservation Fee
| Submission Mode | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online Filing | PKR 200 |
| Manual Filing | PKR 500 |
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Use SECP’s online payment gateway or bank challan
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Payment must be completed before submission
Step 6: Submit and Track Application
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Submit the Form I after payment
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Receive Acknowledgment Receipt
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Application is reviewed by SECP’s registrar office
Step 7: SECP Review and Approval
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Review timeline: 1–2 working days
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If approved, SECP issues a Name Reservation Certificate
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If rejected:
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You will be notified via email
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You can resubmit with alternate names
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Validity of Reserved Name
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A reserved name is valid for 60 days
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If incorporation is not completed within this period, the name expires
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You can re-reserve the same name before expiry (subject to availability)
After Name Reservation: What’s Next?
Once the name is reserved:
✅ Proceed to file incorporation documents using the same name
✅ Prepare Memorandum and Articles of Association
✅ File incorporation via Form II (for company registration)
✅ Apply for NTN and STRN with FBR
Common Reasons for Rejection of Name Reservation
🚫 Proposed name already exists or is too similar
🚫 Name contains prohibited or sensitive terms
🚫 Incomplete or incorrect application form
🚫 Improper payment or invalid challan
🚫 Use of misleading or vague expressions
🚫 Inconsistency between company name and object clause
Name Reservation for Section 42 Companies
Section 42 (Not-for-Profit) companies require prior SECP approval, and names must reflect the organization’s social or charitable purpose. Examples:
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Foundation
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Society
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Association
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Welfare Trust
These names are subject to additional scrutiny and require NOC from concerned ministries for sensitive sectors like health or education.
Can You Reserve a Name for Future Use?
Yes. Even if you do not immediately wish to register a company, you can reserve a name to secure your branding. You may keep reapplying every 60 days until you’re ready to incorporate.
Real-World Example
Case: TechStart Pvt. Ltd.
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Submitted 3 names: TechStart, TechHub Pakistan, and NextTech Solutions
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SECP rejected TechHub Pakistan due to similarity
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Approved TechStart after 24 hours
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Incorporated the company within 10 days
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can two companies have the same name?
No. SECP only allows unique names. Similar names may be rejected to avoid confusion.
Q2. How long does name reservation take?
Typically 1 to 2 working days. Expedited processing is not officially available.
Q3. Can I change the name after reservation?
Yes, but you must file a new application. Name changes after incorporation require Form 27 and a special resolution.
Q4. Can foreign entities reserve names in Pakistan?
Yes, but the entity must be represented through a Pakistani legal representative or authorized person.
Q5. Is name reservation required before every incorporation?
Yes. It is compulsory for all types of new companies.
How Sterling.pk Can Help
At Sterling.pk, we simplify your business setup by:
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Suggesting unique and legally viable company names
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Conducting name availability checks
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Filing Form I on SECP portal on your behalf
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Handling rejection appeals or re-submissions
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Assisting in complete company incorporation
We ensure your name is reserved quickly and correctly, helping you move forward with confidence.
Conclusion
Reserving a company name in Pakistan is a crucial legal and strategic step in establishing a business. By understanding the SECP’s guidelines, completing Form I accurately, and avoiding prohibited terms, you can secure a name that reflects your brand and meets legal standards.
Whether you’re launching a startup, forming an NGO, or rebranding your business, let Sterling.pk handle the entire name reservation and registration process—efficiently and compliantly.
