How to Register a Company in Pakistan?

Starting a business in Pakistan is a big step, and registering your company is the first important move. It makes your business legal and helps build trust with customers, banks, and investors. Many people think company registration is hard, but now it is simple and can be done online. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) handles all company registrations in the country. You can choose different types of companies like Private Limited (Pvt Ltd) or Single Member Company (SMC), depending on your needs.

In this blog I will guide you step by step on how to register a company in Pakistan, what documents you need, how to use the SECP e-Services portal, and how much it costs. We will also explain the types of companies you can register, and what to do after your company is set up. Everything is written in easy words so you can understand clearly.

Pvt LTD Company Registration in Pakistan

A Private Limited Company (Pvt LTD) is one of the most popular types of business in Pakistan. It is usually chosen by startups, tech companies, and service providers because it is legally separate from its owners. This means your personal assets are protected in case of business loss.

To register a Pvt LTD company in Pakistan, you must have at least two directors and one company secretary. You also need to decide on a company name and business activity. After choosing the name, you can reserve it on the SECP online portal.

The main benefits of Pvt LTD registration include limited liability, easy access to funding, and legal protection. Once registered, your company gets a Certificate of Incorporation, which proves that it is a legal entity in Pakistan.

SECP Company Registration

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is responsible for registering all companies in the country. SECP has made the process fast and simple by offering an online registration system through its e-Services portal.

To begin SECP company registration, you first need to create an account on the SECP e-Services website. After logging in, you can apply for company name reservation. Once the name is approved, you can submit your application for incorporation along with required documents.

The SECP also checks if the company name is available and not similar to any existing name. After all steps are complete and the documents are verified, SECP will issue your company registration certificate.

Online Company Registration in Pakistan

Thanks to digital progress, online company registration in Pakistan is now a quick and easy process. You don’t need to visit any office or wait in long lines. Everything can be done from your computer.

The process starts with signing up at https://eservices.secp.gov.pk. After creating your login, you can:

1. Reserve your company name
2. Fill out the incorporation form
3. Upload your documents
4. Pay the registration fee online

Once your application is submitted, SECP will take a few working days to review and approve it. After that, you can download your Certificate of Incorporation directly from the portal. This digital process has made it easier for small businesses and startups to enter the formal economy.

Step-by-Step Company Registration

Decide the Type of Company You Want to Register

Before starting the registration process, it is very important to decide what type of company you want to create. In Pakistan, the most common types are: Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd), Single Member Company (SMC), and Public Limited Company. For small businesses or startups, a Pvt Ltd or SMC is usually the best choice. A Pvt Ltd company has at least two directors, while an SMC has only one owner. Both offer limited liability, which means your personal assets are protected if the company has any legal or financial problems. Deciding this first will help you prepare the correct documents and follow the right process with SECP.

Create an Account on the SECP e-Services Portal

Once you know what type of company you want to register, go to the SECP e-Services portal at https://eservices.secp.gov.pk. Click on the “Sign Up” button and create your account by entering your CNIC number, mobile number, and email address. SECP will send you a verification email. After confirming your account, you can log in and start the online registration process. It is important to use your correct personal details so there are no issues during the verification process.

Reserve Your Company Name

The next step is to choose a unique and valid company name. The name should not be similar to any existing registered company and must follow the SECP naming guidelines. After deciding on a name, go to the “Name Reservation” section on the SECP portal. Fill out the online form and submit it. There is a small fee for this step, which you can pay online using a credit/debit card or bank transfer. SECP usually takes 1–2 working days to approve the name. Once approved, the name is reserved for 60 days, during which you must complete the full registration.

Prepare All Required Documents

After your company name is approved, you must gather and prepare all the necessary documents for incorporation. These include:

• CNIC copies of all directors and the company secretary
• Company name and business activity
• Memorandum of Association (MoA) – outlines your company’s objectives
• Articles of Association (AoA) – explains how your company will operate
• Form 21 – provides the address of your company
• Form 29 – lists the directors and company secretary
• Authorization letter (if someone is filing on your behalf)

Make sure all documents are scanned clearly and in PDF format. These documents are the most important part of the process, so double-check for errors or missing information.

Apply for Digital Signature from NIFT

Before you can submit your incorporation form, you need to get a digital signature. SECP uses NIFT (National Institutional Facilitation Technologies) to issue digital certificates. You can apply for a digital signature through the SECP e-Services portal. Once your application is submitted, NIFT will verify your identity and issue your digital signature. This may take 1–3 days. Without a digital signature, you cannot electronically sign and submit your company registration forms.

Submit the Incorporation Application

Now that you have your company name and digital signature, you can fill out the Incorporation Form on the SECP e-Services portal. Attach all the required documents, fill in company details such as address, capital, directors, and nature of business. Sign the forms digitally using your NIFT certificate. Review everything carefully and pay the incorporation fee, which varies based on your authorized capital.

After submission, SECP will review your application. If all documents are correct, they will issue a Certificate of Incorporation within 3–5 working days.

Apply for National Tax Number (NTN) with FBR

After your company is incorporated, you must apply for a National Tax Number (NTN) from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Visit https://iris.fbr.gov.pk and create an account. Submit your business registration documents, such as your SECP certificate, company address, and director CNICs. Once approved, FBR will issue your NTN. This is required to open a business bank account and to file taxes. For Pvt Ltd and SMC, getting an NTN is mandatory for legal operations.

Open a Business Bank Account

With your company’s incorporation certificate and NTN, you can now open a business bank account under the company name. Visit any commercial bank in Pakistan and provide the required documents, including:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• MoA & AoA
• NTN Certificate
• CNIC copies of directors
• Resolution of the board (in case of Pvt Ltd)

The bank will process your application and open the account. This account will be used for all business transactions, including income, expenses, and salaries.

Register for Sales Tax (If Required)

If your company is selling products or services that are taxable under Pakistan law, you must also register for Sales Tax with the FBR. This can be done through the same IRIS portal. You will need to provide additional information like your business premises, electricity bill, and rent agreement (if applicable). Once your application is approved, FBR will issue a Sales Tax Registration Number (STRN). This allows you to issue tax invoices and file monthly returns.

Maintain Company Compliance

After your company is registered, your responsibilities are not over. You must file annual returns with SECP, submit tax returns to FBR, and keep proper financial records. If you change directors, address, or company structure, you must update SECP through their portal. It’s also a good idea to hire a legal or tax advisor to help you stay compliant with Pakistan’s corporate laws.

Types of Company Registration in Pakistan

There are different types of company registration in Pakistan, and you can choose one based on your business needs:

Type of Company	Minimum Members	Registering Authority	Key Features
Sole Proprietorship	1 (Owner)	Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)	Easy to start, no separate legal identity, personal liability
Partnership Firm	2 or more	Registrar of Firms (District Level)	Shared ownership, requires Partnership Deed
Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)	2 or more directors	SECP	Separate legal identity, limited liability, ideal for startups & small businesses
Single Member Company (SMC)	1	SECP	Like Pvt Ltd but with a single owner, limited liability
Public Limited Company	3 or more directors	SECP	Can offer shares to public, strict compliance, suitable for large businesses
Non-Profit Company (NGO – Section 42)	3 or more directors	SECP	Formed for charitable, religious or educational purposes, no profit distribution

Choosing the right type is important for taxes, liability, and growth. Pvt LTD and SMC are best for modern startups and tech companies.

The Bottom Line:

Registering a company in Pakistan is now much easier than before. Thanks to SECP’s online system, you can complete most steps from your home or office without visiting any government office. Company registration gives your business a legal name and identity, which helps you gain the trust of banks, clients, and investors. It also allows you to open a business bank account, get tax numbers, and grow your business with peace of mind.

In this blog, we explained everything in simple words, from choosing your company type to getting your registration certificate. We also covered how to use SECP’s e-Services portal, what documents are needed, and how to apply for an NTN with FBR. Whether you want to start a small business, a startup, or a non-profit, registering your company is the first big step.

It may seem confusing at first, but if you follow each step carefully, the process becomes easy. If needed, you can also take help from a legal expert or registration service. Once your company is registered, always follow the rules, pay taxes, and keep your records updated. A registered company is more professional, respected, and ready to grow in today’s competitive market.