How to Register a Company in Pakistan

If your are thinking to start business, the first step is to register it. In this article I will tell you how to register a company in Pakistan.

Decide Your Company Type to Register a Company in Pakistan 

First you need to choose the type of company you want to register. In Pakistan common types of companies  include:

Company Type	Description
Sole Proprietorship	One person owns the business
Partnership	Two or more people run the business together
Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)	Separate legal entity; good for startups and businesses with growth plans
Public Limited Company	For large businesses; can offer shares to the public
Single Member Company (SMC)	Only one owner but with limited liability

Most small businesses go for a Private Limited Company or SMC.

Register with SECP (Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan)

The SECP is the main authority that handles company registration in Pakistan.

Here is how to do it:

Create an Account on SECP e-Services Portal

• Go to https://eservices.secp.gov.pk
  
• Sign up and create your account as a new user
  

Name Reservation to Register a Company in Pakistan 

• Suggest a unique company name
  
• Check if it’s available using the SECP portal
  
• Submit your name for approval (this step costs a small fee)
  

Avoid using restricted words like Government, Pakistan and Bank unless you have special permission.

Prepare Required Documents to Register a Company in Pakistan 

After your name is approved then gather these documents:

1. Memorandum of Association (MOA): It explains goals of your company.
   
2. Articles of Association (AOA) : It explains how your company will operate
   
3. CNIC copies of directors/owners
   
4. Form 1, 21 and 29 

SECP standard forms

5. Paid bank challan (fee receipt)
   

You can hire a consultant or use SECP templates for help with MOA and AOA.

Submit Documents Online to Register a Company in Pakistan 

Log in to SECP e-Services again and:

• Upload all documents
  
• Submit forms
  
• Pay the registration fee online
  

Processing Time: Usually 3 to 5 working days

Receive Certificate of Incorporation

Once your application is approved SECP will issue a Certificate of Incorporation. This means your company is now officially registered.

Register for Other Legal Requirements

Once your company is registered do not forget to:

1. Register for NTN (National Tax Number) at FBR: https://iris.fbr.gov.pk
   
2. Open a company bank account using your NTN and registration certificate
   
3. Register with provincial authorities (if needed for sales tax or services)
   
4. Register with Chamber of Commerce (optional but helpful for networking and trade benefits)
   

Also read this: How to pay e challan?