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Registering a company in Pakistan is largely an online process with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). With the right preparation, a private limited company can be incorporated within a few working days. Here is the process, and the decisions to get right before you file.
1. Choose the type of company
| Type | Members | Directors | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-member company (SMC) | 1 | 1 (with a nominee director/member as required) | Solo founders wanting limited liability |
| Private limited company | 2 to 50 | At least 2 | Most start-ups, SMEs and family businesses |
| Public unlisted company | 3 or more | At least 3 | Larger businesses raising capital more widely |
| Section 42 company | As per licence | As per licence | Not-for-profit organisations |
A limited liability partnership (LLP) is an alternative for professional and small businesses that prefer partnership flexibility.
2. Choose and reserve a name
The name must be distinctive, not misleading, and end with "(Private) Limited" or "(SMC-Private) Limited" as applicable. Check availability on SECP's portal and apply to reserve it — or reserve it within the incorporation application.
3. Prepare the documents
- CNIC (or passport for foreign nationals) of each subscriber and director
- Memorandum and articles of association suited to your business and shareholding
- Consents to act as director, and particulars of directors, officers and beneficial owners
- Registered office address
- For corporate shareholders, board resolutions and constitutional documents
4. File the incorporation application online
Create an account on SECP's online portal, complete the incorporation application, upload the documents, pay the fee (which depends on authorised capital) and submit. SECP examines the application and, once satisfied, issues the certificate of incorporation with your company's Corporate Unique Identification Number (CUIN). The company's NTN is generated through the SECP–FBR link.
5. After incorporation
- Open the company's bank account and deposit the subscribed capital.
- Set up statutory registers — members, directors and officers, beneficial owners and charges.
- Hold the first board meeting and appoint the first auditors as the Act requires.
- Register for sales tax with FBR and for services tax with your provincial authority if your activities require it.
- Register with EOBI and provincial social security when you hire employees.
- Diarise annual filings — see our annual compliance checklist.
How long and how much?
Once documents are ready, SECP usually completes incorporation within a few working days. Government fees depend on authorised capital. Our corporate law and secretarial practice agrees a fixed fee covering advice on structure, drafting, filing and the post-incorporation steps. Get a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register a company online in Pakistan?
Yes. Incorporation is filed online with SECP. Documents are uploaded and fees are paid electronically.
Do I get an NTN automatically?
The company's NTN is generated through the integration between SECP and FBR when the company is incorporated. Sales tax and provincial registrations are separate steps.
This guide is general information based on the law as we understand it on the date shown, not advice for your situation. Tax rules change often — please speak to us before acting on it. See our disclaimer.