Company Registration in Pakistan | SECP Registration

Business Setup Services

Start and Grow Your Business in Pakistan

MAS Law Firm offers expert guidance on incorporating and operating a business in Pakistan. Based in Taxila, we serve clients throughout Pakistan with comprehensive company registration services for startups, SMEs, and enterprises.

Types of Business Entities in Pakistan

Choosing the right business entity offers numerous benefits, particularly in managing compliance and taxation with government departments.

Sole Proprietorship

The simplest way to start a business in Pakistan. One person can begin as the sole owner, responsible for all financial transactions. The business is registered under one individual and is only accountable to income tax. Examples include beauty parlors, event management, travel and tourism guides, restaurants, and petrol pumps.

Public Limited Company

A Public Limited company is a limited liability company whose shares can be publicly traded. These companies must disclose their financial status so buyers and sellers know the company's exact worth.

Limited by Guarantee

A Company Limited by Guarantee is a type of Public Limited company used by non-profit organizations. Instead of distributing profits to members, they use them for their intended purpose. Directors act as guarantors, promising to contribute if the company winds up.

Limited by Shares

A company limited by shares can be a private or public limited company. Members' ownership is limited to the amount paid for their shares. Rights and duties correspond to each individual's investment. The company is an independent entity, and the owners aren't liable for financial issues the company might face.

Unlimited Company

An Unlimited Company is similar to a Private Company Limited by Shares, but the member's liability is not limited. If the company cannot pay its debts, directors and shareholders may lose personal assets to cover them. Regardless of the number of shares held, there is significant risk. These companies are uncommon and offer fewer advantages.

Private Limited Company

A Private Limited Company is a legal business entity requiring at least two directors to start. It cannot publicly trade shares and is limited to 50 shareholders. The owner's liability is limited, and shares can only be sold among existing shareholders. The registration authority is the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and is regulated under the Companies Act 2017.

Benefits of Registering a Company in Pakistan

A Private Limited Company is the most popular business structure in Pakistan for startups and growing businesses. It offers limited liability protection, ability to raise capital through shareholding, and a separate legal entity status.

Formation Attracts Funding

A company structure attracts investors and funding opportunities.

Separate Legal Entity

Directors and shareholders' liability is limited up to the extent of their shareholding.

Smooth Business Growth

Grow domestically and internationally with a recognized business structure.

No Risk to Personal Assets

Personal assets are protected in case of business loss.

Foreign Investment

Being a legal entity makes it comfortable to get foreign investment.

Transfer of Shares

Easy procedure to transfer shares to others.

Company Registration Process in Pakistan

Registering a company with SECP (Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan) is now fully digitized. Under the Companies Regulations 2024, the entire process can be completed online through SECP's eZfile portal (leap.secp.gov.pk). MAS Law Firm guides you through each step to ensure smooth incorporation.

1

SECP User Login Creation

Before processing the application for company registration, we need to create a Director's login in SECP. The following information is required:

Copy of CNIC
Email of Proposed Director
Mobile Number of Proposed Director

2

Application for Name Reservation

The initial step for company registration is to submit an application for "Availability of Name" for the proposed company with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). After receiving the Name Availability Letter from SECP, applicants must apply for company registration either online or manually.

3

Submit Documents and Pay Fees

Documents and forms required by SECP to file an application for company registration include:

FORM II (Application for Registration/Incorporation)
Name Availability Letter
CNIC Copies of Proposed Directors
Memorandum and Articles of Association

SECP has simplified fee payment through online portals. Companies Regulations 2024 provides a complete fee calculator for determining registration costs based on authorized share capital.

Minimum Requirements for Company Registration

2 Directors

Minimum 2 Directors required

2 Shareholders

Minimum 2 Shareholders required

Rs. 100,000

Minimum Share Capital

Post-Registration Tax Setup

After company registration, several tax registrations are required.

Income Tax / NTN Registration

To obtain an NTN for your company, apply for a National Tax Number (NTN) at the Regional Tax Office (RTO) of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The requirements for this application are:

NTN Form (TRF-01)
Incorporation Certificate
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Bank account number
Copies of National Identity Cards (NICs) of company Directors
Electricity Bill
Tenancy Agreement along with a copy of the owner's CNIC or ownership proof if directors own the business premises.

Professional Tax Registration

ETO Professional Tax will issue a Payment Challan (PFT-2) on 32-A based on Company Paid-up Capital. You have to Deposit Professional Tax in any branch of NBP/SBP in Punjab and then provide a copy of Paid Challan to ETO Professional Tax.

ESSI and EOBI Registration

Depending on the location of the business, the company must register with:

Punjab Employees Social Security Institutions (PESSI)
Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI)
Baluchistan Province (BESSI) or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPKESSI)

Companies with five or more employees need to be registered with the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI).

Labour Department Registration

Registered companies that wish to protect the labor rights of their workers are required to register with the District Chief Inspector of the Labour Department in their region. For registration, the employer must submit Form A along with the relevant bank form.

MAS Law Firm Commonly Advises and Provides Legal Opinions On:

Incorporation and registration of a Private or a Public Company in Taxila, Pakistan
Incorporation and Registration of a Partnership Firm in Taxila
Preparation of Memorandum and Articles of Association of your company
Annual General Meeting and Extraordinary General Meetings Drafting and Documentation
Obtaining the Registration Certificate
Development of Legal Policies and Disclaimer Documentation for the proper performance of your company

Registering Company Trademark before the Intellectual Property Organization
Advising on employee placement within the business
Employment Contracts of Company with its Employees
Appointment and Resignation of Directors
Change of Registered Office Address and Main Objects of the Company
Winding up of Company through Easy Exit Scheme of SECP

Company Registration in Pakistan | SECP