SECP Company Registration in Pakistan

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is the federal regulator responsible for company incorporation and corporate compliance. A Private Limited company (Pvt Ltd) is the default vehicle for a Pakistani operating business — separate legal personality, limited liability for shareholders, and the credibility banks, tax authorities and clients expect.

Registration happens through SECP's eServices portal in three formal stages: (1) name reservation, where you submit up to three preferred names and SECP confirms availability, usually within 24 hours; (2) incorporation filing, where you upload the Memorandum and Articles of Association, shareholder and director particulars and the digital signature of one director; (3) certificate issuance, once SECP is satisfied and fees are paid.

In parallel we handle the tax-side registrations — the National Tax Number (NTN) with the FBR, sales tax registration with the federal or provincial authority that applies to your sector, and where relevant an import/export licence with Pakistan Customs.

For 95% of Pakistani founders, a Private Limited company is the right vehicle. It requires a minimum of two shareholders and two directors, has no minimum paid-up capital (PKR 100,000 is the practical norm), and is recognised by every Pakistani bank and every foreign investor.

A Single Member Company (SMC-Private Limited) is a variant with only one shareholder — useful for solo founders who want limited liability without adding a nominal second shareholder. It carries slightly more compliance (nominee director required).

A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) suits professional-services firms (law, accountancy, consultancy) that want limited liability with partnership tax treatment. It is less commonly accepted by banks and corporate clients than a Pvt Ltd.

For overseas Pakistanis and non-residents, incorporation is fully permitted — with additional documentation (attested passport copies, address proof) and the requirement that at least one director have a Pakistani NTN before certain post-incorporation steps.

Day 1–2: We draft the Memorandum and Articles, capture shareholder and director details, and file the name reservation. SECP normally confirms within 24 hours.

Day 3–7: Incorporation filing goes in with the reserved name. SECP reviews and, if in order, issues the Certificate of Incorporation and Company Registration Number. Digital signature registration for the designated director happens alongside.

Day 8–12: NTN registration with the FBR (IRIS portal), provincial sales tax registration where the business activity requires it, and Chamber of Commerce membership if you need it for import/export.

Day 13–15: Corporate bank account opening with one of the mainstream Pakistani banks (Meezan, HBL, UBL, Bank Alfalah). Timing varies bank-by-bank; we prepare the full account-opening pack and introduce you to the relationship manager to shortcut the process.

SECP incorporation is not a one-time event. Every Pvt Ltd must file an annual return (Form-A) within 30 days of the AGM, notify SECP of any change in directors or shareholders (Form-29) within 15 days of the change, and file audited financial statements once turnover crosses the audit threshold.

On the tax side, the FBR expects an annual income tax return, monthly or quarterly sales tax returns depending on the sector, and monthly withholding tax statements for payroll and vendor payments. Missing any of these triggers ATL (Active Taxpayer List) removal — which doubles withholding rates on your payments and signals red flags to banks and counterparties.

Clients typically move onto our monthly compliance retainer after incorporation, so the SECP and FBR calendar is managed on their behalf from day one.

IT and IT-enabled services (ITES): companies registered with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) can access a 0% or reduced tax regime on export income, subject to conditions on repatriation and PSEB certification. We check eligibility and complete PSEB registration alongside incorporation for qualifying businesses.

Special Technology Zones (STZs): manufacturing and R&D businesses locating in an STZ can access ten-year tax holidays and duty-free imports. Site selection and STZ registration must be planned pre-incorporation to secure the benefit.

Export-oriented units: businesses exporting more than 80% of production can access reduced tax rates and duty drawback schemes. The correct SIC/PSIC business code at SECP registration matters because it flows through to every subsequent tax return.