Starting a business in Pakistan is one of the most exciting decisions an entrepreneur can make, but before your first invoice goes out or your first employee walks in, your business needs to exist legally. Company registration in Pakistan involves multiple authorities, layers of documentation, and strict procedural requirements that, if missed or mishandled, can delay your launch by weeks or expose you to compliance penalties down the line.
This guide walks you through the complete process of registering a company in Pakistan, from choosing the right business structure to obtaining your NTN, STRN, and any sector-specific licenses you may need. If at any point you prefer to have qualified professionals handle the process end-to-end, get in touch with our team for a consultation.
1. Choose the Right Business Structure
Before you file a single form, you need to decide what type of legal entity you are registering. The structure you choose affects your tax obligations, liability exposure, governance requirements, and how investors perceive you.
The most common business structures in Pakistan include:
Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.) – The most popular choice for startups and SMEs. Offers limited liability protection, a separate legal identity, and a relatively straightforward compliance framework under the Companies Act 2017. Requires a minimum of two directors and two shareholders (who can be the same persons).
Single Member Company (SMC-Pvt. Ltd.) – Ideal for solo entrepreneurs who want the benefits of limited liability without needing a second shareholder. Governed by the same Companies Act 2017 framework but with simplified shareholder requirements.
Public Limited Company – Suited for larger enterprises that intend to raise capital from the public or list on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Carries significantly heavier regulatory obligations.
Branch or Liaison Office – Used by foreign companies looking to establish a presence in Pakistan without incorporating a separate entity. Requires SECP registration and, in some cases, Board of Investment (BOI) approval. For detailed guidance on this route, see the firm’s Foreign Company Formation service.
Sole Proprietorship / Partnership – Simpler to set up but carries unlimited personal liability and is generally not recommended for businesses that plan to scale or seek external financing.
For most new businesses, a Private Limited Company is the recommended starting point. It strikes the right balance between legal protection, credibility, and manageable compliance obligations.
2. Name Reservation with SECP
Once you have chosen your structure, the first formal step is reserving your company name through the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) via its online portal, SECP eServices.
Key rules for name approval:
- The name must be unique and not identical or deceptively similar to an existing registered company.
- It must not contain words restricted by SECP (such as “Bank,” “Insurance,” or “Fund” without relevant regulatory approvals).
- Names suggesting affiliation with government bodies are generally not permitted.
SECP typically processes name reservation applications within one to two working days. Once approved, the reserved name is valid for 60 days, within which you must complete incorporation.
3. Prepare Your Incorporation Documents
With your name reserved, you need to prepare the core incorporation documents. For a Private Limited Company, these include:
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) – Defines the company’s name, registered office address, objects (business activities), and share capital structure.
- Articles of Association (AoA) – Sets out the internal governance rules, including how directors are appointed, how meetings are conducted, and how shares are transferred.
- Form 1 – Declaration of compliance with the Companies Act 2017, signed by a director or officer.
- Form 21 – Notice of the registered office address.
- Form 29 – Particulars of directors, chief executive, and secretary.
- CNIC copies of all directors and shareholders (or passport copies for foreign nationals).
These documents must be drafted carefully. Errors or omissions in the MoA and AoA, particularly in the objects clause, can create problems during banking, contract signing, and future investment rounds. The firm’s Registration and Licensing service handles all document preparation and filing on behalf of clients.
4. File for Incorporation via SECP eServices
All incorporation filings in Pakistan are now processed online through the SECP eServices portal. The process involves:
- Creating an account on the SECP eServices portal.
- Uploading all required documents in the prescribed format.
- Paying the applicable incorporation fee (based on authorized share capital).
- Awaiting SECP review and approval.
For straightforward applications with complete documentation, SECP typically issues the Certificate of Incorporation within one to three working days. Upon approval, you receive:
- Certificate of Incorporation – Your company’s official birth certificate as a legal entity.
- Unique Digital Identification Number (UDIN) – Used for all future SECP filings.
At this point, your company legally exists. However, it cannot yet operate commercially, several additional registrations are required.
5. Obtain Your National Tax Number (NTN) from FBR
Every registered company in Pakistan must obtain a National Tax Number (NTN) from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The NTN is your company’s tax identity and is required for:
- Filing income tax returns.
- Opening a corporate bank account.
- Entering into contracts with government entities.
- Participating in public tenders.
NTN registration is completed through the FBR’s IRIS portal. You will need your Certificate of Incorporation, MoA, AoA, CNIC copies of directors, and the company’s registered office address. The FBR typically issues the NTN within two to three working days for complete applications.
6. Register for Sales Tax (STRN) – If Applicable
If your business will be making taxable supplies of goods or services, you are required to register for Sales Tax with the FBR and obtain a Sales Tax Registration Number (STRN). This is done through the same IRIS portal as NTN registration.
For service-based businesses, provincial registration with the relevant Provincial Revenue Authority (PRA in Punjab, SRB in Sindh, KPRA in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, or BRA in Balochistan) may also be required depending on the nature and location of your services.
The firm’s Tax Advisory and Legal Solutions team advises businesses on which sales tax registrations apply to their specific operations and handles the filings on their behalf.
7. Open a Corporate Bank Account
With your Certificate of Incorporation and NTN in hand, you can open a corporate current account at any commercial bank in Pakistan. Required documents typically include:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- MoA and AoA
- NTN certificate
- Board resolution authorizing account opening
- CNIC copies of all authorized signatories
Some banks have additional due diligence requirements, particularly for businesses in specific sectors or with foreign directors. Having professionally prepared incorporation documents significantly speeds up the bank’s KYC process.
8. Register with EOBI and PESSI (For Employers)
If your company will be hiring employees, you are legally required to register with the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) and, if operating in Punjab, with the Punjab Employees’ Social Security Institution (PESSI). These registrations ensure your employees receive statutory social protection benefits.
Non-compliance with EOBI and PESSI obligations carries financial penalties and can create complications during audits. The firm’s Payroll Services include EOBI and PESSI registration and ongoing compliance management.
9. Sector-Specific Licenses and Permits
Depending on your industry, additional licenses or permits may be required before you can legally operate. Examples include:
- Technology companies – May require Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) registration to access tax exemptions on IT exports.
- Food and beverage businesses – Require local municipal approvals and Punjab Food Authority (or equivalent provincial body) licensing.
- Healthcare providers – Require Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) or relevant provincial health authority registration.
- Financial services – Require SECP or State Bank of Pakistan licensing depending on the activity.
The firm works across a broad range of industries and advises clients on the specific licensing requirements applicable to their sector.
10. Set Up Your Accounting and Compliance Framework
Registration is the beginning, not the end. Once your company is operational, it is immediately subject to ongoing compliance obligations, annual return filings with SECP, monthly and annual tax returns with FBR, quarterly EOBI contributions, and (once you cross applicable thresholds) statutory audit requirements.
Setting up a proper accounting system from day one, whether in-house or outsourced, ensures you are never caught off guard by a filing deadline or a regulatory inquiry. The firm’s Accounting and Bookkeeping service is specifically designed for businesses that want professionally maintained books without building an in-house finance function.
Why Work With a Chartered Accountant for Company Registration?
Many entrepreneurs attempt to handle company registration themselves to save costs, only to discover that errors in the MoA objects clause restrict their business activities, incorrect share capital structures complicate future fundraising, or missed provincial registrations trigger unexpected tax notices months later.
A qualified chartered accountant firm ensures your registration is done correctly the first time, with a structure that supports your long-term goals rather than creating obstacles later. The firm’s Registration and Licensing service covers the complete registration process, SECP incorporation, FBR NTN and STRN registration, and provincial authority registration, as a fully managed engagement.
To understand the full range of post-registration services available, visit the Our Services page or request a proposal tailored to your business.
Conclusion
Registering a company in Pakistan involves more steps than most first-time entrepreneurs anticipate, but with the right guidance, the process is entirely manageable. The key is getting the structure right from the start, ensuring every registration is completed in the correct sequence, and building a compliance framework that keeps your business in good standing from day one.
Jamal A. Nasir Chartered Accountants has guided businesses, startups, and foreign investors through this process across a wide range of sectors. To get started or ask a specific question about your situation, contact the team directly. You can also learn more about the firm and the qualifications behind its services.
