Company Registration in Pakistan: SECP Process, Documents and Compliance Guide
Our Company Registration Service in Pakistan
We offer accurate and quick company registration service in Pakistan: we prepare your documents, file your SECP incorporation and register your private limited company, SMC or LLP, then handle NTN and annual SECP filings on time.
- Consultation from Rs 5,000; our fee quoted in writing
- For founders, SMEs and foreign investors
- Name search, MOA/AOA, SECP filing and NTN
- SECP government fee paid separately
Karachi: Office 1 — DHA Phase 7 · Office 2 — Gulistan-e-Jauhar · WhatsApp +92 331 6644789 · Calls: 10 am – 10 pm · WhatsApp: 24 hours, 7 days
Start Company Registration on WhatsApp
Company Registration in Pakistan at a Glance
Company registration in Pakistan is incorporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under the Companies Act 2017 and the Companies Regulations 2024. It suits founders, family businesses, SMEs, consultants and foreign investors who want a separate legal entity with limited liability, a corporate bank account and access to contracts and tenders.
Qanoon Group is an advocate-led legal network, with corporate and tax advice given since 1985. Through our offices in Karachi (Office 1 — DHA Phase 7; Office 2 — Gulistan-e-Jauhar), Islamabad, Lahore and Rawalpindi, we run the full company registration: name search and reservation, drafting the memorandum and articles, SECP online filing, the Certificate of Incorporation, then NTN, bank-account documents and yearly SECP returns.
Cost has two parts: the SECP government fee, which depends on authorised share capital, and our professional fee, quoted in writing before work starts; consultation with our Consulting Lawyer is Rs 5,000 for up to one hour. Most company registration files with complete documents finish in a few working days, subject to SECP review. To start, send your proposed names, CNIC copies and shareholding plan on WhatsApp +92 331 6644789 (24 hours) or call 10 am – 10 pm.
- What it is
- SECP incorporation of a private limited company, SMC or LLP
- Who needs it
- Founders, SMEs, consultants and foreign investors
- Cost
- SECP fee by share capital + our written professional fee
- Time
- Usually a few working days with complete documents; SECP review decides
- How to start
- WhatsApp +92 331 6644789 with names, CNICs and shareholding
- Where
- Karachi (DHA Phase 7 and Gulistan-e-Jauhar), Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi
Qanoon Group Offices and Consultation for Company Registration
Pakistan Legal Helpline (WhatsApp): +92 331 6644789 · Calls: 10 am – 10 pm · WhatsApp: 24 hours, 7 days. Exact office locations are shared after you call or WhatsApp.
Karachi Office 1 — DHA Phase 7
DHA Phase 7, Karachi
+92 331 6644789
Karachi Office 2 — Gulistan-e-Jauhar
Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Karachi
+92 331 6644789
Islamabad Office
Laraib Plaza, G-9 Markaz, Islamabad
+92 333 1127836
Lahore Office
Al-Mairaj Arcade, Chauburji Chowk, Lahore
+92 333 1127835
Rawalpindi Office
Al-Hameed Plaza, Marir Hassan Chowk, Rawalpindi
+92 333 1127831
Bring With You
- • CNIC or passport of each director
- • Three proposed company names
- • Shareholding and share-capital plan
- • Registered-office address details
Partner offices in Hyderabad and Faisalabad (details on WhatsApp).
Lawyers You May Consult on Company Registration
Mohsin Ali Shah
Consulting Lawyer; Chairman, Qanoon Group; M.A., LL.B.
40+ Years of Experience, with direct work in company law and taxation. He handles client dealing, case preparation and legal research; he does not appear in court.
Consultation: Rs 5,000 for up to one hour
Sobia Mohsin
Advocate, Karachi
Manages case administration for the Karachi office.
First 15 minutes free; next 15 minutes Rs 2,000; up to one hour Rs 5,000
Before your consultation, please bring every relevant document and, if you can, a one-page written summary. Apart from the free minutes shown, consultation time is charged.
Company Registration in Pakistan: Current SECP Law, Practical Experience and Source Review
SECP Company Registration Guide for Private Limited Companies, SMCs and LLPs
Qanoon Group maintains this page as general legal information informed by practical corporate and taxation work across its member practices. Procedural statements are checked against SECP primary material and should be read with the current statute, regulations, filing instructions and any sector-specific licensing rules. The core focus here is company registration in Pakistan, including company type, name reservation, incorporation documents, directors, shareholding, post-incorporation filings and tax-registration interfaces.
SECP's page for S.R.O. 915(I)/2026 is titled as an amendment item, but the attached notification expressly publishes proposed changes as draft amendments for consultation. This guide therefore does not treat that proposed text as operative merely because it appears in the notification index.
Company Registration in Pakistan: SECP Incorporation Overview
Company registration in these cities is one of the most important legal steps for entrepreneurs, startups, investors, consultants, and growing businesses in Pakistan. Registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) provides legal identity, limited liability protection, eligibility for tax registration, banking access, and business credibility.
Incorporation creates the company, but it is not approval for every business activity. Verify its FBR registration, open the appropriate bank account and keep statutory records. Review annual and event-based filings, beneficial-ownership information, accounts and any applicable sales-tax obligations.
Our chairman and affiliated legal practices have advised businesses on corporate and taxation matters since 1985. That experience shapes our company registration process, which keeps SECP compliance simple so entrepreneurs can focus on operations.
Why Company Registration Matters in Pakistan
Company registration creates a separate legal identity for a business. A registered company offers stronger legal protection than sole proprietorship and improves investor confidence, supplier relationships, and banking access.
Businesses operating through SECP registration benefit from structured ownership, defined shareholder liability, easier ownership transfer, and market credibility. A registered company may access:
- Corporate bank accounts
- Tax registration through FBR
- Government tenders and contracts
- Investor participation
- Limited liability protection
- Corporate branding and licensing
Step-by-Step SECP Process for Company Registration
Step 1 - Company Name Search & Reservation
Process begins with company name search through SECP. A unique business name must not conflict with registered companies or trademarks. The process commonly includes:
- Company database search
- Trademark pre-check
- SECP name availability analysis
- Alternative name preparation
Step 2 - Drafting MOA & AOA
Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) are prepared according to business activity. These documents define:
- Business scope
- Shareholding structure
- Corporate rules
- Director authority
Step 3 - SECP Online Filing
After the required information and incorporation documents are prepared, the application is submitted through SECP's eZfile corporate registry. This stage includes:
- Director information
- Share capital details
- Registered office information
- Digital submission
- SECP fee payment
Step 4 - Certificate of Incorporation
After approval, SECP issues a Certificate of Incorporation. The company becomes a legally recognised corporate entity.
Step 5 - Post-Incorporation Tax and Compliance Matters
After incorporation, businesses typically proceed with:
- NTN registration, generally through SECP-FBR integration
- Federal or provincial sales tax registration, where applicable
- Company bank account opening
- Statutory records preparation
Documents Required for Company Registration
Required documents vary depending on business structure. Common company registration requirements include:
- CNIC or Passport copies of directors
- Registered office address
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Shareholding information
- Email address and mobile number
Applicants should review identity, ownership, address and constitutional documents before submission to reduce avoidable SECP objections.
Company Name Search and Reservation Before Registration
Company name selection is a critical legal step. SECP generally requires the proposed name to be:
- Unique
- Non-deceptive
- Not identical to existing entities
- Compliant with restricted word rules
Useful pre-filing checks include:
- Professional name search
- Trademark conflict review
- Industry-relevant naming strategy
- Multiple alternatives to reduce rejection
An online name search does not itself create a right to the proposed name. Final approval remains subject to the Registrar's review under the Companies Act, 2017 and applicable Companies Regulations.
Choosing the Right Structure for Company Registration
Selecting the correct business structure before incorporation affects taxation, ownership, liability and investor readiness.
| Business Structure | Suitable For | Liability | Registration Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | Startups & SMEs | Limited | SECP |
| Single Member Company | Solo founders | Limited | SECP |
| LLP | Partnerships & professionals | Limited | SECP |
| Sole Proprietorship | Small businesses | Unlimited | FBR and relevant local authorities |
| Partnership Firm | Multi-owner businesses | Depends on agreement | Registrar of Firms and FBR |
A Private Limited Company and Single Member Company are companies incorporated with SECP. An LLP is a separate limited-liability business structure also regulated by SECP. A sole proprietorship and a traditional partnership firm are not SECP-incorporated companies. Each business structure carries different compliance obligations.
Company Registration Fees & Timeline
Registration cost depends on share capital, structure, documentation complexity, and SECP filing category.
| Service | Official Requirements |
|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | Check SECP’s current fee schedule for this application |
| Single Member Company | Check SECP’s current fee schedule for this application |
| LLP Registration | Check SECP’s current fee schedule for this application |
| NTN Registration | Check SECP’s current fee schedule for this application |
| Sales Tax Registration | Check SECP’s current fee schedule for this application |
Use the current official fee schedule for the particular application. Taxes, statutory penalties and optional professional charges are different items. Confirm the relevant category and supporting documents before making a payment.
Estimated Timeline for SECP Incorporation
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Name Reservation | 1-2 Days |
| Document Drafting | 1-3 Days |
| SECP Filing | 1 Day |
| Incorporation Approval | Depends on complete documents and regulatory review |
| NTN / FBR Registration | Usually same day or shortly after incorporation, subject to FBR processing |
Legal Framework and Source Checks
Legal Compliance After Company Registration in Pakistan
Once incorporated, legal obligations continue. Important post-incorporation requirements include:
- Annual returns filing
- SECP compliance
- Financial statements preparation
- NTN and tax filing
- Sales tax returns, where the company is registered or legally required to register
- Company register maintenance
- Payroll compliance
Incorporation is the start, not the end: failing to comply with post-registration requirements may result in SECP and FBR penalties.
Why Lawyer-Led Company Registration Reduces SECP Objections
A lawyer-led incorporation review should address:
- Accurate SECP filings
- Corporate drafting
- Legal compliance
- Tax planning support
- FBR registration
- Business structuring
- Corporate governance guidance
Qanoon Group member practices have longstanding corporate and taxation experience across Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi; this guide nevertheless relies on current official sources for procedural statements.
Start Your Company Registration With Qanoon Group
Whether you are a startup founder, an SME owner, a consultant or a foreign investor, our company registration service takes your business from name search to Certificate of Incorporation and then keeps your SECP and FBR filings on time. Send your three proposed names, the CNIC or passport of each director and your shareholding plan, and we will confirm the structure, the SECP fee for your share capital and our written professional fee before any work starts.
Our Karachi offices are at DHA Phase 7 and Gulistan-e-Jauhar, with offices in Islamabad, Lahore and Rawalpindi and partner offices in Hyderabad and Faisalabad. WhatsApp is answered 24 hours, 7 days; calls are taken 10 am – 10 pm.
Start Company Registration on WhatsAppApplicable law and source checks
Editorial revision: . This is the guide revision date, not a law's commencement date.
Companies Act 2017 and applicable SECP regulations, including the Companies Regulations 2024; sector-specific licensing may apply separately.
SECP's page for S.R.O. 915(I)/2026 is titled as an amendment item, but the attached notification expressly publishes proposed changes as draft amendments for consultation. Do not treat that proposed text as operative merely from the index entry; check the current consolidated Companies Regulations, later final notifications and current filing instructions.
- SECP — company incorporation
- SECP — Companies Regulations 2024 and filing guidance
- SECP — notifications and amendments
- Pakistan Code — federal legislation and Gazette access
Quick verification table before relying on this guide
| Check | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Entity and regulator | Confirm the legal form, SECP filing route and whether another regulator or licence applies. |
| Current instrument | Check the Companies Act, current regulations and later SECP notifications; distinguish final instruments from consultation drafts. |
| Corporate record | Match directors, shareholders, beneficial ownership, registered office and filed forms with the current company record. |
| Post-filing duties | Check annual and event-based filings, tax registrations, accounts and sector-specific compliance separately. |
Four-step reader checklist
1. Define the issue
Identify the legal question, parties, jurisdiction and the result being sought.
2. Check the source
Read the official statute, rule, notification or order and confirm its legal status.
3. Fix the date
Match the source and any amendment to the relevant transaction, tax period, filing or dispute date.
4. Build the record
Keep the documents, notices, payments, authority records and chronology needed to support the position.
Check the status of a new law
Read the final Act or Ordinance, its territorial scope and commencement clause, and any implementing notification. Parliamentary passage of a bill alone does not establish that every provision is in force. Check later amendments and relevant court orders before applying a rule to your circumstances.
Recent verified legal updates related to this guide
- FBR Circular No. 02 of 2026-27 Explains Finance Act 2026 Income Tax Amendments
- SECP S.R.O. 915(I)/2026 Is Draft Consultation Text, Not a Final Companies Regulation Amendment
Related Qanoon Group legal guides
These related guides provide the next useful internal reference where the issue overlaps another legal or compliance topic.
Further guidance and professional references
Taxocrate provides tax and corporate information and professional services. Advocates of Pakistan covers family, property, corporate and other legal matters. These are professional reference websites, not official legislative sources.
Additional topic-relevant Group resources: PakLegal, Qanoon Online.
This general guide does not determine an individual case. For a correction, email info@qanoongroup.com with the page title and official source. Please avoid sending confidential case documents in an initial enquiry.
Company Registration in Pakistan: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does company registration in Pakistan take?
Company registration time depends on complete documents, name clearance and SECP's review. Where the name, documents and director details are ready, incorporation is often completed within a few working days, but SECP approval cannot be guaranteed for a fixed date.
How many directors are required for a private limited company?
A private limited company generally requires a minimum of two directors, while a Single Member Company (SMC) may be incorporated with only one director, who is also the sole shareholder.
What is a Single Member Company (SMC)?
An SMC is a private limited company incorporated by a single person who acts as both the sole shareholder and director, while still benefiting from limited liability protection under the Companies Act, 2017.
What is the SECP government fee for company registration?
SECP's incorporation fee depends on the company's nominal share capital and filing method, and is charged separately from professional service fees. The exact government fee is confirmed once the proposed share capital and company type are finalised.
Is NTN issued along with company registration?
NTN is generally issued through SECP-FBR integration shortly after incorporation, subject to system verification and complete information. Check the FBR record yourself rather than assuming same-day issue.
What are the annual SECP compliance requirements after company registration?
Annual compliance generally includes filing annual returns, maintaining statutory registers, preparing financial statements and making any event-based filings required under the Companies Act, 2017, in addition to tax filings.
Do I need a lawyer for company registration?
The law does not require a lawyer, but advice helps you choose the right structure, draft the memorandum and articles, avoid name and document objections and plan post-incorporation SECP and FBR compliance.
How do I choose between a private limited company, SMC and LLP?
Compare the number of owners, liability structure, intended investment, governance needs, tax position and the regulatory requirements for the proposed activity before choosing the structure for company registration.
Does SECP name reservation give trademark rights?
No. Company-name approval and trademark protection are separate. A proposed business name should also be assessed for trademark conflict before incorporation and filed with IPO-Pakistan if brand protection is needed.
What documents are required from a foreign director?
Foreign directors typically provide a valid passport copy and proof of address, and may need additional attestation and security clearance depending on SECP's current requirements for foreign shareholders and directors.
Reviewed by Sobia Mohsin, Advocate · Published by Qanoon Group · Last Updated:
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