Banks, payment gateways, major clients, and foreign partners prefer working with a registered company. In Pakistan, companies are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and the whole process is now online. You don’t need to visit an office.
This guide explains which structure to choose, how to register step by step, and what you need to do after registration to stay compliant.
Why register a company?
- Credibility: clients, banks, and investors take a registered company more seriously.
- Limited liability: your personal assets are generally protected from the company’s debts.
- Bank accounts and payment gateways: a company bank account and gateways like JazzCash, Easypaisa, or PayFast are easier to get.
- Tenders and contracts: many government and corporate contracts require a registered company.
- Growth and investment: you can add partners, issue shares, and bring in investors.
Which structure is right for you?
| Structure | Owners | Registered with | Liability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | 1 | FBR (NTN only) | Unlimited | Freelancers and very small businesses |
| Partnership (AOP) | 2 or more | Registrar of Firms + FBR | Unlimited | Small businesses run by partners |
| Single Member Company (SMC) | 1 | SECP | Limited | Solo founders who want a proper company |
| Private Limited Company | 2 to 50 | SECP | Limited | Growing businesses with partners or investors |
If you’re on your own, an SMC gives you the benefits of a company without needing a partner. If you have co-founders or plan to raise investment, choose a Private Limited Company. You can also convert an SMC into a private limited company later.
How to register a company with SECP: step by step
What you’ll need
- CNIC of each director and shareholder (NICOP for overseas Pakistanis, passport for foreign nationals)
- A mobile number and email for each person, for verification codes
- 2–3 company name options
- The company’s main business activity
- Registered office address in Pakistan
- Share capital details and how shares are split between owners
- For an SMC: details of a nominee director and an alternate nominee
Step 1: Create an account on the SECP portal
Sign up on SECP’s online portal (LEAP). You’ll verify your CNIC through NADRA and confirm your mobile number and email with one-time codes. Overseas Pakistanis can sign up with NICOP, and foreign nationals with a passport.
Step 2: Reserve your company name
Choose Name Reservation, select the company type, and check if your name is available. SECP rejects names that are too close to existing companies or that use restricted words such as “Bank”, “Insurance,” or “Pakistan” without permission. You can add up to two alternative names.
Tip: The name should match your business activity. A name like “Enviso Marketing (SMC-Private) Limited” is approved more easily for a marketing business than a vague name.
Step 3: Fill in the incorporation application
SECP lets you apply for name reservation and incorporation together in one application. You’ll enter:
- Business objects (your main line of business)
- Authorized and paid-up capital
- Registered address and contact details
- Directors, shareholders and their share percentages
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (SECP provides standard versions you can review)
- FBR details, plus optional EOBI and provincial social security registration
Step 4: Sign and pay the fee
Each director or subscriber signs the application with the PIN SECP sends them. Then pay the fee online by card or through 1-Bill. Pay within 7 days, or the application is cancelled.
The government fee is small and depends on your authorized capital. For a small company, it’s usually only a few thousand rupees in total. Use SECP’s fee calculator for the exact amount.
Step 5: Receive your Certificate of Incorporation
Once SECP approves the application, your Certificate of Incorporation is emailed to you, and the company is officially registered. If everything is in order, this usually takes a few working days. Your company’s NTN can be issued through the same SECP process.
After registration: what to do next
- Confirm your company’s NTN with FBR and get the company on the Active Taxpayer List by filing returns on time.
- Open a company bank account using your incorporation certificate, NTN, Memorandum and Articles, and the board resolution.
- Register for sales tax (FBR or PRA) if your business is required to. This is a separate process.
- Set up your brand and website. A registered name, a professional website, and a business email go a long way with clients.
Yearly compliance you can’t skip
Registering is the first step. Every year, your company must also:
- Hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM). Most private companies hold it within four months of the financial year end.
- File the annual return (Form A) with SECP after the AGM.
- Report any changes in directors, shareholders, or address to SECP on time.
- File the company’s income tax return with FBR.
Late SECP filings carry penalties that grow the longer you wait, and a company that keeps missing them can eventually be struck off the register.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a name that doesn’t match your business. It’s one of the most common reasons for rejection.
- Setting authorized capital too high without a reason, which raises your fees.
- Forgetting the yearly filings after registration.
- Using an old or unregistered mobile number, so you can’t receive the verification codes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does SECP registration take? If your documents are complete and the name is approved, it usually takes a few working days.
Can overseas Pakistanis or foreigners register a company in Pakistan? Yes. Overseas Pakistanis can sign up with NICOP, and foreign nationals with a passport. Extra documents may be needed for foreign directors and shareholders.
Can I register a company alone? Yes. A Single Member Company (SMC) lets one person own a limited company, with a nominee director named for continuity.
Is there a minimum capital requirement? For a normal private limited company or SMC, there’s no large minimum. Many small companies start with modest authorized capital, which also keeps fees low.
Need help registering your company?
Enviso Solutions handles the full process for you: choosing the right structure, name reservation, SECP incorporation, NTN, sales tax, and yearly compliance. We also register companies for overseas Pakistanis and foreign investors, and can help with trademark, PSEB, Chamber of Commerce, and import/export registration.
Start your company registration → or WhatsApp us at 0313 4337262 for a free consultation.
This article is general information based on SECP procedures as of October 2026 and is not legal advice. Requirements and fees change, so check with a professional before you apply.
