Company registration in Pakistan
Company Registration in Pakistan: SECP Incorporation and Compliance
We help founders choose the right structure and complete SECP registration, tax registration and the follow-up filings, so the business can start trading on a sound legal footing.
Choosing the right business structure
Each structure has different legal, tax and compliance consequences. We help you pick one before you file.
Private limited company
A separate legal entity with limited liability for its shareholders. SECP requires at least two subscribers. The usual choice for trading and service businesses with more than one owner.
Single-member company (SMC)
A company with one subscriber, suited to a sole owner who wants limited liability. A nominated person is named in the incorporation documents.
Public company (unlisted)
SECP requires at least three subscribers. Suitable for larger ownership groups or businesses that plan to widen ownership later.
Limited liability partnership (LLP)
A partnership with limited liability, registered with SECP. Incorporation uses the LLP forms, including Form I (name), Form III (incorporation) and Form IV (partner consent).
Partnership / AOP
Not an SECP company. A partnership is registered with the provincial Registrar of Firms on the strength of a partnership deed and obtains an NTN as an association of persons.
Sole proprietorship
No company filing is needed. The owner registers for an NTN, and holds any local business licence the activity requires. The owner is personally liable.
Non-profit company (section 42)
A licence from SECP is required before registration. It is for organisations whose profits are applied only to their stated objects. Expect a longer, more document-heavy process.
What we handle for you
- Company name reservation with SECP, including backup name options
- Preparation of the memorandum and articles of association
- Filing of the incorporation application through SECP eServices
- NTN registration, through the SECP and FBR one-window facility
- Sales tax registration (STRN), where your activity requires it
- EOBI and provincial social security (such as PESSI) registration, where you have employees
- Help with opening a corporate bank account: document preparation and coordination (the bank makes its own decision)
- A post-incorporation checklist, so nothing is missed in the first months
The registration process
Choose the structure
We discuss ownership, liability, tax position and plans, and recommend the structure that fits.
Reserve the name
We check availability and submit the name reservation to SECP.
Prepare documents
We draft the memorandum and articles and collect subscriber and director details.
File with SECP
We submit the incorporation application and pay the fee through the SECP portal.
Certificate and NTN
SECP issues the incorporation certificate. The NTN is requested through the same one-window application.
Other registrations and bank
We register for sales tax, EOBI and social security where needed, and support the bank account opening.
Typical timeline
Approximate- SECP name reservation and incorporation: under SECP’s processing-time rule, a complete application submitted before 10:00 a.m. on a working day is disposed of the same day; otherwise on the next working day. This covers SECP’s processing only.
- NTN: requested through the same SECP application (one-window facility with FBR).
- Sales tax, EOBI and social security registrations: separate applications after incorporation. Timing depends on the office and is not fixed.
- Corporate bank account: depends on the bank and its checks.
- Section 42 licence, LLP and partnership registrations: no reliable standard time is published, so we give you an estimate after reviewing your case.
Your actual timeline depends on name availability, whether SECP raises queries, public holidays, and how quickly your documents are ready. We will give you a realistic plan at the start.
Documents checklist
This is our working list, not an official SECP list. Forms and annexures change, so we confirm the current requirements on SECP eServices before filing.
Private, single-member and public companies
- CNIC (or passport for foreigners) of every subscriber and director
- Proposed company name, with three options as good practice, and the business objects
- Memorandum and articles of association signed by the subscribers
- Registered office address in Pakistan and contact details
- Directors’ consents and declarations, and the authorised capital and share split
- Proof of address of the registered office, such as a utility bill or tenancy agreement (often requested)
LLP
- Name reservation (LLP Form I) and incorporation application (LLP Form III)
- Consent of each partner and designated partner (LLP Form IV)
- LLP agreement
- Beneficial ownership declarations (LLP Forms X to XII, as applicable)
- Registered address
Partnership / AOP and sole proprietor
- Partnership deed signed by the partners, and CNICs of partners (AOP)
- CNIC of the proprietor (sole proprietorship)
- Business address proof
- Registrar of Firms application (AOP) and NTN registration for either
Section 42 non-profit company
- Everything required for a company limited by guarantee
- Licence application to SECP
- Statement of objects and how profits are applied only to those objects
- Proposed activities, sources of funds and governing body
Annual SECP filings and ongoing compliance
- Annual general meeting support: notices, minutes and resolutions
- Annual return filing with SECP
- Filing of financial statements, audited or unaudited as the law allows for your company
- Changes in directors and officers, including the related SECP forms
- Changes to registered office, share capital and beneficial ownership records
- A compliance calendar showing the dates that apply to your company
- The AGM is generally due within 120 days of the financial year-end (an extension of up to 30 days may be granted), and the first AGM within 16 months of incorporation.
- The annual return (Form A or B) is generally due within 30 days of the AGM.
- For unlisted companies, audited financial statements are generally due to be filed within 15 days of the AGM.
- A change of directors is generally notified on Form 29 within 15 days.
These periods are general and have exceptions. They are summarised from the Companies Act 2017 and may have been amended or extended since. Confirm your own dates with us.
Government fees and our fees
SECP’s government fees depend on the structure, the authorised share capital and whether you file electronically or on paper. Use the registration cost and timeline estimator to see the current government fees. For our professional fee, contact us for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
How long does company registration take?
The SECP step is quick for a complete application: if it is submitted before 10:00 a.m. on a working day, SECP disposes of it the same day; otherwise on the next working day. That is an approximate guide, because name approval, SECP queries, your document readiness and the other registrations (sales tax, EOBI, social security, bank account) all add time. We will agree a realistic plan with you at the start.
Which business structure should I choose?
It depends on the number of owners, how much liability you want to carry, your tax position and your plans for growth or funding. A sole proprietorship is simple but gives no liability protection. A private limited or single-member company separates the business from its owners. Tell us about the business and we will explain the options.
How many people do I need to form a company?
SECP’s minimum number of subscribers is one for a single-member company, two for a private company and three for a public company. Directors are appointed under the Companies Act 2017 and the company’s articles.
Do I need to register for NTN and sales tax separately?
The NTN is requested through the SECP application under the SECP and FBR one-window facility. Sales tax registration (STRN) is a separate step and is needed only if you supply taxable goods or services. EOBI and social security registration are needed only if you employ staff. We tell you which apply to you.
What will registration cost?
SECP charges government fees set in the Seventh Schedule to the Companies Act 2017, which rise every year on 20 April, so we do not print a figure here. Use our registration cost estimator for the current fees. Our own fee is separate: contact us for a quote.
What does a company have to file after it is registered?
A company has recurring duties: holding its annual general meeting, filing the annual return and financial statements with SECP, notifying changes in directors or address, and meeting its tax and sales tax filing dates. We can run this calendar for you. See the annual filings section above for the general periods.
Ready to register your company?
Tell us about the business and the owners, and we will recommend a structure and send you a quote.
Phone: +92 331 3333667 | Email: info@gamutconsulting.org
Offices: G-13/3, Islamabad, Pakistan | Ajman, United Arab Emirates
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. The Companies Act 2017, SECP rules and notifications prevail. Fees, forms and timelines change; we checked the SECP sources used here on 2 October 2026.
Company registration in Pakistan
Company Registration in Pakistan: SECP Incorporation and Compliance
We help founders choose the right structure and complete SECP registration, tax registration and the follow-up filings, so the business can start trading on a sound legal footing.
Choosing the right business structure
Each structure has different legal, tax and compliance consequences. We help you pick one before you file.
Private limited company
A separate legal entity with limited liability for its shareholders. SECP requires at least two subscribers. The usual choice for trading and service businesses with more than one owner.
Single-member company (SMC)
A company with one subscriber, suited to a sole owner who wants limited liability. A nominated person is named in the incorporation documents.
Public company (unlisted)
SECP requires at least three subscribers. Suitable for larger ownership groups or businesses that plan to widen ownership later.
Limited liability partnership (LLP)
A partnership with limited liability, registered with SECP. Incorporation uses the LLP forms, including Form I (name), Form III (incorporation) and Form IV (partner consent).
Partnership / AOP
Not an SECP company. A partnership is registered with the provincial Registrar of Firms on the strength of a partnership deed and obtains an NTN as an association of persons.
Sole proprietorship
No company filing is needed. The owner registers for an NTN, and holds any local business licence the activity requires. The owner is personally liable.
Non-profit company (section 42)
A licence from SECP is required before registration. It is for organisations whose profits are applied only to their stated objects. Expect a longer, more document-heavy process.
What we handle for you
- Company name reservation with SECP, including backup name options
- Preparation of the memorandum and articles of association
- Filing of the incorporation application through SECP eServices
- NTN registration, through the SECP and FBR one-window facility
- Sales tax registration (STRN), where your activity requires it
- EOBI and provincial social security (such as PESSI) registration, where you have employees
- Help with opening a corporate bank account: document preparation and coordination (the bank makes its own decision)
- A post-incorporation checklist, so nothing is missed in the first months
The registration process
Choose the structure
We discuss ownership, liability, tax position and plans, and recommend the structure that fits.
Reserve the name
We check availability and submit the name reservation to SECP.
Prepare documents
We draft the memorandum and articles and collect subscriber and director details.
File with SECP
We submit the incorporation application and pay the fee through the SECP portal.
Certificate and NTN
SECP issues the incorporation certificate. The NTN is requested through the same one-window application.
Other registrations and bank
We register for sales tax, EOBI and social security where needed, and support the bank account opening.
Typical timeline
Approximate- SECP name reservation and incorporation: under SECP’s processing-time rule, a complete application submitted before 10:00 a.m. on a working day is disposed of the same day; otherwise on the next working day. This covers SECP’s processing only.
- NTN: requested through the same SECP application (one-window facility with FBR).
- Sales tax, EOBI and social security registrations: separate applications after incorporation. Timing depends on the office and is not fixed.
- Corporate bank account: depends on the bank and its checks.
- Section 42 licence, LLP and partnership registrations: no reliable standard time is published, so we give you an estimate after reviewing your case.
Your actual timeline depends on name availability, whether SECP raises queries, public holidays, and how quickly your documents are ready. We will give you a realistic plan at the start.
Documents checklist
This is our working list, not an official SECP list. Forms and annexures change, so we confirm the current requirements on SECP eServices before filing.
Private, single-member and public companies
- CNIC (or passport for foreigners) of every subscriber and director
- Proposed company name, with three options as good practice, and the business objects
- Memorandum and articles of association signed by the subscribers
- Registered office address in Pakistan and contact details
- Directors’ consents and declarations, and the authorised capital and share split
- Proof of address of the registered office, such as a utility bill or tenancy agreement (often requested)
LLP
- Name reservation (LLP Form I) and incorporation application (LLP Form III)
- Consent of each partner and designated partner (LLP Form IV)
- LLP agreement
- Beneficial ownership declarations (LLP Forms X to XII, as applicable)
- Registered address
Partnership / AOP and sole proprietor
- Partnership deed signed by the partners, and CNICs of partners (AOP)
- CNIC of the proprietor (sole proprietorship)
- Business address proof
- Registrar of Firms application (AOP) and NTN registration for either
Section 42 non-profit company
- Everything required for a company limited by guarantee
- Licence application to SECP
- Statement of objects and how profits are applied only to those objects
- Proposed activities, sources of funds and governing body
Annual SECP filings and ongoing compliance
- Annual general meeting support: notices, minutes and resolutions
- Annual return filing with SECP
- Filing of financial statements, audited or unaudited as the law allows for your company
- Changes in directors and officers, including the related SECP forms
- Changes to registered office, share capital and beneficial ownership records
- A compliance calendar showing the dates that apply to your company
- The AGM is generally due within 120 days of the financial year-end (an extension of up to 30 days may be granted), and the first AGM within 16 months of incorporation.
- The annual return (Form A or B) is generally due within 30 days of the AGM.
- For unlisted companies, audited financial statements are generally due to be filed within 15 days of the AGM.
- A change of directors is generally notified on Form 29 within 15 days.
These periods are general and have exceptions. They are summarised from the Companies Act 2017 and may have been amended or extended since. Confirm your own dates with us.
Government fees and our fees
SECP’s government fees depend on the structure, the authorised share capital and whether you file electronically or on paper. Use the registration cost and timeline estimator to see the current government fees. For our professional fee, contact us for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
How long does company registration take?
The SECP step is quick for a complete application: if it is submitted before 10:00 a.m. on a working day, SECP disposes of it the same day; otherwise on the next working day. That is an approximate guide, because name approval, SECP queries, your document readiness and the other registrations (sales tax, EOBI, social security, bank account) all add time. We will agree a realistic plan with you at the start.
Which business structure should I choose?
It depends on the number of owners, how much liability you want to carry, your tax position and your plans for growth or funding. A sole proprietorship is simple but gives no liability protection. A private limited or single-member company separates the business from its owners. Tell us about the business and we will explain the options.
How many people do I need to form a company?
SECP’s minimum number of subscribers is one for a single-member company, two for a private company and three for a public company. Directors are appointed under the Companies Act 2017 and the company’s articles.
Do I need to register for NTN and sales tax separately?
The NTN is requested through the SECP application under the SECP and FBR one-window facility. Sales tax registration (STRN) is a separate step and is needed only if you supply taxable goods or services. EOBI and social security registration are needed only if you employ staff. We tell you which apply to you.
What will registration cost?
SECP charges government fees set in the Seventh Schedule to the Companies Act 2017, which rise every year on 20 April, so we do not print a figure here. Use our registration cost estimator for the current fees. Our own fee is separate: contact us for a quote.
What does a company have to file after it is registered?
A company has recurring duties: holding its annual general meeting, filing the annual return and financial statements with SECP, notifying changes in directors or address, and meeting its tax and sales tax filing dates. We can run this calendar for you. See the annual filings section above for the general periods.
Ready to register your company?
Tell us about the business and the owners, and we will recommend a structure and send you a quote.
Phone: +92 331 3333667 | Email: info@gamutconsulting.org
Offices: G-13/3, Islamabad, Pakistan | Ajman, United Arab Emirates
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. The Companies Act 2017, SECP rules and notifications prevail. Fees, forms and timelines change; we checked the SECP sources used here on 2 October 2026.