Home›Guides›How to Register a Business (SECP)
🏢

How to Register a Business (SECP)

Starting a company in Pakistan? Sole proprietorships, private limited companies, and SMCs are all registered differently. Here is what applies to you.

SECP⏱ 1–3 days online💰 PKR 1,000–15,000 depending on company type
  • Original CNIC of all directors/owners
  • Proposed company name (have 2–3 alternatives ready in case first choice is taken)
  • Registered business address in Pakistan
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association (for Pvt Ltd — templates available on SECP portal)
  • Email address and mobile number for each director
  • Initial paid-up capital amount (minimum PKR 100,000 for Pvt Ltd)
1
Choose your business structure
Sole Proprietorship: simplest, one owner, registered at FBR/local council — not through SECP. Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd): separate legal entity, 2+ directors, registered at SECP — best for startups and growth. Single Member Company (SMC): like Pvt Ltd but one director only. Choose based on your needs — Pvt Ltd is best if you want investment or multiple co-founders.
2
For sole proprietorship: register with FBR and local authority
A sole proprietorship is NOT registered with SECP. Register your NTN with FBR (see NTN guide), open a business bank account in your business name, and register with your local Chamber of Commerce if needed. This is the fastest and cheapest route.
3
For Pvt Ltd / SMC: use the SECP eServices portal
Go to eservices.secp.gov.pk and create an account. Click "Incorporate a Company" and follow the steps. You will need to: check name availability, fill company details, upload CNICs of all directors, and upload the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
4
Check company name availability
Use the name search tool on the SECP portal before applying. Your proposed name cannot be identical or confusingly similar to an existing company, cannot contain restricted words (bank, trust, etc. without approval), and should ideally end in "(Pvt.) Ltd."
5
Pay the registration fee
Fee is based on authorized capital: PKR 100,000–500,000 capital costs PKR 1,000 filing fee. Above PKR 500,000 the fee increases on a sliding scale. Pay via online banking through the SECP portal.
6
Receive your Certificate of Incorporation
SECP typically processes applications within 1–3 business days. Once approved, you receive a Certificate of Incorporation (CoI) by email. This is your company's birth certificate — keep it safe.
7
Post-incorporation steps
After incorporation: register for NTN on IRIS as a company (separate from your personal NTN), open a business bank account (bring CoI + CNIC of all directors), register for Sales Tax with FBR if your annual revenue exceeds PKR 12.5 million, and file annual returns with SECP each year.
  • Have 3 company name options ready — the first one is often taken
  • Use SECP's standard Memorandum and Articles of Association template — drafting a custom one requires a lawyer
  • A Pvt Ltd company requires at least 2 directors — a spouse or family member can be the second director
  • Your company NTN is different from your personal NTN — register both if you have a Pvt Ltd
  • File your annual return with SECP every year or face penalties — set a calendar reminder
What is the difference between a sole proprietorship and a Pvt Ltd?
A sole proprietorship is you personally — there is no legal separation between you and the business. A Pvt Ltd is a separate legal entity: it can own assets, sign contracts, and if the company fails your personal assets are protected (limited liability).
Can a foreigner register a company in Pakistan?
Yes. Foreign nationals can be directors and shareholders. Additional documentation is required including a notarized passport copy. Contact SECP directly for the latest requirements.
Do I need a physical office address?
Yes. SECP requires a registered business address in Pakistan. Some co-working spaces offer registered address services if you do not have a physical office yet.
How long does it take?
Online registration via eServices typically takes 1–3 business days if your documents are in order. Name reservation adds 1–2 days if done separately.
Last updated: 2026-03-20. Requirements and fees can change — always verify with the official office before visiting.