How to Register Your Company: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose a Business Structure

Decide on the type of company based on your business model, shareholders, and capital:

• Single Member Company
• Private Limited Company also known as (Pvt Ltd)
• Public Limited Company

Step 2: Reserve a Company Name

Reserve your company name via the SECP’s eServices portal or by submitting a physical application. Ensure the name is unique and not similar to existing companies. Click here to search for suitable name. 

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Collect the necessary documents for registration:

• CNIC copies of all directors/subscribers
• Memorandum of Association
• Articles of Association
• Proof of registered office address
• Paid utility bill
• Registration fee challan

Step 4: Submit Documents for Incorporation

Submit the documents to SECP online or at a Company Registration Office (CRO) and pay the registration fee.

Step 5: Obtain Certificate of Incorporation

Upon approval, SECP issues a digital Certificate of Incorporation.

Step 6: Apply for National Tax Number (NTN)

Register with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to obtain your NTN for tax filings and transactions.

Step 7: Register for Sales Tax (if applicable)

If applicable, register with the relevant authorities for a Sales Tax Registration Number (STRN).

Key Points:

• Online registration via SECP eServices is faster and cheaper.
• Registration fees depend on company type and capital.
• Processing typically takes 2-4 working days if documents are complete.
• Additional licenses/permits may be required based on your industry.
• Compliance requirements vary with company type and scale of operations.

Steps for Company Registration in Pakistan

1. Creating a SECP User Login:
   
   • Required details: CNIC, email address, mobile number.
2. Name Availability Application:
   
   • Secure your company’s name with SECP.
3. Fee Payment and Document Submission:
   
   • Pay the fees and submit the required documents.
4. Compilation of Required Documents:
   
   • Prepare and file documents including Form II, CNIC copies, MOA, and AOA.

Minimum Requirements for Company Registration

• Private Limited Company Registration
• Single Member Company Registration
• Limited Liability Partnership Registration
• Partnership or AOP Registration
• NPO Registration

General Documentation Required

• CNIC/NICOP copies of all directors and shareholders.
• Proof of registered office address.
• Company’s memorandum and articles of association.

Get Your Business Registered with ABH Tax Consultants

ABH Tax Consultants is a premier provider of company registration services across Pakistan’s major cities. We have successfully registered thousands of companies with our professional approach. Our services are categorized into five key steps:

1. Company Name Approval
2. Document Submission
3. Issuance of Incorporation Certificate
4. Share Capital Deposit
5. Tax Registrations

Post-Registration Steps

1. Get a Tax Number (NTN)
2. Open a Bank Account
3. Register for Taxes (GST and income tax)
4. Appoint an Auditor
5. Issue Shares
6. Obtain Licenses/Permits
7. Register with Labour Departments
8. Hold an AGM
9. File Annual Returns
10. Ensure Compliance with SECP Regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Register My Company with the FBR?

To register with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and start filing returns, obtain a National Tax Number (NTN). Contact us for a hassle-free NTN registration process.

What Types of Companies Can Be Registered in Pakistan?

• A company limited by shares
• A company limited by guarantee
• An unlimited liability company

What Documents Are Needed for Company Registration in Pakistan?

• Memorandum of Association
• Articles of Association
• Power of Attorney (if applicable)
• CNIC copies of the directors
• Name availability confirmation from SECP

How Do I Obtain a Sales Tax Registration for My Company?

Apply to the FBR for sales tax registration after obtaining your NTN. We can guide you through the application process.

What Is the Process for Registering a Company Online in Pakistan?

The SECP offers an online registration facility. Create an account, apply for name reservation, upload documents, and pay the fee online. Our team can manage the entire registration process for you.

Alternatives to company registration in Pakistan

Branch Office

A branch office is a suitable alternative to company registration if your company wants to have a Pakistan presence without setting up a separate legal entity.

Branches are carrying out a contract in Pakistan. However, a branch office cannot take part in any commercial or trading activities of whatever nature. Therefore, your actions depend on the contract you signed. The agreement restricts your movements.

The parent company owns 100% of the branch office in the country of origin. Since it is not a limited liability company, it does not require any minimum capital either.

Process time for the registration takes up to seven weeks. The permit can be valid for 1 to 5 years if it has approval from the Board of Investment (BOI).

Liaison Office

If you want to promote your products in Pakistan, you can set up a 100% foreign-owned liaison office.

Besides product promotion, you can also provide technical advice and assistance, explore the various possibilities of collaboration and export promotion in Pakistan.

However, this type cannot engage in commercial or trading activities, and it is not subject to any minimum capital either.

A liaison office can only function according to the provisions of the contract or the assignment.

While part of the contract states that you can only provide technical assistance and product promotion, you cannot engage in export promotion and other activities.

Hence, it is similar to the branch office. Therefore, there will be no shareholding since it will only be in the country of origin.

The standard time for establishing a liaison office in Pakistan is seven (7) weeks. Therefore, once granted, your permit would have a validity period of 1 to 5 years. Also, the Board of Investment (BOI) needs to approve it.

How to start with company registration in Pakistan?

If you are planning on investing in Pakistan, get in touch with ABH Tax Consultants, and we will handle the process of company registration on your behalf.

All you need to send us to get started is:

• Name, addresses, and shareholding of each of the shareholders
• The amount of share capital
• Passport copies of the shareholders
• Proposed name of the company