Turning a business idea into a registered company gives you limited liability, a legal identity separate from its owners, and the credibility to open bank accounts, sign contracts and raise investment. In Pakistan every company is incorporated with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under the Companies Act 2017 and the Companies Regulations 2024. This guide walks you through the whole journey - choosing the right structure, gathering documents, understanding the fees, and filing through SECP eZfile - so you know exactly what to expect before you start.
Step 1: Choose your company type
SECP registers several classes of company. The one you pick decides how many people you need, how much liability protection you get, and how you will be taxed. Most Pakistani businesses choose a private limited company or a single member company.
| Structure | Members needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Single Member Company (SMC) | 1 director / 1 shareholder + a nominee | Solo founders wanting limited liability |
| Private Limited (Pvt Ltd) | 2-50 shareholders, min 2 directors | Most start-ups and SMEs; foreign-invested firms |
| Public Unlisted | Min 3 directors, 7 shareholders | Larger or regulated ventures |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | Min 2 partners | Professional firms wanting flexibility |
An SMC is a private company limited by shares with a single owner who must also nominate a successor to inherit the shares. A private limited company needs at least two directors and two shareholders - who may be the same two people - and caps membership at fifty. The LLP is governed by the LLP Act 2017 and blends partnership flexibility with limited liability. If you want the fuller comparison, read our pillar on the types of company registration in Pakistan.
Not every venture needs a company. A sole proprietorship or a partnership firm under the 1932 Act can be quicker and cheaper - but neither gives you limited liability or a separate legal identity.
Step 2: Gather your documents
SECP accepts scanned uploads, so there is no paper filing for a standard incorporation. Have these ready before you log in:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| CNIC of each director and subscriber | Passport for foreign nationals; every subscriber must be 18+ |
| Three proposed company names | In order of preference, to survive rejection |
| Memorandum of Association (MOA) | States the company's business and objectives |
| Articles of Association (AOA) | Internal rules and directors' powers |
| Registered office address | Proof of the company's principal place of business |
| Authorised and paid-up capital details | Value per share and shares taken by each subscriber |
| Digital signature certificate | Issued by an SECP-recognised certification authority (NIFT) |
The MOA and AOA are the heart of your filing. If you would rather not draft them from scratch, our contractual documentation and corporate formation teams prepare compliant constitutions tailored to your business objects.
Step 3: File through the eZfile portal
SECP's LEAP eZfile portal is now the mandatory electronic channel for incorporation and ongoing returns. The end-to-end flow looks like this:
- Create a user account on eZfile with your CNIC, mobile number and email. Each subscriber opens a separate account. There is a one-time user registration fee of PKR 200.
- Obtain a digital signature from an SECP-recognised certification authority so you can authenticate your forms.
- Reserve your company name. SECP checks it against prohibited and deceptively similar names - reservation usually completes in 24 to 48 hours and a reserved name is valid for 60 days.
- Submit the incorporation application - either combined with the name reservation or as a separate step - attaching the MOA, AOA, CNICs and office details.
- Sign digitally and pay. Each subscriber signs with their verification PIN, and you settle the fee online.
- Receive the Certificate of Incorporation electronically once SECP is satisfied the filing is complete and lawful.
For a screen-by-screen walkthrough of name reservation and incorporation, see our dedicated guide to SECP eZfile registration.
Step 4: Understand the cost
SECP registration fees are set under the Seventh Schedule of the Companies Act 2017 and are calculated on your authorised capital - the fee rises as capital rises. The figures below are typical for online filing of a small private limited company and were last revised by SECP in late 2024.
| Charge | Typical amount (PKR) |
|---|---|
| User registration (one-time) | 200 |
| Name reservation | 1,000 |
| Incorporation fee (capital up to 100,000) | 1,800 online |
| Standard document filing fee | 1,000 online / 1,500 physical |
| Indicative government total | ~3,000 |
These are government charges only and exclude your digital signature cost and any professional fees. Because the incorporation fee scales with authorised capital and SECP amends the schedule from time to time, always confirm the current figure on SECP's official fee calculator - or ask us for a fixed quote. For the numbers specific to your structure, see our detailed breakdowns of private limited company cost and documents and SMC registration.
Step 5: Know the timeline
A clean, complete filing moves fast. Delays almost always come from rejected names, mismatched CNIC details, or an incomplete MOA - not from SECP itself.
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| User account & digital signature | Same day - 1 day |
| Name reservation | 24 - 48 hours |
| Incorporation approval | 2 - 5 working days |
| NTN registration (FBR, post-incorporation) | Same day - 7 working days |
Step 6: Complete post-incorporation registrations
The Certificate of Incorporation is the start, not the finish. Before you begin trading you should:
- Obtain a National Tax Number (NTN) from the FBR.
- Open a company bank account in the registered name.
- Register for sales tax with the FBR or the relevant provincial revenue authority if your activity requires it.
- Enrol with EOBI, provincial social security (such as SESSI/PESSI) and the professional tax authority once you hire staff.
- Diarise your annual returns and statutory filings - a company that misses these attracts penalties.
Understanding your ongoing obligations matters as much as getting registered. Read up on business tax for companies, keep to the SECP and FBR compliance calendar, and file your annual returns on Form A and Form 29 on time. New founders will find our startup legal checklist a useful companion.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner register a company in Pakistan?
Yes. A foreign national with a valid passport can be a director and shareholder. Foreign-invested private limited companies are common, though some sectors need additional approvals and security clearance.
Do I need a lawyer to register a company?
No, the eZfile process is designed for self-filing. But a lawyer or corporate consultant helps you pick the right structure, draft a clean MOA and AOA, and avoid the rejections that cause most delays.
How many names should I propose?
Submit three in order of preference. SECP rejects names that are identical or deceptively similar to existing companies or that use restricted words, so back-ups save time.
What is authorised capital?
It is the maximum share capital your company is allowed to issue. It sets your SECP registration fee - you do not have to pay it into the company, only the paid-up portion.
Is a physical office required?
You must provide a registered office address in Pakistan where official correspondence is served. It can be a commercial or residential address you are entitled to use.