Registering a company in Pakistan used to mean paperwork, queues and a trip to the Company Registration Office. Today the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) runs the whole process through its eZfile corporate registry portal under the Companies Act 2017 and the Companies Regulations 2024. This guide takes you through each stage - from name to certificate - with the current fees, documents and timelines so you know exactly what to expect.
What is eZfile and who can use it
eZfile is SECP's online filing system for company formation and ongoing compliance. It replaces manual submissions with a single dashboard where you reserve names, incorporate, file annual returns and lodge statutory forms. Anyone forming a private limited company, a single member company (SMC), an LLP or a public company registers here. Not sure which structure fits you? Our overview of the types of company registration in Pakistan compares them side by side.
Step 1 - Create your account and digital signature
Every director and subscriber needs their own eZfile account. Sign up with your CNIC (or passport for foreign nationals), a mobile number registered in your own name, and an email address. Once verified, SECP sends a 4-digit PIN by SMS and email. That PIN is your digital signature for every filing - keep it private. A one-time user registration fee of PKR 100 applies on your first process.
Important: for a company with multiple directors, each person logs in separately and signs the same application with their own PIN. The company cannot be incorporated until all subscribers have signed.
Step 2 - Reserve your company name
Log in and open the name reservation service. You may propose up to three names in order of preference. SECP checks each against existing companies and its list of prohibited or restricted words - names that are identical, deceptively similar, or that imply state patronage are refused. Reservation is usually processed within one to three working days.
The online reservation fee is PKR 200, and an approved name is reserved for 60 days. If you do not incorporate within that window the name lapses and you must reapply. To avoid a rejection, run a preliminary search and pick a distinctive name before you file.
Step 3 - Prepare your documents
eZfile auto-generates the Memorandum and Articles of Association from your inputs, so you mainly upload identity and address proofs. The core set for a private limited company is:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| CNIC of every director, subscriber and the CEO | Identity verification (passport for foreign nationals) |
| Memorandum of Association (MOA) | States the company's objects and business sector |
| Articles of Association (AOA) | Sets out internal rules and directors' powers |
| Registered office address proof | Utility bill or lease/tenancy agreement |
| Authorised and paid-up capital details | Determines the incorporation fee slab |
Foreign directors or corporate subscribers may need additional attested and, where applicable, apostilled documents. If your MOA objects are complex, having a lawyer review the auto-generated clauses avoids a later restriction on your activities. Our corporate formation service handles drafting and filing end to end.
Step 4 - Understand the fees
Government fees on eZfile are modest and scale with your authorised capital. The figures below are typical online rates and can change with SECP notifications, so treat them as a guide rather than a guaranteed quote:
| Item | Typical online fee (PKR) |
|---|---|
| User registration (one-time) | 100 |
| Name reservation | 200 |
| Base incorporation (capital up to 100,000) | from ~1,000 |
| Additional capital, per further 100,000 | ~500 |
| Typical total (small private company) | ~1,800 - 3,000 |
Online filing is materially cheaper than physical filing, which is why almost all applicants now use eZfile. For an exact figure, use SECP's own incorporation fee calculator or ask us for a fixed quote. These are statutory fees only and do not include professional charges.
Step 5 - File, sign and incorporate
With your name reserved and documents ready, complete the incorporation application: enter company particulars, directors and shareholding, then attach the documents. Each subscriber signs with their PIN, and you pay the fee by challan (bank deposit) or online e-payment. SECP reviews the filing and, if everything is complete, issues a digital Certificate of Incorporation - usually within two to five working days.
Here is the realistic timeline from start to finish:
| Stage | Working days |
|---|---|
| Account setup and PIN issuance | Same day |
| Name reservation approval | 1 - 3 |
| Document preparation | 1 - 2 |
| Incorporation review and certificate | 2 - 5 |
| Total (no queries) | 5 - 10 |
Step 6 - What to do after incorporation
The certificate is the beginning, not the end. Next you should register for a National Tax Number, open a company bank account, and keep on top of statutory filings. Read our NTN registration guide for the FBR step, plan your obligations with the SECP and FBR compliance calendar, and see the startup legal checklist so nothing slips. Your first Form A / Form 29 annual return will fall due within the year.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register a company on eZfile without a lawyer?
Yes - eZfile is designed for self-service and auto-generates the MOA and AOA. However, professional help is valuable where objects are complex, foreign subscribers are involved, or you want the structure right the first time to avoid rejections.
What happens if my proposed name is rejected?
SECP notifies you with the reason. You can submit fresh names; because you may propose three at once, offering distinctive alternatives up front reduces delay.
Is the 4-digit PIN the same as a formal digital certificate?
On eZfile the PIN functions as your signature for filings. It is issued to your registered CNIC and mobile number, so guard it as you would any signature.
Do all directors have to be in Pakistan?
No. Foreign nationals can be directors or shareholders using a passport, though additional attested and apostilled documents may be required.
How long is a reserved name valid?
60 days from approval. If you do not incorporate within that period, the reservation lapses and you must apply and pay again.
Are the fees fixed?
No. Statutory fees scale with authorised capital and are subject to SECP notifications. Use SECP's fee calculator or request a written quote before filing.