How to Register a Private Limited Company in Pakistan 2025 — Step-by-Step Guide

Registering a private limited company in Pakistan offers significant legal protections and business advantages. The process is governed by the Companies Act 2017 and administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). This step-by-step guide from our corporate law team covers everything required to incorporate your company.

Why Register a Private Limited Company in Pakistan?

• Limited liability — personal assets are protected from business debts
• Separate legal entity — company can own property and enter contracts
• Professional credibility with clients, banks, and investors
• Easier access to bank financing and government contracts
• Tax advantages over sole proprietorship in certain categories
• Ability to issue shares and bring in investment partners

Prerequisites for Company Registration

• Minimum 2 directors (maximum 50 for private company)
• Minimum 1 shareholder (can be same person as director)
• A proposed company name (unique, SECP-approved)
• Registered office address in Pakistan
• Minimum paid-up capital: no minimum for most sectors (some regulated sectors require specific capital)

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Name Search and Reservation on SECP eServices Portal

Visit the SECP eServices Portal (eservices.secp.gov.pk) and check name availability. Your proposed company name must be: unique, not identical or similar to existing companies, not offensive or misleading, and not restricted (e.g., not containing words like "Bank", "Insurance" without sector approval). Once confirmed as available, you can reserve the name online.

Step 2: Prepare Incorporation Documents

The key documents required are:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA): Defines the company's objects, scope of business, and authorized capital
• Articles of Association (AOA): Internal rules governing the company's management and operations
• Form 1 (Declaration of Compliance): Signed by a lawyer or company secretary
• Form 21 (Notice of Situation of Registered Office): Confirms registered office address
• Form 29 (Particulars of First Directors): Details of all directors

Step 3: Online Filing Through SECP eServices

All documents are filed online through the SECP eServices portal. Upload scanned copies of all required documents. Pay the registration fee online — fees are based on authorized capital. For capital up to Rs. 100,000 the fee is Rs. 2,200; higher capital attracts proportionally higher fees.

Step 4: SECP Review and Certificate of Incorporation

SECP reviews the application, typically within 3-5 working days for online submissions. If documents are in order, SECP issues a Certificate of Incorporation — the company's birth certificate. The company's Registration Number (CUIN) is allocated at this stage.

Step 5: Tax Registration

After incorporation, register the company with FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) for:

• National Tax Number (NTN)
• Sales Tax Registration (if applicable based on turnover)
• Employers' Registration (for payroll)

Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account in the company's name using the Certificate of Incorporation, MOA, AOA, and directors' CNICs. Deposit the initial paid-up capital.

Total Cost of Company Registration in Pakistan

• SECP registration fee: Rs. 2,200 – 15,000+ depending on capital
• Stamp duty on MOA/AOA: Varies by province
• FBR NTN registration: Free online
• Professional legal fees: Variable — contact us for a transparent quote

SECP vs Registrar of Firms — Which Do You Need?

Private Limited Companies are registered with SECP. Partnership Firms are registered with the Registrar of Firms (provincial). Sole Proprietorships require only NTN and local trade licensing — no formal registration. Choose the structure that best suits your business model, liability preferences, and growth plans.

Frequently Asked Questions