Starting a business in Pakistan is exciting! Whether you want to open a small shop, start a tech company, or grow a big enterprise, the first important step is registering your business properly. This gives your business legal protection, builds trust with customers and banks, and helps you follow the law.
In Pakistan, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is the main government body that registers most companies. The law that controls this is the Companies Act, 2017. The process is now mostly online and very easy through the SECP website.
This guide explains everything in easy words: types of companies, step-by-step registration process, what to do after registration (compliance), and why a legal retainership plan is smart for your new business.
Why Register Your Company with SECP?
- Your business becomes a separate legal person (it can own property, sign contracts, sue, or be sued).
- Owners get limited liability — they only lose what they invested, not personal things like home or car.
- Easier to open a bank account, get loans, or bring investors.
- Looks professional to clients, suppliers, and government departments.
Common Types of Companies in Pakistan (SECP)
Here are the main types people choose:
- Single Member Company (SMC – Private Limited)
- Only one owner (you alone).
- Good for solo entrepreneurs, freelancers, or small family businesses.
- Limited liability protection.
- Easy to manage.
- Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.)
- 2 or more owners (up to 50 shareholders).
- Most popular for startups, medium businesses, shops, IT companies, or services.
- Cannot sell shares to the public.
- Limited liability.
- Public Limited Company
- For big companies that want to sell shares to many people (can list on stock exchange).
- More rules and public reporting.
- Needs at least 3 directors/shareholders.
- Other Options (Not Always SECP)
- Sole Proprietorship — Just you, no SECP needed (only FBR tax registration). Unlimited personal risk.
- Partnership — 2 or more people, register with Registrar of Firms (not SECP).
Most new businesses choose Private Limited or Single Member Company for safety and growth.
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Company with SECP (2026)
The process is now fully digital using SECP’s eZfile or eServices portal. It takes only a few days (sometimes hours with fast track).
- Create an Account on SECP Portal
- Go to https://eservices.secp.gov.pk/eServices/
- Sign up as a new user (use your CNIC/email).
- Get a PIN or login details.
- Reserve Your Company Name
- Search if your desired name is available (must be unique, no bad words, no government names).
- Apply for name reservation (combined with incorporation in many cases).
- Pay small fee (around PKR 200–500).
- Name approval usually quick (1–2 days).
- Prepare Important Documents
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) — Explains company purpose, capital, etc. (use SECP template).
- Articles of Association (AOA) — Company rules (use template).
- CNIC copies of all directors/shareholders.
- Proof of registered office address (utility bill or rent agreement).
- Declaration by directors.
- For Single Member: Nominee details.
- Submit Online Application
- Log in, fill the incorporation form (company details, directors, capital, bank branch).
- Upload all documents.
- Pay incorporation fee (varies by capital, e.g., low for small companies; fast track extra).
- Submit!
- Get Approval & Certificate
- SECP checks everything (usually 1–7 days; fast track in 4 hours).
- Receive Certificate of Incorporation digitally (your company is now legal!).
- You also get NTN (tax number) linked in many cases.
Tips: Use SECP templates to avoid mistakes. Total cost is affordable (PKR 10,000–30,000 depending on type/fast track). For foreign owners, extra approvals may be needed (e.g., Board of Investment).
After Registration: Compliance Requirements
Once registered, you must follow rules to stay active (or face fines/closure).
Immediate Steps (First 15–90 Days):
- Establish registered office and notify SECP.
- Pay subscription money (capital).
- Appoint first auditor (if capital over PKR 1 million) within 90 days.
- Open company bank account.
- Get full NTN from FBR if not auto-linked.
Annual Compliance:
- Hold Annual General Meeting (AGM) — first within 16 months, then yearly within 120 days of financial year end.
- File Annual Return with SECP.
- Submit audited/unaudited financial statements.
- File income tax returns with FBR.
- Update any changes (directors, address, capital) within 14–30 days.
Other Rules:
- Keep proper books of accounts.
- Follow anti-money laundering rules.
- File returns online via SECP portal.
Missing deadlines can lead to penalties, so stay organized!
What is Legal Retainership & Why Your Business Needs It
A retainership is a monthly or yearly agreement with a law firm like us. You pay a fixed fee, and we give ongoing legal help whenever needed.
Benefits for Your New Company:
- Save Money — Fixed fee instead of high per-case charges.
- Priority Help — We answer calls quickly and give advice fast.
- Prevent Problems — We help with contracts, compliance, employee issues, or disputes before they become big.
- Full Support — Draft agreements, file SECP forms, handle FBR matters, or represent in court if needed.
- Peace of Mind — Focus on growing your business while we handle legal side.
Many businesses in Pakistan use retainership for company matters — it’s affordable and smart.
Conclusion
Registering your company with SECP is easy and important for success in Pakistan. Choose the right type (like Private Limited or SMC), follow the online steps, and stay compliant. With proper setup and legal support, your business can grow safely.
At ASR Law Associates, we help entrepreneurs register companies quickly and affordably. We offer retainership plans tailored for startups and businesses — online consultations, document help, SECP filings, and more.
Ready to start? Contact us today!
- Email: info@asrlawassociates.com
- Website: https://asrlawassociates.com/
Don’t wait — register your dream business legally!
References:
- Companies Act, 2017 (Pakistan).
- Companies Regulations, 2024.
- Official SECP website: https://www.secp.gov.pk/ (Registration of Company, eServices portal).
- SECP Promoters Guide and Incorporation Guidelines.
- Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) tax registration rules.
- Practical guides from sources like Pakistan Law Bot, Conseric, and legal firms (updated 2025–2026).
This post is for general information. Every business is different — consult a lawyer for your case. Let’s build your success together! 🚀