How to Register a Company in Pakistan with SECP: A Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Why Register a Company in Pakistan?

A registered company (Private Limited Company or SMC) in Pakistan gives you distinct advantages over operating as a sole trader or informal partnership:

• Limited liability — your personal assets are protected if the business faces debts or legal action
• Corporate credibility — banks, suppliers, and corporate clients take registered companies more seriously
• Tax efficiency — corporate tax rates can be more favourable than individual tax rates at higher income levels
• Investment readiness — a registered company can issue shares to investors; an informal business cannot
• Access to bank financing — corporate bank accounts and business loans are much easier to obtain

Types of Companies You Can Register with SECP

Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)

The most popular choice for Pakistani SMEs. Requires at least two shareholders and two directors (who can be the same people). Liability is limited to the amount invested. The company name must end in "(Pvt) Ltd".

Single Member Company (SMC)

A private limited company with only one shareholder — ideal for solo entrepreneurs. Requires appointment of a nominee director (someone who takes over if the single member dies or becomes incapacitated). Name ends in "(SMC-Pvt) Ltd".

Association of Persons (AOP)

Not a company but a common business structure for partnerships. Registered with FBR rather than SECP. Simpler to set up but without the limited liability protection of a Pvt Ltd.

Step-by-Step: How to Register a Pvt Ltd Company with SECP

Step 1: Choose and Reserve Your Company Name

Log into SECP's eServices portal (eservices.secp.gov.pk) and check name availability. Your company name must be unique, must not infringe any trademark, and must end in "(Pvt) Ltd". Submit a name reservation application — this typically takes 1-2 business days.

Step 2: Prepare Your Memorandum and Articles of Association

The Memorandum of Association (MoA) defines your company's objects — what business it is authorised to conduct. The Articles of Association (AoA) govern internal company operations, shareholder rights, and director powers. These are legal documents that must be carefully drafted.

Step 3: File on SECP eServices

Upload your MoA, AoA, CNIC copies of all directors and shareholders, and pay the filing fee (based on authorised capital) through the SECP eServices portal. For a company with Rs. 100,000 authorised capital, the filing fee is approximately Rs. 1,750.

Step 4: Receive Certificate of Incorporation

If all documents are in order, SECP typically issues the Certificate of Incorporation within 1-3 business days. This certificate is your company's birth certificate — keep it safe.

Step 5: Register with FBR

After incorporation, you must register your company with FBR to obtain a Company NTN. This is done through IRIS and is required before you can open a corporate bank account or issue invoices.

At Business Virtuosos, we handle the complete SECP registration process — from name reservation to NTN registration — so you can focus on starting your business, not navigating bureaucracy.

Documents Required for SECP Registration

• CNIC copies of all directors and shareholders
• Proposed Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Registered office address (utility bill or rent agreement)
• Form 1 (Declaration of Compliance)
• Form 21 (Notice of Situation of Registered Office)
• Form 29 (Particulars of First Directors)

Cost of SECP Company Registration

SECP filing fees are based on your authorised capital — ranging from Rs. 1,750 for Rs. 100,000 capital to Rs. 7,500 for Rs. 10 million capital. Professional fees for a company formation agent typically range from Rs. 15,000–Rs. 35,000 depending on complexity.