To register a company in Pakistan you incorporate it with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) online through the eZfile portal under the Companies Act 2017 — reserve a name, submit incorporation details for all directors/shareholders, sign digitally, pay the fee, and receive a digital Certificate of Incorporation, often within 5 working days. After incorporation you must complete tax and statutory registrations.
Choose your company structure first
- Single Member Company (SMC): one shareholder/director; limited liability; good for solo founders.
- Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd): 2–50 members; the most common structure for SMEs and startups.
- Public Limited Company: for businesses planning to raise public investment.
A sole proprietorship is not an SECP company and does not carry limited liability — a common point of confusion.
Step-by-step SECP registration (eZfile, 2026)
- Create eZfile accounts for all directors/shareholders (CNIC/passport is the login ID; SECP sends a 4-digit PIN that acts as your digital signature — save it).
- Reserve the company name — submit three unique name options with their “significance”.
- Prepare Memorandum & Articles of Association — eZfile can generate these.
- Enter incorporation details — CNICs, addresses, registered office, principal line of business, email and phone.
- Digitally sign with each director’s PIN.
- Pay the fee via card, bank, wallet or internet banking (portal generates the challan).
- Receive the Certificate of Incorporation — typically 1–10 working days after review.
What it costs (2026)
Fees include a small name reservation fee, a registration application fee, and a registration fee that scales with authorised capital. Confirm the current SECP fee schedule before filing. Straightforward filings complete in about 5 working days; complex ones take 3–4 weeks.
Mandatory steps AFTER incorporation
- NTN — apply for a National Tax Number via FBR’s e-registration.
- GIS + beneficial-ownership return — file with SECP within 30 days of incorporation.
- EOBI & provincial social security — if you employ staff.
- Provincial tax registration — where applicable.
- Foreign-invested companies — check Board of Investment / sector approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does company registration take in Pakistan?
A straightforward private-limited company can be registered in about 5 working days; complex cases take 3–4 weeks.
How much does it cost to register a company with SECP?
Costs include name reservation, application and a capital-scaled registration fee — check SECP’s current schedule, as rates change.
Can I register a company online in Pakistan?
Yes. SECP’s eZfile portal allows fully online incorporation without visiting an office.
What is the difference between an SMC and a private limited company?
An SMC has one member (director + shareholder are the same person); a private limited company needs 2–50 members.
What must I do after incorporation?
Get an NTN from FBR, file the GIS and beneficial-ownership return within 30 days, and register for EOBI/social security if you have employees.
Starting a business? Saleem & Saleem handles SECP incorporation, MoA/AoA drafting and corporate compliance.
