Registering a company with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is the first formal step for any serious business in Pakistan — whether you are a local founder, an overseas Pakistani investing from abroad, or a foreign entrepreneur entering the Pakistani market. This guide covers everything you need to know about SECP company registration in 2025.
SECP registration typically takes 1–5 working days once documents are complete. Government fees start from PKR 3,500. ILS handles the full process from document preparation to incorporation certificate for a fixed fee — contact us for a quote.
Why Register a Company in Pakistan?
Operating as a registered company under the Companies Act 2017 provides significant advantages over sole proprietorships and partnerships: limited liability (your personal assets are protected from business debts), ability to open corporate bank accounts, access to formal business financing, ability to enter into contracts in the company's name, and credibility with clients and investors.
For tech startups, SaaS companies, and businesses seeking investment, SECP registration is typically a non-negotiable prerequisite for serious commercial operations.
Types of Companies Under Pakistani Law
Before filing, you need to decide which company structure is right for your business:
1. Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.)
The most common structure for startups and SMEs. Requires a minimum of 2 directors and 2 shareholders (who can be the same people). Shares cannot be offered to the general public. This is the default choice for most small and medium businesses.
2. Single Member Company (SMC-Pvt. Ltd.)
Introduced to accommodate solo founders. Requires only 1 director and 1 shareholder. An SMC must appoint a nominee director in case the sole member is incapacitated. This is ideal for solo entrepreneurs who want the benefits of limited liability without needing a co-founder.
3. Public Limited Company
For larger businesses that may eventually seek public investment or stock exchange listing. Requires a minimum of 3 directors and 3 shareholders. More complex compliance requirements.
4. Section 42 Company (Non-Profit)
For associations, NGOs, and non-profit organisations that wish to have limited liability status. Does not distribute profits to members.
SECP Registration Requirements
The following documents and information are required for a standard private limited company registration:
- Proposed company name (3 options recommended in order of preference)
- CNIC copies of all directors and shareholders
- CNIC copies of the company secretary (if different from directors)
- Proposed registered office address in Pakistan
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) — sets out the company's objects
- Articles of Association (AoA) — sets out the company's internal rules
- Statement of compliance signed by a lawyer or chartered accountant
- Share subscription details (who holds what percentage)
For foreign directors or shareholders, passport copies and additional documentation may be required. SECP also requires Pakistani National Tax Numbers (NTN) for all directors — these can be obtained from the FBR simultaneously with the registration process.
The SECP Registration Process Step by Step
- Company Name Search and Reservation: Before filing, search the SECP company name database to ensure your proposed name is available. ILS conducts this search and reserves the name as part of the registration process.
- Prepare Incorporation Documents: Your lawyer drafts the Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, and other required documents. ILS uses carefully drafted MoA/AoA templates adapted to your specific business activities.
- eZfile Portal Submission: All documents are submitted through SECP's online eZfile portal. This is where most founders make mistakes — incorrect form completion or document formatting will cause rejection and delay.
- Payment of Filing Fees: Government filing fees are paid at this stage. Fees vary based on authorised share capital (minimum PKR 3,500 for the lowest capital category).
- SECP Review: SECP reviews the application within 1–3 working days for straightforward applications submitted through the eZfile portal.
- Certificate of Incorporation: Upon approval, SECP issues a Certificate of Incorporation. Your company is now a legal entity. ILS provides the original certificate to you along with all incorporation documents.
Post-Incorporation Compliance
Registration is just the beginning. After incorporating, you must:
- Register for NTN: Obtain a National Tax Number from FBR for the company
- Open a Corporate Bank Account: Most banks require the incorporation certificate, MoA/AoA, and board resolution
- Appoint an Auditor: Companies must appoint a registered auditor within 60 days of incorporation
- File Annual Returns: SECP requires annual returns to be filed, along with annual audited accounts (for companies above the threshold)
- Maintain Statutory Registers: The Companies Act 2017 requires companies to maintain registers of directors, shareholders, and other statutory records
SECP Registration for Overseas Pakistanis and Foreign Founders
You do not need to be physically present in Pakistan to register a company. ILS regularly assists overseas Pakistanis and foreign entrepreneurs with company registration from abroad — via power of attorney and digital document execution. The process can be completed entirely remotely.
Foreign nationals can hold up to 100% equity in most sectors without restriction. Equity above a threshold must be reported to the State Bank of Pakistan as foreign direct investment.
Common Mistakes in SECP Registration
- Choosing a company name that is too similar to an existing registration (causes rejection)
- Incorrect or incomplete Memorandum of Association — particularly the objects clause
- Wrong share capital structure for the intended business model
- Failure to obtain NTNs for all directors before filing
- Missing post-incorporation compliance steps (auditor appointment, bank account opening)
How Much Does SECP Registration Cost?
Costs consist of two elements: government filing fees and legal/professional fees.
- Government fees: PKR 3,500 (minimum, for companies with authorised capital up to PKR 100,000) to higher amounts for larger capital structures
- ILS legal fees: From PKR 25,000 for a straightforward private limited company registration, inclusive of document preparation, name search, eZfile submission, and first compliance advice
ILS handles SECP company registration from start to finish — fixed fee, fast turnaround, done right. Book a free consultation and get a written quote within 24 hours.