BOI One-Window Facility – Simplifying Foreign Investment
Introduction
For years, foreign investors in Pakistan faced delays, complex paperwork, and coordination challenges across multiple government departments. To solve these issues, the Board of Investment (BOI) introduced the One-Window Facility, a digital and administrative platform that brings all investment-related services under one umbrella. The system allows investors to start, operate, and expand businesses in Pakistan efficiently — minimizing red tape and improving transparency.
What Is the BOI One-Window Facility?
The One-Window Facility is a centralized system designed by the Board of Investment to streamline all processes related to foreign investment, company registration, and regulatory approvals. It integrates multiple federal and provincial authorities on one platform, enabling investors to manage everything from incorporation to visa applications through a single interface.
In simple terms, it replaces the need to visit multiple offices — BOI acts as a single contact point for investment facilitation.
Key Objectives of the One-Window Facility
The initiative is aimed at making Pakistan a more attractive and investor-friendly destination. Its main goals are:
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To reduce bureaucracy and approval time for foreign investors.
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To digitize government procedures related to investment.
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To improve coordination between BOI and other departments like SECP, FBR, SBP, and BOI Regional Offices.
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To facilitate ease of doing business by offering one-stop support from incorporation to operational setup.
Services Available Under the One-Window Facility
Through the BOI One-Window system, investors can access a wide range of services, including:
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Company registration coordination with the SECP.
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Foreign investment approval for joint ventures or foreign shareholding.
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Work visa and security clearance for foreign directors or staff.
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Branch and liaison office approvals.
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Tax registration and compliance coordination with FBR.
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Utility connections (electricity, gas, telecom) via linked agencies.
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Land acquisition facilitation in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
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Aftercare services for existing investors facing administrative or regulatory hurdles.
How the One-Window Facility Works
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Online Portal Access – Investors can log into the BOI E-Services Portal (https://invest.gov.pk) and create an account.
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Submit Application – Select the required service (e.g., foreign investment approval, work visa, SEZ facilitation).
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Document Upload – Upload all necessary documents, such as incorporation certificates, Form 29, business profiles, and investment details.
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Inter-Agency Coordination – BOI internally routes your request to relevant authorities (SECP, FBR, Ministry of Interior, etc.) through a digital channel.
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Tracking and Feedback – Applicants can monitor the real-time status of their applications and receive updates directly from the portal.
This digital model ensures transparency, reduces manual processing, and saves time — allowing foreign investors to focus on operations instead of paperwork.
Departments Integrated with BOI’s One-Window Platform
The system integrates several critical government departments, including:
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Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) – for company incorporation and record maintenance.
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Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) – for NTN, STRN, and tax compliance.
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State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) – for foreign exchange and remittance regulations.
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Ministry of Interior (MOI) – for foreign work and business visa approvals.
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Provincial Boards of Investment – for region-specific facilitation (Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan).
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Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) – for industrial land and incentives.
Benefits of the BOI One-Window Facility
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Single Point of Contact: Investors deal with one organization instead of multiple departments.
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Faster Processing: Average approval timelines have significantly reduced.
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Transparency: Digital tracking reduces the risk of delays and manual errors.
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Investor Confidence: Simplified procedures encourage greater foreign participation.
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Improved Ease of Doing Business: Aligns Pakistan’s investment policies with international best practices.
Who Can Use the One-Window Facility?
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Foreign investors establishing new ventures in Pakistan.
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Companies with foreign shareholding seeking BOI approval.
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Existing businesses expanding into new industrial zones.
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Joint ventures between local and foreign partners.
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Foreign directors or staff applying for work visas through their company.
How It Supports Foreign Investors
The One-Window Facility doesn’t just handle paperwork — it actively supports investors in navigating Pakistan’s legal and regulatory system. BOI officers assist in:
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Coordinating with ministries for approvals.
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Resolving tax or compliance-related disputes.
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Linking investors with Special Economic Zones for incentives.
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Providing updated policy guidance on foreign ownership laws.
Challenges and Ongoing Improvements
Although the system has made great progress, some investors still face minor challenges in inter-departmental coordination, especially in provincial approvals or manual follow-ups. The BOI continues to enhance digital integration and speed up response times, aiming for a fully automated model across all departments.
Final Thoughts
The BOI One-Window Facility represents a major step toward making Pakistan a globally competitive investment destination. By centralizing approvals, offering real-time updates, and ensuring transparency, it simplifies every stage of the investment journey — from incorporation to operation. For foreign investors looking to start or expand in Pakistan, using this platform can save valuable time and ensure full legal compliance with minimal hassle.
