Company Registration in Pakistan (2025): Step-by-Step Guide, Cost, Documents & FAQs

If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own company—whether a tech startup, a fashion boutique, or a service-based enterprise—Pakistan offers more opportunities than ever before. The country’s youthful population, digital transformation, and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem have created fertile ground for new businesses to thrive.

But before you launch, the most crucial first step is this:

👉 Formally register your company with SECP and FBR.

Why Register Your Company?

Registering your business isn’t just a bureaucratic formality—it’s about unlocking your legal, financial, and professional potential. Here’s why every serious entrepreneur should formalize their business:

✅ Legal Protection & Credibility

• A registered company becomes a separate legal entity, protecting your personal assets from business liabilities.

• You can sign contracts, open business bank accounts, and legally own property.

• It boosts customer confidence and corporate credibility when dealing with clients, suppliers, and investors.

💰 Access to Funding & Financial Opportunities

• Registered businesses are eligible for business loans, grants, and government schemes (especially for startups and IT firms).

• You can receive international payments, apply for Payoneer/Stripe/Money transfer services, and work with foreign clients.

• Government initiatives also offer tax rebates and exemptions—especially for IT & export businesses.

📈 Room to Grow and Expand

• You can hire employees legally, sponsor visas, and provide employee benefits.

• Eligibility to export goods, bid on tenders, or partner with international firms.

• You may register with PSEB, claim IT exporter benefits, or apply for WEBOC to import/export goods.

What Types of Companies Can You Register in Pakistan?

Here are your main options:

✅ Most startups, IT firms, and growth-focused businesses register as SMC or Pvt Ltd through the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

Step-by-Step: How to Register a Company in Pakistan (2025)

1. Choose Your Company Structure

• If you’re a single founder, consider SMC.

• For co-founders or investor-driven startups, choose Pvt Ltd.

2. Check and Reserve a Unique Business Name

• Use SECP’s name availability search on the eServices portal.

• Avoid using restricted or trademarked words.

💡 Tip: Names must end with “(Private) Limited” or “(SMC-Private) Limited.”

3. Prepare Required Documents

For SMC or Pvt Ltd:

• CNIC copies of all directors and nominee (for SMC)

• Registered business address

• MOA and AOA (Memorandum and Articles of Association)

• Contact info (email and phone must be registered with CNIC)

• Undertaking of compliance (in specified SECP format)

4. Register Online via SECP eServices Portal

• Create an SECP login ID

• Fill Form-I, Form-IV, Form-29 (if applicable)

• Upload digital signatures and required documents

• Pay the registration fee online (through 1Link or bank)

📌 Standard cost of incorporation (2025):

• SECP Fee: Rs. 11,750 (depends on capital)

• Name Reservation: Rs. 2200

• Service Fee (if using agent): Rs. 20,000 to 25,000 (includes full documentation & tax setup)

🕐 Timeline: 3–7 working days (if all documents are correct)

5. Get Digital Signature & Incorporation Certificate

Once approved, you’ll receive:

• Certificate of Incorporation

• Company Registration Number (CRN)

• Access to post-incorporation filing

6. Register with FBR for Tax (NTN)

• Visit IRIS Portal to apply for NTN (National Tax Number)

• Required to open business bank accounts and file tax returns

• File 114(1) Return every year, even if no income

7. Open a Business Bank Account

• Provide CRN, NTN, MOA/AOA, and board resolution (for Pvt Ltd)

• Choose from banks like Meezan, HBL, UBL, Bank Alfalah

8. Get Other Licenses If Needed

Depending on your industry:

• PSEB Registration (for IT/Software Exporters)

• WEBOC Registration (for import/export businesses)

• Sales Tax Registration (STRN) if taxable goods/services are offered

🔍 Government Support for Startups (2025)

The Government of Pakistan is actively encouraging entrepreneurs:

• Reduced SECP fee for women-led businesses & small companies

• Tax exemptions for IT exports till June 2026 (under PSEB registration)

• Startup Pakistan, Ignite, NIC, and incubation support

• Online portals (SECP, FBR, PSEB) to reduce in-person visits

🧯 Myths About Company Registration – Debunked!

📌 Post-Incorporation Compliance (Don’t Forget!)

After registration:

• File Form A (Annual Return) every year

• Update Form 29 when changing directors

• File income tax returns on time

• Renew digital signature token annually

🚀 Your Next Step: Take Action Now

Every large business once began with a simple decision: to register officially.

Whether you’re a freelancer scaling up, a team of co-founders launching your dream startup, or a small business going legal for the first time—Pakistan is ready to support you.

✅ We can help you register:

• SMC or Pvt Ltd company

• NTN & GST with FBR

• PSEB/WEBOC for exports

• Handle all SECP documentation

• File mandatory forms (Form A, Form 29)

💬 Ready to Begin?

Let our experts handle everything for you—from name reservation to incorporation certificate to post-registration compliance.

📞 Message us now on WhatsApp or visit:
👉 CompanyRegistrationOnline.com