How to Register a Restaurant or Food Business in Pakistan

Opening a restaurant in Pakistan can be a profitable and fulfilling venture—but before you launch your food business, it’s essential to complete all legal registrations and obtain the required licenses. Whether you’re planning a roadside eatery, café, takeaway outlet, or full-scale restaurant, registering your business properly is critical for operating legally, avoiding penalties, and gaining customer trust.

At CompanyRegistrationOnline.com, we help entrepreneurs across Pakistan register their businesses with SECP, FBR, food authorities, and more. Below is a complete guide for 2025 on how to register your food business in Pakistan.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure

Before anything else, decide the legal structure of your business:

Sole Proprietorship
– Ideal for small restaurants.
– Register with FBR (National Tax Number – NTN only).
– Operates under the owner’s CNIC.

Partnership (AOP)
– For businesses with two or more partners.
– Must register with Registrar of Firms and FBR.
– Profits taxed under AOP tax slab.

Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)
– Ideal for scalable or multi-location restaurants.
– Separate legal identity.
– Must be registered with SECP.

Single Member Company (SMC Pvt Ltd)
– Limited liability business owned by one person.
– Must register with SECP.

Step 2: Register with SECP (If Pvt Ltd or SMC)

If you are forming a private limited company, register it through the SECP eServices Portal.

Documents Required:
– CNICs of directors
– Proposed name
– Memorandum & Articles of Association
– Forms: Form-I, Form-21, Form-29
– Paid fee challan (online payment)

After approval, SECP will issue your Certificate of Incorporation.

Step 3: Get Your NTN from FBR

Regardless of business type, registration with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is mandatory.

Apply online via the FBR IRIS Portal: https://iris.fbr.gov.pk

Required Documents:
– CNIC
– Recent electricity bill
– Rent agreement or ownership document of business premises

After approval, you will receive your National Tax Number (NTN).

Step 4: Register for Sales Tax (If Applicable)

If your restaurant’s annual revenue exceeds Rs. 10 million, you must register for Sales Tax with:

– FBR (for Islamabad and federal areas)
– PRA, SRB, BRA, or KPRA (based on province)

Required Documents:
– NTN
– CNIC
– Utility bill
– Business address proof
– Letterhead

Step 5: Obtain Food License from Food Authority

You must obtain a license from the provincial food authority before operating.

In Punjab, apply via the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) portal.
Other provinces have their own authorities:
– Sindh Food Authority (SFA)
– KP Food Authority
– Balochistan Food Authority

Required Documents:
– CNIC
– Ownership or rent agreement
– Kitchen hygiene compliance
– Food handler medical certificates
– Equipment and safety checklist

After inspection, your Food Business License will be issued.

Step 6: Register with Local Government (Municipal Licenses)

Depending on your area, the Municipal Corporation or Cantonment Board may require:

– Trade License or Shop Registration Certificate
– Fire Safety Certificate (from Civil Defence)
– Signboard Tax Clearance
– Waste Disposal NOC (e.g., LWMC in Lahore)

Visit your district’s Metropolitan Office or Union Council to apply.

Step 7: Register for Employee Benefits (If Applicable)

If you employ more than 5–10 employees, you may also need to register with:

– EOBI (Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution)
– Social Security (e.g., PESSI in Punjab)

This applies mostly to medium and large-scale restaurants.

Step 8: FBR POS Integration (For Tier-1 Restaurants)

If your restaurant is categorized as Tier-1, you must integrate your Point of Sale (POS) with FBR’s system.

Criteria for Tier-1:
– Large outlets
– High-volume restaurants
– Located in malls or commercial hubs

Requirements:
– FBR-approved POS software
– Monthly sales tax filing
– Real-time invoice issuance

Failure to integrate POS may result in penalties or blacklisting.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

A business account is mandatory for tax compliance and payments.

Required Documents:
– NTN
– Business registration certificate (SECP or Sole Prop Letter)
– Partnership Deed (if AOP)
– CNIC of owner/directors

Summary Checklist

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Skipping food authority registration
– Using non-integrated POS in Tier-1 cities
– Delaying sales tax registration after crossing Rs. 10 million turnover
– Ignoring local trade license requirements
– Not renewing licenses on time

Need Help?

At CompanyRegistrationOnline.com, we help food entrepreneurs with:
– Company incorporation (SECP)
– NTN & STRN registration
– Food authority license assistance
– POS compliance and tax filing

Let our experts register your food business quickly and compliantly, so you can focus on serving delicious food!