SECP Company Registration in Pakistan​

In Pakistan, incorporating a company under the Companies Act, 2017 is a legal requirement enforced by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to establish limited liability and access formal business benefits. SECP’s e-Services portal offers a streamlined online company registration in Pakistan, enabling applicants to register, upload documents, and pay fees entirely through their web interface.

Alternatively, businesses can complete the SECP company registration process offline by submitting physical forms and documents at designated SECP facilitation centers. The first step is company name reservation, where you propose up to three names via the eZfile portal or on a physical Form-N, with approvals granted within days. Required documentation includes Memorandum and Articles of Association, CNIC/NTN copies of directors and subscribers, a bank certificate showing IBAN, proof of registered office (utility bill), and GPS-tagged photographs of the premises.

Fast Track Registration completes incorporation in as little as four hours for an additional fee, while standard online applications finalize within 1–2 business days and manual submissions take 5–10 business days. After incorporation, SECP issues a Certificate of Incorporation, and companies must file annual returns within specified timelines, update particulars, and manage deregistration through e-Services. Engaging professional company formation services in Pakistan ensures accuracy, reduces rejection risk, and provides ongoing compliance support.

This section covers:

• Eligibility and name reservation
• Documentation requirements
• Online and manual registration steps
• Post-incorporation compliance
• Benefits of using expert company registration consultants

Overview of Company Registration

In Pakistan, companies incorporate under the Companies Act, 2017 and its accompanying Companies (Incorporation) Regulations, 2017, both administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Incorporation grants limited liability status, separating personal assets from company debts and protecting shareholders from business risks. Registered companies gain credibility with suppliers, lenders, and clients, which can facilitate access to financing and partnerships.

The e-Services portal allows online company registration in Pakistan, automating name reservation, document uploads, and fee payments for faster approvals. For businesses preferring manual submission, physical forms—such as Form-N for name reservation and Form-A for incorporation—are available at SECP facilitation centers. Professional company formation services in Pakistan streamline each step, reducing errors and ensuring compliance with SECP requirements.

Legal Framework and Business Advantages

The Companies Act, 2017, provides the statutory basis for company incorporation, governance, and compliance. It outlines the criteria for different company types—private limited, single-member, and public—and sets out procedures for name reservation, drafting of Memorandum and Articles of Association, and share capital requirements. The Companies (Incorporation) Regulations, 2017 detail the formats, fees, and timelines for SECP company registration online or via Form-STR-1.

Forming a private limited company or single-member company offers clear business advantages. Limited liability protects directors and shareholders from personal financial exposure beyond their shareholding. Companies enjoy enhanced credibility, which can translate into better supplier terms and easier credit access from financial institutions. Registered companies can hold property, enter contracts, and enforce legal rights in their own name, improving operational flexibility and governance.

Who Must Register and When

Any business operating as a private limited company, single-member company, or association of persons must complete SECP company registration before starting operations. The Act requires at least two subscribers for a private company and one for a single-member company, each subscribing to the Memorandum of Association. Turnover thresholds do not apply to incorporation eligibility, but unregistered entities cannot open corporate bank accounts, claim input tax credits, or enter into certain legal contracts. Failure to register invites legal penalties under Section 412 of the Act, including fines and possible injunctions against business operations until compliance is achieved.

This framework ensures businesses understand their obligations and the advantages of becoming a registered company in Pakistan.

Preparing for Registration

The following section will be covering name reservation, required documents, and choosing the right company structure.

Name Reservation

Reserving your company name is the first step in SECP company registration. You may submit up to three proposed names, in order of preference, through the eZfile company name reservation service on SECP’s e-Services portal. The system checks each name against existing company records to ensure it isn’t identical, misleading, or offensive under Section 10 of the Companies Act, 2017.

If you prefer offline submission, complete Form N and deliver it to any SECP facilitation center along with the prescribed fee. Name approvals typically arrive within days, allowing you to proceed quickly to incorporation.

Required Documents

To register my company for GST (i.e., incorporate under SECP), you must prepare the following:

• Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA) drafted in the formats prescribed by the Companies (Incorporation) Regulations, 2017.
• Copies of CNIC or NTN for each director and subscriber to verify identity and legal status.
• Bank Certificate showing your business account and IBAN, confirming paid-up capital
• Proof of Registered Office in the form of a recent utility bill (electricity, gas, or water).
• GPS-Tagged Photographs of your business premises (and machinery, if you are a manufacturer), demonstrating your physical address.

Gathering these documents in advance streamlines both your online company registration in Pakistan and any offline submission process.

Choosing the Right Structure

Before you register company in Pakistan, decide on your legal form:

• Private Limited Company requires at least two subscribers and offers limited liability, making it ideal for most small- to medium-sized enterprises.
• Single-Member Company suits sole entrepreneurs who want limited liability; it needs only one subscriber .
• Association of Persons (AOP) can register for joint ventures or partnerships but holds members jointly liable without corporate separation.

Consider factors such as number of shareholders, capital requirements, and liability protection when choosing your company type. Company registration consultants can help you evaluate these options and select the best fit for your goals.

This section ensures you complete SECP company registration online or via physical forms without delays, by reserving your name, preparing all required documents, and picking the right structure from the start.

Online SECP Registration Process

The following is the detailed process for completing SECP company registration online through the e-Services portal, from account setup to biometric verification. Each step leverages SECP’s digital infrastructure to ensure faster approvals and compliance.

Accessing the e-Services Portal

First, visit the SECP e-Services portal to begin your online company registration in Pakistan.

New users click “Register” and enter their CNIC, email, and mobile number to create an account; existing users log in with their CNIC/NTN and password to access the dashboard.

After logging in, obtain your e-Services PIN by clicking “Apply PIN” under the user profile; this PIN is required to sign digital forms throughout the SECP company registration online process.

Ensure your computer meets system requirements—modern browser and stable internet connection—to avoid interruptions during form submission.

Submitting Form 14(1)

Within the dashboard, select “Company Incorporation” and then “Form 14(1)” to start your SECP company registration.

Complete the form by entering basic details: proposed company name (from your approved name reservation), business structure (private limited, single-member, etc.), and share capital information.

Upload required documents—Memorandum and Articles of Association, CNIC/NTN copies, bank certificate with IBAN, utility bill for the registered office, and GPS-tagged premises photos—using the attachment links provided; each file must be under 2 MB.

Review the filled details, then click “Sign Form” using your e-Services PIN to apply a digital signature, ensuring the form’s authenticity and integrity.

Proceed to the “Payment” section and pay incorporation fees via the online challan or integrated payment gateway; SECP provides a fee calculator to determine exact charges based on authorized share capital.

After payment confirmation, submit the form. The system immediately validates entries and, upon success, issues your Certificate of Incorporation and provides your corporate STRN credentials for return filings and compliance.

Biometric Verification

Within 30 days of online incorporation, complete NADRA e-Sahulat biometric verification to activate your registration and maintain your Active Taxpayer List status.

Visit any NADRA e-Sahulat center nationwide, present your CNIC, and provide fingerprint data; the center captures and transmits your biometric details directly to SECP for verification.

You can track verification status in your e-Services dashboard under “Verification Status”; successful verification confirms your company’s STRN activation and unlocks full corporate privileges, such as opening bank accounts and claiming tax credits.

If verification is not completed within 30 days, your company may be marked inactive, requiring manual reactivation via SECP’s facilitation centers.

This streamlined company registration services in Pakistan through SECP’s e-Services portal reduces processing times and errors, ensuring your business gains legal status swiftly and securely.

Manual Registration Process

Before diving in, here’s a quick overview: if you prefer not to use SECP’s e-Services portal, you can register offline by completing Form STR-1 and submitting it—along with required documents—by post, courier, or in person to the Central or Local Registration Offices. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days, after which you must complete biometric verification to activate your incorporation status.

Using Form STR-1

Form STR-1 is the prescribed paper application for SECP company registration when you choose the offline route.

You download the latest Form STR-1 from SECP’s website or collect it at any SECP facilitation center.

Complete the form by providing: company name (as reserved), subscriber and director details, share capital information, and address of the registered office.

Attach all required documents—Memorandum and Articles of Association, CNIC/NTN copies, bank account certificate with IBAN, utility bill for the registered office, and GPS-tagged photographs of premises and machinery for manufacturers.

Include the correct filing fee, which varies by authorized share capital (e.g., PKR 2,500 for up to PKR 100,000 capital offline) as per SECP’s fee schedule.

Submission and Timelines

Once your Form STR-1 package is ready, submit it to the Registrar of Companies:

• Central Registration Office (CRO), Islamabad: State Life Building 7, Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area, Islamabad.
• Local Registration Office (LRO), Karachi: Dawood Center, Ground Floor, M.T. Khan Road, Civil Lines, Karachi.

You may send the application by registered post or courier, or deliver it in person at any CRO/LRO.

SECP processes offline applications within 5–10 business days after verifying documents and fee payment.

If there are deficiencies, SECP issues a notice requesting additional information or corrections; timely response avoids delays.

Follow-Up Steps

After submission, you can track your application status on SECP’s e-Services portal under “Company Incorporation Status” by entering the SRN provided at receipt.

Respond promptly to any SECP queries—via email or the contact numbers listed for your CRO/LRO—to clear issues quickly.

Once approved, SECP issues your Certificate of Incorporation and digital STRN credentials, which you can download from e-Services or receive by post.

Complete NADRA e-Sahulat biometric verification within 30 days of incorporation to activate your company’s status and maintain compliance.

Keep a copy of your incorporation documents and STRN credentials on record for bank accounts, tax registrations, and other legal formalities.

This manual process ensures you can still register your company if you face issues with online registration or prefer physical submissions. Following these steps and timelines helps you avoid delays and secure your corporate status under SECP regulations.

Post‑Incorporation Compliance

After you complete your company incorporation, here are the key compliance steps to maintain your company’s good standing. You must secure your Certificate of Incorporation, file statutory returns on time, and update SECP whenever your company details change. Failure to comply invites penalties and could jeopardize your legal status.

Certificate of Incorporation and Official Records

Upon successful registration, SECP issues your Certificate of Incorporation, which confirms your company’s legal existence. You must enter this certificate in your internal company register and keep it at your registered office for inspection by stakeholders. The certificate also enables you to open corporate bank accounts, apply for licenses, and enter contracts in your company’s name. Maintain bound copies of your Memorandum and Articles of Association, and update the Register of Directors and Subscribers within 30 days of incorporation, as SECP may review these records during routine inspections

Annual Returns and Filings

Every year, you must file Form A (Annual Return) with SECP within 30 days of your Annual General Meeting (AGM) . If your company is listed, you have 45 days after the AGM to submit the return. Form A requires details of your directors, shareholders, share capital, and registered office address. Alongside this, private companies must file audited financial statements within 15 days of the AGM, while listed companies submit them within 30 days. Non-compliance attracts fines under Section 156 of the Act and may result in restrictions on company operations.

Change in Particulars and Deregistration

You can update your company’s details—such as address, director appointments, or share capital changes—through SECP’s e-Services “Change in Particulars” feature. To deregister a dissolved company, access the “Deregister” option, submit Form F, and clear any outstanding fees or penalties. SECP processes these updates digitally, usually within 10 business days, ensuring your company records remain current and compliant.

Adhering to these post-incorporation requirements—securing your certificate, filing timely returns, and updating company particulars—keeps your business in good regulatory standing and avoids unnecessary penalties.

Benefits of Expert Company Registration Services

Professional company registration services improve your incorporation experience by reducing errors, expediting approvals, and offering year-round compliance assistance. Consultants handle documentation checks, portal navigation, and follow-ups with SECP, so you avoid common pitfalls and focus on building your business.

Accuracy and Speed

Expert consultants verify that every field in Form 14(1) or STR-1 is completed correctly, cutting down on back-and-forth queries from SECP. They cross-check CNIC/NTN copies, bank certificates, MOA/AOA drafts, and GPS-tagged photos against the Companies Act requirements to prevent rejection on technicalities. By using established workflows, they reduce average processing times from several days to under 24 hours for online e-Services submissions and accelerate manual applications through precise documentation. This speed lets you obtain your Certificate of Incorporation promptly and begin operations sooner.

Ongoing Support

Beyond incorporation, consultants provide continuous compliance support. They monitor SECP’s e-Services portal for regulatory updates, SRO changes, and filing deadlines, then alert you to necessary actions—such as annual return submissions or amendments to company particulars. When you need to update directors, share capital, or office address, they handle the “Change in Particulars” process end-to-end, ensuring your records remain current and valid. In the event of an audit or query, they act as your liaison with SECP, providing expert representation and minimizing disruption.

Choosing the Best Consultant

When selecting company registration consultants, look for:

• SECP-Recognized Credentials: Ensure they are authorized SECP e-Services users and hold a practitioner ID.
• Local Expertise: Opt for consultants familiar with regional offices—especially company registration consultants in Karachi—to speed up any in-person requirements.
• Transparent Fees: Seek clear, itemized pricing with no hidden charges, and compare service packages to match your budget and needs.

Engaging professional company formation services in Pakistan not only streamlines your SECP company registration but also secures your legal standing and frees you to focus on growing your business.

Ready to Register Your Company?

If you’re looking for help with SECP company registration in Pakistan, we’re here to make the process easier. Whether you’re starting fresh or formalizing an existing business, our team can handle the paperwork, guide you through each step, and get it done without delays.

No confusing forms. No back-and-forth with SECP. Just straightforward support from people who’ve done this hundreds of times.

Let’s get your company registered. Contact us to get started or ask anything you’re unsure about.

You might also need help with tax compliance after registering your company. We offer support through our tax prep services, handle income tax preparation, manage sales tax filing, and can assist with GST registration if your business qualifies. Everything you need—under one roof.