Starting a business in Pakistan means dealing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) sooner or later — and the paperwork isn’t always intuitive if you’re not in it every day. Khatri IP Attorneys handles company registration in Pakistan from start to finish: name reservation, document drafting, SECP filing through the eServices/eZfile portal, and FBR tax registration, so you’re not stuck decoding forms while trying to launch a business.
We work with first-time founders in Karachi, established manufacturers in Lahore, and overseas Pakistanis registering a company remotely — and because our practice sits at the intersection of company law and intellectual property, we also flag brand-protection steps (like trademark registration) that founders often only think about after it’s too late.
Before filing anything, it’s worth knowing which structure actually fits your plans. We advise on all major company types recognized under the Companies Act, 2017:
Private Limited Company — the most common structure for small and growing businesses. Requires a minimum of two shareholders and two directors (the same people can hold both roles), and gives you limited liability — your personal assets stay separate from business obligations. Most startups, digital agencies, and SMEs in Pakistan register as a private limited company.
Single Member Company (SMC) — built for solo founders who want limited-liability protection without bringing in additional shareholders. An SMC has one director but is required to name a nominee director, who steps in only in the event of the sole director’s death or incapacity — this is a legal safeguard, not a second decision-maker in your business.
Public Limited Company — designed for businesses raising capital from the public or planning to list on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Public companies can be listed or unlisted; unlisted public companies need a minimum of three directors, listed companies need at least seven.
If you’re unsure which option fits, we’ll walk through the practical trade-offs — liability exposure, shareholder limits, and future fundraising plans — before you commit to a structure.
SECP has moved almost entirely to digital filing through its eServices/eZfile portal. Here’s how the process runs in practice:
Processing times vary with SECP’s workload and how quickly documents are ready on your end, but straightforward applications generally move through name reservation and incorporation within a matter of days once everything is submitted correctly.
Incorporation is the beginning, not the finish line. Registered companies in Pakistan carry ongoing obligations: annual filings with SECP, maintaining proper accounting records, holding annual general meetings, and renewing tax registrations with FBR. Missing these can mean penalties or, in serious cases, risk to your company’s standing on record. We offer post-incorporation support so these deadlines don’t slip while you’re focused on actually running the business.
Registering your company name with SECP secures it for company-law purposes — but it does not automatically protect it as a trademark. If your business name, logo, or brand is central to how customers recognize you, it’s worth registering it separately as a trademark in Pakistan. As a firm with intellectual property expertise, Khatri IP Attorneys can guide you through both processes together, so your legal identity and your brand identity are protected from day one — not as an afterthought once a competitor has already claimed a similar name.
| Private Limited Company | Sole Proprietorship | Partnership | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal identity | Separate legal entity | Not separate from owner | Not separate from partners |
| Liability | Limited to shareholding | Unlimited personal liability | Unlimited (joint & several) |
| Investor/bank trust | Higher | Lower | Moderate |
| Ownership transfer | Straightforward (share transfer) | Not transferable | Requires partner consent |
| Compliance burden | Higher (SECP + FBR) | Lower | Moderate (FBR + partnership deed) |
What is the process for company registration in Pakistan?
It runs through SECP’s online portal: name selection and reservation, document submission (MoA, AoA, identity documents), SECP review and approval, issuance of your Certificate of Incorporation, and finally FBR registration for your National Tax Number.
How long does company registration in Pakistan take?
Once documents are complete and submitted correctly, name reservation and incorporation through SECP’s online system typically move within days rather than weeks. FBR tax registration usually follows shortly after incorporation.
How much does it cost to register a company in Pakistan?
Government fees depend on your company type and authorized capital, with separate charges for name reservation and incorporation. Because SECP revises this schedule periodically, we confirm the current figure for your specific structure before you commit, along with a clear breakdown of our service fee.
Can I register a company in Pakistan if I live abroad?
Yes. Overseas Pakistanis, and in many cases foreign nationals, can register a company here. We handle the process remotely and guide you through the additional documentation that applies to non-resident applicants.
Do I need a lawyer to register a company in Pakistan?
It’s not a strict legal requirement, but professional guidance meaningfully reduces the risk of rejected filings and delays — particularly around drafting the Memorandum and Articles of Association correctly the first time.
What types of companies can be registered through SECP?
Private Limited Companies, Single Member Companies (SMC), Public Limited Companies (listed and unlisted), and certain other structures like non-profit associations, depending on your business goals.
What’s the difference between SECP registration and trademark registration?
SECP registration establishes your company as a legal entity under corporate law. Trademark registration is a separate process that protects your brand name, logo, or slogan from being used by others in your industry. Most growing businesses eventually need both.
If you’re ready to register a company in Pakistan — or you’re still deciding which structure fits your business — Khatri IP Attorneys can walk you through the entire SECP company registration process, accurately and without unnecessary delays.
Get in Touch Email: info@khatriattorneys.com Phone: +92 310 2143511 Location: D2/92, Malir Colony, Karachi