Company Registration in Pakistan 2026 is a critical legal process for entrepreneurs, startups, freelancers, and expanding businesses. Whether you are forming a Private Limited Company, Single Member Company (SMC), or Public Limited Company, understanding the updated SECP registration procedure, required documents, government fees, and compliance requirements is essential. This comprehensive pillar guide explains the complete process under the Companies Act 2017, including 2026 updates, practical tips, common mistakes, and professional insights for successful company incorporation in Pakistan.
What is Company Registration in Pakistan 2026?
Company Registration in Pakistan 2026 refers to the legal process of incorporating a company with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) through its online eServices portal. After registration, the company becomes a separate legal entity with limited liability protection under the Companies Act 2017.
This process ensures:
- Legal recognition of business
- Limited liability protection
- Tax registration eligibility
- Corporate banking access
- Investor confidence
Overview of SECP’s Role
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is the primary regulatory authority responsible for company registration in Pakistan. It administers the legal framework under the Companies Act, 2017, updated in 2022, ensuring compliance and governance standards for all corporate entities. SECP manages the registration process through its digital platform, eZfile, facilitating efficient incorporation and post-incorporation activities.
Importance of Company Registration in Pakistan 2026
Registering a company with SECP grants a business a distinct legal identity, enabling it to enter contracts, open bank accounts, and access financial opportunities such as loans and government incentives. It also provides legal protection and credibility, which are necessary for sustainable operations within Pakistan’s competitive market.
Types of Companies in Pakistan
Before starting Company Registration in Pakistan 2026, you must choose the appropriate structure.
1. Single Member Company (SMC)
- One shareholder
- Limited liability
- Suitable for freelancers and solo founders
- Refered as SMC.PVT.LTD
2. Private Limited Company
- Minimum 2 members
- Limited liability
- Ideal for startups and growing businesses
- Refered as PVT.LTD
3. Public Limited Company
- Minimum 3 directors
- Suitable for large-scale ventures
- Refered as LTD or Public Company.
| Company Type | Minimum Members | Liability Types | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMC | 1 | Limited by Shares | Freelancers |
| Private Limited | 2–50 | Limited by Shares/Gurantee | Startups |
| Public Limited | 3+ | Limited by Shares/Gurantee | Large Businesses |
Step-by-Step Process for Company Registration in Pakistan 2026
Company registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan in 2026 can be completed either online or offline, adhering to the Companies Regulations 2024.
The journey begins with name reservation, which is mandatory and can be done on SECP’s digital platform, eZfile digital platform, or in physical submission.
The eZfile platform plays a critical role by offering a digital, stepwise registration process with user manuals and guidance materials in multiple languages to simplify submission and tracking. This system streamlines the application process and reduces approval time.
Step 1: Name search
You can search any name on Official SECP Name Search website for checking name availaibility and finding out similar comapny names in specific jurisdiction and a/c to comapny type. This will also help in finding ideas about names.
Step 2: Name Reservation
Apply through SECP eServices portal. Ensure name is unique and not prohibited.The name reservation fee is PKR 1000 online while NADRA and PMD charges are separate and 200 each , valid for 60 days.
Step 3: Preparation of Documents
Applicants then submit the incorporation application, providing detailed information about:
- Company type (private, public, or single-member limited company)
- Directors and shareholders details
- Registered office address
- Authorized share capital
- Paid-up capital detalils.
Essential documentation includes scanned copies of the Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), and identity proofs of directors (such as CNIC or passport copies).
Tip: Offical MoA and AoA are are provided in portal after successful registration by SECP.
Step 4: Online Filing
Submit documents digitally via SECP portal with digital signing.
Step 5: Fee Payment
Pay incorporation fee online based on authorized capital.
i.e For Private limted company with authorized capital up to 1 lakh the total fee goes to approximately goes to Rs. 9375 which includes the follwoing elements :
Incorporation fee is Rs. 6050 , CDC annual Rs. 1000, CDC security Deposit Rs. 20000, Filing fee Rs. 100, Nadra charges Rs. 200 and if e-payment method is used it cost Rs. 25 for One-Bill.
Incorporation fee increase with increase in authorized capital :-
The following table provides a clear breakdown of SECP incorporation fees for different ranges of authorized capital, from Rs. 1 up to Rs. 1,000,000. The fee increases consistently with higher capital, at a rate of Rs. 84.70 per Rs. 1,000 of authorized capital for both online and offline filing methods. This table can serve as a general reference for businesses planning their incorporation, irrespective of the company type.
| Authorized Capital (Rs.) | Online Fee (Rs.) | Offline Fee (Rs.) |
| 1 – 100,000 | 6,050 | 11,000 |
| 100,001 – 200,000 | 6,897 | 11,847 |
| 200,001 – 300,000 | 7,744 | 12,694 |
| 300,001 – 400,000 | 8,591 | 13,541 |
| 400,001 – 500,000 | 9,438 | 14,388 |
| 500,001 – 600,000 | 10,285 | 15,235 |
| 600,001 – 700,000 | 11,132 | 16,082 |
| 700,001 – 800,000 | 11,979 | 16,929 |
| 800,001 – 900,000 | 12,826 | 17,776 |
| 900,001 – 1,000,000 | 13,673 | 18,623 |
Visit the given offcial website to calculate the incorporation fee for your desired authorized capital COMPANY INCORPORATION FEE CALCULATOR
Step 6: Certificate of Incorporation
SECP issues digital incorporation certificate upon approval. Save them for legal reference and bsiness represtation.
Foreign Company Registration Essentials
Foreign entities must secure pre-registration approvals like Board of Investment (BOI) permissions and sector-specific clearances. Required documents must be notarized, apostilled, and authenticated by Pakistani consulates. The process also involves filing prescribed forms and paying applicable fees. Upon successful incorporation, foreign companies receive a Certificate of Registration and a Corporate Universal Identification Number (CUIN).
Refer to Registering a Foreign Company in Pakistan for more details.
Post-Registration Compliance Requirements in 2026
Following registration, companies must register for a:
- National Tax Number (NTN) at the Federal Board of Revenue online services,
- Open a Bank account with company name,
- Save Certificates and Maintain required annual filings, and comply with corporate governance standards, including audited financial statements and timely submission of returns.
This comprehensive process integrates legal compliance, technological facilitation via eZfile digital platform, and clear fee structures, enabling efficient company incorporation in Pakistan under SECP regulatory authority Pakistan.
Fee Structure and Cost Considerations for Company Registration in Pakistan 2026
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) regulates the fees for company registration, which vary based on company type and authorized capital. The fees cover name reservation, incorporation, and subsequent filings necessary to maintain compliance.
| Fee Element | Private Limited Company | Public Limited Company | Not‑For‑Profit Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name Reservation Fee | PKR 1,000 (Online) | PKR 1,000 (Online) | PKR 1,000 (Online) |
| Registration Fee (Online) | PKR 10,000 – PKR 20,000 (varies with capital) | PKR 20,000 – PKR 25,000* | PKR 27,500* |
| Registration Fee (Offline) | PKR 5,000 and above | Higher than online fees* | PKR 55,000* |
| Licensing Fee | N/A | N/A | PKR 150,000 (additional) |
| Annual Filing Fee (Online) | PKR 1,000 | PKR 1,500* | Varies* |
Fee Variation by Company Type and Capital
The cost of registering a company in Pakistan in 2026 depends primarily on the company type and authorized capital.
For private limited companies, fees are confirmed through SECP’s online PSID system and include name reservation, registration, filing, and CDC charges, with total fees starting around PKR 9,375 for a company with capital up to PKR 100,000.
For public limited and not-for-profit companies, fees are generally higher and include additional regulatory and licensing charges. The table above provides approximate ranges; applicants are advised to check the SECP portal for the most up-to-date official PSID before submission.
Additional Costs Including Licensing and Legal Fees
Beyond SECP registration fees, businesses should anticipate additional costs such as government licensing fees (especially for not-for-profit entities requiring special licenses), legal fees for documentation and compliance advice, and costs related to notarization and document authentication. Section 42 companies (not-for-profit) pay higher fees, with initial registration fees up to PKR 27,500 online and licensing costs around PKR 150,000.
Recent Fee Revisions Effective 2025–2026
Effective from April 21, 2025, SECP introduced a revised fee structure increasing charges for manual submissions and specific filings related to mortgages, charges, and mergers. These revisions emphasize increased costs for paper filings, encouraging electronic submissions for cost efficiency.
Cost Implications for Foreign Investors
Foreign companies registering in Pakistan, such as branch offices or wholly owned subsidiaries, face additional pre-registration approvals and may have to pay fees similar to local companies but also bear costs for document notarization, consular authentication, and Board of Investment (BOI) clearances. The typical name reservation fee remains around PKR 1000 , with registration fees approximately PKR 10,000 online.
Understanding these fees helps prepare for the full cost impact of company registration in Pakistan and ongoing compliance in Pakistan, ensuring transparent budgeting and efficient incorporation processes.
Timeline of Company Registration in Pakistan 2026
If documents are complete:
- Name reservation: 1–2 days
- Incorporation approval: 2–5 working days
Delays occur due to document errors or name conflicts.
Common Reasons SECP Rejects Applications
Understanding rejection reasons improves approval chances.
- Similar company name
- Incorrect object clause
- Signature mismatch
- Incomplete MOA
- Wrong capital structure
- Missing director consent
Avoiding these errors speeds up Company Registration in Pakistan 2026.
Legal Compliance Obligations for Registered Companies
Companies registered in Pakistan must comply with stringent legal obligations enforced by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the Federal Board of Revenue online services. These include:
- Annual Filings and Return Submissions: Companies are required to file annual returns and financial statements within stipulated deadlines. The filings detail the company’s activities, financial performance, and compliance with The Companies Act, 2017. SECP mandates these submissions to be done electronically through its Company Incorporation SECP portal, aligning with recent reforms emphasizing digital transparency.
- Tax Registrations and Filings with FBR: Upon incorporation, companies must register with the FBR for obtaining a National Tax Number (NTN). Depending on the business activities, registration for sales tax and federal excise duty may also be necessary. Timely tax returns and payments are critical to avoid penalties, as detailed in Federal Board of Revenue online services.
- Corporate Governance Requirements: Firms must establish a board of directors, including independent directors where applicable, to ensure effective oversight. Corporate governance includes holding Annual General Meetings (AGMs), maintaining transparent shareholder communication, and safeguarding shareholder rights per SECP guidelines, as outlined in Understanding Pakistan’s Corporate Law.
- Audits and Financial Reporting: Companies must appoint external auditors to conduct annual audits and produce audited financial statements. These reports support full disclosure and accountability both to regulators and investors in accordance with Companies Act, 2017 provisions.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to adhere to legal requirements can trigger penalties such as monetary fines, legal investigations, or even suspension of company operations. Persistent non-compliance risks reputational damage and potential enforcement action by regulatory bodies like the SECP regulatory authority Pakistan.
- Recent Changes Emphasizing Digital Filings and Transparency: The 2026 updates under Companies Regulations 2024 highlight electronic submissions, virtual shareholder meetings, and digital maintenance of corporate records. These measures promote easier compliance tracking, improved governance, and reduce bureaucratic delays as part of SECP online IT services maintenance.
Companies should proactively monitor SECP notifications and integrate digital compliance tools to maintain conformity with evolving legal standards and protect their corporate standing in Pakistan’s regulatory environment.
What’s New in Company Registration in Pakistan 2026?
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has modernized its company registration system significantly, prioritizing digitization and streamlined procedures to improve user experience and regulatory compliance. Foremost among the digital tools is the eZfile digital platform, which enables applicants to handle the entire registration process online—from name reservation to incorporation—including submission of all required documentation and fee payments. This platform supports multiple company types such as private, public, and single-member companies.
Moreover, the SECP offers a Fast Track Registration Service, providing an expedited option that can finalize company registration within four hours. This service greatly benefits entrepreneurs seeking to commence operations quickly.
Comprehensive multilingual resources and user guides are available to assist applicants, enhancing accessibility for diverse users across Pakistan. These guides cover all aspects of incorporation, post-incorporation procedures, and compliance.
These digital innovations are implemented in strict alignment with the Companies Regulations 2024 and the updated Companies Act, 2017, ensuring that the registration process adheres to current legal standards.
The SECP also undertakes ongoing initiatives to improve transparency and efficiency in the registration process. This includes continuous updates of procedural manuals, capacity building through SECP training sessions and conferences, and maintaining clear regulations.
Importantly, the system supports foreign investors and overseas Pakistanis by enabling registration remotely through the SECP eServices portal for company registration, complemented by provisions for notarized documents and digital signatures.
Overall, these enhancements reflect the SECP’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment in Pakistan by facilitating faster, transparent, and legally compliant company formation procedures.
Final Thoughts on Company Registration in Pakistn 2026
Registration with SECP involves clear, structured steps:
- Name reservation via SECP’s e-services portal
- Submission of incorporation documents (MOA, AOA, director details)
- Payment of applicable fees according to company type and capital
- Receipt of Certificate of Incorporation confirming legal existence
Adherence to prescribed fees and compliance obligations upon registration is vital to maintain legal status and avoid penalties. The digitized platforms like eZfile streamline submissions, reduce processing times, and enhance transparency.
Formalizing your business under SECP regulation not only ensures legal protection and credibility but also opens access to financial and governmental benefits, supporting sustainable growth in Pakistan’s economy.
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FAQs
Can I register a company without a lawyer?
Yes, the online eServices portal allows self-filing for straightforward cases. However, professional advice is recommended for complex structures or to avoid errors.
What documents are required for private limited company registration?
CNICs/passports of directors/shareholders, MoA/AoA, registered office proof, shareholding details, and compliance declaration. All submitted digitally.
Is single member company registration different from private limited company?
Yes, SMC requires only one member (no minimum two), with the member often serving as sole director. Process is similar but governance simpler.
How many days does company registration take?
Usually 2–5 working days if documentation is complete.
What is minimum capital requirement?
There is no mandatory minimum capital under current SECP rules.
Can foreigners register a company?
Yes, subject to sector regulations and compliance requirements.
Is physical presence required?
No, complete process can be done online via SECP portal.