Company Registration in Pakistan

Key documents for company registration include:
Copies of CNICs (or passports for foreigners) of all directors
Company name reservation letter from SECP
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Form 1 (Declaration of Compliance)
Form 21 (Notice of Situation of Registered Office)
Form 29 (Particulars of Directors and Officers) These documents are submitted to SECP as part of the online application process.

The registration process typically takes about 1-2 weeks. The timeline can vary depending on factors such as document completeness, type of company, and any additional SECP requirements. If all documents are correctly submitted, SECP generally processes and approves applications efficiently.

In Pakistan, you can register different types of companies, such as:
Private Limited Company: The most common structure for small-to-medium businesses with limited liability for shareholders.
Public Limited Company: Suitable for larger businesses that may want to list shares publicly.
Single-Member Company (SMC): Ideal for individual entrepreneurs as it has only one shareholder.
Non-Profit Company: For social and charitable organizations, regulated by Section 42 of the Companies Act, 2017. Each type has specific requirements, benefits, and regulatory obligations.

The cost varies depending on the type of company and its authorized capital. Fees generally include:
Name Reservation: PKR 500 for normal processing.
Registration Fee: Varies with company type and capital (starting around PKR 1,500 for a Private Limited Company with minimal authorized capital). Additional fees may apply for using SECP’s e- Services. Consulting fees might also be incurred if you hire a professional for assistance.

Yes, a business address in Pakistan is required for company registration. This is where official communications, legal notices, and SECP correspondence are sent. It must be a physical location within Pakistan, even if it is initially your home address.

Yes, foreigners can register a company in Pakistan, but they must meet additional requirements. These include providing valid passport copies, fulfilling minimum capital requirements, and obtaining security clearance from relevant authorities. It’s advisable for foreign investors to work with a local legal advisor for a smoother process.

The SECP e-Services portal is an online platform for company registration and management. You can submit applications, pay fees, and track the status of your company registration process through the portal. It streamlines communication with SECP, making it convenient for applicants to complete most steps digitally.

The minimum capital requirement is generally PKR 100,000 for most private limited companies. However, specific industries and company types (like financial institutions) may have higher minimum capital requirements based on regulatory needs.

Answer: A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an electronic form of a signature used to verify the identity of individuals signing digital documents. For SECP e-Services, directors are required to have DSCs for electronically signing submissions. SECP coordinates with National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT) to issue these certificates.

Yes, a company’s name can be changed post-registration by filing an application with SECP and passing a resolution among the company's directors. The new name must go through SECP’s approval process to ensure it complies with legal standards.

After registration, companies must comply with various requirements, such as filing annual returns, maintaining accurate financial records, holding annual general meetings, and reporting changes in directorships or shareholding. Non-compliance can lead to fines or penalties imposed by SECP.