How do I register a private limited company in Pakistan, and what documents do I need for SECP?

In Pakistan, to register a Private Limited Company, first create an account on the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) eServices portal and apply for name reservation by proposing suitable company names; once approved, prepare incorporation documents including Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), copies of CNICs/passports of all directors and shareholders, registered office address (with utility bill or rent agreement), details of authorized and paid-up capital, and particulars of the CEO and directors; then submit the incorporation application online along with required forms and pay the prescribed registration fee according to your authorized capital; after SECP review and approval, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation, making the company legally registered, after which you must obtain an NTN from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), open a corporate bank account, and complete any relevant tax registrations before starting operations.

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To register a Private Limited Company, there are the following options to start the incorporation process: (a) Enrollment of Directors/CEO at the individual level with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) in the Ezfile Portal. (b) Apply for name reservation of three proposed company names. (c) Once the name is reserved and approved, prepare the incorporation documents including the Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), copies of CNICs or passports of all directors and shareholders, the registered office address (with a utility bill or rent agreement), details of the authorized and paid-up capital, and particulars of the CEO and directors. (d) Submit the incorporation application online along with required forms and also prepare the information of Directors/CEO together with the company NTN. (e) Pay the prescribed registration fee according to the authorized capital; after SECP review and approval, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation along with the first certified copies of all documents to open a corporate bank account. (f) Apply for Authorized Signatory process (Primary & Secondary options). Thanks You (DAWOOD ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM).

For a small software services business with two partners, you will typically incorporate a Private Limited Company through the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The first step is name reservation through the SECP e-Services portal. You may propose one or more names, and the name must not be identical or closely similar to an existing company. Once approved, the name is usually reserved for 60 days.

After name reservation, incorporation documents are filed online. These generally include the Memorandum of Association (defining the business objects, e.g., software development, IT services, consultancy, etc.), Articles of Association, Form for incorporation (auto-generated through the portal), and details of directors and shareholders. Since there are two partners, both may act as directors and shareholders, depending on your agreed shareholding structure.

In terms of documentation, you will need clear copies of CNICs (or NICOP/Passport if applicable) of all proposed directors and shareholders, proof of registered office address (such as a utility bill or rental agreement), contact details, and a brief description of principal business activity. Digital signatures and SECP login registration for each director are also required.

As for timeline, if documents are complete and there are no objections, name reservation usually takes 1–2 working days, and incorporation may take approximately 3–5 working days after submission. Delays can occur if SECP raises any clarification regarding the name or object clause.

Government incorporation fees depend on the authorized capital of the company. For a small startup with modest authorized capital (for example, PKR 100,000), the SECP filing fee is relatively nominal, and there is a separate fee for name reservation. In addition, there may be professional drafting and filing charges if you engage a consultant or law firm. After incorporation, you will also need NTN registration with FBR and, if applicable, registration for sales tax.

Before proceeding, it is also advisable to clearly agree in writing between the three of you on shareholding ratios, capital contribution, management roles, and profit distribution to avoid future disputes. This can be structured within the Articles or through a separate shareholders’ agreement.

If you wish, I can provide a step-by-step checklist tailored to your proposed share structure and estimated capital so you have a clear roadmap from start to finish.

Kind regards, Rana Muhammad Ahmad