Quick Answer
To register a company with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), you must reserve a unique company name through the SECP’s eServices portal (or physically via Form Inc-1), submit a digitally signed incorporation application with a Memorandum and Articles of Association, appoint the minimum required number of directors (at least two for a private limited company), ensure at least one director is a resident of Pakistan, and pay the prescribed fee under the Seventh Schedule of the Companies Act, 2017. Subject to complete documentation, incorporation can be completed within four hours through the SECP’s fully digital process. The company must then notify its registered office address within 30 days of incorporation.
What the Law Says
The primary legal framework governing company incorporation in Pakistan is the Companies Act, 2017, which replaced the Companies Ordinance, 1984, and provides the statutory basis for forming private limited companies, public limited companies, single member companies, and limited liability partnerships. The SECP administers this framework as the frontline regulator of the corporate sector, and the incorporation process is further governed by the Companies Regulations, 2024, which consolidated and replaced the earlier Companies (Incorporation) Regulations, 2017.
The Companies Regulations, 2024 were issued via S.R.O. 201 (I) 2024 dated 12 February 2024, providing a unified regulatory framework for both company registration and post-incorporation compliance. These regulations have been subsequently amended, including through S.R.O. 459 of 2025 dated 3 April 2025. The SECP has also published detailed FAQs on the Companies Regulations, 2024 and the eZfile portal to assist applicants.
Who This Applies To
The registration requirements apply to any person or persons seeking to form a corporate entity in Pakistan, including:
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Private limited companies: Require at least two subscribers and two directors.
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Single member companies: Require one subscriber and one director.
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Unlisted public companies: Require at least three directors.
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Listed public companies: Require at least seven directors and a company secretary.
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Foreign nationals: May serve as directors or shareholders using a passport, though additional attested and, where applicable, apostilled documents may be required. Foreign directors are subject to security clearance under Section 461 of the Companies Act, 2017.
Practical Procedure
The SECP’s incorporation process is fully digital and comprises four principal steps: user registration, name reservation (or combined name reservation and incorporation), submission of a digitally signed incorporation application, and payment of the prescribed fee.
Step 1: User Registration
Before processing an online application, you must obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) by registering as a user on the SECP’s eServices portal at https://eservices.secp.gov.pk/eServices/[reference:12]. You must hold a valid CNIC and a mobile number registered in your own name. For foreign users, a notarised or attested copy of the passport and a photograph are required. Upon successful registration, a four-digit PIN is sent to your email address and mobile number; this PIN is used to electronically sign the application forms.
If a company has more than one subscriber, each subscriber must create a separate User ID and password to digitally sign the incorporation application.
Step 2: Name Reservation
The first substantive step is to seek the availability of the proposed company name from the Registrar. You may propose up to three names in order of preference. The name can be reserved either online through eServices or offline by filing Form Inc-1.
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Online name reservation fee: PKR 200
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Offline name reservation fee: PKR 500
The Registrar examines the application and, if satisfied, issues a name reservation confirmation via email. The name is reserved for a period of 60 days from the date of issuance of the name availability letter. You may also choose the combined name reservation and incorporation process, which allows simultaneous submission, provided the company does not require prior approval from the Commission or another authority.
Step 3: Preparation and Submission of Incorporation Documents
After name reservation, you must prepare the constitutional documents of the company:
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Memorandum of Association: Defines the company’s name, registered office (or correspondence address), objects, liability of members, and authorised share capital.
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Articles of Association: Sets out the internal governance rules. If the company adopts Table A of the First Schedule to the Companies Act, 2017, a separate Articles document may not be required.
For online submission, one copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association is required, duly signed by each subscriber in the presence of one witness, along with copies of CNIC or passport for each subscriber and witness.
You must also provide details of the proposed directors, shareholders, chief executive officer (if applicable), and the registered office or correspondence address. A company may be formed by providing a correspondence address if it has no registered office at the time of incorporation, but it must notify a registered office address within 30 days of incorporation.
Each proposed director and subscriber must digitally sign the incorporation application using their respective PIN. Digital signature certificates from the National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT) are required for signing the Memorandum and Articles of Association and other forms electronically.
Step 4: Payment of Fees and Issuance of Certificate
Incorporation fees are prescribed under the Seventh Schedule of the Companies Act, 2017 and are calculated based on the company’s authorised share capital. The fee structure has been amended by S.R.O. 1806(I)/2024, which increased certain fees effective from November 2024.
For a company with nominal share capital not exceeding PKR 100,000:
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Electronic submission: PKR 2,420
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Physical submission: PKR 5,500
For companies with share capital exceeding PKR 100,000, an additional fee applies for every PKR 100,000 or part thereof of nominal share capital.
Once the application is submitted and the fee is paid, the SECP reviews the documents for compliance. If all documents are in order, the SECP issues a Certificate of Incorporation, which legally establishes the company as a separate legal entity. Under the Fast Track Registration Services (FTRS), incorporation can be completed within four hours after receipt of the complete application.
Requirements and Eligibility
Directors
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Minimum number: A private limited company must have at least two directors. A single member company requires one director. An unlisted public company requires three directors, and a listed public company requires seven.
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Residency: At least one director must be a resident of Pakistan.
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Age: All directors must be natural persons of at least 18 years of age (minors are ineligible).
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Disqualifications: Persons of unsound mind, persons whose insolvency application is pending, undischarged insolvents, and persons convicted of offences involving moral turpitude are ineligible to serve as directors. Section 177 of the Companies Act, 2017 (ineligibility of insolvent to be director) was subsequently eliminated for unlisted companies.
Subscribers and Shareholders
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A private company may be formed by two or more persons associated for a lawful purpose by subscribing their names to the Memorandum of Association.
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There is no minimum age requirement specified for shareholders, but all subscribers must have the legal capacity to contract.
Documents Required
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Memorandum and Articles of Association (one copy for online submission)
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Copies of CNIC/NICOP/passport of each subscriber, director, and witness
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Name reservation letter
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Original paid challan or proof of fee payment
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For foreign nationals: notarised/attested copy of passport and photograph; security clearance may be required
Fees (Verified as at 28 September 2026)
| Item | Online (PKR) | Offline (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Name reservation | 200 | 500 |
| Incorporation (capital up to 100,000) | 2,420 | 5,500 |
| Incorporation (capital above 100,000) | Additional fee per schedule | Additional fee per schedule |
The fee schedule is subject to periodic revision by the SECP. Applicants should consult the SECP’s latest Filing Fee Guide for current rates.
Timeline
Under the ordinary process, companies are incorporated within three working days. Under the Fast Track Registration Services (FTRS), incorporation can be completed within four hours after receipt of the complete application. The SECP currently incorporates more than 3,500 companies each month through its digital corporate registry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting inaccurate CNIC details: Mismatches between National Identity Card details and data entered in the online portal can lead to rejection or delays.
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Failing to obtain digital signatures: Without valid PIN-based digital signatures from all subscribers, the SECP cannot verify consent.
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Ambiguous Memorandum and Articles of Association: Vague objects or share structure clauses may cause complications during future regulatory filings.
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Ignoring the registered office requirement: A correspondence address may be used at incorporation, but failure to notify a registered office within 30 days can result in suspension.
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Assuming NTN alone constitutes legal existence: A National Tax Number is distinct from SECP registration; SECP incorporation is required to obtain a separate legal personality.
Practical Compliance Checklist
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☐ Obtain a valid CNIC and mobile number registered in your own name.
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☐ Register on the SECP eServices portal and obtain a PIN.
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☐ Reserve the company name (online: PKR 200) and obtain name availability letter.
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☐ Draft or adopt Memorandum and Articles of Association.
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☐ Appoint at least two directors for a private limited company, ensuring at least one is a resident of Pakistan.
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☐ Obtain digital signature certificates (NIFT) for all subscribers.
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☐ Submit incorporation application with digitally signed documents.
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☐ Pay incorporation fee as per Seventh Schedule.
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☐ Receive Certificate of Incorporation.
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☐ Notify registered office address within 30 days of incorporation.
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☐ Appoint first chief executive within 15 days of incorporation (for private companies).
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☐ Obtain National Tax Number (NTN) and register with relevant provincial authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the minimum number of directors required for a private limited company in Pakistan?
A private limited company must have at least two directors. A single member company requires one director.
Q2: Must a director be a resident of Pakistan?
Yes, at least one director of a company must be a resident of Pakistan.
Q3: What is the minimum age to serve as a director?
All directors must be natural persons of at least 18 years of age. Minors are ineligible.
Q4: Can a foreign national be a director of a Pakistani company?
Yes, foreign nationals may serve as directors using a valid passport, subject to security clearance under Section 461 of the Companies Act, 2017. Additional attested documents may be required.
Q5: What is the fee for online company name reservation?
The fee for online name reservation is PKR 200. For offline submission, the fee is PKR 500.
Q6: How long does SECP company incorporation take?
Under normal processing, incorporation takes up to three working days. Under the Fast Track Registration Services (FTRS), it can be completed within four hours after receipt of complete documents.
Q7: Is a registered office address required at the time of incorporation?
No, a correspondence address may be used at incorporation. However, the company must notify its registered office address within 30 days of incorporation.
Q8: What documents are required for incorporation?
The Memorandum and Articles of Association, copies of CNIC/passport of subscribers and directors, name reservation letter, and proof of fee payment are required.
Q9: Can a bankrupt person serve as a director?
Persons whose insolvency application is pending and undischarged insolvents are ineligible to serve as directors. However, Section 177 (ineligibility of insolvent to be director) was eliminated for unlisted companies.
Q10: What is the name reservation validity period?
A reserved company name is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance of the name availability letter.
Q11: How can I reserve a company name online?
Create a user ID on the SECP eServices portal at https://eservices.secp.gov.pk/eServices/, fill the application form, submit it, and pay the requisite fee of PKR 200.
Q12: What happens if the incorporation application is rejected?
If registration of the memorandum is refused, the subscribers may, within thirty days of the order of refusal, prefer an appeal to the Commission.
Final Takeaway
Registering a company with the SECP is a structured, fully digital process governed by the Companies Act, 2017 and the Companies Regulations, 2024. The key requirements are straightforward: reserve a unique name, prepare compliant constitutional documents, appoint eligible directors (with at least one resident in Pakistan), obtain digital signatures, and pay the prescribed fee. Subject to complete documentation, incorporation can be completed within four hours, granting the entity a distinct legal identity necessary for opening bank accounts, entering into contracts, and accessing financing.
Pak Legal Desk CTA
The information above provides a general overview of SECP business registration requirements. Individual circumstances vary, and regulatory requirements are subject to change. If you are considering incorporating a company in Pakistan and require assistance with document preparation, name reservation, or compliance with SECP procedures, Pak Legal Desk can help. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your specific requirements.
References
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Companies Act, 2017 (Pak.)
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Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. (2024). Promoters’ Guide.
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Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. (2024). Companies Regulations, 2024 (S.R.O. 201 (I) 2024).
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Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. (2025). Amendments to the Companies Regulations 2024 (S.R.O. 459 of 2025).
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Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. Filing Fee Guide.
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Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. FAQs on Companies Regulations, 2024 & eZfile.
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Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. FAQs on Name Reservation.
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Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. Directors and Secretaries Guide.
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Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. (2024). Circular No. 13 of 2024 – Increase of Fee in Seventh Schedule to the Companies Act, 2017.
Legal Information Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The legal and regulatory position stated is based on sources checked as at 28 September 2026. Consult a qualified lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.