Registering a company with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is the first step to establishing a legitimate corporate entity in Pakistan. This guide covers the full process, costs, and timelines for Tax Year 2026.
Types of Companies You Can Register
- Single Member Company (SMC-Private): For sole proprietors who want limited liability.
- Private Limited Company: Minimum 2 directors and 2 shareholders. Most common for businesses.
- Public Limited Company: For entities that intend to list on the stock exchange.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
1. Name Reservation: Submit 3-5 proposed names via the SECP e-Services portal. Name approval typically takes 24-48 hours. Fee: PKR 500 per name.
2. Document Preparation: Prepare the Memorandum and Articles of Association, director/shareholder details, and NTN of each director.
3. Online Submission: File the incorporation application through the SECP portal with digital signatures. The registration fee varies by company type and authorized capital.
4. Certificate Issuance: Once approved, the SECP issues the Certificate of Incorporation (Form-21) digitally.
Estimated Costs (2026)
- SMC-Private: PKR 5,000 to 12,000 (depending on authorized capital)
- Private Limited: PKR 10,000 to 35,000
- Professional fees (if using a consultant): PKR 15,000 to 40,000
Timeline
A straightforward SECP registration takes 3-7 working days from name reservation to certificate issuance. With TaxMasters, we typically complete the process within 48 hours.