Everything you need to legally incorporate your business in Pakistan. Understand your options, gather your documents, and get registered in as little as 1–3 working days.
Why It Matters
SECP registration is more than a legal formality — it's the foundation of a credible, protected, and growth-ready business in Pakistan.
Your personal assets stay protected from business debts. Only the company's assets are at risk, not your home or savings.
Your business becomes a separate legal entity that can own property, sign contracts, and operate in its own name.
Banks, investors, and financial institutions prefer registered companies, making it easier to secure loans and capital.
A registered company signals professionalism and stability, helping you attract local and foreign investors.
Registered companies may benefit from corporate tax rates, deductions, and other incentives not available to unregistered businesses.
The company continues to exist even if shareholders or directors change, ensuring long-term operational stability.
Choose Your Structure
The SECP registers several types of companies under the Companies Act, 2017. Choosing the right structure depends on your business goals, number of partners, and funding plans.
The most common structure for startups and SMEs in Pakistan. Offers limited liability with a private ownership structure.
A special type of private limited company designed for solo entrepreneurs who want limited liability without a co-founder.
Designed for large corporations that need to raise significant capital from the public through share issuance or stock exchange listing.
A hybrid between a partnership and a company. Partners enjoy limited liability while maintaining flexible management. Governed by the LLP Act, 2017.
A not-for-profit company formed under Section 42 of the Companies Act, 2017 for charitable, educational, social, or public benefit purposes.
A company incorporated outside Pakistan that wishes to operate within the country. Can register as a branch, liaison office, or subsidiary.
At a glance: key differences between company types.
| Feature | SMC | Pvt. Ltd. | Public Ltd. | LLP | Section 42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Members | 1 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 3 |
| Maximum Members | 1 | 50 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Limited Liability | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Can Issue Public Shares | ✘ No | ✘ No | ✔ Yes | ✘ No | ✘ No |
| Profit Distribution | ✔ Allowed | ✔ Allowed | ✔ Allowed | ✔ Allowed | ✘ Prohibited |
| Auditor Required | Only if capital ≥ PKR 3M | Only if capital ≥ PKR 3M | ✔ Always | As per agreement | ✔ Always |
| Tax Exemption Eligible | ✘ No | ✘ No | ✘ No | ✘ No | ✔ Yes |
Registration Process
The entire process is available online through SECP's LEAP eZfile portal. For most company types, registration can be completed in 1–3 working days.
All registrations are processed through the SECP's official LEAP eZfile portal at leap.secp.gov.pk. Online registration is faster and costs less than submitting physical documents at a Company Registration Office (CRO).
Visit leap.secp.gov.pk and sign up using your CNIC or Passport number. You'll receive a 4-digit PIN via SMS and email — this PIN acts as your digital signature. Every director and shareholder of the proposed company must create their own separate account.
💡 All directors must complete this step individuallyPropose up to three names in order of preference. Names must be unique, not identical or confusingly similar to existing companies, and must not infringe registered trademarks. Use SECP's free Company Name Search tool to check availability before applying. Your name will be reserved for 60 days upon approval.
💡 Tip: Check trademark databases too — not just the SECP company registerDraft your Memorandum of Association (MoA) — which defines the company's name, objectives, registered office, and share capital — and your Articles of Association (AoA), which set out internal management rules. The LEAP portal auto-generates standard versions of these documents, which you can customize to suit your business.
Complete the online forms on the LEAP portal with details of all directors and shareholders (CNICs/passports, addresses, mobile numbers, email addresses), the company's registered office address, principal line of business, and share capital structure.
Each director uses their 4-digit LEAP PIN to digitally sign the application. Once all signatures are complete, the submission button is enabled. Double-check all details before submitting — errors may delay your application.
⚠️ Save your PIN — it cannot be recovered if lost, only resetAfter submission, the portal generates a payment challan. Fees can be paid online via internet banking, ATM, or mobile banking. Fee amounts depend on your company's authorized share capital (see the Fees section below). Online applications attract lower fees than in-person submissions.
Once SECP verifies all documents and payment is confirmed, your Certificate of Incorporation is issued digitally to your registered email. This document confirms your company is a legally recognized entity in Pakistan. You can then apply for certified digital copies of your MoA, AoA, and other company documents.
🎉 You can start operations immediately upon receiving this certificateIf your business operates in a regulated sector (education, healthcare, security services, fintech, insurance, etc.) you may need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or license from the relevant regulatory authority before or alongside your SECP registration.
What You Need
Prepare these documents before starting your application to avoid delays. All documents must be uploaded as clear, legible scans.
For all directors and shareholders. Pakistani nationals use CNIC; overseas Pakistanis use NICOP; foreigners use passport.
Utility bill, rental agreement, or property tax receipt confirming the company's address in Pakistan.
Outlines the company's name, registered address, objectives, and authorized share capital. Auto-generated by LEAP portal.
Sets out internal rules: director powers, meeting procedures, share transfer rules. Auto-generated by LEAP portal.
Full name, father's name, residential address, mobile number, and personal email address for each director.
For regulated industries only (education, health, security, finance). Obtain from the relevant government authority.
Certified copy of foreign incorporation certificate, articles/memorandum, board resolution, and power of attorney for local representative.
Partnership agreement (Form A) detailing each partner's contribution, profit-sharing ratio, and management responsibilities.
The LEAP portal offers the option to simultaneously register with EOBI (Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution) and the Provincial Social Security Institution when registering your company. Take advantage of this to save time.
Cost Breakdown
Registration fees are based on your company's authorized share capital. Online applications are significantly cheaper than in-person submissions at a CRO.
The SECP's LEAP eZfile portal offers lower fees for both name reservation and incorporation compared to in-person submissions. Always apply online unless you have a specific reason to visit a CRO.
After Incorporation
After receiving your Certificate of Incorporation, several additional steps are required before you can fully operate and remain compliant.
Every company must obtain a National Tax Number (NTN) from the Federal Board of Revenue via the FBR IRIS portal. You will also need a Sales Tax Registration Number (STRN) if your business is subject to sales tax.
Open a corporate bank account using your Certificate of Incorporation, MoA/AoA, NTN, and directors' CNICs. The company must operate its financial transactions through this account.
Companies with paid-up capital of PKR 3 million or more must appoint a qualified auditor within 30 days of incorporation. SMCs and Pvt. Ltd. companies below this threshold are exempt.
Depending on your industry, additional registrations may be required — e.g., trade license from local government, sector-specific regulatory license, or professional body membership.
Keep up-to-date registers of members, directors, and charges at your registered office. These must be available for inspection by the SECP at all times.
Submit annual returns to the SECP within 30 days of the Annual General Meeting (or within 45 days of financial year-end for SMCs). Include audited financial statements if applicable.
Companies with paid-up capital ≥ PKR 3 million must hold an AGM within 6 months of each financial year-end to approve financial statements and elect directors. Smaller companies may pass written resolutions instead.
Notify the SECP promptly of any changes to your registered office, directors, share capital, or company name by filing the relevant forms and paying the prescribed fee. Failure to do so can result in penalties.
Registering your company is only the beginning. The SECP and FBR require regular filings, tax returns, and compliance reporting. Non-compliance can result in fines, penalties, or even deregistration. Consider engaging a qualified corporate consultant or chartered accountant to manage your ongoing compliance.
Start your journey on SECP's official LEAP portal — Pakistan's fully digital, fast, and affordable company registration platform.