Company Incorporation in Pakistan: SECP Registration Explained
A practical walk-through of registering a private limited company with SECP — structure choices, documentation, and where founders usually get stuck.
Most businesses in Pakistan incorporate as a private limited company through the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), typically via the online e-Services portal. The process is more straightforward than founders often expect, provided the groundwork is done correctly.
Choosing a structure
A private limited company suits most founders seeking liability protection and the ability to raise investment later; a single member company works for solo founders wanting the same protection without a second shareholder. The right choice depends on ownership plans, not just current headcount.
What SECP actually asks for
- Name reservation and availability check
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Details of directors and shareholders, including CNIC/passport copies
- Registered office address
Where founders get stuck
The Memorandum and Articles are often treated as boilerplate, then cause problems a year later when a shareholder dispute arises and the document has no provisions to resolve it. We draft these to reflect the founders' actual agreement on control, exit and dispute resolution — not a generic template.
After incorporation
Registration is the start, not the finish — tax registration with FBR, opening a corporate bank account, and any sector-specific licensing typically follow.
This article is general information about Pakistani law and procedure, not legal advice for any specific matter. If this touches on something you're currently facing, get in touch and we'll advise on your facts directly.