Company Registration & SECP Compliance in Pakistan
From choosing the right business structure to registering your company with SECP and meeting ongoing filing obligations, we guide you through each step.
Overview
Choosing how to run a business is one of the first decisions you make, and it affects tax, liability, funding and compliance. The main choices are a sole proprietorship, a partnership or AOP, and a company. Each has different registration steps and ongoing obligations.
We discuss your plans, owners and funding, recommend a structure, and then handle registration. For a company that means preparing the incorporation documents, registering with SECP, and then registering for tax. We also take on the routine filings and changes that a company has to make after incorporation.
If your company already exists and you are behind on filings, or need to update directors, shareholding or the registered office, we can bring it up to date.
Who this is for
- Entrepreneurs starting a new business in Pakistan
- Sole proprietors and partnerships considering incorporation
- Existing companies with SECP filing or compliance gaps
- Overseas Pakistanis setting up a business in Pakistan
- Companies updating directors, shareholding or registered office
What we handle
- Business structure advice (sole proprietor, partnership, AOP or company)
- Company name availability check and incorporation with SECP
- NTN and sales tax registration after incorporation
- Annual returns and routine SECP filings
- Changes in directors, shareholding and registered office
- Corporate governance advisory and beneficial ownership reporting
- Conversion of physical shares into digital form
Why professional help makes a difference
A structure that fits your plans
The right structure depends on who owns the business, how it is funded and what risks it faces. We explain the trade-offs before you decide.
Registration done properly the first time
Correct documents and details at the start avoid delays and amendments later.
Tax registrations in step
After incorporation, a company needs its NTN and, where required, sales tax registration. We handle them together.
Compliance that stays on track
Annual returns and routine filings have due dates. We track them so that your company stays in good standing.
How it works
- Discuss your planWe understand your business, owners and funding, and recommend a suitable structure.
- IncorporateWe prepare the incorporation documents, reserve the name and complete registration with SECP.
- Register for taxWe register the company for NTN and, where required, sales tax.
- Stay compliantWe track annual filings and changes so that your company stays in good standing.
Documents we typically ask for
- CNIC (or passport) of each director and shareholder
- Proposed company names
- Registered office address and proof
- Nature of business activity
- Shareholding and capital details
- Contact details of directors
The exact list depends on your case. We will confirm it after a short discussion.
Common mistakes we help you avoid
- Choosing a structure only because it is cheapest to set up, without thinking about liability or funding.
- Delaying NTN and sales tax registration after incorporation.
- Not updating SECP records when directors, shareholders or the registered office change.
- Letting annual filings lapse because no one is responsible for them.
- Leaving physical share certificates unconverted where the rules require conversion.
Frequently asked questions
Which business structure is right for me?
It depends on your plans. A sole proprietorship is simple but gives no separation between you and the business. A partnership or AOP involves several owners. A company is a separate legal entity with more formal compliance. We discuss your situation and recommend one.
What documents are needed to register a company?
Usually the CNIC or passport of each director and shareholder, proposed company names, the registered office address, the nature of business and shareholding details. We give you the exact list after a short conversation.
What happens after the company is registered?
The company needs an NTN and, where required, sales tax registration. It also needs a bank account and a routine for annual returns and other SECP filings. We can handle these steps for you.
Can an overseas Pakistani or a foreigner be a director or shareholder?
Overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals can generally be directors or shareholders, subject to the rules that apply to the type of company and the business. We advise on the requirements for your case.
What is beneficial ownership reporting?
Companies must keep and report information about the individuals who ultimately own or control them. See our guide on beneficial ownership reporting for what has to be disclosed.
What are the annual filing requirements?
Companies file annual returns and accounts with SECP and tax returns with FBR, and report certain changes as they happen. We track the due dates for you.
Can you register a partnership firm?
Yes. See our guide on registering a partnership firm in Pakistan for the steps. We prepare the partnership deed and complete the registration and tax registration.
What are physical shares and why must they be converted?
Some companies must convert physical share certificates into digital form under SECP’s rules. See our guide on mandatory conversion of physical shares for who is affected and how it is done.
Related guides
Our other services
Income Tax Return Filing
Annual return preparation and filing on FBR IRIS, NTN registration and Active Taxpayer List (ATL) support.
Learn more →FBR Notices, Audit & Appeals
Notice replies, audit representation, appeals and dispute resolution before the tax authorities.
Learn more →Audit & Assurance
Audit preparation and support, internal audit, compliance reviews and assurance on financial information.
Learn more →Start with a conversation
Tell us what you need. We will explain the process, the documents required and the next steps.