🚀 Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Startup in Pakistan (SECP Online) - 2025

"In 2025, your startup goes from idea to legal entity in 72 hours—if you dodge the paperwork potholes."

Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure

| Type | Minimum Members | Liability | Best For | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Sole Proprietorship | 1 | Unlimited | Freelancers, small retailers | | Single Member Co. (SMC) | 1 | Limited | Solo founders seeking asset protection | | Private Limited Co. (Pvt Ltd) | 2+ | Limited | Startups with co-founders/investors | | LLP | 2+ | Limited | Professional services firms |

⚠️ Critical Note: SMCs/Pvt Ltds require SECP registration; sole proprietorships skip SECP but need local municipal licenses.

Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name via SECP eServices

Check Availability:

• Use SECP Name Search Tool → Enter 3 name options (e.g., "TechGenius Pvt Ltd").
• Avoid banned words ("Bank," "Federal") and ensure alignment with business activities.

Pay Fee: ₨ 1,000 online (₨ 2,000 offline) via JazzCash/credit card.

Validity: Name reserved for 90 days.

Step 3: Prepare Incorporation Documents

| Document | Requirement | Template Source | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Memorandum of Association (MoA) | Business objectives, scope, capital structure | SECP website | | Articles of Association (AoA) | Internal governance, director roles | SECP editable templates | | CNIC/Passport Copies | All directors/shareholders (scanned, attested) | — | | Proof of Registered Office | Utility bill/lease agreement + property tax slip | — | | Digital Signatures | Obtain via NIFT for directors (₨ 1,500/person) | NIFT |

Step 4: Submit Online Application via SECP eServices

Log In: eservices.secp.gov.pk → Use OTP from CNIC-linked mobile.

Upload:

• MoA, AoA, CNICs, address proof, name reservation certificate.
• Auto-generated Form 1 (compliance), Form 21 (address), Form 29 (director details).

Pay Incorporation Fee:

• SMC: ₨ 2,000–₨ 20,000 (based on capital)
• Pvt Ltd: ₨ 3,000–₨ 30,000.

Step 5: Receive Certificate of Incorporation

Timeline: 3–5 days (normal), 4 hours via Fast Track (₨ 5,000 extra).

Download: From eServices portal or collect at SECP office (e.g., Lahore: 3rd Floor, Associated House).

Step 6: Post-Registration Compliance

NTN Registration:

• Apply via FBR IRIS Portal → Upload incorporation certificate → Get NTN in 48 hours.

Open Bank Account:

• Required: NTN + incorporation certificate + board resolution.

Sales Tax Registration:

• Mandatory if revenue > ₨ 10M/year; apply via FBR portal.

Annual SECP Filings:

• Submit financial statements by September 30 yearly.

Fee Structure 2025

| Service | SMC Fee (PKR) | Pvt Ltd Fee (PKR) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Name Reservation | ₨ 1,000 | ₨ 1,000 | | Incorporation | ₨ 2,000–₨ 20,000 | ₨ 3,000–₨ 30,000 | | Digital Signatures | ₨ 1,500/director | ₨ 1,500/director | | Fast Track (4 hrs) | ₨ 5,000 | ₨ 5,000 |

Critical Warnings & Pro Tips

• Deadlines: Complete NTN/bank account within 30 days of incorporation to avoid penalties.
• Scam Alert: Never pay "agents" for SECP submissions—use only the eServices portal.
• SMC Advantage: 100% foreign ownership allowed; no local director required.
• Common Rejections:
  • Mismatched CNIC addresses → Attach utility bill in director’s name.
  • "Generic name" (e.g., "Pakistan Solutions") → Add unique keywords ("AlphaLogix").

One-Screen Cheat Sheet

1. Choose structure: SMC (solo) / Pvt Ltd (team)
2. Reserve name: eservices.secp.gov.pk → Pay ₨1,000
3. Prepare: MoA, AoA, CNICs, digital signatures
4. Submit docs + pay fee: ₨2K–₨30K
5. Download Certificate of Incorporation (3–5 days)
6. Post-reg: NTN + bank account + annual filings

"In 2025, your startup’s first MVP is a Certificate of Incorporation."

Share this guide with co-founders—dodge the bureaucracy, launch faster!