đ 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 hoursâif 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 |
â ď¸ 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 â 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) | â |
| Proof of Registered Office | Utility bill/lease agreement + property tax slip | â |
| 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 â 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: ⨠2,000â⨠20,000 (based on capital)
- Pvt Ltd: ⨠3,000â⨠30,000.
Step 5: Receive Certificate of Incorporation
Timeline: 3â5 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 â Upload incorporation certificate â 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 | ⨠2,000â⨠20,000 | ⨠3,000â⨠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 submissionsâuse only the eServices portal.
- SMC Advantage: 100% foreign ownership allowed; no local director required.
- Common Rejections:
- Mismatched CNIC addresses â Attach utility bill in directorâs name.
- "Generic name" (e.g., "Pakistan Solutions") â Add unique keywords ("AlphaLogix").
One-Screen Cheat Sheet
- Choose structure: SMC (solo) / Pvt Ltd (team)
- Reserve name: eservices.secp.gov.pk â Pay â¨1,000
- Prepare: MoA, AoA, CNICs, digital signatures
- Submit docs + pay fee: â¨2Kââ¨30K
- Download Certificate of Incorporation (3â5 days)
- Post-reg: NTN + bank account + annual filings
"In 2025, your startupâs first MVP is a Certificate of Incorporation."
Share this guide with co-foundersâdodge the bureaucracy, launch faster!
