Company Formation · Pakistan
Company Formation Services in Pakistan
Incorporating a business in Pakistan requires registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under the Companies Act 2017, followed by Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) enrollment for NTN (National Tax Number) and STRN where applicable.
Overview
Fintax Support Limited handles SECP name reservation, memorandum and articles of association filing, and incorporation certificate issuance for private limited companies, single-member companies, and LLPs. We register your entity with FBR for income tax and sales tax, obtain EOBI registration for employees, and secure provincial trade licenses from PRA, SRB, or KPRA depending on your operating province.
Key compliance areas in Pakistan
06 areas- FBR income & corporate tax
- SECP incorporation
- NTN & STRN
- PRA/SRB/KPRA provincial sales tax
- EOBI & SESSI
- withholding tax
Regulatory framework
SECP requires annual returns and financial statements to be filed within prescribed deadlines under the Companies Act 2017. All businesses must obtain an NTN from FBR before commencing operations. Companies with taxable supplies exceeding PKR 10 million annually must register for sales tax (STRN) with FBR and the relevant provincial revenue authority (PRA in Punjab, SRB in Sindh, KPRA in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa).
FBR (Federal Board of Revenue)Key facts
- PKR 10 millionSales tax registration thresholdannual taxable supplies
- NTNNeeded before starting operationsfrom FBR
10 specialised services
Our Company Formation services in Pakistan
On this page (10)
- Private Limited Company Incorporation (SECP)
- Single Member Company (SMC) Formation
- LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) Registration
- AOP (Association of Persons) Registration
- Name Reservation & Availability Search
- NTN (National Tax Number) Registration with FBR
- STRN (Sales Tax Registration Number) Registration
- EOBI Employer Registration
- SESSI / PESSI Social Security Enrollment
- Annual SECP Returns & Compliance Filings
01 / 10
Private Limited Company Incorporation (SECP)
Incorporate a private limited company under the Companies Act 2017 through the SECP eServices portal — the standard corporate structure for SMEs, startups, and foreign-invested ventures in Pakistan. A private limited company requires a minimum of two directors and limits shareholder liability to unpaid share capital. We manage name reservation, memorandum and articles drafting, and SECP incorporation filings including Form 1 and Form 29.
Companies Act 2017 compliance
Minimum two directors
Limited liability protection
SECP eServices portal filing
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Structure and name reservation
Confirm private limited eligibility, reserve company name via SECP eServices, and define share capital, directors, and registered office address.
- 02
Memorandum and articles drafting
Prepare the memorandum of association, articles of association, and Form 1 declaration of compliance with Companies Act 2017 requirements.
- 03
SECP incorporation submission
File incorporation application through the SECP eServices portal with Form 29 director particulars, CNIC copies, and digital signatures.
- 04
Post-incorporation setup
Obtain incorporation certificate, apply for NTN via IRIS, register for STRN if applicable, and complete EOBI and provincial social security enrollment.
- 01
Structure and name reservation
Confirm private limited eligibility, reserve company name via SECP eServices, and define share capital, directors, and registered office address.
- 02
Memorandum and articles drafting
Prepare the memorandum of association, articles of association, and Form 1 declaration of compliance with Companies Act 2017 requirements.
- 03
SECP incorporation submission
File incorporation application through the SECP eServices portal with Form 29 director particulars, CNIC copies, and digital signatures.
- 04
Post-incorporation setup
Obtain incorporation certificate, apply for NTN via IRIS, register for STRN if applicable, and complete EOBI and provincial social security enrollment.
Private limited company incorporation in Pakistan is governed by the Companies Act 2017 and processed through the SECP eServices portal. The structure requires a minimum of two directors — who may also be shareholders — and permits up to fifty members without triggering public company requirements. Incorporation documents include the memorandum and articles of association, Form 1 declaration of compliance, and Form 29 containing particulars of directors and chief executive. Once SECP issues the certificate of incorporation, the entity must obtain an NTN from FBR through the IRIS portal, register for sales tax if turnover thresholds apply, and enroll with EOBI and provincial SESSI or PESSI before hiring employees. Annual compliance includes filing Form A annual returns and maintaining statutory registers at the registered office.
Common questions
02 / 10
Single Member Company (SMC) Formation
Form a single member company under the Companies Act 2017 for sole entrepreneurs who want corporate limited liability without a co-founder or second director. An SMC requires only one director and one shareholder — the same natural person — making it ideal for individual business owners and small consultancies. We handle SECP eServices filing, memorandum drafting, and post-incorporation registrations through the streamlined SMC incorporation pathway.
Sole owner corporate structure
Limited liability for individuals
Companies Act 2017 SMC provisions
Streamlined SECP filing
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
SMC eligibility review
Confirm single member company suitability, reserve company name on SECP eServices, and define share capital and registered office.
- 02
Memorandum and articles preparation
Draft SMC-specific memorandum and articles of association with sole member provisions and Form 1 declaration of compliance.
- 03
SECP SMC incorporation
Submit SMC incorporation application with Form 29 for the sole director, CNIC copy, and digital signature through SECP eServices.
- 04
Operational registrations
Obtain incorporation certificate, register NTN via IRIS, and complete STRN, EOBI, and provincial social security enrollments as needed.
- 01
SMC eligibility review
Confirm single member company suitability, reserve company name on SECP eServices, and define share capital and registered office.
- 02
Memorandum and articles preparation
Draft SMC-specific memorandum and articles of association with sole member provisions and Form 1 declaration of compliance.
- 03
SECP SMC incorporation
Submit SMC incorporation application with Form 29 for the sole director, CNIC copy, and digital signature through SECP eServices.
- 04
Operational registrations
Obtain incorporation certificate, register NTN via IRIS, and complete STRN, EOBI, and provincial social security enrollments as needed.
Single member company formation under the Companies Act 2017 provides sole entrepreneurs with a corporate vehicle offering limited liability without requiring a second director or shareholder. The sole member holds all shares, appoints themselves as director, and governs the company through resolutions documented in the statutory register. SECP processes SMC incorporation through the same eServices portal used for private limited companies, with Form 1 and Form 29 adapted for single-member particulars. This structure suits consultants, freelancers scaling into formal business, and individual investors who prefer not to involve a nominee co-founder. Post-incorporation obligations mirror private limited companies — NTN registration via FBR IRIS, sales tax enrollment if applicable, EOBI employer registration, and annual Form A returns filed with SECP.
Common questions
03 / 10
LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) Registration
Register a limited liability partnership under the Limited Liability Partnership Act 2017 for professional firms, joint ventures, and partnerships seeking corporate-style liability protection without full company formalities. LLPs combine partnership flexibility with limited liability for partners, making them popular among law firms, accounting practices, and consultancy partnerships. We manage SECP LLP registration, partnership agreement drafting, and compliance setup through the eServices portal.
Partnership flexibility
Partner liability protection
LLP Act 2017 framework
Professional firm suitability
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
LLP structure planning
Define partner roles, capital contributions, profit-sharing ratios, and management authority in the proposed LLP agreement.
- 02
Name reservation and agreement drafting
Reserve LLP name via SECP eServices and prepare the limited liability partnership agreement for partner execution.
- 03
SECP LLP registration
File LLP incorporation application with partnership agreement, partner particulars, and registered office details on SECP eServices.
- 04
Tax and operational setup
Obtain LLP registration certificate, register NTN via IRIS, and complete STRN, EOBI, and provincial social security enrollments.
- 01
LLP structure planning
Define partner roles, capital contributions, profit-sharing ratios, and management authority in the proposed LLP agreement.
- 02
Name reservation and agreement drafting
Reserve LLP name via SECP eServices and prepare the limited liability partnership agreement for partner execution.
- 03
SECP LLP registration
File LLP incorporation application with partnership agreement, partner particulars, and registered office details on SECP eServices.
- 04
Tax and operational setup
Obtain LLP registration certificate, register NTN via IRIS, and complete STRN, EOBI, and provincial social security enrollments.
Limited liability partnership registration under the Limited Liability Partnership Act 2017 offers professional and commercial partnerships a hybrid structure combining operational flexibility with partner liability protection. Unlike a traditional partnership under the Partnership Act 1932, LLP partners are not personally liable for the firm's debts beyond their agreed capital contribution, and no partner bears responsibility for another partner's negligence. SECP registers LLPs through the eServices portal, requiring a partnership agreement specifying partner rights, capital, and management arrangements. LLPs must maintain a registered office, file annual returns with SECP, and register for NTN through FBR IRIS. Professional regulatory bodies — such as bar councils and ICAP — may impose additional registration requirements for LLPs practising in regulated fields.
Common questions
04 / 10
AOP (Association of Persons) Registration
Establish an association of persons for informal partnerships, family businesses, and joint ventures that do not require incorporation with SECP. An AOP is recognised under the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 for tax purposes and suits small trading arrangements with two or more members sharing profits and losses. We register your AOP with FBR for NTN purposes and prepare partnership deeds aligned with your operational structure.
Multi-member partnership
Partnership deed preparation
FBR NTN registration
Low formation cost
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Partnership structure review
Confirm AOP suitability, define member roles, capital contributions, and profit-sharing ratios for the proposed business arrangement.
- 02
Partnership deed drafting
Prepare and execute the partnership deed with member signatures, specifying terms governing the association of persons.
- 03
FBR NTN registration
Register the AOP with FBR through the IRIS portal, submitting partnership deed, member CNIC copies, and business particulars.
- 04
Operational registrations
Complete STRN sales tax registration if applicable, provincial trade licence, and EOBI enrollment before hiring employees.
- 01
Partnership structure review
Confirm AOP suitability, define member roles, capital contributions, and profit-sharing ratios for the proposed business arrangement.
- 02
Partnership deed drafting
Prepare and execute the partnership deed with member signatures, specifying terms governing the association of persons.
- 03
FBR NTN registration
Register the AOP with FBR through the IRIS portal, submitting partnership deed, member CNIC copies, and business particulars.
- 04
Operational registrations
Complete STRN sales tax registration if applicable, provincial trade licence, and EOBI enrollment before hiring employees.
An association of persons is an unincorporated business structure where two or more individuals or entities join to conduct commercial activity and share profits under the Income Tax Ordinance 2001. Unlike SECP-incorporated entities, AOPs do not offer limited liability — partners remain personally liable for business debts and obligations. Formation requires a partnership deed — preferably registered with relevant authorities — and NTN registration through FBR IRIS. AOPs file income tax returns at the entity level with profits allocated to members per their agreed shares. This structure suits small trading partnerships, family businesses, and short-term joint ventures where incorporation costs and compliance overhead are unnecessary. Members should understand unlimited liability exposure and consider upgrading to a private limited company or LLP as the business scales.
Common questions
05 / 10
Name Reservation & Availability Search
Reserve your company or LLP name through the SECP eServices portal before commencing incorporation filings. SECP maintains a central register of approved and pending names, and name availability must be confirmed to avoid rejection during incorporation. We conduct comprehensive name searches, assess similarity conflicts, and secure name reservation approval aligned with SECP naming guidelines under the Companies Act 2017.
SECP name availability check
60-day name reservation
Conflict risk assessment
Re-reservation support
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Name shortlist and screening
Develop candidate names aligned with SECP naming rules and screen against the eServices register for conflicts.
- 02
Trademark and similarity review
Assess proposed names against IPO trademark records and deceptively similar existing company names on SECP records.
- 03
SECP eServices reservation
Submit name reservation application through the SECP eServices portal with proposed name and entity type selection.
- 04
Reservation confirmation
Receive SECP name availability certificate and proceed to incorporation filing within the reservation validity period.
- 01
Name shortlist and screening
Develop candidate names aligned with SECP naming rules and screen against the eServices register for conflicts.
- 02
Trademark and similarity review
Assess proposed names against IPO trademark records and deceptively similar existing company names on SECP records.
- 03
SECP eServices reservation
Submit name reservation application through the SECP eServices portal with proposed name and entity type selection.
- 04
Reservation confirmation
Receive SECP name availability certificate and proceed to incorporation filing within the reservation validity period.
Company name reservation is the mandatory first step in SECP incorporation for private limited companies, single member companies, and LLPs. The SECP eServices portal maintains a live register of approved, pending, and rejected names, and applications are assessed against naming guidelines prohibiting misleading, offensive, or deceptively similar names under the Companies Act 2017. An approved reservation typically remains valid for sixty days, during which incorporation documents must be filed. Names requiring regulatory approval — such as those containing words like 'bank', 'insurance', or 'trust' — need prior clearance from relevant authorities before SECP will approve reservation. We conduct pre-filing searches to minimise rejection risk and prepare alternative names to avoid incorporation delays.
Common questions
06 / 10
NTN (National Tax Number) Registration with FBR
Register your business for a National Tax Number with the Federal Board of Revenue through the IRIS portal — mandatory for all incorporated entities, AOPs, and self-employed professionals operating in Pakistan. NTN registration links your entity to FBR for income tax, withholding tax, and sales tax compliance. We manage IRIS portal enrollment, documentation submission, and activation of e-filing credentials for your finance team.
FBR IRIS portal registration
Entity-type specific filing
E-filing credentials setup
SECP incorporation linkage
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Registration category assessment
Determine correct FBR registration type — company, AOP, or individual — and applicable business activity codes for NTN enrollment.
- 02
IRIS portal application
Submit NTN registration through FBR IRIS with incorporation certificate, CNIC copies, bank account details, and business address.
- 03
NTN certificate issuance
Receive FBR NTN certificate and verify entity details on the IRIS portal for accuracy before commencing tax filings.
- 04
Withholding and return setup
Configure withholding tax obligations, advance tax schedules, and annual income tax return filing calendar on IRIS.
- 01
Registration category assessment
Determine correct FBR registration type — company, AOP, or individual — and applicable business activity codes for NTN enrollment.
- 02
IRIS portal application
Submit NTN registration through FBR IRIS with incorporation certificate, CNIC copies, bank account details, and business address.
- 03
NTN certificate issuance
Receive FBR NTN certificate and verify entity details on the IRIS portal for accuracy before commencing tax filings.
- 04
Withholding and return setup
Configure withholding tax obligations, advance tax schedules, and annual income tax return filing calendar on IRIS.
National Tax Number registration with FBR is a mandatory post-incorporation step for every business entity in Pakistan, enabling compliance with the Income Tax Ordinance 2001. Registration is completed through the IRIS portal, FBR's unified platform for NTN enrollment, income tax returns, withholding statements, and sales tax filings. Companies must register using their SECP incorporation certificate, while AOPs submit partnership deeds and sole proprietors register against individual CNIC numbers. NTN activation is prerequisite for opening business bank accounts, participating in government tenders, and registering for STRN sales tax. Entities must file annual income tax returns by the prescribed due date and maintain current business particulars on IRIS, updating address, activity, or ownership changes promptly to avoid FBR compliance notices.
Common questions
07 / 10
STRN (Sales Tax Registration Number) Registration
Obtain your Sales Tax Registration Number from FBR for compliance with the Sales Tax Act 1990 — mandatory for manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and service providers meeting prescribed turnover thresholds. STRN registration enables lawful collection and remittance of sales tax on taxable supplies. We manage STRN enrollment through the IRIS portal, configure filing periods, and establish monthly or quarterly return workflows.
Sales Tax Act 1990 compliance
IRIS portal enrollment
Return filing schedule setup
Supply chain readiness
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Registration obligation review
Assess whether your business activities and turnover trigger mandatory STRN registration under the Sales Tax Act 1990.
- 02
IRIS STRN application
Submit sales tax registration through FBR IRIS with NTN, bank guarantee if required, business premises details, and activity codes.
- 03
STRN certificate activation
Receive STRN certificate, verify registration status on IRIS, and configure tax invoice formats for commercial transactions.
- 04
Return filing workflow
Establish monthly or quarterly sales tax return preparation, input-output tax reconciliation, and IRIS e-filing procedures.
- 01
Registration obligation review
Assess whether your business activities and turnover trigger mandatory STRN registration under the Sales Tax Act 1990.
- 02
IRIS STRN application
Submit sales tax registration through FBR IRIS with NTN, bank guarantee if required, business premises details, and activity codes.
- 03
STRN certificate activation
Receive STRN certificate, verify registration status on IRIS, and configure tax invoice formats for commercial transactions.
- 04
Return filing workflow
Establish monthly or quarterly sales tax return preparation, input-output tax reconciliation, and IRIS e-filing procedures.
Sales Tax Registration Number enrollment with FBR is required for businesses making taxable supplies above statutory turnover thresholds under the Sales Tax Act 1990. Registration is processed through the IRIS portal linked to the entity's NTN, and STRN holders must file periodic sales tax returns declaring output tax on supplies and input tax on purchases. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and specified service providers face mandatory registration regardless of turnover in many categories. Provincial sales tax on services — administered separately in Sindh, Punjab, KPK, and Balochistan — may require additional registration beyond federal STRN. Non-registration or delayed filing attracts penalties, input tax denial, and FBR enforcement action. We coordinate federal STRN registration with provincial service tax enrollment where your operations require both.
Common questions
08 / 10
EOBI Employer Registration
Register your business as an employer with the Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution before hiring workers covered under Pakistan's social security framework. EOBI mandates employer contributions of 5% and employee contributions of 1% calculated on the minimum wage basis for insured employees. We manage employer establishment registration, employee enrollment, and monthly contribution filing through EOBI channels.
Mandatory employer enrollment
5% employer / 1% employee
Employee insurability review
Monthly contribution filing
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Establishment registration
Register the employer establishment with EOBI using incorporation certificate, NTN, and business premises details.
- 02
Employee enrollment
Enroll covered employees with EOBI, assigning insurability status and minimum wage basis for contribution calculation.
- 03
Contribution calculation setup
Configure payroll to calculate 5% employer and 1% employee EOBI contributions on applicable minimum wage amounts.
- 04
Monthly remittance activation
Establish monthly EOBI contribution payment workflow and employee addition or termination reporting procedures.
- 01
Establishment registration
Register the employer establishment with EOBI using incorporation certificate, NTN, and business premises details.
- 02
Employee enrollment
Enroll covered employees with EOBI, assigning insurability status and minimum wage basis for contribution calculation.
- 03
Contribution calculation setup
Configure payroll to calculate 5% employer and 1% employee EOBI contributions on applicable minimum wage amounts.
- 04
Monthly remittance activation
Establish monthly EOBI contribution payment workflow and employee addition or termination reporting procedures.
EOBI employer registration is mandatory under the Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution Act 1976 for establishments employing workers in insured categories across Pakistan. Employers contribute 5% and employees contribute 1% of the minimum wage for each covered worker, funding old-age pensions, invalidity benefits, and survivor grants. Registration must be completed before or upon hiring the first insured employee, and monthly contributions remitted by the prescribed due date. EOBI operates alongside provincial social security schemes — SESSI and PESSI — which cover employment injury, sickness, and maternity benefits separately. Non-compliance attracts contribution surcharges, penalties, and complications during labour inspections. We coordinate EOBI registration with provincial social security enrollment to ensure comprehensive employee benefits compliance from your first hire.
Common questions
10 / 10
Annual SECP Returns & Compliance Filings
Maintain ongoing SECP compliance with annual returns, statutory register updates, and event-driven filings required under the Companies Act 2017. Every incorporated company and LLP must file Form A annual returns and notify SECP of director changes, share transfers, and registered office amendments. We manage your annual compliance calendar, prepare statutory filings, and ensure timely submission through the SECP eServices portal.
Form A annual returns
Form 26 and 26A event filings
Statutory register maintenance
Strike-off prevention
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Compliance calendar setup
Establish annual filing deadlines for Form A returns, FBR tax submissions, and event-driven SECP notifications.
- 02
Statutory records review
Verify registers of members and directors, share certificates, and board resolutions are current and audit-ready.
- 03
Form A preparation and filing
Compile annual return particulars and submit Form A through SECP eServices within the prescribed post-AGM timeline.
- 04
Event-driven filings
File Form 26 or 26A for director changes, address updates, and share transfers promptly after each corporate event.
- 01
Compliance calendar setup
Establish annual filing deadlines for Form A returns, FBR tax submissions, and event-driven SECP notifications.
- 02
Statutory records review
Verify registers of members and directors, share certificates, and board resolutions are current and audit-ready.
- 03
Form A preparation and filing
Compile annual return particulars and submit Form A through SECP eServices within the prescribed post-AGM timeline.
- 04
Event-driven filings
File Form 26 or 26A for director changes, address updates, and share transfers promptly after each corporate event.
Annual SECP compliance under the Companies Act 2017 requires every private limited company, single member company, and LLP to file Form A annual returns confirming current director particulars, shareholding structure, and registered office details. Returns must be filed within prescribed timelines following the annual general meeting or within the statutory period for companies exempt from AGM requirements. Event-driven filings — including Form 26 for appointment or cessation of directors and Form 26A for share transfer notifications — must be submitted promptly after each change. Entities must also maintain statutory registers at the registered office and file accounts with SECP where applicable. Persistent failure to file annual returns triggers SECP strike-off proceedings, removing the entity from the active register. We manage your full compliance calendar alongside FBR tax filings and social security obligations.
Common questions
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Company Formation · Pakistan
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