What Is a Private Limited Company in Pakistan?
A Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.) is the most popular business structure in Pakistan for startups, SMEs, and foreign investors. Registered under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), it offers limited liability protection, a separate legal identity, and access to formal banking and investment channels.
In this complete 2025-26 guide, we walk you through every step of the company registration process — from name reservation to Certificate of Incorporation — with updated fees, documents, and timelines.
Need expert assistance? Contact BTaxFiler’s SECP registration specialists for same-day processing.
Key Features of a Private Limited Company
- Minimum 2 shareholders, maximum 50
- Minimum 2 directors (can be same as shareholders)
- Minimum paid-up capital: PKR 100,000 (no maximum)
- Separate legal entity from its owners
- Limited liability — shareholders’ personal assets are protected
- Cannot offer shares to the public
- Must have “Private Limited” or “(Pvt. Ltd.)” in its name
Documents Required for SECP Company Registration 2025-26
For Pakistani Nationals
- CNIC copies of all directors and shareholders
- Proposed company name (3 options recommended)
- Memorandum of Association (MoA)
- Articles of Association (AoA)
- Registered office address (utility bill as proof)
- Share subscription details
- NTN of directors (if available)
For Foreign Nationals / Foreign Companies
- Passport copies of all foreign directors/shareholders
- Country of origin business registration documents (apostilled)
- Board resolution authorising Pakistan registration
- Power of Attorney for local representative
- CNIC of local director (at least one Pakistani director required in most cases)
Step-by-Step SECP Company Registration Process 2025-26
Step 1: Create an Account on SECP e-Services Portal
Visit eservices.secp.gov.pk and register as a new user using your CNIC and email address. This is your single window for all SECP filings.
Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name
Search for your desired company name in SECP’s database to ensure it is unique. The name must not be identical or deceptively similar to an existing registered company. Submit your name reservation application — SECP typically approves within 1-2 working days. The reservation is valid for 60 days.
Rules for company names:
- Must end with “(Private) Limited” or “(Pvt.) Ltd.”
- Cannot include words like “Bank,” “Insurance,” “Exchange,” or “Government” without regulatory approval
- Cannot be identical to a trademark or well-known brand
Step 3: Prepare Memorandum and Articles of Association
Draft your Memorandum of Association (MoA) defining the company’s name, registered office, objects (business purpose), and liability clause. The Articles of Association (AoA) govern internal management — share transfers, director appointments, and voting rights.
For standard businesses, SECP provides model MoA and AoA templates on their portal. Custom drafting is required for special-purpose companies. BTaxFiler’s corporate lawyers draft compliant MoA/AoA for all business types.
Step 4: File Incorporation Application on SECP Portal
Log into your SECP account and select “Incorporation of Company.” Fill in:
- Company name (from approved reservation)
- Registered office address
- Director and shareholder details (CNIC-verified)
- Share capital structure
- Principal business activity (PSIC code)
Upload scanned copies of all required documents. The system auto-generates Form 1 (Declaration of Compliance) and other statutory forms.
Step 5: Pay SECP Registration Fees
SECP registration fees are based on authorised share capital:
| Authorised Capital (PKR) | SECP Fee (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Up to 100,000 | 1,500 |
| 100,001 – 500,000 | 3,500 |
| 500,001 – 1,000,000 | 5,000 |
| 1,000,001 – 5,000,000 | 10,000 |
| 5,000,001 – 10,000,000 | 15,000 |
| Above 10,000,000 | 20,000 + PKR 200 per million above 10M |
Fees are payable online via internet banking or at designated bank branches using the PSID generated on the portal.
Step 6: Receive Certificate of Incorporation
After verification, SECP issues the Certificate of Incorporation digitally on the portal. This is your official proof that the company legally exists. The entire process typically takes 3-7 working days for a straightforward application.
Post-Registration Steps After SECP Incorporation
Getting your Certificate of Incorporation is just the beginning. To operate legally, complete these post-registration steps:
- NTN Registration with FBR — Register for a company NTN on the FBR IRIS portal within 60 days of incorporation
- Sales Tax Registration — If your turnover exceeds PKR 10 million or you deal in taxable goods/services, register for Sales Tax
- Open a Corporate Bank Account — Required for all business transactions; banks require SECP documents + NTN
- Register for EOBI — Mandatory for companies with 5+ employees (Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution)
- Professional Tax Registration — Required in Punjab and other provinces
- File Annual Returns with SECP — Companies must file annual returns within 30 days of AGM
SECP vs AOP vs Sole Proprietorship: Which Is Right for You?
| Feature | Sole Proprietorship | AOP / Partnership | Private Limited Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Identity | No | No | Yes (Separate) |
| Liability | Unlimited | Unlimited | Limited |
| Tax Rate | Individual slabs | Individual slabs | 29% corporate tax |
| Registration Cost | Low | Low | Moderate |
| Investor Readiness | Low | Low | High |
| Bank Loan Access | Difficult | Moderate | Easier |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does SECP company registration take in Pakistan?
A straightforward application takes 3-7 working days. With BTaxFiler’s expedited service and pre-verified documents, we achieve incorporation in as little as 2-3 days in most cases.
Can a foreigner register a company in Pakistan?
Yes. Foreign nationals can register a company in Pakistan with 100% foreign ownership in most sectors under the Board of Investment (BoI) policy. Restricted sectors (media, agriculture, defence) require prior approval. Read our guide on foreign company registration in Pakistan for detailed requirements.
What is the minimum capital for a private limited company in Pakistan?
The minimum paid-up capital is PKR 100,000. The authorised capital can be set at any amount but must be at least equal to the paid-up capital. For IT/software companies, PSEB recommends a minimum of PKR 500,000.
Can one person register a private limited company in Pakistan?
No. A Private Limited Company requires a minimum of 2 shareholders and 2 directors. If you want single-person ownership, consider a Single Member Company (SMC), which SECP allows under the Companies Act 2017.
Why Choose BTaxFiler for SECP Company Registration?
- ✅ SECP-registered corporate law practitioners
- ✅ End-to-end service: Name reservation → Certificate of Incorporation → NTN → Bank account opening support
- ✅ Specialised in IT companies, startups, and foreign-invested entities
- ✅ Transparent fixed pricing — no hidden fees
- ✅ Remote service — file from anywhere in Pakistan or abroad
📞 Get a free quote for your company registration — most incorporations completed within 3 working days.
Related Articles
- Income Tax Return Filing in Pakistan — Complete Guide 2025-26
- NTN Registration in Pakistan — Step-by-Step Guide
- Sales Tax Return Filing in Pakistan
- SECP Official Website
- SECP e-Services Portal
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. SECP regulations are subject to change. Consult a qualified corporate lawyer for your specific situation.