Company registration in Pakistan runs through the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan eServices portal. The mechanics are well defined; delay almost always comes from documents rather than from the regulator.

Step one: choose the form

Step two: reserve the name

Submit three names in order of preference. Names that are deceptively similar to an existing company, imply state patronage, or include restricted words are refused. Reservation typically takes one to three working days.

Step three: file for incorporation

File the memorandum and articles of association, subscriber and director particulars, CNIC or passport copies, and the registered office address. Do not accept a boilerplate objects clause without reading it: it defines what the company may lawfully do. The certificate of incorporation generally issues within three to seven working days of a clean filing.

Step four: tax registration

Register with the Federal Board of Revenue for a National Tax Number, and for sales tax where the business makes taxable supplies. Provincial revenue authority registration applies to services in the relevant province.

Step five: bank account

This is usually the slowest step, particularly with foreign shareholders, because of enhanced due diligence on beneficial ownership and source of funds. Prepare the ownership chain documentation before you approach the bank rather than after.

What begins immediately after incorporation

General information on Pakistani incorporation procedure. Requirements vary by company form, sector and province.