Checklist for Company Registration Under Current SECP Rules by Taxocrate
Requirements for Company Registration in Pakistan in 2026
Promoters must provide accurate identity, ownership, management, business, capital and registered-office information. The Companies Act, 2017 and Companies Regulations, 2024 provide the principal framework, while eZfile is the current digital platform for name reservation and incorporation.
Preparing an incorporation application? Taxocrate can review the proposed name, business activity, subscribers, directors, shareholding, capital and supporting documents before filing.
Core Information Required Before Filing
- Proposed company type.
- Company name and alternatives.
- Principal line of business.
- Subscribers/shareholders.
- Directors and chief executive.
- Current contact details.
- Registered-office particulars.
- Shareholding and capital information.
- Memorandum and Articles information.
- Any NOC, licence or approval required for a regulated activity.
Company Structures Under the SECP Framework
| Structure | Members | Minimum Directors | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Member Company | One | At least one | One-owner incorporated business |
| Private Limited Company | Two or more | At least two | Startups, SMEs and family businesses |
| Public Company other than listed | Three or more | At least three | Larger corporate structures |
| Listed Company | Subject to public-company rules | At least seven | Listed companies |
Identity Documents for Pakistani Participants
Pakistani participants generally provide valid CNIC or NICOP particulars together with current contact information and the details required by eZfile.
Requirements for Foreign Shareholders or Directors
Foreign individuals and body corporates require additional identity or corporate documents. Depending on the case, certified, notarised, apostilled or consular-authenticated records may be required.
SECP Company Name Requirements
A proposed name must comply with section 10 of the Companies Act, 2017 and applicable regulations. A name can be refused if it is identical or confusingly similar, deceptive, inappropriate, prohibited or dependent on an approval not obtained.
Principal Line of Business and Business Objects
The principal line of business should describe what the company will actually do. A vague or copied description can create SECP observations and later confusion with banking, tax or licensing authorities.
Memorandum and Articles of Association
The Memorandum sets out the company's constitutional business framework and statutory particulars. The Articles govern internal management to the extent applicable.
Shareholding and Capital Information
Promoters must decide how ownership will be divided. There is no blanket rule that every ordinary private company must have PKR 100,000 as minimum paid-up capital; regulated sectors can have special conditions.
SECP Company Registration Process
- Confirm the company structure and founders.
- Select and reserve a compliant company name.
- Settle members, directors, chief executive, shareholding and capital.
- Draft an accurate principal line of business.
- Prepare incorporation particulars, Memorandum and Articles.
- File through SECP eZfile and pay applicable charges.
- Respond to any SECP observation.
- Obtain incorporation and review post-incorporation obligations.
Post-Incorporation Compliance Should Match the Actual Business
Receiving a Certificate of Incorporation does not complete every legal and tax requirement. Depending on the company's activity, location, employees, turnover and regulated status, later obligations can include FBR income-tax compliance, federal or provincial sales tax, employment registrations, banking documentation, licences and continuing SECP filings. Every new company does not automatically require every possible registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are required for a private company?
An ordinary private company generally requires at least two members. A one-member corporate form is generally an SMC.
How many directors does a private company need?
An ordinary private company requires at least two directors.
Is PKR 100,000 compulsory minimum capital?
No blanket PKR 100,000 minimum applies to every ordinary private company.
Can a foreigner be a shareholder or director?
Foreign participation is possible in many sectors, subject to documentation, restrictions and applicable approvals.
Does every company need a licence before incorporation?
No. Many ordinary businesses do not, while regulated activities can require prior approval or licensing conditions.
Does SECP incorporation complete tax registration?
No. Incorporation and tax compliance are separate regulatory functions.