Business Registration Guidelines in Pakistan (2025)

Registering a business in Pakistan involves several steps, depending on the type of business structure. Below is a step-by-step guide for business registration in Pakistan:

1. Choose a Business Structure

Before registration, decide the type of business entity:
✅ Sole Proprietorship – Single-owner business with fewer legal requirements.
✅ Partnership – Business with two or more partners, governed under the Partnership Act 1932.
✅ Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – Registered with SECP, offering liability protection to partners.
✅ Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.) – Most common structure, registered with SECP.
✅ Public Limited Company – Suitable for large-scale businesses planning to list on the stock exchange.

2. Registering a Sole Proprietorship

🔹 Register Business Name: Get a unique name from FBR (Federal Board of Revenue).
🔹 Get NTN (National Tax Number): Register with FBR for tax purposes via IRIS portal.
🔹 Open Bank Account: Use NTN & business name for a business account.
🔹 Sales Tax Registration (If Applicable): Required if dealing in taxable goods/services.
🔹 Local Trade License: Obtain from municipal authorities.

3. Registering a Partnership

🔹 Draft a Partnership Deed: Mention partner details, profit-sharing, and roles.
🔹 Notarization: Sign and notarize the deed with a lawyer.
🔹 Register with Registrar of Firms: Submit the deed and Form-I to the Registrar.
🔹 Get NTN: Apply for tax registration with FBR.
🔹 Sales Tax Registration (If needed): Register if dealing in taxable goods/services.

4. Registering a Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.)

🔹 Name Reservation: Reserve your company name via SECP eServices.
🔹 Digital Signature & Incorporation Documents: Obtain a digital signature & prepare the Memorandum & Articles of Association.
🔹 Register with SECP: Submit documents via SECP eServices portal.
🔹 Get NTN & Sales Tax Registration: Register with FBR.
🔹 Open Bank Account: Deposit the initial capital.
🔹 Additional Licenses: Depending on industry (e.g., food, travel, construction), obtain relevant licenses.

5. Registering a Public Limited Company

🔹 Follow Pvt. Ltd. Registration Steps
🔹 Get Approval from SECP: Additional regulatory approvals required.
🔹 Obtain Listing on Stock Exchange (if applicable)

6. Additional Licenses & Registrations (if applicable)

📌 Sales Tax Registration (FBR) – For businesses dealing in taxable goods/services.
📌 Chamber of Commerce Registration – Optional but beneficial for networking.
📌 Sector-Specific Licenses – For food, travel, healthcare, construction, etc.
📌 Social Security (EOBI & PESSI/SESSI) – If hiring employees.

7. Timeline & Costs

🕒 Sole Proprietorship: 1-3 days
🕒 Partnership Firm: 5-7 days
🕒 Private Limited Company: 7-14 days
🕒 Public Limited Company: 1-2 months

💰 Costs vary depending on the business type & legal fees. Pvt. Ltd. registration starts from PKR 5,000 – 15,000+.

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