How to register a company with SECP (Pakistan)

Private Limited & SMC Private Limited Company Registration Process in SECP Pakistan

Registering a Private Limited or Single Member Company (SMC) Private Limited in Pakistan has become easier and faster thanks to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) online portal — LEAP (leap.secp.gov.pk). Whether you are a budding entrepreneur or an established business professional, understanding the registration process is the first step towards making your business official and legally compliant.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of company registration in Pakistan with SECP, ensuring you understand all requirements from name reservation to the final incorporation certificate.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Type of Company

Before you begin, decide which type of private company suits your needs:

• Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.) – Requires a minimum of two shareholders. Suitable for partnerships and joint ventures.

• Single Member Company (SMC Pvt. Ltd.) – Requires only one shareholder. Ideal for solo entrepreneurs.

Step 2: Name Reservation

Your company name is your business identity, so choose carefully. SECP has strict rules for name approval:

• The name must be unique, not identical to an existing company.

• It should not include prohibited words or misleading terms.

• Once approved, the name is reserved for 60 days.

You can check availability and apply for name reservation directly on the LEAP portal.

Step 3: Preparing Required Documents

To save time, prepare all necessary documents in advance:

• CNIC copies of shareholders, directors, and nominee (for SMC).

• Memorandum of Association (MOA) – Defines the objectives of your company.

• Articles of Association (AOA) – Governs the internal rules of the company.

• Authorization letter (if filing through an agent).

• Address proof of the registered office.

Step 4: Filing the Incorporation Application

Log into the LEAP SECP portal and fill in the incorporation form. You will need to:

1. Enter company details (name, type, sector, address).

2. Add shareholder and director information.

3. Upload MOA, AOA, and other required documents in PDF format.

4. Pay the government fee online via credit card, debit card, or bank challan.

Step 5: Digital Signatures (eServices)

SECP uses digital signatures for secure submissions. After application submission, you may need to acquire digital certificates from the National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT) to sign documents electronically.

Step 6: SECP Review & Approval

Once submitted, SECP reviews your application:

• If everything is correct, they approve it within 1–3 working days.

• If there are any objections, you’ll be notified to make corrections.

Step 7: Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation

After approval, SECP issues the Certificate of Incorporation. This is your legal proof that your company exists and is registered under the Companies Act, 2017.

Step 8: Post-Incorporation Compliance

Once your company is registered, you must complete the following:

• Open a corporate bank account in the company’s name.

• Register with FBR for NTN and tax compliance.

• Maintain statutory records and file annual returns with SECP.

Benefits of Registering with SECP

• Legal recognition of your business.

• Limited liability protection for shareholders.

• Better credibility with clients, banks, and investors.

• Ability to bid for contracts and attract funding.

Final Thoughts

Registering a Private Limited or SMC Private Limited company in Pakistan through SECP is now faster and more transparent than ever. By following the above step-by-step process, you can set up your company legally, enjoy tax and liability benefits, and grow your business with confidence.

A properly registered company is not just a legal requirement — it’s a foundation for building trust and expanding your market presence.