Company Registration in SECP

Starting a business in Pakistan begins with company registration in SECP. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is the official regulatory authority responsible for company incorporation, ensuring that businesses operate legally and transparently. This guide explains everything you need to know about types of companies, requirements, processes, and post-registration compliance.

What is SECP?

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is the regulatory body that governs corporate sector operations in Pakistan. It manages company registration in SECP, oversees compliance, and ensures business transparency. Visit SECP Official Website

Benefits of Registered Business

• Builds trust with customers, suppliers, and partners.

• Easier approval for bank loans and financial assistance.

• Eligibility for government contracts and tenders.

• Lower corporate tax rates compared to individual rates.

• Easier to expand by opening new branches.

Types of Companies You Can Register with SECP

• Single Member Company (SMC)

• Private Limited Company

• Public Limited Company (Listed & Unlisted)

• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

• NPO/NGO

• Foreign Company Branch or Subsidiary

Minimum Persons Required for Company Formation

Single Member Company (SMC)

• 1 person as Director and Shareholder

• 1 nominee (must be a relative—spouse, parents, siblings, or children)

Private Limited Company

• Minimum 2 persons as directors/shareholders

Public Unlisted Limited Company

• Minimum 3 directors/shareholders

Public Listed Limited Company

• Minimum 7 shareholders & at least 3 directors

NPO/NGO

• Minimum 3 directors

Requirements for Company Registration in SECP

• CNIC / NICOP / Passport (for foreigners)

• Proposed business name

• Main business activities

• Registered office address

• Authorized share capital

• Shareholding percentage of each shareholder

Can a Foreigner Register a Company in Karachi?

Yes, foreign investors can register:

• A local subsidiary (Pvt Ltd or SMC)

• A branch/liaison office of a foreign company

Post-Registration Compliance

After company registration in SECP, you must follow:

• UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) Filing – Form 19

• Appointment of Auditor – Form 9

• Annual Return Filing – Form A within 120 days of fiscal year end

• Annual General Meeting (AGM) – within 120 days after fiscal year end

Other Important SECP Forms

• Form 3 – Transfer of shares

• Form 7 – Increase in authorized capital

• Form 9 – Appointment/Change of Director or CEO

• Form A – Annual return filing

Requirements for Company Registration in SECP

• CNIC / NICOP / Passport (for foreigners)

• Proposed business name

• Main business activities

• Registered office address

• Authorized share capital

• Shareholding percentage of each shareholder