1. Choose a Company Name
- Select a unique and appropriate name for the company, ensuring it complies with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) guidelines. The name should not be deceptive, obscene, or similar to an existing company.
2. Check Availability of the Name
- Verify the availability of the chosen name by searching on the SECP’s online portal to ensure it’s not already taken.
3. Prepare Incorporation Documents
The key documents required for the registration of a company include:
- Memorandum of Association (MOA): This document outlines the company’s objectives and activities.
- Articles of Association (AOA): This document specifies the internal rules and regulations governing the company’s operations.
- Form 1: Declaration of compliance with the legal requirements for registration.
- Form 21: Notice of the situation of the registered office.
- Form 29: Particulars of directors, chief executive, and secretary.
4. Submission of Incorporation Documents
- The incorporation documents, including the MOA, AOA, and relevant forms, are submitted through the SECP’s eServices portal.
- Make sure to include:
- CNIC/NICOP copies of all directors
- Proof of registered office address
- Paid-up capital details
- Payment receipt of the SECP registration fee
5. Payment of Registration Fee
- Pay the applicable registration fees, which vary depending on the type of company and its capital, through SECP’s designated bank.
6. Digital Signatures
- Obtain Digital Signatures from the National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT) for the directors and CEO, as they are required for submitting documents online.
7. Review by SECP
- SECP will review the application and may request additional information or corrections, if needed.
8. Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation
- Once the SECP is satisfied with the submitted documents, it will issue a Certificate of Incorporation, signifying the legal registration of the company.
9. Apply for National Tax Number (NTN)
- After receiving the Certificate of Incorporation, apply for a National Tax Number (NTN) with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for tax registration purposes.
10. Open a Corporate Bank Account
- Open a company bank account using the Certificate of Incorporation and NTN.
11. Additional Registrations (Optional)
- Depending on the nature of the business, additional registrations may be needed:
- Sales Tax Registration: If the company is involved in manufacturing or trading of taxable goods or services.
- Provincial Revenue Authority Registration: For services sector companies (e.g., Punjab Revenue Authority or Sindh Revenue Board)