Introduction
Starting a business in Pakistan has become more streamlined and efficient with the SECP LEAP Portal, a digital platform designed to simplify company registration in Pakistan. Whether you’re registering a private company, public company, or a trade organization, the LEAP portal offers a seamless process for name reservation, incorporation, and post-incorporation compliance. This guide covers everything you need to know—requirements, fees, duration, and step-by-step procedures—to successfully register your company.
1. What is SECP LEAP?
The Leading Efficiency through Automation Prowess (LEAP) initiative by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) digitizes company registration and compliance processes. It supports:
- Private & Public Companies
- Single Member Companies (SMCs)
- Trade Organizations
- Companies under Sections 42 & 45
The portal integrates services like name reservation, incorporation, annual filings, and changes in company details, reducing paperwork and processing time.
2. Types of Companies Supported
The LEAP portal currently supports:
- Private Limited Companies (PVT)
- Public Limited Companies
- Single Member Companies (SMC)
- Trade Organizations (Section 45)
- Non-Profit Companies (Section 42)
Each type has specific requirements, which we’ll explore next.
3. Requirements for Company Registration
A. For Private/Public Companies
- Minimum 2 members (for private) or 7 members (for public).
- Registered office address in Pakistan.
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA & AOA).
- CNIC/NICOP/Passport of directors/subscribers.
- Digital signatures (PIN) for e-filing.
B. For Single Member Companies (SMC)
- One member who acts as both director and shareholder.
- Nominee director (required in case of the member’s death).
C. For Trade Organizations (Section 45)
- License from the Ministry of Commerce.
- No profit distribution to members.
4. Step-by-Step Registration Process
Step 1: User Registration on LEAP
- Visit the SECP LEAP Portal.
- Click “Sign Up” and select Pakistani Citizen/Foreign National.
- Verify CNIC/NICOP/Passport via NADRA.
- Confirm mobile number & email via OTP.
- Set a strong password and receive a 4-digit PIN via email (used for digital signatures).
Step 2: Name Reservation
- Log in and select “Name Reservation.”
- Choose company type (e.g., Private Limited).
- Enter 3 proposed names in order of preference.
- Provide business significance and upload supporting documents (if required).
- Pay the name reservation fee (Rs. 200 + tax).
Duration: Approval takes 1-2 working days.
Step 3: Incorporation Application
- After name approval, proceed to “Incorporation.”
- Fill in:
- Company details (address, capital structure).
- Directors/subscribers’ information.
- Business objects (principal line of business).
- Upload:
- CNIC copies of directors.
- MOA & AOA (system-generated or self-uploaded).
- Declare Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) if applicable.
- Pay incorporation fees (varies by authorized capital).
Fee Example:
- Private Company (Up to Rs. 100,000 capital): ~Rs. 12,000 (including filing fees).
Duration: Processing takes 3-5 working days.
5. Post-Incorporation Compliance
After registration, companies must comply with:
A. Annual Filings
- Annual Return (Form A) – Due within 30 days of AGM.
- Annual Audited Accounts – Filed with SECP.
- UBO Declarations (if applicable).
Fees:
- Annual Return: ~Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 5,000 (based on capital).
B. Changes in Company Details
- Change of Registered Address (within city/province/nation).
- Change in Directors/Officers (induction/cessation).
- Increase in Authorized Capital.
Fees: Vary by service (e.g., address change: ~Rs. 1,000).
6. Payment Methods
SECP LEAP accepts:
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa/MasterCard).
- 1Bill Payment (via banks/online wallets).
- JazzCash/EasyPaisa (mobile payments).
7. Benefits of Using SECP LEAP
✅ Faster processing (reduced manual delays).
✅ Paperless submission (no physical documents).
✅ Real-time tracking of application status.
✅ Secure digital signatures (PIN-based).
Conclusion
The SECP LEAP Portal has revolutionized company registration in Pakistan, making it faster, cheaper, and more transparent. By following this guide, entrepreneurs can smoothly navigate the process—from name reservation to annual compliance—ensuring their business stays legally compliant.