👤01
Sole proprietorship
Individual
Freelancers, shops, small traders and one-person services
1–2 daysfrom Rs 800
Business setup · Pakistan · UAE · USA
Start your business with the right structure.
SECP, FBR and provincial registration in Pakistan, UAE free zone and mainland licences through our Dubai partner, and US LLCs with an EIN.
1–3days for an SECP company
5–10days for a UAE licence
$100Wyoming LLC filing
Step 1 · Structure finder
Five questions. One clear answer.
Answer what you know. The recommendation updates as you go.
Step 2 · Setup cost estimator
What will it cost to open?
Government fees use SECP's current schedule; our professional fee is the published starting fee.
Authorised capital sets the SECP fee; paid-up capital can be lower. With paid-up capital up to Rs 1 million, a private company does not need an audit.
Side by side
Eight structures compared.
See each structure at a glance, then pick up to three to compare head to head.
🤝02
Partnership (AOP)
Firm
Family businesses and partners who don't need limited liability
1–2 weeksfrom Rs 30,000
🧑💼03
Single member company
SMC (Pvt) Ltd
One founder who wants limited liability and a corporate image
1–3 working daysfrom Rs 20,000
🏢04
Private limited company
(Pvt) Ltd
Growing businesses, co-founders and investor-backed startups
1–3 working daysfrom Rs 20,000
⚖️05
Limited liability partnership
LLP
Professional firms, consultants and agency teams
A few working daysQuoted after review
🏛️06
Public company (unlisted)
Limited
Larger ventures planning wide shareholding or a future listing
About 1 weekQuoted after review
💚07
Not-for-profit company
Section 42 company
Charities, trusts, associations and welfare bodies
Several weeks (licence and security clearance)Quoted after review
🌍08
Branch or liaison office
Foreign company
Foreign companies executing contracts (branch) or promoting products (liaison)
About 7 weeks for BOI permissionQuoted after review
Head to head
Pick up to three.
How it works
From first call to first invoice.
For a private limited company; other structures skip the SECP steps.
- Structure & nameWe confirm the structure and reserve the name on SECP eZfile.Day 1
- DocumentsCNICs, address proof, capital and shareholding, signed digitally by each director.Day 1–2
- IncorporationSECP issues the certificate of incorporation; the company's NTN comes with it.Day 2–3
- Bank accountAccount opening letter, board resolution and beneficial-ownership details for the bank.Week 1–2
- Tax registrationsSales tax (STRN) with biometric verification, and PRA or ICT if you sell services.Week 1–3
- Start compliantBooks set up, first auditor if needed, withholding and monthly return calendar in place.Ongoing
Already open?
Registrations most businesses need next.
Depending on what you sell and who you employ.
Sales tax (FBR)Manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, distributors and Tier-1 retailersDetails →FBR e-invoicingEvery sales tax registered business must issue invoices through FBR's systemDetails →Services tax (PRA / ICT)Consultants, IT, salons, restaurants, contractors and other service providersDetails →Import / export (PSW)Pakistan Single Window registration for traders, with chamber membershipDetails →EmployeesEOBI and provincial social security once you hire, plus monthly salary withholdingDetails →Withholding agentDeduct and deposit tax on salaries, rent, contracts and supplies; file quarterly statementsDetails →
Foreign investors
Investing in Pakistan from abroad.
For overseas Pakistanis, foreign nationals and foreign companies.
Pakistani subsidiary
A private limited company with foreign shareholders. 100% foreign ownership is allowed in most sectors. Foreign directors and shareholders go through security clearance, and capital must come through a bank so it can be repatriated later.
Branch office
For a foreign company executing a specific contract in Pakistan. Needs Board of Investment permission (US$ 3,000 for the first year, renewable at US$ 1,000) and then SECP registration. No trading activity.
Liaison office
To promote products, give technical advice or explore joint ventures. BOI permission costs US$ 2,000 for the first year (US$ 500 renewal). Expenses are funded from abroad; no commercial income.
Overseas Pakistanis
You can own and run a Pakistani company or partnership from abroad with your NICOP, sign digitally on eZfile and operate through a local director or manager. We handle filings in your time zone.
UAE · Step 1 · Structure finder
Mainland, free zone or offshore?
Five questions about customers, visas and premises. The scores update as you go. Delivered with our Dubai partner, AlSudais Chartered Accountants.
UAE · Step 2 · Setup cost calculator
What will it cost in year one?
Indicative authority fees from published packages (October 2026). We confirm the exact figure in writing before you pay anything.
Residence visas
AED 0 – 0
Renewal / year
Licence in
Indicative only; zones price by activity, office and promotion. Corporate tax registration (within 3 months) and VAT (above AED 375,000) follow, handled by our UAE desk.
Get the exact quote on WhatsAppUAE · Side by side
Mainland, free zone and offshore compared.
The differences that matter for tax, banking, visas and who you can sell to.
| Mainland | Free zone | Offshore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed by | Emirate economic department (DET Dubai, ADRA Abu Dhabi…) | The free zone authority | RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore |
| Where you can trade | Anywhere in the UAE, incl. government | Inside the zone and abroad; mainland via distributor | Outside the UAE only |
| Foreign ownership | 100% for most activities | 100% | 100% |
| Visas | Based on office size | Linked to package and office | None |
| Office | Physical premises with Ejari | Flexi-desk accepted in most zones | Registered agent address |
| Corporate tax | 0% to AED 375,000, then 9% | 0% on qualifying income if QFZP, 9% on the rest | 9% if UAE resident |
| VAT | Register above AED 375,000 | Register above AED 375,000 | If making UAE taxable supplies |
| Typical time | 7–15 working days | 5–10 working days | 5–10 working days |
| Best for | Retail, contracting, local services | Trading, consultancy, tech, e-commerce | Holding shares, property and IP |
UAE · How it works
From first call to bank account.
A typical free zone setup; mainland adds the Ejari lease and DET approvals.
- Activity & zoneChoose the licence activity and the zone or emirate that fits it.Day 1
- Name & approvalTrade name reservation and initial approval from the authority.Day 1–3
- LicenceDocuments signed, fees paid, trade licence and incorporation issued.Day 3–10
- VisasEstablishment card, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and residence visa.Week 2–4
- Bank accountUAE corporate bank account with KYC on owners and activity.Week 2–6
- Tax registrationsCorporate tax within 3 months; VAT once supplies pass AED 375,000.Ongoing
USA · Step 1 · Structure finder
LLC or C-Corporation?
For non-US founders selling online, freelancing or building a startup. Five questions, live scores.
USA · Step 2 · Setup cost calculator
What will your US company cost?
State fees are each state's published filing fee; our fees are the published TAXWORK prices. Registered agent fees vary by provider.
USA · Choosing a state
Six popular states compared.
For LLCs. You can form in any state; if you have staff or an office somewhere, you also register there.
| State | Filing fee | Annual fee | Why founders pick it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $100 | $60 | No state income tax; low annual fee; strong privacy |
| Delaware | $110 | $300 | Investor favourite; Court of Chancery; $300 annual LLC tax |
| New Mexico | $50 | $0 | Lowest cost; no annual report for LLCs |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75 | Good if you have Florida operations |
| Texas | $300 | $0 | No annual fee for most small LLCs (franchise report still due) |
| Nevada | $425 | $350 | No state income tax; higher fees |
USA · Side by side
LLC or C-Corp for a non-US owner.
The tax and paperwork differences that matter from Pakistan or the UAE.
| Single-member LLC | Multi-member LLC | C-Corporation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owners | 1 | 2 or more | Shareholders; any number |
| US federal tax | None at entity level; foreign owner taxed only on US-connected income | Partnership; partners taxed on their share | 21% on company profit |
| Annual IRS filing | Form 5472 + pro forma 1120 | Form 1065 and K-1s | Form 1120 |
| Investors & stock options | Not suitable | Possible but complex | Yes – standard for venture capital |
| Best state | Wyoming or New Mexico | Wyoming or Delaware | Delaware |
| Best for | Freelancers, Amazon, Shopify, agencies | Partners running a business together | Startups raising capital |
USA · How it works
From order to Stripe-ready.
Everything is done online; no US visit is needed.
- Name & stateWe check name availability and pick the state with you.Day 1
- FormationArticles filed with the state, with a registered agent address.Day 1–5
- EINEmployer Identification Number from the IRS; for owners without an SSN this goes by fax with Form SS-4.Week 1–4
- Operating agreementOwnership, management and profit split documented.Week 1
- Bank & paymentsUS business bank, Stripe, PayPal and marketplace accounts using the EIN.Week 2–4
- Stay compliantState annual report, Form 5472 or other IRS return, and sales tax where you have nexus.Every year
Beneficial ownership (BOI) reporting: under FinCEN's final rule of August 2026, companies formed in the United States no longer file BOI reports; foreign companies registered to do business in a US state still do.
Legal framework
The laws and authorities behind your setup.
What applies, and who you deal with.
Companies Act 2017
SMC, private, public and section 42 companies; annual returns and event filings
Limited Liability Partnership Act 2017
LLP registration, designated partners, accounts and audit
Partnership Act 1932
Partnership deeds and registration of firms
Income Tax Ordinance 2001
NTN, company, AOP and individual tax, withholding
Sales Tax Act 1990
Sales tax registration, returns and e-invoicing
Punjab Sales Tax on Services Act 2012 / ICT Ordinance 2001
Provincial sales tax on services
Board of Investment rules
Branch and liaison office permissions for foreign companies
Foreign Exchange Manual
Foreign investment inflows and repatriation
Questions
Business setup FAQ.
How long does a company take to register?
With complete documents, SECP usually incorporates a private company within 1–3 working days online, and the NTN is issued with the certificate.
Is there a minimum capital?
No minimum for a private company. Choose an authorised capital that fits your plans; it sets the SECP fee, and paid-up capital can start lower.
Do I need an office address?
Yes, a registered office in Pakistan for notices. A rented office, shared space or home address with a utility bill is acceptable.
Can I convert my sole proprietorship to a company later?
Yes. Many clients start as sole proprietors and incorporate an SMC or private company once turnover grows; we plan the transfer of assets and contracts.
What are the yearly costs after setup?
Your tax return, plus for companies the annual return to SECP, and an audit if paid-up capital is above Rs 1 million. Sales tax registrants also file monthly returns.
Ready to open your business?
Tell us what you're starting; we'll confirm the structure and a fixed fee before any work begins.