Foreign company branch / liaison office
BOI permission and SECP registration within 30 days for foreign companies opening a branch or liaison office in Pakistan.
Overview
Setting up a foreign company's branch or liaison office in Pakistan: Board of Investment permission, registration with SECP within 30 days of establishing a place of business, tax registration and ongoing filings.
Why it matters
Foreign companies can operate in Pakistan through a branch or liaison office approved by the Board of Investment and registered with SECP. The right choice depends on whether you will earn revenue here or only represent the parent company.
Who needs this
- Foreign companies opening a branch or liaison office in Pakistan
- Overseas businesses executing contracts in Pakistan
How it works
Who does each step, and how long it usually takes once documents are complete.
- 1Route selectionTAXWORK
Branch (can earn revenue under its permission) or liaison office (no commercial activity).
1–2 days - 2Board of Investment permissionTAXWORK
Application with security clearance of the foreign company and directors.
Usually several weeks - 3SECP registration (Form-2)TAXWORK
Certified constitution, address, directors and authorised person filed.
Within 30 days of starting - 4NTN and bankTAXWORK
Tax registration and bank account.
1–3 weeks - 5OngoingTAXWORK
Accounts, returns and changes (Form-5); closure notice on Form-6.
Annual
Documents we need
Tick what you already have, then send the list to us.
Which company type fits you?
Under the Companies Act 2017 (sections 2(49), 14, 42, 154 and 247) and the LLP Act 2017.
| Type | Members | Directors | Liability | Auditor | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single member company | 1 | 1 + nominee | Limited by shares | CMA or CA if paid-up capital under Rs 3M | Solo founders |
| Private limited | 2 to 50 | 2 | Limited by shares | CMA or CA if paid-up capital under Rs 3M | Startups and family businesses |
| Public (unlisted) | 3 or more | 3 | Limited by shares | Chartered accountant | Raising capital from many investors |
| Listed company | 3 or more | 7 | Limited by shares | Chartered accountant | Public share trading on PSX |
| Limited by guarantee | Members | 2 or 3 | Up to the guarantee | As per company type | Associations and clubs |
| Section 42 NPO | 3 or more | As per type | Licensed, no profit distribution | Chartered accountant | Charities and foundations |
| LLP | 2 or more partners | Designated partners | Limited for partners | As required | Professional firms, joint ventures |
| Foreign branch / liaison | Foreign parent | Authorised person | Parent's liability | Chartered accountant | Foreign companies entering Pakistan |
What you receive
- BOI permission letter
- SECP registration
- NTN
- Compliance calendar
Deadlines, risks and penalties
- Operating before registration is a default under the Act
- A liaison office can't earn income in Pakistan
Mistakes we fix, and what our fee covers
Common mistakes we fix
- Annual return (Form A / Form 29) filed late, which brings SECP penalties
- Change of directors, shares or address not reported to SECP
- Company NTN and tax return not filed even when there is no income
- Beneficial ownership register not kept up to date
Included in our fee
- Name check, documents and filings on SECP eServices
- Board and shareholder resolutions drafted for you
- Company NTN and FBR profile set up or updated
- A compliance calendar for the year ahead
Law and references
The sections and rules this service is based on.
- Companies Act 2017, Part XII – s.435 (documents within 30 days), s.436, s.443
- Companies Regulations 2024 – Form-2, Form-5, Form-6; UBO records of foreign companies
Questions
How long does it take?
Usually 2–3 months, mainly for BOI permission. Step by step: Route selection (1–2 days), Board of Investment permission (Usually several weeks), SECP registration (Form-2) (Within 30 days of starting), NTN and bank (1–3 weeks), Ongoing (Annual).
What does it cost?
We give a fixed quote after reviewing your case. Government fees are extra where they apply.
What happens if I miss a deadline?
Operating before registration is a default under the Act. A liaison office can't earn income in Pakistan.
Branch or subsidiary?
A subsidiary (a Pakistani private company owned by the foreign parent) gives more flexibility for trading; we'll compare both for you.
Can a liaison office earn income?
No. A liaison office can only promote and represent the parent company. A branch office can carry out business.
How long does approval take?
It depends on BOI and security clearance. We prepare a complete file to avoid delays.
Why clients choose TAXWORK
Individuals, businesses and companies across Pakistan and overseas.
Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Sialkot and Karachi (with Raza Siddiqui & Co., Chartered Accountants).
You get the scope and a fixed fee in writing before any work starts.
Progress updates, and a copy of everything we file or submit for you.
Keep reading
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View service →Ready to get foreign company branch / liaison office done?
Send your documents on WhatsApp or book a meeting. A consultant confirms the scope and a fixed fee before any work starts.