Company incorporation (SECP)
Private limited or single member company: name reservation, incorporation, NTN and bank account letter.
Overview
Incorporating a private company limited by shares with SECP: name reservation, Form-1 with memorandum and articles, certificate of incorporation, NTN, and the documents your bank needs. A private company needs at least two members and two directors.
Why it matters
A properly incorporated company gives you limited liability, a separate legal identity and the credibility banks, investors and large clients look for. Getting the objects, share capital and directors right at the start avoids costly changes later.
Who needs this
- Startups and growing businesses
- Founders raising investment
- Sole proprietors moving to limited liability
How it works
Who does each step, and how long it usually takes once documents are complete.
- 1Structure callTAXWORK
Shareholders, directors, capital and business activity agreed.
Same day - 2Name reservationTAXWORK
Three name options submitted to SECP.
1–2 working days - 3DocumentsYou
CNICs, addresses and signatures of subscribers.
1–2 days - 4Memorandum and articlesTAXWORK
Drafted to suit your business and ownership.
1 day - 5Incorporation filingTAXWORK
Filed with SECP with the government fee.
1 day - 6CertificateSECP
Certificate of incorporation issued; NTN is linked.
Usually 1–5 working days - 7Post-incorporationTAXWORK
Registered office notice, share certificates and bank account documents.
1–2 weeks - 8First 90 daysTAXWORK
Registered office notified (Form-21), first auditor appointed and intimated within 14 days, share certificates issued.
Within 90 days
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
- Certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum and articles
- Company NTN
- Share certificates and statutory registers
- Bank account documentation
Deadlines, risks and penalties
- Names similar to existing companies are rejected
- Foreign shareholders need security clearance, which takes longer
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, s.14 – two or more persons may form a private company
- s.154 – at least two directors for a private company
- s.21 – notify the registered office (Form-21) within 30 days
- s.246 – first auditor appointed by the board within 90 days
- Companies Regulations 2024 – Form-1 (incorporation)
Questions
How long does it take?
About 1–2 weeks to incorporation. Step by step: Structure call (Same day), Name reservation (1–2 working days), Documents (1–2 days), Memorandum and articles (1 day), Incorporation filing (1 day), Certificate (Usually 1–5 working days), Post-incorporation (1–2 weeks), First 90 days (Within 90 days).
What does it cost?
Our service fee is from Rs 20,000 + SECP fee. Government fees are extra where they apply.
What happens if I miss a deadline?
Names similar to existing companies are rejected. Foreign shareholders need security clearance, which takes longer.
How many people do I need?
At least two members for a private company, or one for an SMC.
What capital is required?
There's no fixed minimum for most private companies; the fee depends on authorised capital.
How many people do I need?
A private company needs at least two members, and a single member company needs one, plus a nominee.
Is the company NTN issued automatically?
In most cases the NTN is issued with incorporation, and we complete the FBR profile afterwards.
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
Related guides
SMC, private limited or LLP: which should you register?
A quick comparison of the three most common structures and what SECP needs from you.
Read guide →Filer or non-filer: what it costs you in 2026-27
Non-filers pay double or more on bank profit, dividends, property and cars. Getting on the ATL usually pays for itself.
Read guide →Got an FBR notice? What to do in the first 48 hours
Most notices have short deadlines. Don't ignore one, and don't reply without checking your records.
Read guide →Related services
See all 63 services →Partnership with limited liability for professionals and joint ventures, registered with SECP.
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View service →Ready to get company incorporation (SECP) done?
Send your documents on WhatsApp or book a meeting. A consultant confirms the scope and a fixed fee before any work starts.