Public limited company
Incorporate an unlisted or listing-ready public company with three or more members and the right governance.
Overview
A public company can offer shares to the public and is the route to a stock exchange listing. It needs at least three members, and at least three directors (seven if listed), with stricter governance and audit rules.
Why it matters
A public limited company can raise capital from a wider group of investors and is suited to larger businesses. It carries more governance and filing duties, so the structure needs to be planned from the start.
Who needs this
- Businesses planning to raise capital from many investors
- Companies preparing for a PSX listing
- Large ventures needing a public-company structure
How it works
Who does each step, and how long it usually takes once documents are complete.
- 1Structure and capital planTAXWORK
Members, directors, capital and governance agreed.
2–3 days - 2Name reservationTAXWORK
Name approved by SECP.
1–2 days - 3ConstitutionTAXWORK
Memorandum and articles for a public company.
2–3 days - 4Incorporation (Form-1)TAXWORK
Filed with SECP.
1 day - 5CertificateSECP
Certificate of incorporation.
Usually 1–2 weeks - 6Commencement and governanceTAXWORK
Auditor (chartered accountant), board committees and statutory registers set up.
Before business
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
- Public-company constitution
- Governance calendar
Deadlines, risks and penalties
- Higher disclosure and audit costs than a private company
- Listing brings additional PSX and SECP rules
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(1)(a) – three or more members
- s.154 – at least three directors (seven if listed)
- s.247(1)(a) – chartered accountant auditor
- s.46 – conversion between public and private
Questions
How long does it take?
About 2–4 weeks to incorporation. Step by step: Structure and capital plan (2–3 days), Name reservation (1–2 days), Constitution (2–3 days), Incorporation (Form-1) (1 day), Certificate (Usually 1–2 weeks), Commencement and governance (Before business).
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?
Higher disclosure and audit costs than a private company. Listing brings additional PSX and SECP rules.
Can a private company become public later?
Yes, by special resolution and SECP filings under s.46.
How many directors are needed?
A public company needs more directors and members than a private company. We confirm the numbers that apply.
Can a private company convert later?
Yes. Conversion is possible through SECP and we handle the process.
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 public limited company done?
Send your documents on WhatsApp or book a meeting. A consultant confirms the scope and a fixed fee before any work starts.