Pakistan

Fully online SECP incorporation and 100% foreign ownership in most sectors; plan around the security-clearance step.

Last checked: Oct 2026 · Sources listed below

01 · What we can do here

What we can do here

Account help (opening soon)

Paid business-account opening help: account selection, draft application answers and a document checklist. You submit, complete your own ID and selfie checks, and sign.
Planned add-on (not yet available): help preparing the documents for the Interior Ministry security clearance that foreign directors and shareholders need. You remain the applicant.

SECP filings for clients: an SECP-registered intermediary.
Tax (FBR) representation: a registered income tax practitioner, chartered accountant or lawyer.
Incorporation: a qualified Pakistani provider.

02 · Incorporation basics

Incorporate fully online through SECP's eZfile (name reservation, incorporation application, payment, certificate). SECP advertises same-day to a few working days.
A single-member private company is allowed (one member plus a nominee director and an alternate). Otherwise at least 2 members and 2 directors. A chief executive is required.
Foreign directors and subscribers need Ministry of Interior security clearance through SECP: a notarized or attested passport copy, biodata and an undertaking. Incorporation can proceed while clearance is pending.
No statutory minimum capital. Foreign equity should come in through banking channels so the shares can be registered for repatriation.
Electronic filing fee: about Rs 6,050 for authorized capital up to Rs 100,000.
Register for a tax number (NTN) with FBR. Sales tax registration where applicable: federal for goods, provincial for services.

03 · Foreign ownership

Under Investment Policy 2023, foreign investors may hold up to 100% in most sectors, and capital, profits and dividends can be repatriated.
Prohibited: arms and ammunition, high explosives, radioactive substances, security printing, currency and mint, and consumable alcohol.
Capped or controlled: airlines, media, banking and agriculture, plus sector licenses (telecom, insurance, payments).
Security clearance applies to foreign directors and shareholders; delays have been publicly reported.

04 · Banking and fintech

Foreign exchange runs through authorized dealer banks under the central bank's (SBP) Foreign Exchange Manual.
Shares issued to non-residents are registered with the designated bank so that dividends and disinvestment proceeds are repatriable.
Banks typically ask for the certificate of incorporation, articles, director particulars, beneficial-owner declarations, security-clearance status and NTN.
Wallets and e-money only through SBP-licensed electronic money institutions or banks.

05 · Annual filings

AGM with financial statements within 120 days of year-end (private companies too).
Financial statements to SECP within 30 days of the AGM. Audit is required, except that a private company with paid-up capital up to Rs 1 million may file unaudited accounts.
Annual return (Form A) within 30 days of the AGM. Beneficial-owner information is filed with annual returns for years ending on or after Jun 30, 2025.
Company income tax return by December 31 for a June 30 year-end. Advance tax is paid quarterly.
Federal sales tax returns monthly.

06 · Tax basics

Published rates only. Not tax advice.

Corporate income tax: 29% (small companies 20%). The tax year normally runs July 1 to June 30.
Minimum tax on turnover (generally 1.25%) and an alternative corporate tax (17% of accounting income) apply where higher than normal tax. Super tax applies to high incomes.
Sales tax: 18% federal on goods; provincial sales tax on services (for example 15% to 16%), with reduced rates for some IT services.
Withholding on payments to non-residents: 15% on royalties and fees for technical services; treaties may reduce this.

07 · Disclosure rules

Companies Act 2017 s.22: display the company name and incorporation number outside the registered office and every place of business.
The name, registered office address, phone, fax, email and website (if any) must appear on letterhead and all documents, notices and official publications. A website is likely covered (our reading).

08 · Sources

General information only, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; check the official source before acting.