How to Register Your Business in Pakistan — A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Ali Law Associates helps entrepreneurs, startups and established firms with company formation, NTN registration, tax compliance and all legal requirements — so you can focus on growth while we handle the paperwork and law.
Why proper registration matters
Registering your business correctly is more than a formality — it protects your assets, enables lawful operations, improves credibility with banks and clients, and avoids costly penalties. Whether you are forming a private limited company, registering a sole proprietorship, or setting up an LLP, a legally compliant start ensures smoother operations and future growth.
Benefits at a glance
- Legal recognition — operate openly and enter into contracts.
- Tax compliance — obtain an NTN and file returns to avoid fines.
- Access to finance — banks and investors prefer registered entities.
- Brand protection — secure company name and trademarks where applicable.
- Limit liability — structure choices can protect personal assets.
Our core services for business registration
At Ali Law Associates we provide end-to-end services tailored to your business type and goals:
- Company incorporation (Private Limited / Single Member Company) — drafting Memorandum & Articles, company name reservation, incorporation filing with SECP.
- Proprietorship & Partnership registration support — local registrations, partnership agreements, documentation.
- NTN registration & sales tax guidance — register with FBR, GST/Sales Tax counseling where applicable.
- Income tax filing & compliance — annual returns, withholding tax, tax refunds and notices.
- Corporate governance & advisory — board resolutions, shareholders agreements, regulatory compliance.
Step-by-step: Typical process for company registration
Below is a clear roadmap. Timing varies based on entity type and government processing times, but this is the usual order of tasks.
- Consultation & entity selection — We assess whether a Private Limited, Single Member Company, Partnership or Sole Proprietorship best fits your goals and tax position.
- Company name check & reservation — Conduct availability checks and reserve the chosen name with SECP.
- Prepare incorporation documents — Draft Memorandum and Articles of Association, director/shareholder details and consent forms.
- File incorporation with SECP — Submit forms and documents for legal registration.
- Obtain Certificate of Incorporation — SECP issues registration certificate on approval.
- Apply for NTN (FBR) — Register the entity for tax and obtain National Tax Number.
- Open corporate bank account — Using the incorporation documents and NTN, open accounts and arrange payment systems.
- Other registrations — Sales tax, provincial registrations, labor registrations, registrations for special permits (where needed).
Documents checklist (common)
The exact checklist differs by entity type — here are commonly required documents:
- Copy of CNIC / passport of directors and shareholders
- Proof of registered office address (utility bill / lease agreement)
- Completed SECP incorporation forms (prepared by us)
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (we draft and review)
- Board/resolution documents (if existing company involved)
- Specimen signatures and director consents
- Photos and signatures for FBR NTN registration
Note: For partnerships and sole proprietorships additional partnership deeds or proprietorship affidavits are required. If you plan to import/export, additional customs and sales tax registrations may be necessary.
Typical timelines & what can delay registration
While government processing times vary, expect the following ballpark:
- Name reservation & incorporation filing: 3–10 business days (dependent on completeness)
- NTN registration: 1–5 business days after submission
- Sales tax / specialized registrations: 1–4 weeks depending on department
Delays often arise from incomplete documentation, unclear registered address proofs, or incorrect forms. We minimize delays by reviewing and preparing every document before submission.
Costs & fee structure (what to expect)
Government filing fees vary by company capital and entity type. Our professional fee depends on the complexity of the case (e.g., number of shareholders, nominee requirements, drafting bespoke shareholder agreements). We provide a transparent quotation after the initial consultation.
If you’d like a cost estimate tailored to your case, reach out and share a few details — we’ll send a written quote with a breakdown of government fees and our professional charges.
Why choose Ali Law Associates?
Many firms submit forms — we provide a full legal partnership that includes:
- Hands-on experience with SECP and FBR procedures.
- End-to-end support — from name reservation to post-incorporation compliance.
- Clear communication — no legal jargon; we explain every step and document.
- Local presence in Lahore and a client-focused approach to deadlines and deliverables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does it take to register a private limited company?
A: Usually within 1–2 weeks if all documents are in order and there are no additional regulatory requirements. Complex cases can take longer.
Q: Do I need an office to register a company?
A: You must provide a registered office address. This can be a leased office or, in some cases, a home address if allowed by local rules. Utility bills or lease agreements are required as proof.
Q: What is NTN and why is it necessary?
A: National Tax Number (NTN) is issued by FBR and is required for tax filing, opening bank accounts, issuing invoices, and lawful commercial operations.
Q: Can you handle tax filings after incorporation?
A: Yes — we offer ongoing tax filing, bookkeeping liaison and compliance services to keep your company up to date with FBR requirements.
Ready to get started?
Ali Law Associates will walk with you through every step of the registration and compliance process — from first consultation to final documentation.
Contact us:
Visit: www.alilawassociates.com.pk
Call / WhatsApp: +92 321 7702526
Ali Law Associates — Trusted legal and tax advisors in Lahore. This guide explains general procedures and should not be taken as tailored legal advice. For a personalized plan, please contact us for a consultation.