Company Registration in Pakistan for Foreigners & Overseas Pakistanis

Starting a business in Pakistan is becoming increasingly attractive for foreign investors and overseas Pakistanis who want to access one of the fastest growing markets in South Asia. With the right legal guidance, company registration in Pakistan can be completed efficiently while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

At MAH&CO., a full service best law firm in Karachi, we assist entrepreneurs, international companies, and overseas Pakistanis with the complete company formation process in Pakistan. Our legal team handles everything from SECP company registration to tax registration and regulatory compliance, allowing you to establish and operate your business with confidence.

Whether you are planning to launch a startup, open a branch office, or expand an international company into Pakistan, our lawyers provide practical legal solutions tailored for foreign investors and international entrepreneurs.

Why Foreign Investors Are Starting Businesses in Pakistan

Pakistan offers strong opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to expand into emerging markets. The country provides access to a large consumer base, competitive operational costs, and government policies that encourage foreign investment.

Many overseas Pakistanis and international investors choose to register a company in Pakistan because of the following advantages:

  • Access to a population of over 240 million consumers

  • Competitive labor and operational costs

  • Growing technology and startup ecosystem

  • Opportunities in manufacturing, IT services, e-commerce, and trade

  • Government initiatives encouraging foreign investment

With proper legal planning and regulatory compliance, foreign entrepreneurs can successfully start and operate businesses across major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and other commercial hubs.

How to Register a Company in Pakistan

The process of company registration in Pakistan is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). While the system has become more streamlined in recent years, international entrepreneurs often require professional legal support to ensure proper documentation and compliance.

The typical process includes:

Company Name Reservation

The proposed company name must be approved and reserved with SECP

Preparation of Incorporation Documents

This includes drafting the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, which define the company’s business activities and governance structure.

Submission of Incorporation Application

The company registration application is filed with SECP along with the required documentation.

Certificate of Incorporation

Once approved, SECP issues the official certificate confirming that the company has been legally registered.

Tax Registration with FBR

After incorporation, the company must obtain a National Tax Number (NTN) and complete other tax registrations if required.

Corporate Bank Account Opening

The company may then open a corporate bank account to begin operations

At MAH&CO., we manage the entire process on behalf of our clients to ensure that their company is registered correctly and efficiently.

Types of Companies Foreigners Can Register in Pakistan

Foreign entrepreneurs and overseas Pakistanis can choose from several legal structures depending on their business objectives.

Private Limited Company

The most common business structure in Pakistan. It provides limited liability protection and is suitable for startups, SMEs, and international investors.

Branch Office

Foreign companies may establish a branch office in Pakistan to conduct commercial activities and expand their international operations.

Liaison Office

A liaison office allows foreign companies to conduct market research and coordination activities without engaging in direct commercial transactions.

Single Member Company

Entrepreneurs who wish to operate independently can register a single member private limited company.

Our legal team helps clients select the most suitable structure based on their business goals, investment plans, and regulatory requirements.

Legal Requirements for Company Registration in Pakistan

To successfully register a company, certain documentation and regulatory requirements must be fulfilled.

Typical requirements include.!

  • Passport copies of directors and shareholders

  • Proposed company name

  • Business address in Pakistan

  • Details of share capital and ownership structure

  • Memorandum and Articles of Association

Foreign investors may also require additional regulatory approvals depending on the industry sector and nature of the business. our lawyers ensure that all legal requirements are properly completed so that the company can begin operations without delays.

Our Company Formation Packages for Foreign Entrepreneurs

To make the process simple and transparent, we offer fixed fee company formation packages specifically designed for overseas Pakistanis and international investors.

Starter Package

This package is ideal for foreign entrepreneurs who want to register a private limited company in Pakistan and complete the essential legal formalities
$ 500
  • Services included:
  • Company name reservation with SECP
  • Preparation of incorporation documents
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association
  • Incorporation of Private Limited Company with SECP
Popular

Business Setup Package

Our most popular package for overseas Pakistanis and foreign entrepreneurs planning to actively operate a business in Pakistan.
$ 1500
  • Services included:
  • Company name reservation with SECP
  • Preparation of Memorandum and Articles of Association
  • Incorporation of Private Limited Company
  • National Tax Number (NTN) registration with FBR
  • Sales tax registration (if required)
  • Corporate structuring advice
  • Assistance with opening a corporate bank account
  • Initial compliance guidance
Popular

Market Entry Package

Designed for international companies and investors planning structured expansion into Pakistan
$ 3000
  • Services included:
  • Company incorporation with SECP
  • FBR tax registration
  • Sales tax registration
  • Advisory regarding branch office or liaison office setup
  • Assistance with Board of Investment (BOI) registration if required
  • Corporate structuring for foreign ownership
  • Regulatory advisory for foreign investors
  • Legal consultation sessions (up to three meetings)
Popular

Why Choose MAH&CO. for Company Registration in Pakistan

Choosing the right legal partner is essential when establishing a business in a new jurisdiction. At MAH&CO., we combine legal expertise with practical business insight to assist international entrepreneurs.

Our law firm offers:

  • Experienced corporate lawyers in Pakistan

  • Complete company registration services

  • Legal advisory for foreign investors

  • Tax and regulatory compliance support

  • Assistance across Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and other major cities

Our goal is to make starting a business in Pakistan simple, transparent, and legally secure.

Start Your Company in Pakistan Today

If you are an overseas Pakistani or international entrepreneur looking to register a company in Pakistan, our legal team is ready to assist you.

We provide professional legal guidance throughout the process so that you can focus on building and growing your business. Contact MAH&CO. today to discuss your company formation plans and receive expert legal assistance from one of the leading law firms in Pakistan.

FAQ

Yes, foreigners can legally register a company in Pakistan. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) allows foreign nationals and overseas Pakistanis to establish businesses, including Private Limited Companies, branch offices, and liaison offices. With proper documentation and regulatory compliance, foreign investors can own 100% shares in many business sectors in Pakistan

Overseas Pakistanis can start a company in Pakistan by completing the online incorporation process with SECP. The process typically involves:

  • Reserving a company name

  • Preparing Memorandum and Articles of Association

  • Submitting incorporation documents

  • Registering the company with SECP

  • Obtaining an NTN (National Tax Number) from FBR

  • Opening a corporate bank account

Most overseas investors hire a law firm in Pakistan to manage the process remotely.

Company registration in Pakistan usually takes 3 to 7 working days if all documents are complete. However, additional registrations such as tax registration, sales tax registration, or regulatory approvals may extend the timeline slightly.

Foreign investors can register different types of business entities in Pakistan, including:

  • Private Limited Company

  • Single Member Company (SMC)

  • Public Limited Company

  • Branch Office of a Foreign Company

  • Liaison Office

Among these, the Private Limited Company is the most common structure for startups and foreign entrepreneurs

The basic documents required for company formation include:

  • Passport copies of directors and shareholders

  • Proof of address

  • Proposed company name

  • Business activity description

  • Memorandum and Articles of Association

  • Digital signatures for online filing

Additional documents may be required depending on the nature of the business and foreign ownership structure.

Yes. Foreign investors and overseas Pakistanis can register a company in Pakistan remotely without visiting the country. Most of the incorporation process is handled online through SECP, and a law firm can manage documentation, filings, and compliance on your behalf.

The cost of company registration in Pakistan depends on the business structure, legal services, and regulatory requirements.

At MAH & CO., we offer fixed-fee company formation packages for foreign entrepreneurs starting from USD 500, covering the essential legal and regulatory steps required to incorporate a company.

Yes, Pakistan is considered an emerging market with growing opportunities in technology, manufacturing, e-commerce, real estate, and services. The government encourages foreign investment by offering business incentives, simplified company registration procedures, and investment protection laws.

In many sectors, foreign investors can own 100% of a company in Pakistan without requiring a local partner. However, certain regulated sectors may require additional approvals or joint ventures.

Legal guidance ensures the company structure complies with foreign investment regulations in Pakistan.

MAH & CO. is a full-service law firm in Pakistan providing legal support for foreign entrepreneurs and overseas Pakistanis looking to establish businesses in Pakistan.

Our services include:

  • SECP company incorporation

  • Corporate structuring for foreign investors

  • Tax registration with FBR

  • Sales tax registration

  • Corporate bank account assistance

  • Regulatory and compliance advisory

We assist clients across Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and other major cities in Pakistan