Company Compliance in Pakistan: Your Complete SECP Checklist for [year]

Company Incorporation Fee in Pakistan: What You’ll Pay and Why It Matters

“Thinking of registering your company in Pakistan? Here’s the first cost you’ll need to calculate — and why it’s not what most people expect…” Before you even begin the exciting journey of launching your company in Pakistan, understanding the company incorporation fee in Pakistan is a crucial first step. This is the mandatory payment required by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under the Companies Act, 2017, to officially register your new business. According to legal consultants, many new startups underestimate this fee — leading to delays in incorporation.

Knowing about this SECP registration cost upfront is vital for all new business founders. It directly impacts your initial financial planning and can influence decisions about your company’s structure, particularly its authorized capital. Remember, this authorized capital fee, payable directly to SECP, is a fundamental part of the incorporation expenses. This guide is regularly updated to reflect SECP changes — no outdated figures here. You might find our Company Registration in Pakistan Guide helpful as you navigate the initial steps. Let’s delve deeper into how this fee is structured and what factors determine the final amount you’ll need to budget.

How SECP Charges Company Registration Fees by Capital — With Examples

Here’s where many founders get confused — the fee isn’t fixed, and here’s how it grows… The SECP calculates SECP authorized capital fee for company incorporation in Pakistan directly based on the amount of your company’s authorized capital, as outlined in the Companies (Registration of Companies) Regulations. It’s important to understand that company incorporation cost Pakistan isn’t a flat rate. Instead, it operates on a tiered system linked to your authorized capital.

To clarify, authorized capital is the maximum amount of share capital that the company is authorized to issue, while paid-up capital is the actual amount of money shareholders have invested. The capital-based registration fee you pay to SECP at the time of incorporation is determined by the authorized capital you declare. For example, the higher your authorized capital, the higher the fee bracket. However, even with a minimal authorized capital of PKR 100,000, a base fee applies. Legal consultants recommend estimating future share needs early — to avoid paying again for capital increase.

Let’s look at some examples of how this scales:

• If you register a company with PKR 100,000 authorized capital, your SECP fee is approximately PKR 1,200. This is often the minimum authorized capital chosen by many startups.
• If you choose PKR 500,000 as your authorized capital, the approximate SECP fee is around PKR 3,000. This level might be suitable for small to medium-sized startups with initial growth plans.
• If your authorized capital is PKR 1,000,000 or more, the SECP fee starts from approximately PKR 5,000 and scales upwards based on increasing tiers of capital.

This SECP pricing chart illustrates that as your company’s potential for raising capital increases, so does the initial registration fee payable to SECP. This fee structure is current as of April 2025 and updated per SECP’s latest fee notice. You might find our Authorized vs. Paid-Up Capital Guide helpful in understanding these terms better. To get a precise estimate tailored to your chosen capital, be sure to use the fee calculator provided below.

• PKR 100,000: Approximately PKR 1,200
• PKR 500,000: Approximately PKR 3,000
• PKR 1,000,000: PKR 5,000+

Instantly Calculate Your SECP Registration Fee (Based on Capital)

Use this free calculator to find out your SECP company incorporation fee based on authorized capital in Pakistan. This fee calculator tool covers only the base SECP fee linked to capital. For a complete view of all potential expenses, including other filing requirements, see our SECP Company Formation Cost Breakdown.

(calculator here)

Hidden SECP Charges Every Business Owner Should Budget For

Besides the incorporation fee tied to your capital, SECP requires additional form filing fees throughout your company's life. Many new companies overlook these post-incorporation forms — until penalties arrive. Here’s what else to expect…

Calculating only the initial registration cost is a common mistake. Mandatory filings, like annual returns or updates about directors, carry their own SECP filing fee. Understanding when and how much to file Form A or Form 29, for instance, is key for compliance and avoiding issues. These charges ensure your company records stay current with the regulator. Knowing these SECP filing charges in Pakistan helps you manage your startup's financial planning effectively.

Here’s a quick overview of common forms and their typical SECP charges in Pakistan:

Pro Tip: According to SECP guidelines, late filing of Form A can lead to penalties up to PKR 10,000 — ensure timely annual compliance. Need help with the paperwork? See our [SECP Form Filing Process Guide].

Remember, the SECP annual return fee (Form A fee) recurs yearly, while others like the director update cost (Form 29 charges) depend on specific events. Factor these into your ongoing budget.

Your Quick SECP Form Checklist for Startup Compliance

What forms do I need to file after SECP company registration? Common SECP forms include Form A (annual return), Form 29 (director changes), and Form 28 (consent to act).

Most legal troubles begin with forgetting a simple form… Startups often focus on initial registration, overlooking ongoing statutory filings. This compliance checklist highlights key Pakistan SECP forms required post-incorporation to keep your business compliant.

Here’s a quick checklist:

• ✅ Form A: Annual Return (Filed yearly after the Annual General Meeting. Mandatory even with no business activity or changes during the year).
• ✅ Form 29: Notice of Change of Directors/Officers (Filed within 15 days of any appointment, removal, or change in particulars. Note: Form A is annual, Form 29 is specifically triggered by director/officer changes).
• ✅ Form 28: Consent to Act as Director/CEO (Filed when a new director or CEO is appointed).
• ✅ Form 21: Notice of Change of Registered Office Address (Filed within 15 days of moving your official company address).
• ✅ Form 3: Return of Allotment of Shares (Filed within 30 days after issuing or allotting shares).

Need help navigating SECP Form A vs Form 29 or other filings? See our [Guide to Filing SECP Form A and Form 29].

These core forms are essential corporate documents for ongoing startup compliance. Delaying or skipping these required filings can attract SECP penalties. Find official versions of these Pakistan SECP forms via the SECP Downloads page.

Authorized vs Paid-Up Capital in Pakistan – What Startup Founders Must Know

What is the difference between authorized and paid-up capital? Authorized capital is the maximum share capital a company is permitted to issue, while paid-up capital is the actual amount of money received from shareholders for the shares issued.

Many founders mix these up — but it could cost you in SECP fees… Understanding the difference between authorized capital vs paid-up capital is crucial during the company setup and incorporation process in Pakistan. Let's break down these key elements of your company capital structure.

Authorized Capital Explained

Think of authorized capital like the maximum credit limit approved for your company's shares. It's the total value of shares your company is legally allowed to issue to shareholders, as formally stated in your Memorandum of Association (MoA). This figure sets the upper boundary or limit for your share capital. It's particularly important because your initial SECP registration fees are calculated based on this authorized amount, not what you've actually received yet. You can estimate these costs using our [Company Incorporation Fee Calculator].

Paid-Up Capital Explained

Paid-up capital, conversely, is the specific amount of money the company has actually received from its shareholders in exchange for the shares that have been issued to them. It represents the real equity investment injected into the business and reflects the company's immediate financial footing from share issuance. For instance, if your authorized capital is PKR 1,000,000, but you've only issued shares and received payment for shares worth PKR 200,000, then your paid-up capital stands at PKR 200,000.

Crucially, according to SECP guidelines, paid-up capital must not exceed the authorized capital limit and must reflect funds genuinely received by the company against issued shares.

Authorized vs Paid-Up Capital: Key Differences

Here’s a table summarizing the difference between paid-up and authorized capital in Pakistan:

Final Tip for Founders

Aligning your initial authorized capital with your startup's realistic growth plans and potential funding strategy is wise. While you pay SECP fees based on the authorized amount, setting it too low might restrict future fundraising or expansion without requiring further official procedures (and potentially more fees) to increase the authorized capital limit later. Planning your company capital structure thoughtfully is part of a solid foundation.

8 Costly SECP Filing Mistakes Startups Make (And How to Avoid Them)

What are common mistakes when registering a company with SECP? Common errors include wrong CNIC details, missing signatures, late digital uploads, and incomplete forms, often leading to SECP form rejection reasons being cited.

Thousands of applications get stuck because of small mistakes. Here’s how to avoid that list. During startup company registration in Pakistan, simple SECP filing mistakes cause delays or rejection. Review these common pitfalls to ensure a smoother process:

• Wrong Name/Address Details: Ensure all names and addresses match CNICs exactly. Simple typos can halt progress.
• Form Errors (Form 1/21/29 etc.): Submitting incomplete or inaccurate forms. According to SECP, the most frequent cause of rejection is incorrect Form 29 submissions, especially missing director details or mismatched information (common Form 29 errors / director info mismatch).
• CNIC Mismatches: Double-check all director, subscriber, and officer CNIC numbers and expiry dates very carefully.
• Missing NOCs/Permissions: Forgetting required No Objection Certificates for specific business activities or involving foreign directors.
• Late Digital Signatures: Uploading required digital signatures to the SECP portal after the submission deadline has passed.
• Incorrect Fee Payment: Paying the wrong fee amount or using an invalid payment method can stall your application.
• Unclear Objectives: Listing vague or poorly defined principal business activities in the Memorandum of Association.
• Missing Witness Information: Forgetting to include required witness details or signatures on relevant incorporation documents.

Avoid incorporation delays. Before submitting via the SECP portal:

• ✅ Check all names, addresses, and CNIC details for accuracy.
• ✅ Verify all required forms (like Form 1, 28, 29) are fully complete.
• ✅ Confirm all necessary signatures (digital/physical) are properly attached.
• ✅ Ensure the correct fee payment has been processed successfully.
• ✅ Attach all mandatory supporting documents (NOCs, consents, etc.).

Need a refresher on the overall steps? See our Company Incorporation Process guide. For specific queries or official guidance, check the SECP Service Desk Portal FAQs.

SECP Form A, 29, 28, 21 – What They Are and When You Need to File

What is SECP Form 29 used for? Form 29 notifies the SECP about appointments, resignations, or changes concerning directors or other company officers (like CEO, Secretary).

Confused by Form 29 or Form A? Here’s the cheat sheet every founder needs. Ongoing compliance requires submitting specific SECP Forms regularly. Understanding key documents like Form A SECP, Form 29 SECP, Form 28, and Form 21 SECP is crucial for meeting SECP filing requirements and avoiding penalties.

This table breaks down these common company returns and notifications:

Getting these filings correct, especially Form 29, is vital. "Most rejection notices we see involve Form 29 errors, especially missing director details," notes corporate legal advisor Ahsan Khan. Understanding the difference between Form 28 and 29 SECP (consent vs. notification of change) helps prevent mistakes.

SECP Compliance Calendar: Key Filing Deadlines You Can’t Miss

When is the SECP annual return due? The SECP annual return (Form A) is due within 30 days of holding the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which itself has a specific deadline based on the company's financial year-end.

Miss one deadline, and the penalty clock starts ticking — here’s your cheat sheet to stay on track. Staying compliant with SECP involves meeting strict company filing deadlines in Pakistan. Tracking this SECP compliance schedule is critical for avoiding penalties and ensuring your company remains in good standing. According to SECP guidelines, failure to file required documents within these timelines may lead to daily fines or even potential deregistration procedures.

Here’s a quick post-incorporation timeline covering key SECP filing requirements for new companies:

Understanding the exact annual return due date (linked to your AGM date) is crucial. Need to estimate potential late fees? Use the SECP Compliance Fee Calculator. For how-to details on submissions, see the SECP Form Submission Process guide. These deadlines are recurring and essential elements of ongoing compliance for all registered companies in Pakistan.

7 SECP Compliance Blunders That Could Cost Your Company Big

What are common SECP compliance mistakes? Missing filing deadlines (like for Form A), not updating director records (via Form 29), and failing to keep required statutory registers are frequent and potentially costly errors.

Just one forgotten form could cost your company thousands — here’s what most founders get wrong. SECP compliance is an ongoing responsibility, not just an incorporation task. Avoiding these common company compliance errors is crucial to prevent significant SECP penalties and other legal risks for companies in Pakistan.

Here are some key SECP compliance mistakes to watch out for:

1. Missing Form A / AGM Deadlines:
   • Mistake: Failing to file the annual return (Form A) or hold the Annual General Meeting (AGM) within the legally mandated timeframes.
   • Common Cause: Simple oversight or not actively tracking the SECP compliance schedule.
   • Consequence: Daily late filing fees accumulate for Form A. Significant fines can be imposed for delaying the AGM. "I’ve seen companies penalized over Rs. 50,000 just for missing an AGM deadline," notes one corporate consultant. (This directly addresses: what happens if you miss Form A SECP).
2. Ignoring Director/Officer Changes (Form 29):
   • Mistake: Not filing Form 29 within 15 days when a director or key officer joins, leaves, or their details change.
   • Common Cause: Negligence or simply being unaware of the strict 15-day filing window.
   • Consequence: SECP penalties apply, company records become inaccurate, leading to potential director disclosure mistakes SECP can identify.
3. Neglecting Statutory Registers:
   • Mistake: Failing to maintain accurate and updated statutory registers required by law (e.g., Register of Members, Register of Directors).
   • Common Cause: Lack of administrative focus or understanding their importance post-incorporation.
   • Consequence: Findings of non-compliance during any SECP inspection or audit, potentially leading to fines.
4. Outdated Registered Office Info (Form 21):
   • Mistake: Not filing Form 21 within 15 days of changing the company's official registered address.
   • Common Cause: Often an oversight during the chaos of a physical office move.
   • Consequence: Official SECP notices might be missed, fines can be levied for non-filing.
5. Ignoring Key Disclosure Rules (Directors/UBOs):
   • Mistake: Failing to keep proper records of contracts where directors have interests, or not maintaining/updating the Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) register.
   • Common Cause: Poor corporate governance practices or unawareness of specific requirements like UBO regulations.
   • Consequence: Increased legal risks, breach of duty issues, and significant SECP penalties specifically for UBO non-compliance (clear SECP violations).

Avoiding these costly corporate penalties in Pakistan often comes down to diligence and process. Use a comprehensive SECP Compliance Checklist Guide, ensure you understand key procedures like the Form A Annual Return Process, and consider seeking professional legal advice to cover all your bases. Always refer to official SECP guidelines for the most current requirements.

FAQs About Company Compliance in Pakistan

Have a quick question? These answers save you from hours of legal confusion regarding company compliance in Pakistan.

When is Form A due for SECP filing?

Form A (the Annual Return) must be filed with SECP within 30 days after holding your company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). Missing this key SECP deadline for one of the core corporate obligations can lead to daily late filing penalties. Need help with this? See our [Form A Filing Guide].

How do I update SECP about director changes?

You must notify SECP of any changes involving directors or officers (like appointment, resignation, or changes in their particulars) by filing Form 29. This director change notice must be submitted within 15 days of the change occurring. Timely filing avoids SECP penalties and keeps company records accurate.

What is the UBO register and why is it mandatory?

UBO stands for Ultimate Beneficial Owner. Maintaining an up-to-date UBO register, which identifies the individuals who ultimately own or control the company, is a mandatory requirement under amendments to the Companies Act, 2017. This enhances corporate transparency. Learn more about UBO Register Requirements.

Is holding an AGM mandatory for every company in Pakistan?

Yes, holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM) is generally a mandatory requirement for all companies in Pakistan (except for single-member companies) under the Companies Act, 2017. The AGM must typically be held within 120 days following the company's financial year-end. Check the specific [AGM Procedure].

Where should statutory registers be kept?

Statutory registers (such as the Register of Members, Register of Directors, Register of Mortgages and Charges, etc.) must usually be kept securely at the company's registered office address. They need to be maintained accurately and be available for inspection as required by law.

SECP Compliance Made Simple: Your 2025 Legal Checklist for Pakistani Companies

Use this quick checklist to ensure your company avoids costly penalties and stays SECP-compliant in 2025. Here’s your company compliance checklist for Pakistan under the Companies Act 2017, summarizing key corporate obligations to manage throughout the year. Staying on top of annual compliance SECP requirements protects your business financially and legally.

This SECP legal checklist applies every year — consider reviewing it each quarter or shortly after your financial year closes to plan effectively.

Annual Requirements (Recurring Yearly)

• ☐ Hold Annual General Meeting (AGM) within 120 days of your financial year-end. Need help documenting it? See our [Minutes of Meeting Template].
• ☐ Prepare and get Board approval for annual financial statements before the AGM date.
• ☐ File Audited Financial Statements with SECP (Applicability depends on company type – Private Ltd, Public, SMC – check specific thresholds).
• ☐ File Form A (Annual Return) with SECP within 30 days after holding the AGM. Refer to the [Form A Submission Guide].
• ☐ Pay any applicable annual renewal fees (e.g., for specific business licenses or regulatory bodies).

Event-Based Requirements (File When Triggered)

• ☐ File Form 29 within 15 days of any change occurring in Directors or Officers (appointment, resignation, change in particulars).
• ☐ File Form 28 (Consent to Act) concurrently with Form 29 when appointing a new Director or CEO.
• ☐ File Form 21 within 15 days if you change your company's registered office address.
• ☐ File Form 3 within 30 days following any new allotment of shares.
• ☐ Update UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) information with SECP promptly following any changes in beneficial ownership structure.
• ☐ Record any changes related to charges or mortgages created by the company using the relevant SECP forms.

Registers & Records to Maintain Continuously

• ☐ Maintain an accurate and updated Register of Members (Shareholders).
• ☐ Maintain an accurate and updated Register of Directors and Officers (including their particulars).
• ☐ Maintain an accurate and updated Register of Mortgages and Charges created by the company.
• ☐ Maintain an accurate and updated Register of Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs).
• ☐ Keep proper minutes books for all Board Meetings and General Meetings (AGMs/EGMs). Use a [Register Maintenance Tracker] to stay organized.
• ☐ Retain accessible records of contracts or arrangements where directors may have a personal interest.

Following this SECP checklist for companies diligently helps avoid steep penalties, reduces legal risks, and builds trust with shareholders and authorities. How to stay compliant with Companies Act 2017 can feel complex amidst day-to-day business operations. If you need a comprehensive SECP audit or ongoing support to manage these compliance deadlines and corporate obligations effectively, consult with our compliance experts.