How To Check If a Company Is Legally Registered In Pakistan?

 Verifying a company's legal registration in Pakistan is crucial for businesses, investors, and individuals who want to ensure they are dealing with a legitimate entity. Whether you are entering into a business partnership, hiring a service provider, or making an investment, confirming the Company Registration in Pakistan status of a company can help prevent fraud and legal complications.

In Pakistan, companies are primarily registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), while sole proprietorships and partnerships are usually registered with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) or the Registrar of Firms at the provincial level.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to check if a company is legally registered in Pakistan.

1. Checking Company Registration via SECP

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is the primary regulatory authority for private limited, public limited, and limited liability partnership (LLP) companies. SECP provides an Online Company Name Search Tool to verify company registration.

Steps to Check Company Registration on SECP Portal:

  1. Visit the SECP Official Website

  2. Access the e-Services Portal:

    • Navigate to the Company Name Search section under the Public Search option.

  3. Enter the Company Name or Incorporation Number:

    • Type the exact company name or its registration number as per official documents.

  4. Check the Results:

    • If the company is registered, its legal status, registration number, and company type (e.g., Private Limited, LLP, or Public Limited) will be displayed.

  5. Download the Incorporation Certificate (Optional):

    • If you need an official document, you may request a Certified True Copy from SECP by paying a small fee.

2. Checking NTN Registration via FBR (For Tax Registration)

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) assigns a National Tax Number (NTN) to companies and sole proprietorships. Verifying the NTN helps ensure that a business is tax-compliant.

Steps to Verify a Company’s NTN with FBR:

  1. Go to the FBR Taxpayer Verification Portal

  2. Select "NTN Inquiry" or "Taxpayer Profile Inquiry":

    • Choose NTN Inquiry if you have the company’s NTN number.
    • Choose Taxpayer Profile Inquiry if you only have the company's name or CNIC of the owner.

  3. Enter the Required Details:

    • If using NTN Inquiry, enter the NTN number and click search.
    • If using the Taxpayer Profile Inquiry, enter the company’s name, CNIC, or STRN (Sales Tax Registration Number).

  4. View the Company’s Tax Status:

    • The system will show details such as NTN status, tax registration status, and active taxpayer list (ATL) status.
Company Registration In Pakistan


3. Checking Sole Proprietorship and Partnership Firms

Sole proprietorships and partnership firms are usually registered with the Registrar of Firms at the provincial level.

How to Verify a Firm’s Registration?

  • Punjab & Sindh: Visit the local Excise and Taxation Department or the Registrar of Firms office.
  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Balochistan: Visit the Industries and Commerce Department website or office.
  • Provide the firm’s name or registration number to get confirmation of its legal status.

Some provinces also offer online verification portals for checking Company Registration In Lahore.

4. Checking Import/Export Businesses via Pakistan Customs

For companies involved in import/export, verification can be done through the Pakistan Customs Web-Based One Customs (WeBOC) Portal.

Steps to Check Import/Export Registration:

  1. Visit the WeBOC Portal.
  2. Login or Use Public Search Tools
  3. Enter the Business NTN or STRN to verify if the company is registered for import/export activities.

5. Checking Chamber of Commerce Membership

Registered companies often hold memberships with Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Verifying this membership can confirm a company's legitimacy.

  • Visit the website of the relevant Chamber of Commerce (e.g., Lahore Chamber of Commerce, Karachi Chamber of Commerce).
  • Search for the company in their member directory.

6. Checking Licensing Authorities for Specialized Businesses

Some businesses require additional licenses from regulatory authorities:

  • Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC): For construction and engineering firms.
  • Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB): For IT companies.
  • Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP): For pharmaceutical businesses.
  • Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA): For telecom-related businesses.

7. Conducting a Physical Verification

If online verification is not enough, you can:

  • Visit the company’s registered office to ensure it is operational.
  • Request official registration documents from the company.
  • Consult with a legal expert to verify the company’s corporate status.
Company Registration In Pakistan


Conclusion

Checking whether a company is legally registered in Pakistan is a straightforward process using SECP, FBR, and other regulatory authorities. By following the steps outlined in this guide, Hamza & Hamza Law Associates can verify a company’s legal standing, tax compliance, and regulatory approvals, ensuring that you engage with legitimate businesses.

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