Foreign Company Registration in Pakistan | International Business Guide

International businesses expanding into Pakistan require professional guidance for company registration. IMAAR Associates provides comprehensive foreign company registration services, including document legalization, regulatory compliance, tax setup, and ongoing corporate governance support. We ensure your international business operates seamlessly within Pakistani legal framework.

Foreign Company Registration in Pakistan: A Guide for International Businesses

Pakistan presents significant opportunities for foreign companies looking to expand their business operations in South Asia. Foreign company registration in Pakistan requires compliance with specific regulations and procedures established by Pakistani authorities.

Types of Foreign Company Operations:

• Subsidiary Company (Wholly owned or joint venture)

• - Branch Office (Representative of parent company)

• - Liaison Office (Communication center, no trading)

• - Project Office (Temporary setup for specific project)

• - Representative Office (Marketing and liaison activities)

Key Requirements for Foreign Company Registration:

• Certified copy of parent company's memorandum and articles

• - Certificate of incorporation from country of origin

• - Board resolution approving establishment in Pakistan

• - Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) notification

• - SECP approval for registration

• - Authorized signatory appointment in Pakistan

• - Registered office address in Pakistan

• - Company secretary appointment

• - Board of directors information

• - Certificate of good standing from home country

Steps for Foreign Company Registration in Pakistan:

1. Obtain FDI Notification from Ministry of Board of Investment (BoI)

2. 2. Submit application to SECP with required documents

3. 3. Legalize parent company documents from embassy

4. 4. Obtain SECP approval and Certificate of Registration

5. 5. Open corporate bank account in Pakistan

6. 6. Obtain National Tax Number (NTN) from FBR

7. 7. Register with relevant provincial authorities

8. 8. Comply with labor and industry regulations

9. 9. Register with provincial tax authorities

10. 10. Obtain business and trade licenses

Foreign Investment Compliance:

• Investment approval from Board of Investment (BoI)

• - Foreign exchange management compliance

• - Repatriation procedures and documentation

• - Annual investment reporting

• - Remittance procedures for dividends and profits

• - Withholding tax obligations

• - Currency regulations compliance

Branch Office Registration:

• Separate application process from subsidiary

• - Parent company must have minimum FDI

• - Authorized signatory designation

• - Power of attorney documentation

• - Annual compliance and reporting requirements

• - Remittance of profits limited to specified percentage

Tax Obligations for Foreign Companies:

• Corporate income tax filing

• - Withholding tax on dividends

• - Withholding tax on technical service fees

• - Withholding tax on royalties

• - Import duty obligations

• - Sales tax registration if applicable

• - Double taxation avoidance agreements (if applicable)

Ongoing Regulatory Compliance:

• Annual general meetings

• - Audited financial statements

• - Annual returns filing with SECP

• - Tax returns with FBR

• - Compliance with foreign exchange regulations

• - Labor law compliance

• - Environmental compliance

• - Regular license renewals

IMAAR Associates Provides Complete Support:

• FDI documentation and approvals

• - SECP registration assistance

• - Company formation and incorporation

• - Tax registration and optimization

• - Compliance management

• - Annual reporting and filing

• - Regulatory liaison and representation

• We specialize in helping foreign companies navigate the Pakistani business environment efficiently and in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.