Business & self-employment
Set up & register your business
Choose a structure that fits your ownership, responsibilities and plans.
Choose your legal structure
Sole proprietor
You run the business as an individual. Start with FBR individual registration and check licences for your activity and premises. This is different from incorporating a company with SECP; business debts can expose your personal assets.
Partnership firm
Two or more partners agree how to run the business. Prepare a partnership deed and check registration with the relevant Registrar of Firms under the Partnership Act, 1932. Tax registration as an association of persons (AOP) is a separate step. Seek advice on partners’ liability and the consequences of remaining unregistered.
Company
SECP administers incorporation under the Companies Act, 2017. One person can form a single-member company; a private company can have two or more members. Use SECP’s current name-reservation and incorporation process through eZfile. Incorporation brings continuing filing and governance duties.
Limited liability partnership
An LLP is registered with SECP under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2017. It is distinct from an ordinary partnership firm. Check the LLP agreement, reporting duties and whether it suits your work before choosing it.
Your starting checklist
- Describe what you will sell, where you will work and who will own the business.
- Compare ownership, liability, tax and ongoing compliance before choosing a structure.
- Prepare identity and address evidence, ownership or tenancy documents, and the relevant deed or incorporation documents.
- Confirm local trade, premises, shops and establishment, or sector licences. A tax number or company certificate alone does not authorise every activity.
- Set up records for income, expenses, invoices, contracts and filing dates.
For home-based food, online sales, training or other regulated work, ask the relevant local and sector authority which permissions apply. Working from home does not automatically remove registration or tax obligations.
Where to start
Islamabad partnerships: ICT Administration’s firm-registration service. Punjab: the provincial Business Registration Portal or Business Facilitation Centre. Elsewhere, confirm the local Registrar of Firms and relevant licensing authority. SMEDA provides business guidance and facilitation; using SMEDA’s services does not replace statutory registration.
Official sources & services
General guidance, not individual legal or tax advice. Requirements change and differ by location and activity. Confirm the applicable rules before filing, signing or making a financial commitment.