International Business Setup in Pakistan
Establishing a foreign entity, subsidiary, branch office, or liaison office in Pakistan requires navigating complex regulatory frameworks administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Board of Investment (BOI), and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Javid Law Associates provides comprehensive corporate advisory and legal execution services to ensure smooth market entry, full statutory compliance, and optimal tax structuring for multinational companies and foreign investors.
Regulatory Framework & Setup Options
Foreign entities expanding into Pakistan can select from multiple legal structures under the Companies Act 2017 depending on their commercial strategy and operational intent:
- Wholly Owned Subsidiary: A distinct Pakistani Private Limited company offering limited liability and full operational capability.
- Branch Office: An extension of the foreign parent company allowed to execute commercial contracts and generate revenue, subject to BOI authorization.
- Liaison Office: Established exclusively for promotional activities, business development, and technical research, without engaging in commercial sales.
Scope of Services & Timeline Breakdown
| Phase | Regulatory Scope | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | SECP Name Reservation & Security Clearance Processing | 1 - 2 Weeks |
| Phase 2 | BOI Permission & SECP Final Incorporation Certificate | 2 - 3 Weeks |
| Phase 3 | FBR Corporate NTN/STRN, SBP Capital Inflow Registration, & Bank Account Setup | 1 - 2 Weeks |
Why Choose Javid Law Associates
Since 2004, Javid Law Associates has assisted international corporations, technology firms, and industrial groups in establishing legal operations in Pakistan. Operating from Islamabad and Bahawalpur, our senior corporate attorneys manage all statutory liaison with SECP, FBR, BOI, and SBP to safeguard your investment and guarantee statutory compliance at every phase.
Service heading
Complete corporate structuring, SECP foreign registration, BOI permission, and FBR tax setup for international investors.
Estimated duration
30-45 Working Days
Documentation & Requirements
Clear breakdown of client-provided records and deliverables prepared by our advocates
- Attested Copy of Parent Company Incorporation Certificate & Charter
- Board Resolution Approving Investment & Authorized Signatory
- Passports & Photos of Foreign Directors and Shareholders
- Power of Attorney Legalized / Apostilled for Local Legal Counsel
- Lease Agreement for Registered Office Address in Pakistan
- Prepared directly by our legal advisory team.
Key features
- SECP Foreign Subsidiary & Branch Office Incorporation
- Board of Investment (BOI) Clearance & Approval
- State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Foreign Investment Compliance
- FBR NTN & Sales Tax (STRN) Corporate Registration
- Work Visa & Business Entry Permit Facilitation
- Corporate Bank Account Opening Assistance
- Drafting & Vetting of Constitutional Documents
Editorial & Legal Practice Group
Authored and reviewed by the corporate law and tax litigation practice group at Javid Law Associates. Our team comprises High Court advocates, corporate legal advisors, and authorized tax practitioners across Pakistan.