Help Guide / Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: I want to start a business but do not know about what structure to use. Can you explain the different business types?
- A: There are basically the following types of business structures that one can adopt in Pakistan: Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) and Limited Companies (also known as Corporations or sometimes as LLC in other countries). Each type is best for a specific purpose or situation, and differs in characteristics when considering taxes, liability, and the ability to control the profits and losses of the business. Each type is briefly explained in the following answers.
- Q: What is a Sole Proprietorship?
- A: Sole proprietorship (also known as a sole trader) is a business run by an individual. There is no seperate legal entity; the owner takes all of the profits and / or losses of the business. The owner also has all the control and all the liability and debts from the business. The owner is the final decision maker and has no interference. The business taxes are paid by the owner through his or her personal income tax return. Sole traders can benefit from lower tax rates. The obvious disadvantage of this business structure is that there is unlimited liability of the owner and in case of lawsuits and other debts, the owner is personally held liable.
- Q: What is a Partnership?
- A: A partnership (also known as a Firm / Form C) is a business structure that works just like a sole proprietorship, but with several individuals running it. The general partners share the profits and / or losses depending on their agreement. They share control and liability for business operations. In case of registered partnerships taxes are paid in the name of partnership and not on the personal tax returns of partners. In case of an unregistered partnership taxes are paid by partners on their personal returns, in proportion to their share of ownership as per their agreement. Partnerships require partnership agreement on a legal stamp paper that clarifies the relationship between the partners, their roles and responsibilities, and their shares in the profits or losses of the partnership. There is unlimited liability in this type of business. If one partner is sued, all partners are held liable. Another disadvantage is that the decision making is shared among the partners and hence no one individual has control.
- Q: What is a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)?
- A: A Limited Liability Partnership (also known as LLP) is a newly introduced business structure in Pakistan that has the flexibility of a general partnership as well as advantages of a limited liability company. It is a hybrid of the concept of partnership and company structure to enable professionals, entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises to jointly organise and operate their businesses. All names must have the acronym LLP in them and are subject to availability with SECP. LLPs are registered with SECP. Since LLP is defined as a body corporate under the law (see Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2017 and Section 80(2)(ii) of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001), its taxation is treated like that of a company making this business structure effectively redundant. SECP and FBR should work together to clear this ambiguity in the law so maximum tax benefits can be passed on to prospective partners/investors wanting to adopt LLP as a business structure.
- Q: What is a Company?
- A: A Company is a business that is set up as separate legal entity from its owners. The words "Private Limited" or "Public Limited" are added at the end of the name. These are known as Corporations in other countries. There are members or shareholders who own the company. These members elect a Board of Directors. There is one Managing Director (CEO) who along with the Board makes operational decisions. The shareholders or owners are protected from the debts and liabilities of the corporation, and the corporation pays corporate income taxes. These taxes are 23% for small companies while 29% for larger ones. There is a lot more paper work and filing work required for this business structure. But the obvious advantage is limited liability of the owners as well as transparency in the operations.
- Q: What is a Single Member Company (SMC)?
- A: A Single Member Company or SMC is a business that is set up as separate legal entity from its owner and has only one shareholder. The creation of SMCs was first allowed by SECP through Single Member Companies Rules, 2003. These rules allow single persons to convert their non-corporate entities into companies with limited liability of the Single Member. The words "(SMC-PVT) Limited" are added at the end of the name. There is one member or shareholder who owns the company. He or she acts as the Director. The Single Member (Director) has all control of the company and can remove or appoint any officer. The SMC, however, requires a nominee in case of single member's death or incapacity, whos details are provided at the time of application for company incorporation.
- Q: Can Foreigners register a Company in Pakistan?
- A: Pakistani law allows foreigners to own 100% equity and become shareholders & directors in companies they set up. Furthermore, foreign investors can repatriate profits, dividends and service payments to their home country. Some exceptions may apply in rare cases. Click here if you are a Foreign National interested in registering a business in Pakistan.
- Q: What type of businesses can a Foreigner register in Pakistan?
- A: An individual who is a foreigner may register their business as a Private Limited Company (similar to LLC), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Partnership Firm or a Sole Proprietorship. If the foreigner is an entity, then it may register as a Branch Office, Liaison Office, Subsidiary or a Private Limited Company (LLC) that is owned and under control of a Parent Foreign Company. It may also enter into a simple Partnership or a Limited Liability Partnership Firm (LLP) with another Partner in Pakistan. Click here if you are a Foreign National interested in investing in Pakistan.
- Q: How much tax will I have to pay?
- A: The Tax that you pay will depend on the business structure you choose. We have put together a comprehensive guide along with tax rates. Please click here to see the guide.
- Q: How long does it take to register a Partnership Firm?
- A: The time depends on the Registrar of Firms and on how fast the client can provide us the required documentation. Usually for Partnerships the time required to register is about 7 - 10 working days.
- Q: How long does it take to register a Company?
- A: The time depends on the companies registrar office (known as SECP in Pakistan) and on how fast the client can provide us the required documentation. Usually for small companies the time required to register a company is about 4 - 5 working days.
- Q: How can I search company names in Pakistan?
- A: Before incorporating a company, you must first ensure that the name you want to register is not already being used by another company. Use the tool available on our Search page to check existing names of all companies in Pakistan (courtesy SECP). Please note this search is only for checking names of private limited companies. Currently there is no method to search names of existing sole proprietorships or partnerships.
- Q: What is EOBI? What is Social Security? Are they both the same?
- A: Under EOB Scheme implemented through EOBI Act 1976, Insured Persons are entitled to avail benefit like, Old-Age Pension (on the event of retirement), Invalidity Pension (In case of permanent disability), Old-Age Grant (an Insured Person attained superannuation age, but does not posses the minimum threshold for pension) Survivor's Pension (in case an Insured Person is expired). This is mandatory for all businesses that employ 5 or more employees. 5% contribution of the salary has to be made by Employer whereas 1% is contributed by the Employee. Social Security on the other hand was introduced by The Provincial Employee's Social Security Ordinance 1965. Each province has its own institution that enforces the law. In Islamabad it is the ICT Employees Social Security Institution (IESSI) that looks after registration and enforcement. Social Security is paid for by the Employer at 6% of the wage. Social Security is only applicable to Employees that are earning less than Rs. 40,000 per month. Both EOBI and Social Security are mandatory, even though due to the lack of enforcement, few people know about the latter.
- Q: What is Intellectual Property?
- A: Intellectual property refers to unique creations of the mind. These include inventions; literary and artistic works; symbols, names, logos, designs, and images used in commerce. Intellectual Property includes copyrights, trademarks, industrial designs and patents. For more information please visit www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/. In Pakistan, the Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO Pakistan) deals with these matters.
- Q: Why should I apply for a Trademark or Copyright?
- A: This is to prevent someone else from using your designs or work. It also acts as constructive notice to the public of your claim of ownership of the same. If someone steals or misuses it without your permission you can bring an action in court.
- Q: What is incorporation.pk and what services do you exactly provide?
- A: Incorporation.pk is a business facilitation service in Pakistan. We provide upcoming and established businesses services such as company formations, NTN & GST registration, and registration of intellectual property matters such as copyrights, designs, patents and trademarks. We also provide filing, taxation, and audit services.
- Q: Why I should I use your services?
- A: Incorporation.pk is a convenient one window faciliation portal which does all the work for you. You do not need to run after lawyers and other professionals who are often expensive and don't deliver on time. Furthermore we provide value added services important to all kinds of businesses such as logo & stationery designing and website development. Therefore you don't have to waste your time looking for different professionals when you can be focusing on what's important: your business!
- Q: How long does it take to develop a website?
- A: Depending on the size and requirement of the customer, it can usually take up to 2 weeks to fully set up.
- Q: How do you bill?
- A: We charge 50% advance and 50% on delivery. All payments can be paid either by Cheque or Cash.
- Q: Who are you?
- A: We are professional consultants with legal background.
- Q: Where is your Office located?
- A: We are based in Islamabad, Pakistan. The office is located in F-8 Markaz, behind PSO Filling Station. Meetings are by appointments only. But don't worry if you are in another city, as we can still assist you in your requirements!
- Q: What are your timings?
- A: We are open from 9AM to 6PM. You can reach us via WhatsApp business on 0092-333-522-3360 during after hours.
- Q: How can I contact you?
- A: You can reach us through a phone call on +92-333-5223360 between 9AM to 5PM PST. You can also reach us via WhatsApp on the same number or through email on info(at)incorporation.pk. Alternatively we are also available on WeChat for Chinese customers--simply scan the QR code below.
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