SECP Company Name Availability & Rules Checker 2026ایس ای سی پی کمپنی نام کی دستیابی، قانونی اصول و رجسٹریشن رہنمائی
Validate your proposed business name against the Companies Act 2017 naming regulations. Detect prohibited keywords, format mandatory legal suffixes ((Private) Limited / SMC / LLP), and access the official SECP eZfile registration portal. 100% client-side privacy.
How to Check or Verify: How to Check SECP Company Name Availability in Pakistan (2026)
To check and reserve a company name: (1) Ensure your name is unique, at least 3 characters, and free of restricted words (Bank, State, National, Council), (2) Attach the required suffix like '(Private) Limited' or '(SMC-Private) Limited', and (3) Reserve your name on the official SECP eZfile portal (ezfile.secp.gov.pk) for PKR 1,000.
SECP Company Naming Rules Under Companies Act 2017
Under Section 10 of the Companies Act, 2017 and the Companies (Incorporation) Regulations, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) reviews all proposed business names to ensure they are distinctive, truthful, and do not mislead consumers or infringe upon existing registered entities.
Identical & Deceptive Names
A proposed name cannot be identical or phonetically similar to any existing active company or foreign corporation in Pakistan. Merely changing "Pvt" or adding plural "s" does not make a name distinctive.
Registered Trade Names (IPO)
You cannot register a company name that copies a well-known brand or registered trademark under the Trade Marks Ordinance 2001 (e.g. Apple, Toyota, Engro) unless you possess legitimate written authorization.
Special Licensing & Patronage
Words like Bank, Takaful, Modaraba, Federal, National, Authority, University are restricted and require prior regulatory No-Objection Certificates (NOC) from SBP, HEC, or federal authorities.
SECP Legal Company Structures & Suffix Requirements
Compare key parameters across the standard business registration categories in Pakistan:
| Company Structure | Statutory Suffix | Min Shareholders | Liability Protection | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Member Company (SMC) | (SMC-Private) Limited | 1 Director (Solo) | Limited to Share Capital | Solo founders, IT consultants, individual owners |
| Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) | (Private) Limited | Min 2 Directors | Limited to Share Capital | Startups, partnerships, trading firms, SMEs |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | LLP | Min 2 Partners | Limited to Partner Contribution | Professional service firms (Law, Audit, Medical) |
| Public Limited Company | Limited | Min 3 (Unlisted) / 7 (Listed) | Limited to Share Value | Large scale corporations raising public equity |
| Non-Profit / Section 42 | Foundation / Association | Min 3 Promoters | Limited by Guarantee | Charitable trusts, NGOs, welfare organizations |
End-to-End Company Incorporation Steps on SECP eZfile
- Create User Account (PIN): Register on
ezfile.secp.gov.pkwith your CNIC/Passport and mobile number (PKR 200 fee). - Reserve Company Name: Submit 3 prioritized name options and pay the PKR 1,000 name reservation fee (approval granted in 1–2 working days).
- Submit Incorporation Application: Fill in company registered office address, authorized share capital (e.g. PKR 100,000), principal line of business, and director details.
- Sign Digitally & Pay Dues: Electronically sign with your SECP digital PIN and settle statutory filing fees via 1Link, debit/credit card, or mobile banking.
- Download Incorporation Certificate: SECP issues your official digital Certificate of Incorporation along with the company's 7-digit Corporate Universal Identification Number (CUIN).
Related Business & SECP Resources
SECP Company Registration Online 2026 →
Step-by-step tutorial for Pvt Ltd & SMC incorporation.
Sole ProprietorSole Proprietorship NTN Guide →
How to register an individual business name on FBR Iris.
Tax NTNCorporate NTN Registration Guide →
How company NTN and sales tax (STRN) are activated.
SECP Company Name Reservation & Incorporation Flow
4-stage verified sequence from name clearance to official certificate of incorporation
Validate Name Compliance
Screen your brand name against SECP prohibited words list and attach the mandatory statutory legal suffix.
Create Account on eZfile
Register with 13-digit CNIC and OTP verification on ezfile.secp.gov.pk to obtain your secure user PIN.
Submit Name Reservation
Enter your primary and 2 backup name choices along with main principal business activity objects.
Pay Fee & Receive Letter
Pay PKR 1,000 fee via 1Link/ePay to receive official 60-day Name Reservation Confirmation Letter.
Frequently Asked Questions (SECP Company Names)
Essential guidelines on name validity, rejections, SMC vs Pvt Ltd, and incorporation fees
Once the Registrar approves your name reservation application on the eZfile portal, the name is reserved exclusively for your company for a period of 60 calendar days. You must submit your incorporation documents (Memorandum & Articles of Association) within this 60-day window.
Official Sources Cited:
Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP): https://www.secp.gov.pk/Official SECP eZfile Online Portal: https://ezfile.secp.gov.pk/Companies Act 2017 & Companies (Incorporation) Regulations: https://www.secp.gov.pk/laws/acts/