How to Register an E-Commerce Business in Pakistan

Establishing a new e-commerce company in Pakistan is a fantastic way to exploit the rapidly expanding internet market. Sometimes, making sure your company is officially registered and complies with the most recent laws and regulations is crucial and you need to Register e-commerce business in Pakistan. This will help to capture a customer's attention and trust, which is very helpful and fruitful for a new e-commerce business. We are discussing here step-by-step and explaining how to register an e-commerce business in Pakistan under the latest rules from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and other relevant authorities.

Register Your E-Commerce Business. But why?

Registering your e-commerce business provides you credibility, protects your brand, and ensures compliance with the laws. It also helps you access top-notch online payment gateways, secure investor and customer confidence, and build a trustworthy reputation for your business. A Step-by-Step Process to Register an E-Commerce Business in Pakistan

Step 1: Decide and Create Your Company Structure

Depending on your objectives, pick the ideal type of company entity:

1. Sole Proprietorship: This is best for individual owners managing small-scale businesses.
2. Partnership: This is suitable for ventures with multiple owners or investors.
3. Private Limited Company: Ideal for medium to large businesses aiming for future scalability.

Estimated Timeframe: 1-7 days (depending on the structure). Estimated Cost: PKR 2,000/-–PKR 15,000/-

You may want to read this post :

• eCommerce Platforms for Beginners
• Digital Marketing Strategies
• Work From Home Profitable Ways to Earn Money Online

Step 2: Reserve a Relevant Business Name

For companies, you must reserve a unique and relevant business name through the SECP’s eServices portal. This is an initial SECP company registration process. Your company's name should be consistent with your brand and not infringe upon the names of already registered companies.

Documents Required:

• Copy (is) of CNIC/Passport of the owner(s).
• Proposed business name.

Estimated Cost: PKR 1,000 (business name reservation fee).

Estimated Timeframe: 1-2 days.

Step 3: Business Registration with SECP

For private limited companies, register your business with the SECP through their online eServices portal.

Process:

• Create an account on the SECP eServices portal.
• Complete the incorporation form and upload the required documents.
• Generate a fee challan.
• Pay the incorporation fee online.

Documents Required:

• CNIC copies of all directors.
• Business current address proof.
• Memorandum (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA).

Estimated Cost: PKR 5,000 – PKR 10,000.

Estimated Timeframe: 5-7 days.

Step 4: Get a National Tax Number (NTN) for Your Business

How to get NTN for an online business? You need an NTN to operate your business legally. Register with the FBR IRIS Online portal to get your NTN. If you sell taxable goods, register for Sales Tax as well at the same time.

Documents Required:

• CNIC Number of the owner.
• Business Current address proof (utility bill or lease agreement) (if applicable).
• SECP registration certificate (for companies).

Estimated Cost: Free.

Estimated Timeframe: 1-3 days.

Step 5: Open Your Business Bank Account

A business bank account with any registered bank is essential for managing transactions and ensuring financial transparency.

Documents Required:

• NTN Certificate Copy.
• SECP registration certificate copy (for companies).
• Business current address proof.

Estimated Cost: Free (depending on respective bank policies).

Estimated Timeframe: 1-2 days.

Step 6: Register for Provincial Sales Tax (if applicable)

If your business operates in a specific province, register with the

1. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Board (KRB)
2. Sindh Revenue Board (SRB)
3. Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) for provincial sales tax.

Estimated Cost: Free. 

Estimated Timeframe: 1-3 days. 

Step 7: Obtain an E-Commerce-Specific License (if needed) 

Depending on your e-commerce niche or domain, additional licenses may be required, such as:

• Food License for food-related products. (Punjab Food Authority (PFA) or Sindh Food Authority (SFA))
• Drug License for Drug/Medicine-related products (Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP)
• Trademark Registration to protect your brand name. (Intellectual Property Organization (IPO-Pakistan)

Step 8: Build Your E-Commerce Website – Store 

Create a professional website or Store that complies with Pakistan’s e-commerce regulations. Include an about, privacy policy, terms and conditions, contact and refund policies pages. Make sure the E-commerce website has legal requirements. 

Estimated Cost: PKR 15,000 – 100,000 (domain, hosting, and development). 

Estimated Timeframe: 3-7 days. 

Step 9: Integrate Trusted Payment Gateways 

Set up online trusted payment options like JazzCash, EasyPaisa, Debit Card, Credit Card, PayPal, Stripe or HBL Payment Gateway to enable secure customer financial transactions. 

Estimated Cost: Setup fees vary by service provider.

Step 10: Strictly Follow Cybersecurity Laws Ensure compliance with Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to protect your business and customer data.

Cost Breakdown Table - Cost of e-commerce registration in Pakistan. 

Step	Estimated Cost	Timeframe
Business Structure (Sole Prop.)	PKR 2,000 – PKR 5,000	1-2 days
Business Structure (Private Ltd.)	PKR 10,000 – PKR 15,000	5-7 days
SECP Name Reservation	PKR 1,000	1-2 days
SECP Incorporation Fee	PKR 5,000 – PKR 10,000	3-5 days
NTN Registration	Free of Cost	1-3 days
Website or Store Setup	PKR 15,000 – PKR 100,000	3-7 days
Payment Gateway Setup	Varies (transaction fees)	1-2 days

Final Thoughts 

Registering a new e-commerce business in Pakistan might seem daunting at first, but breaking it down into manageable steps can simplify the process. By following this guide, you will ensure your business complies with the latest state laws, giving you a strong foundation for success.