SECP company registrations have hit record levels in 2026, with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) recording its highest-ever monthly figure in April and strong double-digit growth across the first half of the fiscal year. The numbers signal a clear shift: more Pakistani entrepreneurs are formalising their businesses, and digital tools are making it easier than ever to do so.
SECP Company Registrations Jump 21% in Early 2026
The SECP registered 10,511 new companies from February to April 2026, showing a 21 percent increase compared to 8,693 companies incorporated during the same period last year. That growth did not slow down as the quarter went on. Out of the total, 4,082 companies were incorporated in April alone, the highest monthly incorporation figure recorded by the regulator.
The momentum started building well before April. The SECP registered 21,542 new companies during the first half of fiscal year 2025-26 (July to December 2025). According to an official SECP statement, 35,087 new companies were registered in the full fiscal year 2024-25, up from 27,542 companies in 2023-24. Compared to 2020, corporate registrations have increased by 51 percent, reflecting the effectiveness of the modernization drive.
IT and E-Commerce Lead the Sectors
Technology businesses are driving a big part of this growth. Information technology and e-commerce led all sectors with 606 new startups in March 2026. Trading followed with 542 new firms, while services saw 366 new entrants. Real estate and construction rounded out the top tiers with 264 registrations.
Pakistani freelancers and software founders are a key force here. Many now register formal companies to build credibility with international clients, open corporate bank accounts, and access government contracts. This is helping move businesses out of the informal economy and into a documented one.
In terms of company types, private limited companies accounted for 57 percent of new registrations, followed by single-member companies at 39 percent. The remaining share comprised public unlisted companies, non-profit organisations, and limited liability partnerships.
Foreign Investors Are Taking Notice
The surge is not just domestic. Foreign participation remained stable, with 58 newly registered companies reporting overseas investment, including investors from China, Afghanistan, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Germany, among others. Chinese investors led with 28 companies, followed by Afghanistan with 7, and the United Kingdom with 4.
Pakistan has also earned international recognition for this progress. Pakistan was ranked 6th among 50 countries on the World Bank’s Business Ready 2024 start-up indicator. An IFC survey also ranked SECP first among 65 federal regulatory authorities for government-to-business digital services and IT preparedness.
The eZfile Portal is Making it Simple
One of the biggest reasons behind the SECP company registrations boom is how easy the process has become. The SECP reported that 99.9 percent of company registrations were completed online through its eZfile system. The eZfile platform is fully integrated with key government institutions, including the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI), and relevant provincial departments. Following integration with the One Window system, registration certificates are now issued automatically, saving businesses significant time and effort.
The whole process can now be completed in as little as three to seven working days from document preparation to certificate. The newly registered companies in March carried a combined paid-up capital of Rs2.80 billion. You can start the registration process directly on the SECP’s official eZfile portal.
Punjab Leads, But Other Provinces Are Growing Too
Punjab remained the business hub, accounting for 1,488 new filings in March. Islamabad saw 552, while Sindh recorded 447. Even Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan showed active participation. This spread shows that business formalisation is no longer limited to Pakistan’s two or three biggest cities.
What Comes Next for SECP
As part of its expansion strategy, the SECP plans to establish Business Facilitation Centres in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Faisalabad to improve access to corporate services. The regulator is also pushing further into automation. The SECP plans to further automate company registration through AI-enabled name reservation, automated Form-A registration, digital compliance monitoring, and additional ease of doing business reforms.
SECP also signed an MoU with Askari Bank and NayaPay to make it faster for newly incorporated companies to open a business bank account. This is a practical step that removes one of the biggest hurdles new founders face right after incorporation.
For Pakistani tech companies and startups looking at growth and investment, this broader corporate boom is a positive signal. A growing base of registered companies means more potential partners, clients, and a bigger formal economy. You can read more about Pakistan’s broader digital economy growth in our coverage of Pakistan digital payments topping Rs168.8 trillion in a single quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many new companies did SECP register in 2026 so far?
The SECP registered 10,511 new companies from February to April 2026, a 21 percent rise year-on-year. Combined with earlier months, the total corporate base has crossed 290,000 registered firms.
Which sector registered the most companies with SECP in 2026?
Information technology and e-commerce led all sectors, with 606 new startups registered in March 2026 alone. Trading and services followed closely behind.
How can I register a company with SECP in Pakistan?
The process now runs almost entirely through the SECP’s eZfile corporate registry portal. You reserve a company name, prepare your Memorandum and Articles of Association, submit the application digitally, pay the fee, and receive a digital Certificate of Incorporation. The full process typically takes 3 to 7 working days.
What is the cost of registering a company with SECP?
Government fees start from PKR 1,000 for companies with authorized capital up to PKR 100,000, and fees increase based on authorized share capital. Professional consultancy fees are additional and vary by service provider.
