In Pakistan, a business or company's registration number is a unique identifier assigned by the relevant government authority, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and is crucial for legal, commercial, and tax-related activities. Whether you're a business owner, a legal professional, or simply someone looking to verify the legitimacy of a company, knowing how to find a registration number is essential. Here are several ways to locate a registration number in Pakistan:
1. SECP’s e-Services Portal
The primary source for finding a Company’s Registration number In Pakistan is the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), which governs the registration and regulation of companies in the country. SECP assigns a unique registration number upon incorporation, and this number is available online through their e-Services portal.
How to Use the SECP Portal:
Visit the SECP website.
Go to the feature labeled "e-Services" or "Company Name Search."
Enter the company’s name, type, or director’s details in the search fields.
Once the search is completed, the portal will provide the company’s registration number and other relevant details like the date of incorporation and registered address.
The SECP portal offers both free and paid searches, with the latter providing more detailed information. This is one of the quickest and most reliable ways to find a company’s registration number.
2. Company’s Certificate of Incorporation
If you are a business owner or have access to a company’s foundational documents, the registration number can easily be found in the Certificate of Incorporation. When a company is officially incorporated in Pakistan, the SECP issues this certificate, which includes vital details such as the company’s name, date of incorporation, and registration number.
The registration number is also included in the Memorandum and Articles of Association, which are the primary legal documents that govern how the company operates. These documents serve as proof of the company's legal standing and must be retained by the business.
3. Invoices and Contracts
In Pakistan, companies are required to display their registration number on legal and financial documents, including invoices, contracts, and official correspondence. If you have any dealings with a company, you can often find their registration number on the paperwork related to business transactions.
For businesses, it is standard practice to include the registration number on these documents to ensure transparency and compliance with regulatory standards. If you’ve received an invoice, bill, or signed a contract with the company, the registration number should be displayed there.
4. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Portal
Although the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) primarily deals with taxation, its database can also help in finding a company's registration status. Companies registered with the FBR are assigned a National Tax Number (NTN), which is sometimes used in conjunction with the business registration number.
How to Use the FBR Portal:
Visit the FBR’s official website.
Navigate to the "Online Verification Services" section.
Use the "NTN Inquiry" feature by entering the company’s name, NTN, or CNIC of the director.
While this will not directly give you the company registration number, it can verify if the business is properly registered for tax purposes, providing additional layers of legitimacy.
5. Third-Party Business Information Services
Several third-party service providers offer business verification services in Pakistan. These firms typically provide access to detailed company information, including Company Registration numbers In Lahore, through their proprietary databases. They often cater to financial institutions, law firms, or businesses conducting due diligence on other companies.
These services are usually paid, but they can be useful if you're looking for comprehensive company profiles, including registration details, financial standing, and creditworthiness.
6. Contacting the Company Directly
If you're dealing with a business directly, the easiest way to find their registration number is simply to ask. Most companies, especially those operating in industries requiring public transparency, will readily provide their registration number upon request. Companies are also legally required to disclose this number in their communication and on public-facing platforms like their website or marketing materials.
7. Visiting SECP Offices
If online searches or documentation do not provide the necessary information, you can visit one of the SECP regional offices located in major cities like Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. By providing basic company details, you can request official verification of the company’s registration number. This is particularly useful if you need official documents or certifications.
Conclusion
Finding a company’s registration number in Pakistan is an important step in verifying its legitimacy and conducting proper due diligence. Whether you are an owner, investor, or legal professional, Hamza & Hamza Law Associates can easily access this information through SECP’s e-Services portal, company documents, invoices, and contracts. The Federal Board of Revenue and third-party service providers also offer avenues for verification. In case of difficulties, visiting an SECP office or directly contacting the company can also yield the necessary details. Knowing a company's registration number is essential for legal, financial, and business transactions in Pakistan.
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