COMPANY FORMATION LOCAL AND FOREIGN
At Asif Mubeen & Co. Chartered Accountant (AMC), we specialize in company incorporation and business structuring, ensuring that businesses establish themselves with a strong legal and financial foundation. Whether you are starting a company in Pakistan, expanding into UAE, or exploring global markets, our advisory services ensure seamless compliance, registration, and business structuring.
Setting up a company in Pakistan requires careful planning and compliance with regulatory frameworks. We assist businesses in navigating corporate registration, legal structuring, and tax regulations, ensuring a smooth business formation process.
Key Considerations for Company Registration in Pakistan:
- Business Type & Structure - Businesses must choose between Sole Proprietorship, Private Limited (Pvt. Ltd.), Partnership, or Public Limited Companies, each with distinct legal and tax implications.
- Company Name & Trade Registration - Businesses must register their trade names with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to ensure brand protection and compliance.
- Legal Documentation & Licensing - Companies must prepare Memorandum & Articles of Association, obtain National Tax Number (NTN), and secure sector-specific licenses.
- Tax & Compliance Advisory - Businesses must adhere to Pakistan’s tax regulations, corporate filing requirements, and financial reporting standards to avoid penalties and maintain compliance.
Expanding Business Incorporation to UAE
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a global business hub, offering tax benefits, investor-friendly laws, and strategic market access. AMC assists clients in company setup, licensing, and regulatory compliance for both Mainland & Free Zone businesses.
- 🔹 Business Setup in Mainland UAE Mainland businesses are licensed under the Department of Economic Development (DED), allowing companies to operate across the UAE with no restrictions. Legal structures include LLCs, partnerships, joint ventures, and public/private stock companies.
- 🔹 Business Setup in UAE Free Zones Free zones in the UAE offer 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and simplified incorporation processes. Businesses can register in JAFZA, DMCC, DAFZA, TECOM, and many others, with options for industrial, trading, consulting, or service-based licenses.
- 🔹 Offshore Company Formation Offshore businesses benefit from tax exemptions, confidential financial transactions, and global asset protection under RAKFTZ, JAFZA, and RAKIA jurisdictions.
Type of Business Structure in Pakistan
Ownership & Shareholding
Business owners in Pakistan must comply with SECP regulations, ensuring proper shareholding agreements and documentation. Foreign investors may have restrictions on ownership depending on the industry.
Legal Structure & Registration
Businesses must register with: 📍 SECP for corporate registration 📍 Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for tax compliance 📍 Provincial regulatory authorities for industry-specific licensing
Trade Name Registration
Companies must secure a unique trade name that aligns with their industry and complies with SECP regulations.
Minimum Share Capital
While share capital requirements depend on business type, companies must document capital details in their Memorandum of Association.
Business Premises & Office Setup
Securing an office space is a key part of incorporation, ensuring a registered business address for operations.
Hiring Employees & Compliance
Employment regulations vary by industry, requiring tax registration, labor laws adherence, and HR compliance.
Local Regulatory Support
Businesses in Pakistan benefit from government incentives and tax structures, assisting with industry growth.
Type of Business Setup in UAE
Ownership & Business Location
Foreign investors can opt for 100% ownership by choosing a Free Zone, whereas Mainland businesses require compliance with UAE’s Department of Economic Development (DED) regulations.
Free Zones – Over 45 free zones in UAE, allowing tax-free business operations and full foreign ownership. 📍 Mainland Setup – Requires a local agent, partner, or sponsor for licensing under DED regulations.
Legal Structure & Registration
UAE business structures include:
✅ Limited Liability Company (LLC)
✅ Public & Private Joint Stock Companies
✅ General & Limited Partnerships
✅ Branches & Representative Offices of Foreign
Companies
Each free zone has its own regulations, impacting business activities and legal requirements.
Trade Name & Licensing
Businesses must register a trade name with DED and ensure compliance with commercial licensing laws.
Share Capital Requirements
UAE businesses document share capital details in their Memorandum of Association, though most do not require upfront capital deposits.
Premises & Operational Setup
Businesses in free zones receive assistance in securing office space, utilities setup, and operational logistics.
Hiring Employees
Depending on business type, DED regulations may require hiring managers before business registration approval. Free zones have unique employment policies, requiring business owners to ensure compliance.
Local Regulatory Support
Mainland businesses must have a local sponsor or agent while free zones provide flexible foreign investor advantages.
Business Setup In The Free Zones
The ushering in of Free Zones has been symbolic of the UAE’s commitment to provide investors with complete freedom in doing business, with benefits like 100% foreign ownership, No personal or corporate taxes, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, and no currency restrictions, etc.
A Company in the Free Zones can be established either as:
- Branch of a Foreign Company
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
- Free Zone Company (FZC)
All the above entities are required to comply with the prevailing regulations of the respective Free Zones covering registration formalities, capital requirements, management, and other related matters.
The four categories of licenses, categorized by the nature of the permitted activities are:
- Industrial
- Commercial Trading
- General Trading
- Consulting/Services/Professional
Benefits of setting up a company in a free zone
Some of the other benefits of setting up a business in the free zone include:
- 100 percent import and export tax exemptions
- 100 percent repatriation of capital and profits
- No corporate tax
- No personal income tax
- No import/export tax
- Easy start-up and licensing procedures
The prominent Free Zones in the UAE include JAFZA, DAFZA, SAIF Zone Company, Hamriyah, RAKFTZ, RAKIA, TECOM, and DMCC, etc.
Bader Saleh Auditing of Accounts assists in company formation services in several Free Zones, which include Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Knowledge Village, Dubai Studio City, Internet City, Media City, IMPZ, Dubai Industrial City, and Dubai Outsource Zone, etc.
How Asif Mubeen & Co. Chartered Accountant (AMC) Can Assist with Business Setup
At AMC, we specialize in comprehensive company incorporation services, ensuring businesses establish themselves with a strong legal, financial, and operational foundation. Whether you are launching a new company in Pakistan or expanding into UAE, our expert advisory team simplifies the registration, licensing, and compliance process.
✅ Business Licensing & Structure Advisory We analyze your business activities to recommend the most suitable license type—whether commercial, professional, or industrial—ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
✅ Strategic Business Planning Our experts guide entrepreneurs in strategizing business models, financial planning, and market positioning to drive success.
✅ Application Assistance & Documentation We assist in preparing and submitting the application form to the Department of Economic Development (DED) and relevant authorities for seamless registration.
✅ Trade Name & Legal Approvals We handle trade name registration, security approvals, and attestation of legal documents to meet corporate compliance standards.
✅ Company Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA) Drafting Our team drafts and registers your MOA, ensuring alignment with business objectives and legal frameworks.
✅ Talent Acquisition & Staffing Support Businesses receive guidance on hiring managers and employees, ensuring compliance with workforce regulations.
✅ Auditor Appointment & Compliance Advisory For free zone companies, appointing an auditor is mandatory—we provide expert assistance in selecting qualified professionals.
✅ VAT Registration & Compliance We ensure businesses comply with VAT regulations, supporting VAT registration, implementation, and return filing.
✅ Accounting & Bookkeeping Services AMC offers comprehensive financial management solutions, including bookkeeping, financial reporting, and audit support.
✅ Bank Account Setup We facilitate the opening of corporate and personal bank accounts, ensuring smooth financial operations.
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