Under the Companies Act 2017 of Pakistan, a liaison office is defined as an office that is established by a foreign company to serve as a communication channel between the foreign company and its clients or potential clients in Pakistan. A liaison office is not allowed to engage in any commercial or revenue-generating activities in Pakistan, and its primary function is to act as a conduit for the exchange of information between the foreign company and its clients or potential clients in the country.
To establish a liaison office in Pakistan, a foreign company must typically follow the following steps:
- Obtain any necessary approvals or licenses from the relevant authorities, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) or the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
- Register the liaison office with the SECP and the FBR.
- Appoint a local representative to manage the liaison office.
- Set up a local bank account and register for any applicable taxes.
- Comply with any other applicable laws and regulations.
It is important to note that the specific requirements for establishing a liaison office in Pakistan may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the company and the nature of its business. It is recommended that you seek guidance from the relevant authorities to ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations