Registering an e-commerce business in Pakistan involves several steps and requires various documents and approvals. The process can be time-consuming and complex, so it is recommended to seek the help of a professional such as a lawyer or chartered accountant.
Here is a general overview of the steps involved in registering an e-commerce business in Pakistan:
- Choose a name for the business and ensure that it complies with the relevant laws and regulations.
- Obtain a National Tax Number (NTN) and a Sales Tax Registration Number (STRN) from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) if your e-commerce business is engaged in taxable activities.
- Obtain a copy of the National Identity Card (NIC) or Form-B of the business owner.
- Prepare the company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA). These documents set out the company’s purpose, powers, and rules.
- File the MOA and AOA with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) along with other required documents such as the certificate of incorporation and the list of directors.
- Obtain the certificate of incorporation from the SECP
- Register for GST with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)
- Register for income tax with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)
- Obtain a trade license from the relevant local government authority.