| LLC | Free Zone Company | PLC | LLP | Branch Office | Rep Office | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Name | Pvt Ltd | EPZ company | Jsc | Limited Liability Company | Branch | Representative Office |
| Company Setup Time | 25 Days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 40 days | 40 days |
| Bank Account Opening | 20 days | 20 days | 20 days | 20 days | 20 days | 20 days |
| Government Grants Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Government Contracts Bidding | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Limited Liability | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Client Required to Travel | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry |
Corporate Structure Explained
Pakistan Limited Liability Company (Pvt Ltd)
- A Pakistan LLC is also known as a private limited company and can be registered with two directors and two shareholders with a minimum capital of US$ 1,000. Both the directors and shareholders can be non-residents. However, they must obtain from the local tax authorities a tax number.
- If an entity has a share capital of more than US$ 5,000 the local administration requires a resident legal adviser.
- Due to its low capital and simplicity, this legal structure is the most widely used by foreigners and locals.
Pakistan Free Zone Company (EPZ company)
- Foreigners who plan to manufacture products and re-export them to foreign markets in Pakistan can register their business in an export processing zone.
- The registration requirements of a standard limited liability company also apply to a SEZ company, including the requirement for all directors and shareholders to secure tax numbers.
Pakistan Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- Limited liability partnerships require at least two limited partners to be appointed, one of whom must be a Pakistani national.
- There is no capital requirement, but a Pakistani national must have at least 51% of the equity.
- LLPs are not tax-transparent entities earnings are taxed at the corporate level,
Pakistan Public Limited Company (joint stock company or JSC)
- A JSC requires between 3 to 50 shareholders. A joint-stock company can perform a public subscription and the shareholders can freely trade their shares.
Pakistan Branch Office
- A branch office can be established in the country, provided the parent company has an ongoing local contract with the company or the government.
- This type of legal entity is allowed to carry out commercial business activities.
Pakistani Representative Office (Liaison office)
- These entities can engage in research and promotional activities. They are not allowed to indulge in direct sales contracts and invoice clients in Pakistan.