NGO Registration

NGO Registration Process in Pakistan

Our consultancy firm follows a simple, transparent, and professional process to ensure smooth NGO registration in Pakistan. We assist clients in selecting the most suitable legal structure and completing the registration with the relevant regulatory authority.

In Pakistan, NGOs and Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) are commonly registered with the following authorities.

NGO Registration with Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (Non-Profit Company)

NGO Registration with Registrar Joint Stock Companies under the Societies Registration Act, 1860

1. NGO Registration with SECP (Section 42 Company)

NGOs can be registered as Non-Profit Companies under Section 42 of the Companies Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. This is the preferred legal structure for large NGOs, charitable foundations, and social welfare organizations seeking a formal corporate status.

Registration Process

Consultation & Structure Selection – We help you determine if Section 42 registration is the best fit.
Name Reservation along with objectives – SECP approval of a unique NGO name.
License Issuance – SECP reviews and grants a license for charitable purposes.
Document Preparation – Draft MOA, AOA, and other required documents.
Submission to SECP – Filing the application and required documents.

Required Documents

To register an NGO under Section 42, the following documents are typically required:

CNIC copies of all promoters/directors
Proposed name of the NGO (to be approved by SECP)
Memorandum of Association (MOA) stating charitable objects
Articles of Association (AOA) outlining governance rules
Detailed statement of the NGO’s objectives and activities
Profiles and declarations of all promoters/directors
Registered office address

Section 42 registration is ideal for NGOs that aim to operate professionally, receive large-scale donations, or engage in international collaborations.

2. NGO Registration under the Societies Registration Act, 1860

In Pakistan, NGOs can also be registered as Societies under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, through the Registrar Joint Stock Companies. This structure is commonly used by small to medium-sized welfare, educational, and community development organizations.

It provides legal recognition, governance structure, and the ability to operate officially while remaining a non-profit organization within the province

Registration Process

Our consultancy ensures a smooth, step-by-step registration process:

Consultation & Structure Selection – Determine if society registration fits your NGO’s objectives.
Document Preparation – Draft MOA, Rules & Regulations, and prepare member profiles.
Submission to Registrar – Submit the application and required documents to the relevant authority.
Verifications – Registrar and other relevant authorities reviews the documents and may request clarifications.
Certificate of Registration – Once approved by all the authorities, the society receives its official registration certificate, enabling it to operate legally.

Required Documents

To register a society, the following documents are generally required:

CNIC copies of all founding members (minimum 7)
Passport size photographs of members
Proposed name of the society
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Rules and Regulations / Constitution / By-laws
List of Governing Body / Executive Committee members
Registered office address
Contact information of all members

Comparison: Section 42 Company vs Society

Feature	Section 42 Company (SECP)	Society (Societies Registration Act, 1860)
Regulatory Authority	Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)	Registrar Joint Stock Companies
Legal Framework	Companies Act, 2017 (Section 42)	Societies Registration Act, 1860
Suitable For	Large NGOs, foundations, international donors, development organizations	Small to medium welfare, educational, community or charitable organizations
Minimum Members	3 promoters/directors	7 founding members
Governing Structure	Board of Directors	Governing Body / Executive Committee
Profit Distribution	Not allowed; income must be used for charitable purposes	Not allowed; income must be used for charitable purposes
Registration Complexity	More formal, detailed, longer process	Simpler and faster process
Credibility	High – preferred for grants, donations, international funding	Medium – suitable for local and community-level projects
Compliance Requirements	Annual returns, audited accounts, board meetings, SECP filings	Annual meetings, membership records, financial accounts, governing body oversight
Time to Register	4 – 6 months	3 – 6 months
Cost	Higher (due to documentation, professional fees, SECP fees)	Lower (government registration fees, minimal documentation costs)

NGO Registration