All major business registrations in Pakistan can now be done completely online — no visits to government offices required. Whether you need an FBR NTN, SECP company registration, or STRN sales tax number, this guide covers every online portal, the exact steps, and common mistakes to avoid in 2026.
Online NTN Registration on FBR IRIS Portal
The FBR IRIS portal (iris.fbr.gov.pk) is your one-stop destination for all income tax registrations and filings in Pakistan. Registering for your National Tax Number (NTN) is the first step for any new business.
Visit iris.fbr.gov.pk
Navigate to the FBR IRIS portal. Click "Registration for Unregistered Person" to begin NTN registration.
Enter Your CNIC and Mobile Number
FBR verifies your identity through NADRA. Your CNIC must match NADRA records exactly. A one-time PIN (OTP) is sent to your registered mobile number.
Fill Registration Form
Provide your business address, nature of business, bank account details (optional), and income sources. For sole proprietors, your CNIC number becomes your NTN.
Submit and Receive NTN
After submission, FBR processes your application within 1–2 business days. You receive your NTN certificate by email and can download it from IRIS.
For a complete walkthrough, read our NTN Registration Service guide.
Online SECP Company Registration
SECP's eServices portal allows you to register a Private Limited Company, OPC, or Partnership online — from anywhere in Pakistan or abroad. The process is fully digital and paperless.
SECP Online Registration Steps
- Visit eservices.secp.gov.pk and create a user account
- Search for company name availability and reserve your preferred name
- Complete the online incorporation form with directors' CNIC details, business address, and share structure
- Upload scanned Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)
- Pay SECP government fees online via credit/debit card or bank transfer
- SECP reviews and issues Certificate of Incorporation within 5–15 working days
- Download your Certificate of Incorporation from the SECP portal
SECP One-Stop Shop: SECP's One-Stop Shop allows simultaneous NTN registration with FBR when you complete company registration. This reduces the overall registration timeline significantly.
Online STRN Sales Tax Registration
If your business requires Sales Tax Registration, you can complete STRN registration online through the FBR portal. STRN is separate from NTN — it is your Sales Tax identification number.
STRN registration is done through the Sales Tax Automated Registration (STARR) system on the FBR portal. You must already have an active NTN before applying for STRN.
- Log into IRIS portal with your NTN and password
- Navigate to Registration > Sales Tax Registration
- Provide business details, bank account for sales tax, and business activity
- Upload required documents (lease agreement, CNIC, NTN certificate)
- Submit application — STRN is typically issued within 3–7 days
For full eligibility criteria, see our Sales Tax Registration Guide.
How to Check Your ATL Status Online
After registering and filing your first tax return, you should verify your status on FBR's Active Taxpayer List (ATL). Being on the ATL entitles you to reduced withholding tax rates across all transactions.
- Visit atl.fbr.gov.pk or check through IRIS portal
- Enter your CNIC or NTN to check your status
- ATL is updated every Monday — new filers appear within 1 week of filing
- Download your ATL verification certificate as proof
For a complete guide, see: How to Check ATL Status in Pakistan 2026.
Filing Income Tax Return Online — IRIS Portal
Once registered, you must file your annual income tax return online. The IRIS portal handles all return filings for individuals, sole proprietors, AOPs, and companies.
How to File Tax Return Online
- Log into IRIS at iris.fbr.gov.pk with your NTN/CNIC and password
- Click "Declaration" in the top menu, then select "Income Tax Return"
- Choose the relevant tax year (July 1 – June 30)
- Fill in income details, deductions, tax paid (withholding), and wealth statement
- Verify details and submit — save the acknowledgment receipt
See our complete guide: Income Tax Filing Service Pakistan.
Documents Needed for Online Registration
| Document | NTN (FBR) | SECP Company | STRN |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNIC (scanned) | Required | Required | Required |
| Mobile Number | Required | Required | Required |
| Email Address | Required | Required | Required |
| Business Address Proof | Recommended | Required | Required |
| Memorandum of Association | Not needed | Required | Not needed |
| NTN Certificate | N/A | Recommended | Required |
| Bank Account Details | Optional | Optional | Required |
Common Mistakes in Online Business Registration
- CNIC mismatch with NADRA: Your name and father's name must exactly match NADRA records. Even minor spelling differences cause rejection.
- Wrong mobile number: FBR sends OTP to the mobile number linked to your CNIC in NADRA. If your number has changed and NADRA isn't updated, registration fails.
- Incomplete SECP MoA: A poorly drafted Memorandum of Association is the most common cause of SECP rejection. Use a qualified consultant to draft it.
- Selecting wrong business activity: Wrong NTN or STRN business category affects your withholding tax treatment and sales tax applicability.
- Not filing after registration: Registering for NTN without filing a tax return doesn't put you on the ATL. File your first return (even nil) immediately after registration.
Important: An NTN alone does not make you an Active Filer. You must file your annual income tax return AND appear on FBR's Active Taxpayer List to benefit from reduced withholding tax rates on bank transactions, property deals, and vehicle purchases.
Need Help With Online Business Registration?
Kamboh Associates handles FBR NTN, SECP company registration, and STRN for clients across Pakistan — fully online. WhatsApp your CNIC and we handle everything.