Posted by Your company name is the very first step of incorporation and the most common place applications get rejected. This guide shows you how to do a SECP company name search, pick a name that will be approved, and complete your company name reservation in Pakistan.
Name Search vs Name Reservation: The Difference
A SECP name check is a preliminary search to see whether your desired name is already taken or obviously restricted. Name reservation is the formal application that actually locks the name to you. Reservation is the first process in registration, you can’t incorporate until a name is successfully reserved.
Important: a name showing as “available” in the search does NOT guarantee approval. The search is system-generated; the final decision rests with the Registrar of Companies, who can still reject a name that’s deceptive, restricted, or too similar to another.
What Names Get Rejected?
SECP will reject a proposed name if it:
- Is identical or too similar (including phonetically) to an existing company
- Contains restricted words implying government or official links e.g. “Federal”, “National”, “Authority” without the required consent
- Suggests connection with foreign governments, heads of state, or international bodies (UNO, IMF, WHO) without approval
- Is deceptive, inappropriate, or offensive
- Infringes a registered trademark protected under the Trademarks Ordinance 2001 (even if the SECP name itself is free)
- Doesn’t align logically with your business objects
How to Do a SECP Company Name Search
- Go to the SECP eServices portal (eservices.secp.gov.pk) and log in (or create an account).
- Select your company type (Private Limited, SMC, LLP, or Public).
- Enter your proposed name and run the name availability check.
- Review the results, if a similar name appears, refine yours or prepare documentary evidence of any legitimate relationship.
Tip: also search the IPO Pakistan trademark database (see below) before you settle on a name.
Read our guide on trademark registration in Pakistan to protect the name properly.
How to Reserve Your Company Name
- Once you’ve chosen an available name, file the name reservation application on eServices.
- Propose your name(s) SECP lets you submit up to three options in order of preference and give a short significance/rationale for the name.
- Ensure the name ends with the correct suffix: “(Private) Limited”, “(SMC-Private) Limited”, or “Limited”.
- Pay the fee and sign with your PIN to submit. (Pay the challan within the allowed window or the application is rejected.)
- SECP typically approves within a few hours to a day; you’ll get an approval email.
Fee & Validity
- Fee: approximately Rs 200 online (Rs 500 for manual/physical submission), and it’s non-refundable, so choose carefully. Confirm the current fee on SECP.
- Validity: a reserved name is protected for 60 days. If you don’t incorporate within that window, the name expires and can be taken by someone else, so reserve when you’re ready to proceed.
Don’t Skip the Trademark Check
Here’s a mistake that costs businesses dearly: getting a name approved by SECP that infringes someone’s registered trademark.
SECP name availability and trademark rights are separate systems. Before you commit to a name (and build a brand around it), search the IPO Pakistan trademark database too.
Tips to Get Your Name Approved First Time
- Keep it unique, short, and relevant to your business.
- Avoid generic terms (e.g. “Pakistan Traders”, “Business Services”) that clash with many existing names.
- Have 2–3 alternatives ready in case your first choice is rejected.
- Make sure the name matches your intended business activity.
- Check that a matching domain (.com/.pk) is available for your brand.
After Reservation: What’s Next
Once your name is reserved, you move on to incorporation filing the application with your documents on SECP eServices. See our complete guide on how to register a company in Pakistan for the full process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I check if a company name is available in Pakistan?
Log in to SECP eServices, select your company type, enter your proposed name, and run the name availability check. Note that an “available” result is preliminary final approval rests with the Registrar.
Q: How much does name reservation cost?
Approximately Rs 200 for online submission (around Rs 500 for manual filing), and the fee is non-refundable. Confirm the current amount on SECP.
Q: How long is a reserved name valid?
60 days. If you don’t incorporate the company within that period, the name expires and becomes available to others.
Q: Can I reserve a name similar to an existing company?
No. SECP can reject names that are identical or deceptively/phonetically similar to existing companies, or that infringe a registered trademark.
Q: Does an available SECP name mean it’s free of trademark issues?
No. SECP and trademark registration are separate. A name available at SECP may still infringe a registered trademark, so search the IPO Pakistan database as well.
Q: Can I use a reserved company name for a sole proprietorship?
No. Name reservation is only for companies registered with SECP. Sole proprietors register with FBR instead.
Get Your Name Approved the First Time
A rejected name means lost fees and lost time. JZARR Filers (Karachi) runs your SECP name search, trademark check, and reservation and suggests strong alternatives, so your company name clears on the first attempt.
Book your free consultation today and reserve your company name without the guesswork.