This sets out a standard sequence for a foreign investor establishing and funding a presence in Pakistan.
Step 1 — Confirm the sector position
Establish whether the intended sector carries any caps, licensing conditions or restrictions before choosing a structure.
Step 2 — Choose the entry structure
Decide between a locally incorporated company, branch office or liaison office based on the intended activity and the sector position confirmed in step 1.
Step 3 — Obtain required approvals
Secure Board of Investment permission where the structure requires it, and any sector-specific regulatory approval.
Step 4 — Register the entity
Complete SECP incorporation or registration, followed by FBR tax registration.
Step 5 — Bring in investment through the banking channel
Transfer the investment through normal banking channels with proper State Bank reporting, creating the record that will support repatriation later.
Step 6 — Maintain ongoing compliance
Keep SECP filings, tax returns and any sector-specific reporting current, since this compliance record is what supports smooth repatriation and any future transaction.
What to do next
Identify which step you are currently at, and confirm the documentation for that step is properly in place before moving to the next.