Service overview
A branch or liaison office gives a foreign entity a defined form of presence subject to the applicable government permission.
The correct legal form determines membership, liability, governance, statutory filings and whether separate sector licences will be needed.
Which foreign companies are eligible for BOI approval?
A liaison office must not be assumed to be authorised to conduct trading business; BOI eligibility and sector restrictions require review.
BOI permission and the nature of the proposed activities must be checked at the outset: a liaison office is not a general trading vehicle. Parent-country documentation, approved representative and any security/sector clearance are distinct prerequisites.
Documents and information for Branch or Liaison Office Permission
Prepare the following information for branch or liaison office permission. The relevant regulator may require further forms or certified evidence, depending on the applicant and chosen procedure.
- Parent's corporate records
- Proposed functions and site
- Parent financials where required
- Local representatives
- BOI application and foreign authorisations.
How can a foreign company open a branch or liaison office in Pakistan?
- 01Select branch or liaison permission
Define whether the foreign entity intends revenue-generating branch operations or non-trading liaison representation.
- 02Apply for BOI approval
Prepare parent incorporation documents, business activities, local office plan, representative particulars and financial information required by the BOI approval route.
- 03Follow through with Pakistani registrations
After BOI permission, complete any SECP foreign-company registration, FBR enrollment and sector licences triggered by the proposed operation.
- 04Renew or close the permission properly
Track BOI authorisation conditions, scope, expiry and relevant notification or closure formalities.
Regulator resource: SECP incorporation and entity-type guidance
The pathway above identifies the distinct statutory steps for this service. Confirm the exact current prescribed form, supporting checklist and submission channel with the competent authority before applying.
After registration or approval
Respect permitted activities, reporting and renewal terms and keep foreign and local corporate records aligned.
Governing law & official references
Board of Investment branch/liaison office permission regime; Companies Act, 2017 foreign-company provisions; and any applicable sector regulatory instruments.
The links below lead to government or official regulatory sources relevant to this service. Use the currently consolidated Act, regulations, statutory checklist and official portal when making an application.
How Chambers can assist
Chambers can review the legal route, identify regulatory constraints, prepare or review the supporting corporate and legal documents, manage the prescribed submission and correspond with the competent authority where instructed. The scope of the engagement will be determined by the applicant’s particular circumstances.
For an initial enquiry, identify the proposed activity, applicant entity and current stage, and provide the available documents indicated above. Please avoid sending confidential or identity-sensitive records through an unencrypted first contact.
Common questions about Branch or Liaison Office Permission
Who is eligible for Branch or Liaison Office Permission in Pakistan?
A liaison office must not be assumed to be authorised to conduct trading business; BOI eligibility and sector restrictions require review.
What documents are needed for Branch or Liaison Office Permission?
Parent's corporate records; Proposed functions and site; Parent financials where required; Local representatives. Additional requirements can apply to the actual business or regulator.
How can a foreign company open a branch or liaison office in Pakistan?
Select branch or liaison permission: Define whether the foreign entity intends revenue-generating branch operations or non-trading liaison representation. Apply for BOI approval: Prepare parent incorporation documents, business activities, local office plan, representative particulars and financial information required by the BOI approval route. Follow through with Pakistani registrations: After BOI permission, complete any SECP foreign-company registration, FBR enrollment and sector licences triggered by the proposed operation. Renew or close the permission properly: Track BOI authorisation conditions, scope, expiry and relevant notification or closure formalities.
This guide is general information, not advice on your facts. Check the applicable law, notifications, updated regulator checklists and jurisdiction before acting. The authority alone determines eligibility, acceptance and approval; no outcome or processing period is guaranteed.