SECP Company Name Search & Availability Check (2026 Live Tool)
Starting a new business in Pakistan is an exciting journey, but we know exactly what kills that excitement: finding the perfect business name, only to discover it’s already taken or rejected by the SECP.
Worse yet, checking name availability on the official SECP eServices portal can be painfully slow, confusing for beginners, and often prone to server crashes. You want to focus on building your business, not fighting with a government website.
That is exactly why we created this ultimate guide and our Lightning-Fast Live Search Tool. You can now check your SECP company name availability in seconds, right here, without navigating complex menus. Plus, we will show you the hidden "Golden Rules" to ensure your name gets approved on the very first try.
Check Your Company Name Instantly (Live Tool)
Note: Use our custom search bar below to instantly verify if your proposed name is available in the SECP database.
(Results will instantly show: Available | Already Taken | Restricted Word Detected )
Why is the SECP Company Name Search Critical Before Starting a Business?
You might be wondering, "Can't I just start a Facebook page and worry about SECP later?" No. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) strictly prohibits two companies from having the identical or deceptively similar name.
Reserving your unique company name is the mandatory, legal first step. Until your name is officially reserved (via Form 1), you cannot register your company, you cannot get an FBR NTN, and you definitely cannot open a corporate bank account. Your company name is your legal identity.
How to Check Company Name in SECP? (Step-by-Step Methods)
There are two ways to do this. You can use our instant tool above, or you can go through the official government portal.
Method 1: Using Our Instant Search Tool (Fastest)
Simply type your desired name in the search bar at the top of this page. Our tool connects directly to the SECP database and gives you an instant Yes/No answer, saving you the hassle of creating an account.
Method 2: Through the SECP eServices Portal (Official Method)
If you prefer the official route, here is the step-by-step process to check and reserve your name manually:
- Go to SECP eZfile: Visit the official SECP eServices portal (now called eZfile).
- Create an Account: If you are a new user, you must sign up using your CNIC, mobile number, and email.
- Login: Enter your credentials and login to the dashboard.
- Name Reservation Tab: Click on the "Company Name Reservation" process.
- Enter Proposed Names: The system will ask you to enter 3 proposed names in order of preference. If your first choice is taken, SECP will check the second, and so on.
- Generate Challan: Submit the application and pay the generated fee challan.
Golden Rules: How to Choose an Acceptable Company Name
SECP rejects hundreds of names every single day. To make sure yours gets approved instantly, follow these golden rules:
- Be 100% Unique: Your name cannot be identical or "deceptively similar" to an existing company. For example, if "Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd" exists, you cannot register "Tek Solutions Pvt Ltd".
- Respect Trademarks: You cannot infringe on a registered trademark (IPO Pakistan). You cannot name your local shoe store "Nike Traders".
- Keep it Decent: The name must not contain offensive words or violate religious sensitivities.
- Reflect Your Business: The name should ideally reflect your principal line of business. If you are selling software, adding "Technologies" or "IT Solutions" to the name helps SECP understand your business.
Prohibited and Restricted Words (SECP Guidelines)
Not every word is free to use. SECP has a strict list of restricted words. If you want to use them, you must get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant government authority.
| Word Category | Examples of Restricted Words | Approval Required From |
|---|---|---|
| Government Affiliation | State, Federal, Nation, Authority, Council | Federal Government / Ministry |
| Financial Institutions | Bank, Modaraba, Insurance, Investment, Leasing | State Bank of Pakistan / SECP |
| International Bodies | UNO, IMF, Red Cross, WHO | Relevant International Agencies |
| Professional Bodies | Association, Chamber of Commerce, Register | Ministry of Commerce |
SECP Name Reservation Fee Schedule (2026 Updated)
Reserving a name is not free, but it is very affordable. SECP encourages online applications by keeping the online fee cheaper than the manual process.
| Submission Mode | SECP Fee (PKR) | Average Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online (eServices) | Rs. 200 | Instant / Within 24 Hours |
| Physical (Manual Form) | Rs. 500 | 2 to 3 Working Days |
Top 4 Reasons Why SECP Rejects Company Names
If your name gets rejected, it is usually due to one of these common mistakes:
- Identical Match: Your exact name is already registered or belongs to a dissolved company.
- Phonetic Similarity: Your name sounds exactly like a famous brand (e.g., trying to register "Appell" instead of "Apple").
- Missing NOC: You used a restricted word like "Bank" or "Foundation" without submitting prior approval.
- Vague Meaning: The name is totally meaningless and doesn't describe the nature of your business.
What to Do if Your Proposed Name is Rejected?
Don't panic! If SECP rejects your name, the registrar will provide a specific reason in the rejection email. You have two options:
- File an Appeal: If you believe your name is unique and the rejection was an error, you can file an appeal with the registrar.
- Submit a Fresh Application: The easiest route is to brainstorm three new, unique names and submit a fresh application (you will have to pay the Rs. 200 fee again).
Next Steps: What Happens After Your Name is Approved?
Congratulations! Once you receive the approval email, the name is officially reserved for you for 60 days.
You must complete the full company incorporation process within these 60 days. If you fail to do so, the reservation will expire, and the name will become available to the public again. Ready for the next step? Check out our complete Step-by-Step SECP Company Registration Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long is a reserved company name valid in SECP?
An approved company name is reserved for exactly 60 days. You must submit your incorporation documents within this timeframe.
Can I change my company name after it is fully registered?
Yes, you can. However, it requires passing a special resolution in your company, getting official approval from the SECP, and paying a name change fee.
Is the name reservation fee refundable?
No. Whether your name is approved or rejected, the Rs. 200 processing fee is non-refundable.
What is the difference between a Brand Name (Trademark) and a Legal Company Name?
SECP gives you your legal corporate identity (e.g., "XYZ Trading Pvt Ltd"). IPO Pakistan gives you your Brand Trademark (e.g., the specific logo or brand name you use on your products). They are two separate processes.