Branch Office and Liaison Office Registration

Introduction

If you are a foreign business representative who is interested in launching their company’s name in Pakistan, you would want to test the waters first, i.e. you will want to check the market and see what your name and product might stir up. This is especially the case if your brand is already in the market but it has been imported from the other shores, so your name officially launching in the country will create waves. But it is always wise to be careful and check out the market first, so opening a branch office and liaison office is the way to do it. You are able to scout out investment opportunities, create a roadmap of your expansion once you hit your target and find partners who would be willing to invest with you in your company’s name.

Branch Office or Liaison Office

There are a few things you must keep in mind, belonging to a foreign company. So, you must follow through some of the rules and regulations. One of them is to strictly not undergo or partake in any trade or commerce unless you are fully functional. Also if the respective agencies have registered you. This means that while you have a branch office or liaison office in Pakistan, you are not allowed to make a trade. So when it comes to a branch office and liaison office, you are to follow through with some parameters. KLA Pakistan can guide you through the whole process of how things work in the country along with assisting you with the necessary documentation that you require to start off. We are a group whose aim is to assist those who would like to invest in the country.

To start off your branch office and liaison office in the country of Pakistan, you will firstly need to register under the Board of Investment Pakistan. They are the agency whose permission is required for you to open up a branch office and liaison office. The registration can be a tiny bit tedious, but with the assistance from KLA Pakistan it will all amount to no work. You can leave the hard work in our hands and focus on the future of your business in our country.

Here are the steps you must follow. These will help you to register in the BOI, Pakistan:

Information and Required Documents for Permission of Branch Office

• Copy of Registration of Company duly attested by respective Pakistan Embassy
• The copy of Article of Memorandum of Association duly attested by respective Pakistan Embassy
• Copy of Resolution /Authority letter of the company to establish Branch/Liaison Office in Pakistan
• Company Profile
• CV of the Designated person authorized to act on behalf of the company + copies of Passport & NIC
• Copy of Contract/Agreement with the following information clearly indicating in the document & duly flagged/annexed:
  • Contract Agreement: Name of Project/work
  • Starting Date
  • Validity period
  • Defects period (if any)
  • Contract signed/made Between Names of All Parties
• Original Receipt of processing fee of 3000US$ of Branch Office

Information and Required Documents for Permission of Liaison Office

• Copy of Registration of Company duly attested by respective Pak Embassy
• Copy of Article of Memorandum of Association duly attested by respective Pak Embassy
• Also, the copy of the Resolution /Authority letter of the company to establish Branch/Liaison Office in Pakistan
• Company Profile
• CV of the Designated person authorized to act on behalf of the company + copies of Passport & NIC
• Original Receipt of processing fee of 2000US$ of Liaison Office

You require to fulfill the requirements for opening up either a branch office or a liaison office in Pakistan. But with consultation and assistance from KLA Pakistan, you will be able to plan freely for your business. Note that you will also need to register your incorporation with SECP (Securities and Exchange Commission Pakistan) ahead of registering for a branch or liaison office in the country. KLA Pakistan will also be providing assistance and guidance on the matter of registration under SECP as well.