The annual compliance calendar for a foreign-owned company in Pakistan
Most penalties we see are not for bad conduct. They are for a missed filing nobody in head office knew existed.
Corporate · By Khalil Ahmad Bhullah, Founding Partner · 3 October 2026 · Pakistani law only
Once a subsidiary is incorporated, head office often treats Pakistan as set up and finished. The Companies Act, 2017 and the tax laws then generate a steady list of filings. None is difficult; all of them carry penalties when missed.
Corporate filings with SECP
- Annual general meeting: held within the period the Act allows after the financial year ends, with audited accounts laid before members.
- Audited financial statements: filed with SECP after the AGM.
- Annual return: filed after the AGM, recording directors, shareholders and share capital.
- Changes during the year: appointments or resignations of directors, changes of registered office, share transfers and charges each have their own forms and deadlines.
- Beneficial ownership: the company keeps a register of ultimate beneficial owners and reports changes. For foreign groups, this means looking through holding companies to the individuals.
Tax filings with FBR
- Annual income tax return for the company, with the due date depending on its tax year.
- Withholding tax: deduct tax on salaries, rent, services and payments to non-residents, deposit it on time, and file the periodic withholding statements.
- Sales tax: monthly returns if the company is registered, with provincial sales tax on services where it applies.
Foreign-ownership specific points
Payments to the parent, such as royalties, fees for technical services, loans and dividends, attract withholding tax and may need treaty paperwork to apply a reduced rate. Foreign exchange rules apply to remittances. Inter-company agreements should be in writing before payments start.
A simple way to stay ahead
We keep a single calendar for each client company with every corporate and tax date for the year, send reminders a month ahead, and prepare the board resolutions and forms. Head office approves; we file.
Deadlines and rates change through finance acts and SECP notifications. Treat this as a checklist of what exists, and confirm current dates each year.
More detail is on our corporate & commercial practice page.
Questions we get on this.
Yes. Annual filings continue unless the company obtains dormant status or is wound up, and even then some filings remain.
Directors can sign electronically on SECP's portal. We prepare documents and coordinate signatures remotely.
SECP and FBR levy penalties and default surcharges, and persistent defaults can affect the company's standing. Late filings can usually be regularised.