Quick answer
A software house registers with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) online on PSEB's portal, techdestination.com, with a business NTN, a business bank certificate and the owners' CNICs. PSEB's published fee for a new company or firm is Rs 5,000 if it is under 12 months old and Rs 10,000 otherwise, and membership is renewed every year. Registration matters mainly because PSEB-registered IT exporters qualify for the reduced 0.25% tax deduction on export proceeds.
This guide covers the company and firm route; freelancers have a separate, cheaper category.
Who can register as a company or firm?
PSEB accepts SECP-registered companies, partnerships and associations of persons, and sole proprietors with a business NTN and active operations. PSEB's own FAQ says SECP registration is not mandatory for company membership, so a sole proprietorship can use the business route. If you are still choosing a structure, our guide to sole proprietorships and single member companies compares the two.
Which documents does PSEB ask for?
For a new company or firm, PSEB lists a business NTN, a business bank account opening or maintenance certificate, and both sides of the CNIC of every owner, stakeholder or partner, with passports for foreign nationals. A partnership or AOP adds its partnership deed, and a registered firm adds Form C from the Registrar of Firms. For renewal, PSEB asks only for the latest income tax return (Form 114).
What are the official fees?
PSEB's published schedule charges Rs 5,000 for a company or firm established within the last 12 months and Rs 10,000 for one established longer. Renewal depends on annual revenue: Rs 10,000 up to Rs 50 million, Rs 15,000 up to Rs 100 million, Rs 20,000 up to Rs 300 million, Rs 25,000 up to Rs 600 million and Rs 30,000 above that. Renewing after expiry adds a Rs 5,000 surcharge. Fees are paid by card on the portal or by pay order.
Can you register with SECP and PSEB together?
Yes. Since December 2022, the government's Aasan Karobar reform register (F128) records that companies incorporating on SECP's eServices portal can opt for simultaneous PSEB registration and pay the fee online. PSEB says the process for SECP-registered companies takes about nine minutes, while non-SECP entities are processed within one working day of a complete submission.
Why does it matter for tax?
Under section 154A of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, banks deduct tax when export proceeds arrive. For computer software, IT and IT-enabled services exported by a PSEB-registered person, the rate is 0.25% rather than 1%, provided the money comes through Pakistan's banking system and you stay on FBR's Active Taxpayers List. Our freelancer tax guide explains the rates and the 2026 budget changes. Work for clients inside Pakistan is different and may attract sales tax on services.
Where does TheWing.pk fit in?
We offer PSEB registration support and tax help from our Chartered Accountant co-founder alongside an office built for dev teams. Team pods for 3 to 8 people cost from PKR 81,600 to PKR 199,500 a month, meeting rooms start at PKR 2,150 an hour, and power and internet run on UPS, a generator and two fibre lines. This page is general information, not tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is PSEB registration compulsory for a software house?
No law makes it compulsory to trade, but without it your IT export proceeds do not qualify for the 0.25% rate.
Does a sole proprietor need SECP registration first?
No. PSEB says SECP registration is not mandatory for company membership, and sole proprietors with a business NTN can apply.
How often must we renew?
Every year. Renewal uses your latest tax return, and the fee depends on annual revenue.
Can I see a team pod before deciding?
Yes. Book a free tour at Central Mall, 2nd Floor, GT Road, DHA Phase 2, and your first day is free.
