How to Register Your Startup with PSEB (Pakistan Software Export Board): Benefits and Process

Introduction

PSEB registration Pakistan isn’t just another bureaucratic hoop to jump through. It’s literally your golden ticket to serious tax savings and international credibility. If you’re running a tech startup or software house and haven’t registered yet, you’re leaving money on the table. Let’s fix that.

What is Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB)?

Think of PSEB as your startup’s government-backed wingman in the global IT arena. It’s the regulatory body that certifies and supports Pakistan’s IT and ITES companies.

Image source: PSEB LinkedIn

PSEB’s role in Pakistan’s IT industry

PSEB exists to boost Pakistan’s software exports and make our tech companies competitive globally. They provide certification, facilitate exports, and basically make sure Pakistani IT talent gets the recognition it deserves on the world stage.

Who should register with PSEB?

Software houses, IT service companies, call centers, game developers, and even freelancers. If you’re exporting IT services or products, you need this Pakistan Software Export Board certificate.

Major benefits of PSEB registration for startups

Here’s where it gets interesting. The PSEB registration benefits aren’t just nice-to-have, they’re game-changers.

100% income tax exemption on IT exports (until June 2025)

Yes, you read that right. Zero income tax on your export earnings. This PSEB tax exemption alone makes registration worth it.

Image source: Andromeda

Reduced withholding tax: 0.25% vs 1% for non-registered

Non-registered companies pay 1% withholding tax. PSEB-registered ones? Just 0.25%. Do the math.

100% profit repatriation for foreign investors

Foreign investors can take their profits home without restrictions. That’s huge for attracting international funding.

Access to Software Technology Parks (STPs)

Get subsidized office space in government-backed tech parks. Lower overhead, better infrastructure.

Free promotion on PSEB IT portal

Your company gets listed on PSEB’s official directory, visible to international clients actively looking for Pakistani IT services.

Visa facilitation for employees and investors

Need to bring in foreign talent or investors? PSEB registration streamlines the visa process significantly.

Subsidized international exhibition participation

Attend global tech conferences and exhibitions at reduced costs. Networking opportunities you’d otherwise miss.

Eligibility requirements for PSEB registration

Before diving into how to register with PSEB, let’s check if you qualify.

Company registration with SECP or registrar

Your company must be legally registered. Sole proprietorships, partnerships, or private limited companies all work.

Active NTN and tax filer status

You need an active National Tax Number and must be an active tax filer. Non-filers, this is your wake-up call.

Physical office address requirement

Virtual offices won’t cut it. You need a legitimate physical location with proof.

IT/ITES business nature verification

Your business must primarily focus on IT or IT-enabled services. Software development, web services, call centers all qualify.

Complete documentation checklist

SECP incorporation certificate (Form-II, Form-29)

Get these from SECP when you register your company. Keep copies handy.

NTN certificate and tax returns

Your NTN certificate plus last year’s tax returns. This proves you’re a compliant taxpayer.

CNIC copies of directors and shareholders

Basic identification documents for everyone with ownership stakes.

Business bank statements (last 6 months)

Shows your company is actively operating and financially legitimate.

Office address proof and utility bills

Recent utility bills in your company’s name proving your physical location.

Partnership deed (for firms) or proprietorship documents

Depends on your business structure. Bring whatever’s relevant.

Step-by-step PSEB registration process

Follow these simple steps to register your startup with PSEB through their online portal:

• Step 1: Create account on PSEB portal

Visit the official PSEB website and create your account. Keep your email accessible for verification.

• Step 2: Complete online application form

Fill out all required fields accurately and double-check details before proceeding.

• Step 3: Upload required documents

Scan and then upload all documents from your checklist. Use clear, readable PDF files.

• Step 4: Pay registration fee (Rs. 5,000–15,000)

Pay online through the portal. The fee depends on your company’s age and type.

• Step 5: Submit application for review

Submit your application and wait for PSEB’s verification team to review it.

• Step 6: Receive PSEB certificate (2–5 working days)

If approved, you’ll receive your PSEB certificate within a week, sometimes even faster.

Image source: Google Gemini

PSEB registration fees breakdown

Startup fee (less than 1 year old): Rs. 5,000

Brand new companies get the best deal. Just Rs. 5,000 for IT startup registration Pakistan.

Established company fee: Rs. 10,000-15,000

Companies older than a year pay between Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000, depending on the size.

Branch office registration: Rs. 5,000 per location

Each additional location needs separate registration at Rs. 5,000 per branch.

Annual renewal fees and timeline

You’ll need to renew annually. The process is simpler than initial registration, and fees are typically lower.

Common PSEB registration challenges and solutions

Non-filer status preventing approval

Become an active filer before applying. There’s no workaround here.

Lack of physical office address

Co-working spaces with proper documentation can work. Just ensure you have legitimate proof.

Missing or incomplete documentation

Create a checklist and verify everything before submission. One missing document delays the entire process.

Export revenue documentation for new startups

New startups without export history can still register. Just explain your business model and export plans clearly.

Conclusion

PSEB registration Pakistan isn’t complicated, but it requires proper preparation. The software house registration PSEB process takes under a week if you have your documents ready. With benefits like 100% tax exemption and international credibility, there’s zero reason to delay. Get your PSEB requirements for startups sorted, submit your application, and start enjoying those tax savings. Your future self will thank you when tax season rolls around.