A Simplified Guide on How to Change a Company Name with SECP in 2025
- The first step in changing the name of a company is to reserve the new name. You can reserve a name in two ways.
- Online using SECP Leap portal.
- Manual method (Download, fill, sign Form App-1 and submit it to the relevant CRO office)
- The online filing is not only easy but also less costly because the fee for manually filed is doubled then the online filing.
- While submitting the online application or filling the form manually, it is important to mentioned that the name reserved for the existing company.
- In case of online application, you have to enter the company’s incorporation number (CUIN), after which the system will automatically displayed the name of the company.
Name search and similarity
- After entering a new name online, the Leap portal will display all company names that are completely identical or partially similar to that name.
- The application can be filed if the name has partial match but for exact match it cannot be applied.
- However, the final decision is made by the Registrar, the system only p After entering a new name online, the Leap portal will display all company names that are completely identical or partially similar to that name.
- The application can be filed if the name has partial match but for exact match it cannot be applied. However, the final decision is made by the Registrar, the leap portal only for assistance.
Prohibited words
The prohibited words cannot be used in the company name. Here are the list of words and combinations that cannot not be used in the English or any of the languages
Federal Government or Provincial, Name suggesting association with any:
foreign government, political personality, Commission, Authority, Co-operative, Bureau, Division, Department, Undertaking, Municipal, Union, Republic, Nation, President, Governor, Prime Minister, Chief Minister.
Names of International bodies and abbreviations like United Nations, World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, IMF, Red Cross.
New/Modern/The/Al/International/Company/Co./Inc./Firm/Partnership/LLP/LLC/Proprietor/ Enterprise/Mills/Factory.
In addition to this The company name must be consistent with its Principal Line of Business.
For example, if the company name is ABC Construction and the business is Mining, then it cannot be used.
Meaning and Significance
If the proposed name is not a dictionary word and does not indicate any meaning words, then you have to provide its Name Significance along with an explanation of why this name was chosen and how it relates to the business.
Suggesting more than one name
It is recommended to suggest at least three names, so that if one name is not approved, another name can be used. This saves time because if an objection has been raised in any of the submitted process then the after the re-submission, the process will be in the queued process and take more time for approval than usual.
Second Step: Change / Rectification of Name
Once the name is reserved, the next step is file a separate process ‘’Change / Rectification of Name’’, which is available in SECP leap portal.
This process can only be filed if the name is reserved, if this process is open without reserving the name, the system will give an error, ‘’ No reserved name found. Please reserve name first to proceed’’
Reasons for change in name
The reasons for change in name required to be explained there are three reasons
Acquisition when a company purchased by another one Merger is the combination of two business in to one
Other if Acquisition or Merger are not the reasons then simple select ‘’other’’
Special Resolution (Form 26)
The company shall call an extra ordinary meeting (EGM) of the members and pass a Special Resolution by the three-fourths votes.
A minimum notice of 21 days is required for this special resolution, that is the difference between the date of issue of notice and date at which the meeting of board members is held must be 21 days.
However, if all the members agree to attend the meeting, a notice of shorter period can also be issued especially if the matter is of an urgent nature.
While filing the form, both the date of issue of the notice and the date of holding the meeting are required to entered.
Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association.
It will also be necessary to update the new name in both the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association. (MOA & AOA)
If the company was registered online using SECP e services or leap portal, then these documents will be updated automatically.
However, if the company was not registered online then the updated Memorandum and Articles will have to be uploaded manually.
To do this the current MOA & AOA will have to download then editing by adding the new name and uploading it again to the system.
This process usually necessary for companies whose are registered 10–15 years ago, as the online service was not available at that time.
How to obtain MOA & AOA Copy :
If the copies of Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association. (MOA & AOA) is not available then the application for certified true copy (CTC) can also be filed.
Currently certified true copy (CTC) is available at the relevant CRO (Company Regional Offices for physically visitors only. (Online Facility not available)
Affidavit
In addition, a Declaration / Affidavit will also file by the Chief Executive, in which shall state that:
The name of company is change from ‘’Old Name’’ to ‘’New Name’’.
The facts mentioned in the change of name process are correct.
And the affidavit must duly have signed by an oath commissioner and shall attach/upload this attested affidavit when filing the process online.
Submission of process and approval from SECP
After uploading all these documents, the final step is the submission.
To submit, all the directors of the company will be required to log in to the portal and approve the process.
The process will not be available for submission to the authorized officer of the company until all the directors give their approval by entering their PIN codes.
After submitting the process, the SECP officer will review all the documents and the process will be approve and a certificate is also issue by the SECP.
And in case of any objection raised an observation letter will be issue and asking for removal of objection.
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