To register a business for your Shopify store in Pakistan, you need to first choose a business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, or company), then register it with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) by providing necessary documentation like your CNIC, business name, and address and finally, set up a business bank account to manage your Shopify store finances; remember to also comply with local tax regulations by registering with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for tax purposes. In this thorough article, our Tashheer research team has compiled all the steps to register a business for your Shopify store in Pakistan.

Grow Your Business with Shopify its Features & Benefits

Shopify is a popular online platform that helps people and businesses create and manage their own online stores. It is easy to use, even for those without technical skills. Shopify offers different pricing plans, starting at $29 per month, making it suitable for both small businesses and large companies. With Shopify, users can add products, accept payments and use marketing tools to grow their business. It also supports selling on social media and in physical stores through its point-of-sale system. Entrepreneurs in Pakistan can use Shopify to start their online stores quickly and efficiently.

The Rise of Shopify in Pakistan Empowering Entrepreneurs in Digital Commerce

Shopify is becoming more popular in Pakistan with over 30,000 active stores using the platform to sell products online. It provides easy-to-use tools like customizable website themes, various payment options and local payment integrations like JazzCash and EasyPaisa. Although Shopify Payments is not available in Pakistan, sellers can use third-party payment solutions as an alternative. As more businesses explore e-commerce, Shopify is helping Pakistani entrepreneurs sell their products both locally and internationally.

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Step by Step Guide to Setting Up Your Shopify Store

In this guide, we have outlined each step you need to follow to successfully create and launch your Shopify store. From signing up and selecting a plan to customizing your store, adding products, and setting up payments, this step-by-step process will help you start selling online with ease.

Choose a Business Structure

Decide whether you want to operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership or private limited company based on your needs and scale of business. Before registering your business, you must decide on its structure. In Pakistan, you can choose from the following options:

• Sole Proprietorship is Ideal for small businesses, where the owner and business are legally the same entity.
• Partnership is suitable for businesses with multiple owners.
• Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) is best for scalability and credibility, requiring registration with the Securities.
• Limited Liability Partnership is a hybrid structure that provides liability

Register Your Business Name

Registering your business name is an important step in establishing your Shopify store legally. The process varies depending on your chosen business structure. Choose a unique business name that is not already in use. To register your business name on Shopify, simply enter your desired business name when creating your Shopify account; this name will be associated with your online store. While your Shopify store name can be different from your legal business name, it’s recommended to use a similar name for brand consistency. 

Obtain National Tax Number

Ensure your business is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). This is a vital step in legitimizing your operations. Stay informed about the e-commerce policy framework set by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. Understanding these regulations will help you operate within legal boundaries. To obtain a National Tax Number (NTN) you need to follow these steps, mentioned below:

Steps	Details
Visit the FBR e-Portal	Go to www.fbr.gov.pk and create an account.
Apply for NTN	Submit an application for a National Tax Number (NTN), which serves as proof of business registration.
Provide Required Details	Enter your CNIC, business address, and nature of business in the application form.
Approval & Issuance	Once approved, you will receive an NTN certificate, officially legitimizing your business.

Sales Tax Registration (If required)

Sales tax registration is necessary for businesses exceeding a specific turnover threshold or those involved in taxable goods and services. If your business turnover exceeds PKR 10 million per year, you must register for Sales Tax (STRN) with FBR. Plus, if you are providing services, you may need to register with provincial tax authorities such as:

• Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA)
• Sindh Revenue Board (SRB)
•  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority (KPRA)
• Balochistan Revenue Authority (BRA)

To Register for Sales Tax you may follow these few steps listed as

• Visit FBR e-portal (www.fbr.gov.pk) and log in.
• Apply for Sales Tax Registration (STRN) by filling out the online form.
• Provide required documents, including:
• NTN certificate
• Business address proof
• Bank account details
• Submit the application and await verification by FBR.
• Once approved, you will receive a Sales Tax Registration Number (STRN), allowing you to legally collect and remit sales tax.

How to Open a Business Bank Account for Your Shopify Store in Pakistan

Here we have mention the business bank account for your shopify store in Pakistan

Step	Details
Open a Business Bank Account	Separates personal and business finances, simplifies bookkeeping, tax filing, and ensures transparency.
Benefits	Helps in managing financial transactions, receiving Shopify payments, and supporting international transactions.
Required Documents	NTN certificate, business registration certificate (if applicable), CNIC, proof of business address, partnership deed (for partnerships), incorporation documents (for Pvt Ltd companies).
Where to Open	Any commercial bank in Pakistan. Choose one that supports international transactions for global Shopify sales.
Process	Visit the bank, submit required documents, complete the application, and activate the account.

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Get a Payment Gateway for Shopify

To receive payments on Shopify, you need a reliable payment gateway. Integrate local payment gateways that support cash on delivery (COD) and bank transfers. This serves local customer preferences. Local Payment Gateways are JazzCash, EasyPaisa and Bank Alfalah Payment Gateway. For international sales, you can use Payoneer or 2Checkout but these require a USD account. Choosing the right payment gateway ensures smooth transactions, increases customer trust, and helps your business grow by providing multiple payment options to your buyers.

Compliance with E-Commerce Laws

Adhere to consumer rights laws to ensure fair and transparent business practices. This includes clear return policies and customer service standards. Be aware of the legalities surrounding digital content, including copyrights and trademarks, to avoid potential legal issues. Familiarize yourself with import and export laws if you plan to deal with international shipments. This is crucial for compliance and smooth operations.

Keep Proper Accounting & File Taxes

Maintaining accurate financial records is essential for managing your Shopify store efficiently and ensuring compliance with tax regulations in Pakistan. You should keep track of all income, expenses and transactions related to your business. Proper accounting helps you monitor profits, manage cash flow, and prepare for tax filings. To stay compliant, you must file annual tax returns with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and pay any applicable taxes including income tax and sales tax (if registered for STRN). Failure to do so may result in penalties. Using accounting software or hiring a professional accountant can simplify bookkeeping, ensuring your financial records are accurate and up to date.

How to Hunt Products for Shopify in Pakistan

To successfully find products for your Shopify store in Pakistan, follow these simple strategies:

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