Home / Blog / NTN Number Pakistan
NTN Number Pakistan: What It Is & How to Get One
Your complete guide to NTN registration in Pakistan — what the number means, who needs one, how to register on IRIS for free, and how to verify your NTN online.
IN THIS GUIDE
1.What is an NTN?2.Who needs an NTN in Pakistan?3.Individual vs business NTN4.How to register for NTN on IRIS5.Documents required6.How to check & verify your NTN7.FAQ1. What Is an NTN (National Tax Number)?
An NTN — National Tax Number — is a unique identifier issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to every registered taxpayer in Pakistan. It is Pakistan's equivalent of a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and is used across all tax-related dealings: filing income tax returns, paying taxes, registering for sales tax, importing/exporting goods, and opening corporate bank accounts.
For individuals, your 13-digit CNIC is your NTN. FBR does not issue a separate number — you just need to register on IRIS FBR using your CNIC.
For businesses (companies and AOPs), FBR issues a distinct 7-digit NTN after you complete registration on IRIS.
2. Who Needs an NTN in Pakistan?
The following are common cases where NTN registration or filing is typically required. Exact legal obligations depend on your income profile and current law — consult a tax professional if your situation is complex:
Salaried individual earning above PKR 600,000/year
Your CNIC is your NTN. Register on IRIS to file returns and maintain ATL status.
Freelancer earning income locally or from abroad
Required to register and file annually, even if final tax is withheld at source.
Business owner or sole proprietor
Must register for NTN before opening a business bank account or filing returns.
Company or AOP (Association of Persons)
A separate 7-digit NTN is issued after SECP/deed registration and IRIS enrollment.
Anyone importing or exporting goods
Customs clearance at Pakistan's ports requires a valid NTN.
Anyone registering for Sales Tax (STRN)
Sales tax registration is a separate step but requires an NTN first.
3. Individual vs Business NTN — Key Differences
4. How to Register for NTN on IRIS — Step by Step
Registration is entirely online at iris.fbr.gov.pk. It is free. Straightforward individual registrations can complete in about 15 minutes.
Go to IRIS and click Registration for Unregistered Person
On the IRIS login screen, look for the "Registration for Unregistered Person" link (not the main login form). This opens the new registration form without requiring an existing account.
Enter your CNIC and contact details
Fill in your 13-digit CNIC, full name (as on CNIC), mobile number registered with NADRA, and email address. An OTP will be sent to your mobile — enter it to verify.
Complete your taxpayer profile
Select your taxpayer type (Individual — Salaried, Individual — Business, AOP, or Company). Enter your address, income type, and business details if applicable.
Upload required documents
Upload scanned copies of your CNIC (front and back). For businesses, also upload your SECP incorporation certificate or partnership deed.
Submit and wait for FBR verification
Click Submit. Individual CNIC-based registrations may be approved quickly; business and AOP registrations requiring document review can take longer. You receive a confirmation email once approved.
Download your NTN certificate
Log in to IRIS after approval. Find the NTN certificate option in your profile or registration section and download the official PDF. This is your proof of NTN registration.
Already registered on IRIS?If you've previously filed a tax return or registered with FBR, you already have an NTN. Use the “Forgot Password” option on IRIS to recover access rather than registering again.
5. Documents Required for NTN Registration
Individuals (Salaried & Freelancers)
CNIC (front and back)
Scanned copy — must be valid and not expired.
Mobile number registered with NADRA
Required for OTP verification. Must match NADRA records.
Active email address
FBR sends your confirmation and NTN certificate here.
Home address
Current residential address — must match your CNIC address or have supporting proof.
Companies
SECP Certificate of Incorporation
Issued when your company was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.
Form-III / Form-A submitted to SECP
Lists the directors and their shareholding.
CNICs of all directors
Each director who is not already an NTN holder must also register individually.
Company letterhead / bank account certificate
Shows proof of business address and banking relationship.
AOP (Association of Persons / Partnerships)
Partnership deed
Signed agreement listing all partners, their shares, and business activities.
CNICs of all partners
Each partner who is not already NTN-registered must apply individually.
Bank account maintenance certificate
Certificate from bank showing account in the name of the AOP.
Proof of business premises
Utility bill, lease agreement, or ownership document for the business address.
6. How to Check & Verify Your NTN Online
If you're not sure whether you already have an NTN registered with FBR, use any of these methods:
Go to fbr.gov.pk → Taxpayer Verification → enter your CNIC. Your registered taxpayer details appear if you're in the system.
Log in to iris.fbr.gov.pk. Your NTN/registration number appears in your profile. For individuals, it will show your CNIC as the NTN.
Inside IRIS, look for the NTN Certificate option in your profile or registration section to download the official PDF showing your NTN and taxpayer category.
Having an NTN does notautomatically mean you're on the Active Taxpayer List. To appear on the ATL and get lower withholding tax rates, you also need to file your annual income tax return by FBR's announced deadline (officially September 30, though FBR has extended this in past years — check fbr.gov.pk for the current date). See our guide on how to become a tax filer in Pakistan for the full process.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
RELATED GUIDES
Got your NTN — now what?
TaxCopilot files your FBR return for you automatically — no IRIS headaches, no confusing forms.