For any Association of Persons (AOP) in Pakistan with ten or more employees, registration with the Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) is a mandatory legal requirement. This ensures that your employees are covered under the government's social security net, providing them with a pension upon retirement, among other benefits.
The Registration Process: A Step-by-Step Approach
The registration of an AOP with the EOBI is a physical process that requires visiting the relevant EOBI Regional Office. Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:
Step 1: Fulfill the Pre-requisites
Before initiating the EOBI registration, your AOP must be formally registered with the relevant government bodies:
- Registration with the Registrar of Firms: Your AOP must be registered under the Partnership Act, 1932, with the Registrar of Firms in the city/district where your business is located. You will receive a Form C or a registration certificate.
- National Tax Number (NTN) from FBR: Your AOP must have an NTN issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
While the EOBI does not provide a specific checklist for AOPs online, based on the requirements for other business types and the necessary legal framework, you will most likely need the following documents:
- EOBI Employer Registration Form (PR-01): This is the primary application form for employer registration. It can be obtained from the EOBI's regional office.
- Copy of Partnership Deed: A certified copy of the partnership agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the AOP.
- Copy of Firm's Registration Certificate (Form C): Proof of your AOP's registration with the Registrar of Firms.
- Copy of NTN Certificate of the AOP: Proof of your AOP's registration with the FBR.
- Copies of CNICs of all Partners: The Computerized National Identity Cards of all partners in the AOP.
- List of Employees: A list of all employees on the AOP's payroll, including their full names, CNIC numbers, dates of appointment, and monthly wages.
- Employee Registration Forms (PE-01): A duly filled and signed PE-01 form for each employee. This form includes the employee's personal and employment details.
- Covering Letter: A letter on the AOP's letterhead addressed to the concerned Regional Head of EOBI, requesting for the registration of the AOP and its employees.
- Bank Account Maintenance Certificate: A certificate from the bank confirming the AOP's business bank account.
- Copy of Tenancy Agreement/Proof of Ownership of Business Premises: To verify the business address.
- Copy of a recent utility bill of the business premises.
Step 3: Submission at the EOBI Regional Office
Visit the EOBI Regional Office that has jurisdiction over your business's location. Submit the complete set of documents to the concerned officials. It is advisable to keep a copy of all submitted documents for your records.
Step 4: Verification and Issuance of Registration Certificate
The EOBI officials will verify the submitted documents. Upon successful verification, the EOBI will register the AOP and issue a Certificate of Registration (Form PI-02). Each registered employee will be issued an EOBI Registration Card (PI-03), which will be sent to the employer for distribution.
Monthly Contributions: Once registered, the AOP is legally obligated to make monthly contributions for each of its employees. The contribution rates are a percentage of the minimum wages prescribed by the government. As of the current regulations, the rates are:
- Employer's Share: 5% of the minimum wage.
- Employee's Share: 1% of the minimum wage.
The AOP is responsible for deducting the employee's share from their salary and depositing the total contribution (both employer and employee shares) to the designated bank of the EOBI by the 15th of every month.