📄 How to Get NTN Certificate Online Pakistan 2026

🔍 What is NTN (National Tax Number)?

NTN (National Tax Number) is a unique identification number issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to taxpayers in Pakistan. It links your identity to the tax system and is commonly required when you:

• ✅ File income tax returns
• ✅ Open business bank accounts
• ✅ Register a company or partnership
• ✅ Receive regular foreign payments as a freelancer or consultant
• ✅ Complete certain property transactions
• ✅ Register or transfer higher‑value vehicles
• ✅ Apply for government contracts and tenders

📋 Documents Required for NTN Registration

For Individuals

• 📱 Valid CNIC (original card or a clear copy)
• 📧 Working email address
• 📞 Active mobile number in your own name, where possible
• 🏠 Residential address details; supporting proof can be helpful

For Businesses/Companies

• 📄 Company or firm registration certificate where applicable
• 📝 Memorandum and Articles of Association or partnership deed
• 👥 CNIC copies of directors, partners or proprietors
• 🏢 Business address and supporting proof such as utility bill or rent agreement
• 🏦 Basic bank account details for the business

🚀 How to Get NTN Online – Step by Step

Step 1: Visit FBR IRIS Portal

1. Go to the official IRIS address: iris.fbr.gov.pk.
2. Click on "Registration" in the top menu.
3. Select "Register as Taxpayer" to open the online form.

Step 2: Fill the Registration Form

Personal Information

• CNIC Number: Enter the 13‑digit CNIC without dashes.
• Full Name: Exactly as written on your CNIC.
• Father's or Husband's Name: As per CNIC record.
• Date of Birth: Match the CNIC date to avoid mismatches.
• Gender: Select the appropriate option from the list.

Contact Details

• Mobile Number: Use an active number you control because OTP codes will be sent here.
• Email Address: Provide a working email that you check regularly.
• Residential Address: Enter your current address including city and postal code.

Taxpayer Type

• Select "Individual" if you are registering for yourself only.
• Select "Association of Persons (AOP)" for partnerships and certain joint setups.
• Select "Company" for incorporated entities.

Step 3: Verify Your Mobile and Email

1. Enter the OTP (One‑Time Password) received on your mobile.
2. Click "Verify Mobile" and wait for the confirmation message.
3. Check your email inbox for the verification code; also look in spam or junk folders.
4. Enter the email verification code and click "Verify Email".

Step 4: Create a Secure Password

• Choose a password with at least eight characters.
• Include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and a special character.
• For example: MyPass@123 (do not use this exact example in real life).
• Confirm the password by re‑typing it and store it in a safe place or a password manager.

Step 5: Submit the Form and Generate NTN

1. Review all details on the screen for spelling, CNIC digits and contact information.
2. Click "Submit" to complete the online registration request.
3. Once processed, your NTN will be issued in the system; for individuals, the NTN number usually matches your CNIC.
4. You will be able to view and download a registration certificate in PDF format.
5. Login credentials and confirmation messages are generally sent to your registered email.

🖨️ How to Download NTN Certificate

Method 1: Right After Registration

• On successful registration, a certificate preview is typically available.
• Use the "Download" or "Print" button to save the PDF.
• Keep both a soft copy and a printed copy for future bank or office requirements.

Method 2: Login to IRIS Portal

1. Visit iris.fbr.gov.pk and choose "Login".
2. Enter your NTN/CNIC and the password you created.
3. Go to "Registration" → "View Registration".
4. Use the "Print/Download Certificate" option to get a fresh copy.

Method 3: Request at FBR Office

• Visit your nearest FBR Regional Tax Office (RTO) during working hours.
• Carry your original CNIC and any earlier correspondence if available.
• Ask the helpdesk to print your NTN registration certificate; staff usually provide a copy after basic verification.

✅ How to Check if Your NTN Is Active

Online Verification

1. Open the FBR verification page at e.fbr.gov.pk/esbn/.
2. Select "NTN Verification" from the options.
3. Enter your NTN or CNIC number and any required captcha text.
4. Click "Verify" to see the registration status and basic profile.

Verification via SMS

• Compose an SMS in the format: NTN [Your CNIC] (without brackets).
• Send it to short code 9966 (standard SMS charges may apply).
• You should receive a reply showing basic NTN information and status.

💰 NTN Registration Fee

🔐 After Getting NTN – What Comes Next?

1. Activate Income Tax Registration

• Log in to the IRIS portal with your NTN/CNIC and password.
• Go to "Registration" → "Tax Registration".
• Select "Income Tax" and submit the form.
• Keep an eye on your email or IRIS messages for confirmation of activation.

2. Inform Your Bank

• Provide your NTN to your bank so it can be linked with your accounts.
• This helps banks report tax deductions correctly and may be needed for certain transactions.

3. Update Your FBR Profile

• Review and update contact details if they change in the future.
• Add business information if you start or formalise a business activity.
• Ensure email and mobile numbers remain current for future OTPs and alerts.

❓ Common Problems and Practical Solutions

Problem	Suggested Action
"CNIC already registered" message	Use the "Forgot Password" option to recover an existing account instead of trying to create a new one.
Portal not loading properly	Clear browser cache, switch to Chrome or Firefox, or test from a different internet connection.
OTP not arriving	Wait a few minutes, verify the number format, and use any resend option. If still stuck, contact the helpline.
Certificate download fails	Disable popup blockers for the site, try another browser, or log in from a different device.
Forgotten IRIS password	Use "Forgot Password" on the login page and reset it via email or SMS verification.

📞 FBR Help and Support Channels

⏰ Typical NTN Registration Timeline

• ✅ Online account creation and registration form: Usually completed within a few minutes if information is ready.
• ✅ Certificate visibility in IRIS: Often available shortly after successful submission.
• ✅ Income tax registration activation: May take a short review period, for example one to two working days.
• ✅ Additional registrations such as sales tax: Can involve longer processing and separate checks.

⚖️ Educational Disclaimer

This article is an educational guide that explains the general process of obtaining an NTN certificate in Pakistan. Procedures, timelines and system behaviour can change through official updates, technical issues or policy revisions.

It does not replace official instructions or personalised professional advice. For complex situations, business structures or technical errors that do not resolve with basic troubleshooting, consider contacting FBR directly or consulting a qualified tax adviser.

📚 Related Guides

• Freelancer Tax Guide Pakistan 2026
• How to File Income Tax Return
• Tax Exemptions in Pakistan
• Complete Income Tax Guide 2026