Company Registration India
at Just ₹1800/- + GST

What Is Company Registration?

Company registration is the legal process of incorporating a business entity under the Companies Act, 2013, giving it a separate legal identity in the eyes of the law. Once registered, the company can own assets, enter contracts, sue or be sued, and continue to exist independently of its founders or directors.

In India, this entire process falls under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), which administers the Companies Act and runs the MCA portal - the digital platform where all company formation, name registration, and incorporation filings take place. Every approved company receives a unique Corporate Identification Number (CIN), along with PAN and TAN, once the Registrar of Companies (RoC) issues the Certificate of Incorporation.

When you register a company in India, everything routes through the MCA - making it a single, centralised, fully online system for company formation across the country. There is no need to visit a local office; the entire company registration online process can be completed from anywhere.

Public Limited Company Registration

A public limited company registration, also called corporation registration, is suited for larger businesses that intend to raise capital from the general public through shares listed on a stock exchange. It requires a minimum of three directors and seven shareholders, and comes with significantly higher compliance requirements than a private limited company.

If you want to register a corporation that will eventually list publicly, this structure is the path to take.

One Person Company (OPC) Registration

An OPC registration allows a single individual to incorporate a company with limited liability protection - something a sole proprietorship cannot offer. It is a good middle ground for solo entrepreneurs who want the legal protection of a company without needing a co-founder or second shareholder.

LLP Registration (Limited Liability Partnership)

An LLP registration or LLC registration (in Indian context, a Limited Liability Partnership) combines the flexibility of a traditional partnership with the limited liability protection of a company. Partners are not personally liable beyond their agreed contribution, and compliance requirements are lighter than a private limited company - making it popular among professional firms, consultants, and service-based businesses.

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship firm registration is the simplest way to start a business, but it has no separate legal identity from its owner - meaning personal assets are exposed to business liabilities. It is not 'company registration' in the legal sense, but it is often the entry point for very small businesses or freelancers before they consider moving to an LLP or private limited structure.

Section 8 Company Registration (Non-Profit)

A Section 8 company registration is for organisations formed with charitable or non-profit purposes - such as promoting education, art, science, or social welfare. Profits are reinvested into the company's objectives rather than distributed to members. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs provides a special licence for this structure under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Business Name Registration and Brand Name Registration

When you register business name through the MCA SPICe+ process, the Central Registration Centre checks your proposed company name registration against existing names and trademarks. You can propose up to two names; approval is usually processed within 1–2 working days.

Brand name registration is a separate process handled under the Trade Marks Act through the Intellectual Property India (IPI) portal. A registered company name (through MCA) and a registered trademark (through IPI) serve different legal purposes. Your company name protects the corporate entity; your trademark protects the brand as used in commerce. Many founders do both - company name registration through MCA and trademark registration through IPI - for complete protection.

Your registered office address also forms part of the company's official record with the MCA. Every company must maintain a valid registered office in India throughout its existence.

Benefits of Company Registration

• Legal identity: A registered company is recognised as a separate legal entity, distinct from its owners or directors.
• Limited liability: Personal assets of shareholders or partners stay protected from business debts and legal claims.
• Funding opportunities: Investors, venture capital firms, and banks are far more comfortable funding a registered company than an informal business.
• Brand trust: Clients, vendors, and partners trust a registered business more, since it signals accountability and longevity.
• Tax benefits: Registered companies can access deductions, exemptions, and structured tax planning options not available to unregistered businesses.
• Bank account and payment gateway access: Most banks and payment gateways require a registered company with a valid CIN and PAN.
• Government tenders and contracts: Only registered companies can bid for government tenders and enter large corporate contracts.

Eligibility Criteria for Company Registration

Before you register a company, make sure you meet the basic requirements:

• Minimum members: A private limited company needs at least 2 shareholders (maximum 200), a public limited company needs at least 7, and an OPC needs just 1.
• Director rules: A private limited company needs a minimum of 2 directors, a public limited company needs at least 3, and at least one director must be a resident of India.
• PAN/Aadhaar requirement: All Indian directors and subscribers must have a valid PAN and Aadhaar for identity verification on the MCA portal.
• Registered office requirement: Every company must have a registered office address in India, supported by a recent utility bill (not older than two months) and, where applicable, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner.
• Age requirement: Directors must be at least 18 years old. No upper age limit applies for private limited companies.

Documents Required for Company Registration

PAN Card

Mandatory for all Indian directors and shareholders, used for identity verification during the application.

Aadhaar Card

Required alongside PAN for KYC verification of directors and subscribers.

Address Proof

Recent bank statement, utility bill, or government-issued document confirming the director's residential address.

Passport-Size Photo

Required for each proposed director and subscriber as part of the incorporation form.

Utility Bill (Registered Office Proof)

A recent electricity, water, or gas bill (within the last two months) for the registered office address, along with a rent agreement or NOC if the property is not owned by the company.

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Every proposed director must obtain a Class 3 DSC, which is used to digitally sign incorporation forms on the MCA portal. Without a valid DSC, the application cannot be submitted.

For Foreign Nationals

A valid passport serves as identity proof. Other documents such as address proof from the country of residence must be notarised and apostilled as required.

Step-by-Step Company Registration Process (Online MCA Portal)

Step 1: DSC Application

Get a Digital Signature Certificate for every proposed director. This typically takes 1–2 working days and requires PAN, Aadhaar, a passport-size photo, and a valid email and mobile number.

Step 2: DIN (Director Identification Number)

Every director needs a unique DIN. For new companies, SPICe+ allows DIN allotment for up to 3 first-time directors directly within the incorporation form - no separate application needed in most cases.

Step 3: Company Name Registration (SPICe+ Part A)

You propose up to two preferred names through SPICe+ Part A for company name registration and register business name approval. The Central Registration Centre checks these against existing company names and trademarks. Approval usually takes 1–2 working days.

Step 4: MCA Form Filing (SPICe+ Part B)

Once your name is approved, complete SPICe+ Part B with company details, registered office information, director and subscriber details, and capital structure. This is filed alongside eMOA (INC-33), eAOA (INC-34), and AGILE-PRO-S (for GST, EPFO, ESIC, and bank account opening). All directors must sign using their DSC before submission.

Step 5: Certificate of Incorporation

Once the Registrar of Companies verifies your documents, the Certificate of Incorporation (CoI) is issued - complete with your company's CIN, PAN, and TAN. This officially completes your company incorporation under Indian law.

Private Limited Company Registration – Detailed Breakdown

Private limited company registration remains the go-to choice for most founders because it offers limited liability, a credible legal structure for fundraising, and manageable compliance compared to a public limited company.

Why Private Limited Is Most Popular:

• Easier to raise funding from investors and venture capital firms
• Limited liability protection for all shareholders
• Separate legal identity that survives changes in ownership or directorship
• Easier to attract and retain employees through ESOPs
• Most preferred structure by banks for business loans and credit lines

Step-by-Step Checklist:

• Obtain DSC for all proposed directors
• Apply for DIN through SPICe+ (for new directors)
• Reserve company name via SPICe+ Part A
• File SPICe+ Part B with company and director details
• Submit eMOA, eAOA, and AGILE-PRO-S forms
• Pay applicable government fees and stamp duty
• Receive Certificate of Incorporation from the RoC

Timeline: With accurate documentation and no resubmission queries, a private limited company registration online typically takes 7 to 15 working days from DSC application to Certificate of Incorporation.

LLP Registration Process in India

An LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) is governed by the LLP Act, 2008. It blends the flexibility of a traditional partnership with limited liability protection - making it a strong choice for professional services firms, consultants, and small-to-mid-sized businesses that do not need the complexity of a private limited structure. In the context of global business, it is equivalent to LLC registration or register LLC in other jurisdictions.

LLP Registration Process:

• Obtain DSC for designated partners
• Apply for Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN) through the FiLLiP form
• Reserve the LLP name using RUN-LLP service on the MCA portal
• File Form FiLLiP for incorporation, including registered office and partner details
• Draft and file the LLP Agreement via Form 3 within 30 days of incorporation

LLP vs Private Limited Company:

• Lower compliance burden - no mandatory board meetings or extensive annual filings
• No minimum capital requirement
• Lower registration and maintenance costs compared to a private limited company
• Not suitable for businesses planning to raise equity funding, since LLPs cannot issue shares

OPC Registration Process

A One Person Company lets a single founder enjoy limited liability and a separate legal identity without needing a second shareholder or director. The registration process closely follows the standard SPICe+ route - DSC, DIN, name approval, and form filing all apply.

Who Should Choose OPC:

• Solo entrepreneurs and consultants who want liability protection but do not need a co-founder
• Small business owners transitioning from a proprietorship who want a more credible legal structure
• Founders not currently planning to raise external equity funding, since OPCs have restrictions on conversion and fundraising

Company Registration Fees in India 2026

Government Fees

For private limited companies with authorised capital up to Rs. 15 lakh, the SPICe+ filing fee (INC-32) is currently nil. DIN allotment for the first three directors through SPICe+ carries no separate government fee. PAN, TAN, and linked registrations like EPFO and ESIC are also processed without separate charges through SPICe+.

For LLPs, government fees through Form FiLLiP range broadly between Rs. 500 and Rs. 25,000 depending on total capital contribution of the partners.

Professional Charges

Most founders prefer hiring a CA, CS, or a company registration service to handle documentation, filing, and follow-up with the Registrar. Professional charges for company registration in India typically range from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 15,000 or more for a private limited company, depending on the service provider, authorised capital, and what is included (post-incorporation compliance, GST registration, bank account assistance, etc.).

State-Wise Stamp Duty Variation

Stamp duty on the MoA and AoA varies by state and is calculated based on authorised capital, which means the total company registration cost can differ depending on where your registered office is located.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

• DSC renewal charges (typically every 2 years)
• Notary or stamp paper costs for agreements - especially for LLPs
• Registered agent or virtual office charges if you do not have a physical address
• Professional fees for INC-20A (commencement of business declaration) filing
• Statutory auditor appointment fees within 30 days of incorporation

How Long Does Company Registration Take?

Average Timeline

With complete documentation and no queries from the Registrar, a private limited company registration online usually takes 7 to 15 working days. LLP registration through FiLLiP often follows a similar window, sometimes slightly faster once the name is approved.

Common Reasons for Delay

• Name rejected due to similarity with an existing company or trademark
• Mismatched PAN, Aadhaar, or address details across documents
• Utility bill or NOC older than the permitted 2-month window
• Incomplete or improperly DSC-affixed forms
• Resubmission requests from the Registrar not addressed within the given window (usually 15 days)

How to Register a Company Online Through the MCA Portal

SPICe+ Form Explained

SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) is the integrated web form on the MCA portal that combines name reservation, company incorporation, DIN allotment, and PAN/TAN registration - and optionally GST, EPFO, ESIC, and bank account opening - into a single application. It is the standard route for anyone looking to register a new company or register a company online in India today.

Portal Steps Overview:

• Create a business user account on the MCA portal for each director and the filing professional
• Link your DSC to the portal account
• File SPICe+ Part A for company name registration and name reservation
• Once approved, file SPICe+ Part B along with linked forms (eMOA, eAOA, AGILE-PRO-S)
• Pay applicable fees and stamp duty online via UPI, net banking, or card payment
• Track your Service Request Number (SRN) for application status until Certificate of Incorporation is issued

Common Mistakes on the MCA Portal

• Confusing RUN (used only for name changes) with SPICe+ Part A (used for new company registration)
• Not realising DIN is capped at 2-3 first-time directors through SPICe+
• Missing the window to file SPICe+ Part B after Part A approval, causing the application to lapse

What to Do After Company Registration

PAN and TAN

Both are issued automatically along with your Certificate of Incorporation when registering through SPICe+, so no separate application is needed in most cases.

Bank Account Opening

Most banks offer integrated account opening through the AGILE-PRO-S form in the SPICe+ process, though you can also open a current account separately using your Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, and board resolution.

GST Registration

If your turnover crosses the prescribed threshold, or you plan to sell on e-commerce platforms or supply across states, you will need to apply for GST registration - whether for a sole proprietorship, partnership firm, or private limited company.

Mandatory Post-Incorporation Compliance

• File Form INC-20A (commencement of business declaration) within 180 days
• Appoint a statutory auditor within 30 days of incorporation
• Maintain statutory registers and hold board meetings as required
• LLPs: file Form 3 (LLP Agreement) within 30 days and stay on top of Form 11 and Form 8 annual filings

Private Limited Company vs LLP vs OPC – Comparison

Common Mistakes During Company Registration

• Wrong name selection: Choosing a name too similar to an existing company or trademark, leading to rejection.
• Document mismatch: Inconsistent spelling, addresses, or dates of birth across PAN, Aadhaar, and other submitted documents.
• Wrong business activity code: Selecting an inaccurate industry or activity classification, which creates complications with tax registrations.
• Address issues: Using an outdated utility bill, missing NOC from the property owner, or providing an address that does not match supporting documents.
• Not registering the business name as a trademark: MCA registration protects the corporate name but does not protect your brand in the market.
• Ignoring post-incorporation filings: Many founders complete the registration but miss INC-20A or the auditor appointment, resulting in penalties.

Business Structure: Which One Should You Choose?

What's the difference between Private Limited, OPC, LLP, and Partnership?

These four structures sit on a spectrum from simplest/least-protected to most formal/most-protected:

• Partnership Firm: two or more people run the business together, but there's no separation between the partners and the business - personal assets are at risk if the business runs into debt. Minimal compliance, but minimal protection too.
• One Person Company (OPC): a single founder gets the legal protection of a company structure - limited liability and a separate legal identity - without needing a co-founder. You're required to appoint a nominee who would take over if something happens to you.
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): blends a partnership's flexibility with limited liability protection. Needs at least two partners, has lighter compliance than a Private Limited Company, and is popular with consulting and professional service businesses.
• Private Limited Company: the most recognised structure for funded startups. Needs at least two directors and two shareholders, offers full limited liability, and is generally the easiest structure for raising equity investment because investors are familiar with it and ESOPs are straightforward to issue.

The right choice usually comes down to whether you plan to raise outside funding (Private Limited is the default investor expectation), whether you're a solo founder (OPC fits naturally), or whether you want low compliance with shared ownership (LLP).

Which type of company should I choose for my business?

There's no universal right answer here, but a few questions can point you in the right direction:

• Are you planning to raise venture capital or angel investment? Go with Private Limited Company. Investors overwhelmingly prefer this structure because it supports easy share issuance and ESOPs.
• Are you a solo founder who still wants limited liability? An OPC gives you that protection without needing a co-founder, though note it cannot have more than one member, which limits future fundraising.
• Is this a professional services business (consulting, design, agency work) with a partner? An LLP often makes sense - lower compliance burden, limited liability, and no minimum capital requirement.
• Is this a small, low-risk business you're testing out, with no urgency for formal structure? A sole proprietorship (not technically a 'company') might be enough to start, though it offers no liability protection.

A good rule of thumb: if you can see yourself approaching investors within the next two to three years, register as a Private Limited Company from day one rather than converting later, since conversion adds its own paperwork and cost.

What is the eligibility for OPC (One Person Company) registration?

OPC registration has fairly specific eligibility rules under the Companies Act, 2013:

• Sole member must be a natural person - not a company, LLP, or any other artificial legal entity.
• Indian citizenship required - including NRIs who are Indian citizens, following recent rule changes that opened this up. Foreign nationals cannot incorporate or be a member of an OPC.
• Only one OPC per person - an individual can be a member of just one OPC at a time, whether as the sole member or as a nominee for someone else's OPC.
• A nominee is mandatory - someone who agrees to step in as the member if you pass away or become incapacitated. The nominee must also be an Indian citizen.
• Certain sectors are excluded - banking, insurance, and other investment-based financial services businesses cannot be structured as an OPC.
• Minimum authorised capital is ₹1 lakh, though there's no minimum paid-up capital requirement, so you don't need to actually deposit that amount upfront.

One limitation worth knowing upfront: an OPC cannot later add more members to raise equity funding without converting to a Private Limited Company first, so if rapid scaling is part of your plan, factor that in early.

Sole proprietorship vs Private Limited - which is better?

This depends entirely on what stage your business is at and how much risk you're carrying.

A sole proprietorship is the fastest and cheapest way to start - there's no separate registration with the MCA, just GST and possibly Shop & Establishment registration depending on your state. The catch is that there's no legal separation between you and the business: if the business takes on debt or faces a lawsuit, your personal assets (your house, your savings) are on the line.

A Private Limited Company costs more to set up and comes with ongoing compliance - annual returns, board meetings, audited accounts - but it gives you limited liability, meaning your personal assets are protected beyond your investment in shares. It also looks more credible to banks, larger clients, and especially investors.

A practical way to think about it: if you're testing an idea with low financial exposure and few external clients, a proprietorship is a reasonable place to start. The moment you're taking on real liability - signing larger contracts, hiring employees, or seeking funding - the protection a Private Limited Company offers usually outweighs the extra compliance cost.

What are the advantages of LLP registration compared to Pvt Ltd?

LLPs were specifically designed to give small and mid-sized businesses the liability protection of a company without the heavier compliance load. The main advantages over a Private Limited Company are:

• Lower compliance cost: no mandatory statutory audit unless turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh or capital contribution exceeds ₹25 lakh, and no requirement to hold regular board meetings.
• No minimum capital requirement: partners contribute whatever amount they agree on, with no statutory floor.
• Flexible profit-sharing: governed entirely by the LLP Agreement rather than fixed by shareholding percentage, so partners can split profits however they negotiate.
• Tax advantages in some cases: LLPs are exempt from Dividend Distribution Tax, since profit distribution to partners isn't taxed the way dividends are.
• Lower ongoing filing burden: annual filings are simpler - mainly Form 8 and Form 11 - compared to the more extensive AOC-4 and MGT-7 filings a company must make.

The trade-off is that LLPs are generally less attractive to equity investors, since the structure doesn't support share-based fundraising or ESOPs the way a Private Limited Company does. LLPs work best for professional services firms and businesses that don't plan to raise venture capital.

Can I register a company alone, as a single person?

Yes - this is exactly what the One Person Company (OPC) structure was created for. Before 2013, a single founder had no choice but to register as a sole proprietorship to run a business alone, since a private company legally required at least two directors and two shareholders.

Under an OPC, you can be the sole director and sole shareholder, getting full limited liability protection without needing to find a co-founder purely to satisfy a legal minimum. The one requirement is that you must nominate another person (with their written consent) who would take over the company if you became unable to run it. If you later want to bring in co-founders or investors, you can convert the OPC into a Private Limited Company, though certain conditions around turnover and paid-up capital apply to that conversion.

What's the minimum number of directors/shareholders needed for company registration?

This varies by structure:

• OPC: 1 director and 1 shareholder (can be the same person).
• Private Limited Company: minimum 2 directors and 2 shareholders, with a maximum of 200 shareholders. The two roles can overlap - a director can also be a shareholder.
• Public Limited Company: minimum 3 directors and 7 shareholders, with no upper limit on shareholders.
• LLP: minimum 2 partners, with at least 2 of them designated as 'Designated Partners' who are responsible for compliance. At least one designated partner must be a resident of India.

At least one director in a Private Limited Company must have stayed in India for a total period of not less than 120 days during the financial year - this is the residency requirement that often trips up companies with an entirely NRI or foreign founding team.

Documents & Eligibility

What is a DSC (Digital Signature Certificate), and how do I get one?

A Digital Signature Certificate is the electronic equivalent of a physical signature, used to sign forms on the MCA portal. Since every incorporation document - SPICe+, MOA, AOA - is filed online, the MCA requires directors and subscribers to sign these digitally rather than on paper, and a DSC is what makes that legally valid.

For company registration, you need a Class 3 DSC, issued by a government-licensed Certifying Authority such as eMudhra, NSDL (now Protean), or Capricorn. To apply, you'll typically submit:

• PAN card as identity proof.
• Aadhaar card or passport as address proof.
• A passport-size photograph.
• A video verification or in-person verification (most Certifying Authorities now do this remotely via video call).

Most providers issue the DSC within 1–2 working days, and it's usually stored on a USB token or as a downloadable file, depending on the provider. It's valid for one or two years and needs to be renewed afterward.

How do I apply for a DIN (Director Identification Number)?

A DIN is a unique number assigned to every individual who wants to be a director of a company in India - it's how the MCA tracks a person's directorships across multiple companies over time, and you only ever get one, regardless of how many companies you direct.

If you're incorporating a brand-new company, you don't need to apply for a DIN separately - it's generated automatically as part of the SPICe+ Part B filing, for up to three proposed directors in a single application. You only need a standalone DIN application (Form DIR-3) if you're being appointed as a director in an already-existing company, or if your new company will have more than three directors at incorporation.

To get a DIN through SPICe+, you'll need the same identity and address documents as for DSC: PAN, Aadhaar or passport, a recent address proof, and a passport photo. Once your incorporation is approved, the DIN is issued alongside your Certificate of Incorporation - there's no separate waiting period for it.

What's accepted as registered office address proof for company registration?

The registered office is the official address the ROC and other authorities use to communicate with your company, and you need to prove you have a legitimate right to use that address. Acceptable documents include:

• A recent utility bill - electricity, water, gas, or telephone bill, usually not older than two months.
• Property tax receipt for the premises.
• Sale deed or property ownership document, if you own the premises.
• Rent or lease agreement, if the premises is rented.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner, required alongside the rent agreement if the property isn't owned by the company or a director.

A common point of confusion: your registered office doesn't have to be a commercial space at incorporation - many startups register at a residential address or a co-working space initially, and change it later through a simple ROC filing once they move to a permanent office.

Can I register a company at a rented office? Do I need an NOC?

Yes, registering at a rented premises is extremely common and entirely allowed - in fact, the vast majority of new companies start out in rented or shared office space rather than owned property.

Yes, an NOC is required. The landlord needs to provide a No Objection Certificate stating they have no objection to the company using the premises as its registered office. This is submitted along with:

• The rent or lease agreement between the landlord and the company (or a director, in early-stage cases).
• A recent utility bill in the landlord's name, or in your name if utilities have already been transferred.

If the utility bill is in the tenant's (your) name along with the rent agreement, some practitioners note that's sufficient without needing additional landlord documents - but having the NOC ready regardless avoids any back-and-forth queries from the ROC.

Can a foreign national or NRI register a company in India?

Yes, both foreign nationals and NRIs can be directors and shareholders in an Indian company, subject to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) regulations for the specific sector you're operating in. Most sectors fall under the 'automatic route,' meaning no prior government approval is needed - you can simply register and bring in foreign capital, subject to standard reporting requirements.

A few practical points to know:

• Resident director requirement: at least one director on the board must have lived in India for 120+ days in the previous financial year - an all-foreign board isn't permitted.
• Document legalisation: passport and address proof documents from foreign directors typically need to be notarised and apostilled (or consularised) in their home country, which can add one to two weeks to the timeline.
• OPC is off-limits: only Indian citizens, including eligible NRIs, can form a One Person Company - foreign nationals cannot.
• Post-incorporation filing: if foreign shareholders are allotted shares, the company must file Form FC-GPR with the RBI within 30 days, reporting the foreign investment.

Sectors like defence, telecom, and certain media businesses have FDI caps or require government approval, so it's worth checking the current FDI policy for your specific sector before assuming the automatic route applies.

Is Aadhaar mandatory for company registration?

For Indian directors and shareholders, Aadhaar is the most commonly used and fastest document for identity and address verification, and it's specifically required for Aadhaar-based e-KYC authentication during the SPICe+ filing and for GST registration. However, it isn't the only document accepted - a passport, voter ID, or driving licence can substitute for identity proof in most filings.

Where Aadhaar becomes effectively unavoidable is GST registration, where Aadhaar authentication of the primary authorised signatory significantly speeds up approval; skipping it (opting for 'No' on Aadhaar authentication) means your application is more likely to be routed for in-person verification at a GST Suvidha Kendra, which adds time. For company incorporation itself, foreign nationals and NRIs without an Aadhaar card can still register using passport and other valid identity documents.

Cost & Fees

What's the total cost of company registration, including government and professional fees?

For a small Private Limited Company with modest authorized capital (say, ₹1–10 lakh), here's a realistic cost breakdown:

• ROC/government incorporation fees: ₹0–₹7,000, depending on authorized capital (companies with capital up to ₹15 lakh often pay reduced or nil ROC fees under current rules).
• Stamp duty on MOA and AOA: varies by state - roughly ₹500 in Delhi, up to ₹1,500 in Maharashtra, for typical small-capital companies.
• DSC fees: ₹1,000–₹1,500 per director.
• Name reservation (RUN/SPICe+ Part A): ₹1,000 government fee.
• Professional fees (CA/CS, if used): ₹5,000–₹15,000 for standard incorporation support.

Adding it up, a basic Private Limited Company registration usually lands between ₹7,000 and ₹15,000 total. If you're also bundling GST registration, PAN/TAN, and a bank account opening into the same engagement, professional service packages often quote a combined figure rather than itemising each piece - worth asking for a breakdown so you know exactly what you're paying for.

Is GST registration free, or does it cost money?

GST registration itself is completely free if you do it yourself directly on the official GST portal (gst.gov.in) - the government charges no fee for the application. You'll need a PAN, Aadhaar, business address proof, bank details, and photographs of the proprietor or authorised signatory.

Where cost comes in is if you hire a tax consultant or Chartered Accountant to handle the filing for you - their service fee typically ranges from ₹500 to ₹3,000 depending on your business type and how complex your documentation is. This isn't a government charge; it's purely for their time and expertise in making sure the application is filed correctly the first time, since errors in GST applications can lead to delays of several days while you respond to officer queries.

How much does company name reservation cost?

Reserving a company name through the MCA's RUN service or SPICe+ Part A costs ₹1,000 as a government fee, regardless of whether the name gets approved or rejected on the first attempt. If your first choice is rejected - usually because it's too similar to an existing company, LLP, or registered trademark - you can resubmit with the same application within a limited window, though depending on the stage, a fresh ₹1,000 fee may apply for a completely new application.

To avoid wasting this fee, it's worth running your proposed name through the free MCA name-search tool and a basic trademark search before submitting, since this catches the most common rejection reasons (close similarity to existing names) before you pay anything.

Does keeping authorized capital low reduce the registration cost?

Yes, to an extent. ROC incorporation fees and stamp duty on the MOA are both calculated based on your authorized capital - the higher the capital, the higher these specific fees. For example, companies with authorized capital under a certain threshold (commonly ₹10–15 lakh, depending on current MCA fee rules) often qualify for minimal or zero ROC filing fees, while higher capital slabs attract progressively higher charges.

That said, authorized capital is just the ceiling on how many shares you're allowed to issue - it isn't money you need to actually deposit. Many founders set a low authorized capital (like ₹1 lakh) at incorporation specifically to keep initial costs down, then increase it later through a simple ROC filing (Form SH-7) once they need to issue more shares, for instance when bringing in an investor. The cost of increasing capital later is generally manageable and far less than overpaying upfront for capital you don't need yet.

Process & Technical (SPICe+, MCA Portal)

What is the SPICe+ form, and how do I fill it?

SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) is the single integrated form the MCA uses to handle company incorporation in India. Before SPICe+, founders had to file separate applications for name approval, incorporation, PAN, TAN, and other registrations - SPICe+ folds all of that into one workflow.

It's split into two parts:

• Part A: used only for reserving your company name. You can submit up to two name choices, in order of preference.
• Part B: the actual incorporation application - company details, registered office, director and shareholder information, capital structure, and the MOA/AOA. This is filed after your name in Part A is approved (or you can file both parts together if you're confident about the name).

Alongside SPICe+, you'll also file linked forms: AGILE-PRO-S (for GST, EPFO, ESIC, and a bank account request), eMOA and eAOA (electronic versions of your foundational documents), and URC-1 if you're converting an existing entity into a company. All of this is submitted together on the MCA portal in a single sitting once your documents are ready.

How do I register a company on the MCA portal?

Here's the practical walkthrough:

1. Create an account on the MCA21 portal (mca.gov.in) if you don't already have one.
2. Check name availability using the free name-search tool before applying, to avoid an early rejection.
3. File SPICe+ Part A to reserve your company name.
4. File SPICe+ Part B with company and director details, attaching your MOA, AOA, and supporting documents.
5. Sign digitally using each director's DSC, and pay the applicable fees online.
6. Track your SRN (Service Request Number) on the portal to follow your application's status through to approval.

Once approved, your Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, and TAN are generated automatically and sent to your registered email - there's no physical visit or in-person step in a standard domestic incorporation.

How do I check if a company name is available?

The MCA provides a free 'Check Company/LLP Name' tool directly on its portal. You type in your proposed name, and it shows you a list of existing companies, LLPs, and trademarks with similar names - this is the same database the Registrar checks against when reviewing your application.

A name is typically rejected if it's identical or 'too closely resembling' an existing registered name, contains restricted words (like 'Bank,' 'Insurance,' or 'National' without proper authorisation), or matches a registered trademark owned by someone else. It's worth also doing a quick search on the Trademark Registry's public search tool, since a name can be perfectly available on the MCA database but still infringe on someone's trademark, which causes problems later even if incorporation goes through.

What are MOA and AOA?

MOA (Memorandum of Association) and AOA (Articles of Association) are the two foundational legal documents every company must file at incorporation.

• MOA - the 'what': it defines the company's objectives, the scope of business activities it's allowed to undertake, its registered office state, and the capital structure. Think of it as the outer boundary of what your company is legally permitted to do.
• AOA - the 'how': it lays out the internal rules for running the company - how directors are appointed, how board meetings are conducted, how shares are transferred, and similar governance details.

Both are filed electronically as eMOA and eAOA through the SPICe+ form, digitally signed by all subscribers (the initial shareholders). If your business activities expand beyond what's stated in the MOA later on, you'd need to file an amendment with the ROC to update it - so it's worth describing your objectives broadly enough at the outset to cover reasonable future plans.

When do I get the Certificate of Incorporation?

The Certificate of Incorporation (COI) is issued electronically by the ROC once your SPICe+ Part B filing is fully verified and approved - there's no waiting period beyond the ROC's processing time. In practice, this usually happens within 5 to 7 working days of a clean, error-free filing, though it can stretch longer during peak filing months or if the ROC raises a clarification query.

The COI includes your company's CIN (Corporate Identity Number), and your PAN and TAN are generated and issued at the same time. You can download the certificate directly from the MCA portal once issued, and it typically arrives by email as well. This date marks your company's official legal existence - it's the date you'll use for calculating things like your first AGM deadline and annual filing due dates.

Do I get PAN and TAN automatically with company registration?

Yes. Since the introduction of SPICe+, PAN and TAN are applied for and issued as part of the same incorporation filing - you don't need a separate application to the Income Tax Department. The AGILE-PRO-S form, filed alongside SPICe+, includes the PAN/TAN application.

Once the ROC approves your incorporation, the Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, and TAN are generated together and sent to your registered email, usually on the same day as approval. What doesn't come automatically is GST registration - even though you can apply for it through the same AGILE-PRO-S form at the time of incorporation, it's processed somewhat separately and isn't guaranteed to be issued instantly alongside your COI.

GST & Tax-Related Questions

What's the turnover limit for GST registration?

The standard turnover thresholds that trigger mandatory GST registration are:

• ₹40 lakh for businesses dealing exclusively in goods (in most states).
• ₹20 lakh for businesses providing services (in most states).
• ₹10 lakh for businesses operating in special category states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand - though some of these states have opted for higher thresholds for goods.

'Aggregate turnover' here means your total taxable supplies across all your business activities, calculated on an all-India basis under the same PAN - not just turnover in one state. A few categories must register regardless of turnover, including businesses making inter-state taxable supplies, e-commerce sellers, and casual taxable persons. If you're below the threshold and not in a mandatory category, you can still register voluntarily, which some small businesses choose to do in order to claim input tax credit or to look more credible to B2B clients.

Do I need to register for GST separately from company registration?

Not necessarily as a separate trip to a different portal - GST registration can actually be applied for through the AGILE-PRO-S form bundled into your SPICe+ company incorporation filing, so many founders do get their GSTIN at the same time as their Certificate of Incorporation.

However, it's worth understanding that GST registration is a distinct process handled by the GST department, processed somewhat independently of the ROC's incorporation approval - so even when applied together, the two don't always complete on exactly the same day, and there's no compulsion to register for GST at incorporation if you don't yet meet the turnover threshold or aren't in a mandatory category. Many companies simply register for GST later, once their turnover approaches the threshold or once they actually start invoicing customers.

Is GST registration mandatory or voluntary?

It's mandatory once you cross the relevant turnover threshold (₹40 lakh for goods, ₹20 lakh for services, lower in special category states) or if you fall into specific categories the law mandates regardless of turnover - these include inter-state suppliers, e-commerce sellers and aggregators, casual taxable persons, non-resident taxable persons, agents supplying on behalf of a registered taxpayer, and businesses required to deduct TDS/TCS under GST.

Outside of these situations, registration is voluntary. Some small businesses below the threshold choose to register anyway because it lets them claim input tax credit on their purchases, and because many larger B2B clients prefer dealing only with GST-registered vendors. Operating above the mandatory threshold without registering, though, attracts real penalties - typically 10% of the tax due (subject to a minimum amount), or 100% of the tax due in cases of deliberate evasion.

How many documents are needed to get a GST number?

The exact list depends on your business structure, but for a company or LLP, you'll generally need:

• PAN card of the business entity.
• Certificate of Incorporation (or partnership deed for partnerships/LLPs).
• PAN and Aadhaar of all directors/partners and the authorised signatory.
• Passport-size photographs of directors/partners and the authorised signatory (JPEG, under 100KB).
• Proof of business address - a utility bill, property tax receipt, rent agreement with NOC, or consent letter, depending on ownership status.
• Bank account proof - a cancelled cheque, passbook first page, or bank statement showing the account holder's name and IFSC.
• Board resolution or authorisation letter appointing the primary authorised signatory, for companies and LLPs.

Sole proprietors generally need a shorter list - mainly the proprietor's PAN, Aadhaar, photo, address proof, and bank details - since there's no separate business PAN to provide.

Can I run a business without GST registration?

Yes, as long as you stay below the applicable turnover threshold and don't fall into one of the categories where registration is mandatory regardless of turnover (like inter-state supply or e-commerce sales). Plenty of small, locally-operating businesses - a neighbourhood shop, a freelancer with a modest client base - legitimately operate without a GSTIN for years if their turnover stays under ₹20–40 lakh and all their sales are within the same state.

The moment you cross the threshold, start selling across state lines, or begin selling through an e-commerce platform, registration becomes mandatory, and operating without it at that point exposes you to penalties - typically 10% of the unpaid tax amount, with a higher penalty for cases the department views as deliberate tax evasion. If you're close to the threshold or planning to expand into other states or online marketplaces soon, it's usually worth registering proactively rather than waiting for a compliance notice.

MSME & Startup India Registration

What is Udyam (MSME) registration, and how do I get it?

Udyam registration is the official process for recognising a business as a Micro, Small, or Medium Enterprise (MSME) under the MSME Development Act. It replaced the older 'Udyog Aadhaar' system and is entirely free and self-declaratory - there's no government fee, and you don't need to upload supporting documents to apply.

Classification is based on two criteria - investment in plant & machinery/equipment, and annual turnover:

• Micro: investment up to ₹2.5 crore, turnover up to ₹10 crore.
• Small: investment up to ₹25 crore, turnover up to ₹100 crore.
• Medium: investment up to ₹125 crore, turnover up to ₹500 crore.

(These limits are periodically revised, so it's worth checking the current figures on the Udyam portal before applying.) To register, you visit udyamregistration.gov.in, enter the proprietor's or authorised signatory's Aadhaar number, link it with PAN, and fill in basic business details. The Udyam Registration Certificate is typically generated within minutes of submission, and it opens the door to benefits like priority lending, collateral-free loans under CGTMSE, and protection against delayed payments from buyers.

Can a company or LLP register as both MSME and Startup India?

Yes - there's no rule preventing a single entity from holding both registrations simultaneously, since they're governed by entirely different ministries with different eligibility criteria.

• MSME (Udyam) registration is based on investment in plant & machinery and annual turnover, and it's open to proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, and companies alike.
• Startup India (DPIIT) recognition is based on the age of incorporation (within 10 years), turnover staying under ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation, and the business being focused on innovation or scalable growth rather than being a simple replica of an existing business model.

A genuine early-stage tech company, for instance, can easily qualify for both - Udyam registration for priority lending and payment protection, and DPIIT recognition for tax exemptions and easier compliance. Both registrations are applied for separately (Udyam portal and Startup India portal respectively), and maintaining both just means keeping the supporting calculations (turnover, investment figures) ready for whichever benefit you're claiming.

What's the eligibility for Startup India recognition?

DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) lays out specific eligibility conditions for Startup India recognition:

• Entity type: must be a Private Limited Company, LLP, or registered Partnership Firm - sole proprietorships are not eligible.
• Age: incorporated less than 10 years ago.
• Turnover: annual turnover should not have exceeded ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation.
• Original entity: the business must not have been formed by splitting up or reconstructing an already-existing business.
• Innovation focus: the business should be working toward innovation, development, or improvement of products, processes, or services, or should have a scalable business model with high potential for employment generation or wealth creation.

To apply, you register on the Startup India portal, fill in your business details, and submit a brief write-up describing how your business meets the innovation/scalability criteria. Recognition is typically granted after a review, and once approved, you can apply for the specific benefits - tax exemption, self-certification, easier public procurement access - separately.

What are the benefits of DPIIT registration?

DPIIT (Startup India) recognition unlocks a specific set of benefits beyond just a recognition certificate:

• Income tax exemption: eligible startups can apply for a 3-year tax holiday under Section 80-IAC, subject to a separate certification process by the Inter-Ministerial Board.
• Angel tax exemption: recognised startups can seek exemption from tax on share premium received from investors, under Section 56(2)(viib), which has historically been a pain point for early-stage fundraising.
• Self-certification under labour and environment laws: reduces the compliance burden during the early, resource-constrained years.
• Easier public procurement access: exemption from prior experience or turnover criteria in government tenders, which normally favour established players.
• Faster patent examination: with an 80% rebate on patent filing fees and access to a panel of facilitators for IP applications.
• Easier winding up: startups can be wound up within 90 days under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code's fast-track provisions, compared to longer timelines for regular companies.

It's worth noting that recognition itself doesn't automatically grant tax exemptions - those require separate applications and approvals, so DPIIT recognition is better thought of as the gateway that makes you eligible to apply for these benefits, not an instant grant of all of them.

Post-Registration: What Happens After Incorporation?

How do I open a bank account after company registration?

Once you have your Certificate of Incorporation, opening a current account in the company's name is one of the first practical steps, since you can't legally route business transactions through a personal account. Banks typically ask for:

• Certificate of Incorporation and the company PAN.
• MOA and AOA.
• Board resolution authorising the account opening and naming the signatories.
• KYC documents (PAN, Aadhaar, photo) of all directors and authorised signatories.
• Proof of registered office address.

Banks now generally complete this within 3 to 7 working days, though it can extend if the bank's internal verification flags any document inconsistency. Many banks also do a physical verification visit to the registered office address before fully activating the account, so it's worth having someone available at that address during the verification window. Most major banks - ICICI, HDFC, Kotak, Axis, SBI - offer dedicated startup/business banking packages with reduced minimum balance requirements for newly incorporated companies.

What is Form INC-20A (Commencement of Business)?

INC-20A is a declaration that companies with share capital must file with the ROC, confirming that the subscribers (initial shareholders) have actually paid up their subscription money and the company has formally begun business operations. It's a post-incorporation requirement introduced specifically to curb the practice of registering shell companies that never actually do business.

It must be filed within 180 days of incorporation. Before filing, the company needs to have opened a bank account and received the subscription amount from each shareholder into that account - this is verified as part of the filing. Failing to file INC-20A within the deadline attracts a penalty of ₹50,000 on the company, plus ₹1,000 per day of default for every officer in default, and the ROC can also initiate action to remove the company's name from the register if this (and other compliance) is repeatedly ignored. Note that OPCs, companies without share capital, and companies registered for charitable purposes under Section 8 are exempt from this requirement.

What annual compliance do I need to do after company registration?

Incorporation isn't a one-time event - every registered company has recurring annual obligations, regardless of whether it's actively trading. The core ones for a Private Limited Company include:

• Form INC-20A: Commencement of Business declaration, within 180 days of incorporation (one-time, not annual, but easy to forget).
• Board meetings: at least 4 per year, with a gap of no more than 120 days between two consecutive meetings.
• Annual General Meeting (AGM): held once a year, typically within 6 months of the financial year-end (by September 30 for most companies).
• Form AOC-4: filing of financial statements with the ROC, within 30 days of the AGM.
• Form MGT-7/MGT-7A: annual return filing, within 60 days of the AGM.
• Statutory audit: every company, regardless of turnover, must have its accounts audited annually by a qualified Chartered Accountant.
• Income tax return: filed annually, generally by October 31 for companies requiring audit.

LLPs have a lighter version of this - mainly Form 11 (Annual Return) and Form 8 (Statement of Accounts), without the board meeting and AGM requirements. Missing these deadlines doesn't shut your company down immediately, but penalties accumulate daily, and prolonged non-compliance can eventually lead the ROC to mark the company as 'inactive' or strike it off the register.

What happens if I register a company but don't start the business?

You're still bound by the compliance requirements that come with having a registered company, regardless of whether you've actually started trading. The most immediate consequence is around Form INC-20A - if you haven't received the subscription money and started business within 180 days, you're already non-compliant on that filing, and the ROC has the power to initiate proceedings to strike off the company's name.

Beyond that, even a completely dormant company must still file its annual return (MGT-7) and financial statements (AOC-4), hold its AGM, and get its accounts audited - 'dormant' doesn't mean 'exempt.' If you genuinely don't plan to operate the company for a while, the MCA does offer a formal 'Dormant Company' status (under Section 455 of the Companies Act) that reduces some compliance requirements, but you still have to apply for it - it isn't automatic just because the company is inactive. If you've decided you won't use the company at all, it's usually cheaper in the long run to formally close it (via Strike Off under Section 248) rather than let penalties accumulate on a company you never use.

When is it mandatory to appoint a statutory auditor?

Every company - private or public, regardless of size or turnover - must appoint its first statutory auditor within 30 days of incorporation. This is one of the earliest compliance deadlines you'll face, often arriving before founders have even finished setting up day-to-day operations.

The board of directors typically appoints the first auditor, who then holds office until the conclusion of the first AGM. After that, the company appoints (or reappoints) an auditor at each AGM, generally for a five-year term, subject to ratification. Missing the 30-day deadline for the first auditor shifts the appointment power to the shareholders, who must then appoint one within 90 days at an extraordinary general meeting - and missing both deadlines exposes the company and its officers to penalties under the Companies Act. Unlike GST or tax audit thresholds, there's no turnover exemption here: even a company with zero revenue in its first year still needs an auditor on record.

Problems & Troubleshooting

My proposed company name got rejected - what now?

Name rejection is one of the most common hiccups in the registration process, and it's rarely a dead end - it just costs you a few extra days. The ROC typically rejects names for one of these reasons:

• Too similar to an existing company, LLP, or registered trademark.
• Restricted or sensitive words used without required government approval (e.g., 'Bank,' 'Stock Exchange,' 'National,' 'Reserve').
• Generic or undesirable names that the Registrar considers too vague or potentially misleading.

If your SPICe+ Part A application is rejected, you typically get a chance to resubmit within the same application using your second name choice, or you can file a fresh application. Before resubmitting, it's worth running the new name through both the MCA name-search tool and the public trademark search to catch likely conflicts in advance, rather than guessing again and risking a second rejection. A practical tip: include a distinctive word in your name (a coined term, your own surname, or an unusual combination) rather than a purely descriptive name, since descriptive names are far more likely to collide with existing registrations.

MCA approval is delayed - is this normal?

Some delay is genuinely normal, especially during peak filing periods like March–April (financial year-end) and September–October, when application volumes spike and ROC processing slows down across the board. A filing that would normally clear in 5–7 working days can stretch to 10 or more during these windows.

That said, if it's been significantly longer than the stated processing time with no query raised on your application, it's worth checking the status directly using your SRN (Service Request Number) on the MCA portal - this shows you exactly which stage your application is sitting at. If the status shows 'pending for query' or similar, the ROC is likely waiting on a clarification you haven't noticed yet; check your registered email and the portal's correspondence section. If everything appears to genuinely be stuck with no explanation, the MCA's grievance redressal system (also trackable by SRN) lets you formally flag the delay.

I submitted incorrect documents - how do I correct them?

This depends on what stage your application is at:

• If the ROC has raised a query: you'll typically be given a window (often 15 days) to resubmit corrected documents against the same application, without starting over from scratch.
• If the application was rejected outright: you'll generally need to file a fresh SPICe+ application with the corrected documents, which means re-paying applicable fees.
• If the error is discovered after incorporation: depending on what was wrong, you may need to file a specific amendment form - for instance, a registered office address correction uses Form INC-22, while a director's detail correction might need Form DIR-12.

The most common errors worth double-checking before any submission are mismatches between the address format on your utility bill versus what you typed in the form, PAN details that don't exactly match the name as registered with the Income Tax Department, and blurry or oversized document scans that get auto-rejected by the upload system. Catching these before you submit saves far more time than fixing them after a rejection.

My company is registered, but I still haven't received my GSTIN - why?

Even though GST registration can be applied for through the AGILE-PRO-S form at the time of incorporation, it's processed by the GST department somewhat independently of the ROC's incorporation approval - so it's entirely possible to receive your Certificate of Incorporation while your GST application is still pending separately.

Common reasons for the delay include:

• Aadhaar authentication pending: if the primary authorised signatory hasn't completed Aadhaar-based e-KYC, the application may be routed for physical verification at a GST Suvidha Kendra, which takes longer.
• Address proof mismatch: if the business address proof submitted doesn't clearly match the registered office, the officer may raise a query.
• A pending clarification notice: GST officers can issue a notice (Form REG-03) asking for additional information, and the application stays pending until you respond.

Check your application status directly on the GST portal using your ARN (Application Reference Number) - it will show you exactly whether it's pending, under query, or approved. If a query was raised, respond promptly, since unanswered queries beyond a certain period can lead to automatic rejection of the application altogether.

My DIN application got rejected - what could be the reason?

DIN rejections (or queries) usually trace back to one of a few recurring issues:

• Document mismatch: the name, date of birth, or address on the submitted PAN and Aadhaar/passport don't match exactly - even small differences like a missing middle name can trigger this.
• Photo or signature quality: blurry, oversized, or improperly formatted photo/signature uploads.
• Already holds a DIN: if the person already has a DIN from a previous directorship (even one they've forgotten about), applying for a fresh one through SPICe+ will be rejected - they should use their existing DIN instead.
• Disqualification: if the individual is disqualified from being a director under Section 164 of the Companies Act - for instance, due to a previous company's prolonged non-filing of annual returns - the application will be rejected on those grounds.

If you're unsure whether someone already holds a DIN, the MCA portal has a 'Verify DIN' search tool that checks this before you file a fresh application, which is worth doing upfront, especially for directors who've been involved in other businesses before.

Closing or Changing a Registered Company

How do I close a company after registration?

If the company has no significant assets or liabilities and hasn't been operational, the fastest route is the Fast Track Exit / Strike Off scheme under Section 248 of the Companies Act, filed using Form STK-2. This is designed exactly for situations where a company was registered but never really got off the ground, or has simply stopped operating.

The broad requirements for this route:

• No business activity for at least 2 years (or the company hasn't commenced business at all since incorporation).
• No outstanding liabilities - all debts and dues must be cleared first.
• Board resolution and shareholder approval authorising the closure.
• A statement of accounts (certified by a CA) showing the 'nil' or minimal asset position, not older than 30 days from the filing.

If the company has been actively trading, has outstanding liabilities, or there's a dispute among shareholders, a formal winding-up process (voluntary or through the National Company Law Tribunal) becomes necessary instead, which is considerably more involved and typically requires legal assistance. For a genuinely dormant shell with nothing to untangle, STK-2 is usually resolved within a few months of filing.

How do I remove a partner or director from a company?

The process differs depending on the structure and whether the removal is voluntary (resignation) or being initiated by the company.

For a director resigning voluntarily:

• The director submits a resignation letter to the board.
• The company files Form DIR-12 with the ROC within 30 days, notifying the change.
• The resigning director can also separately file Form DIR-11 themselves, to formally record their resignation on record even if the company is slow to file DIR-12.

For removing a director against their wishes, the company needs shareholder approval through an ordinary resolution at a general meeting (under Section 169 of the Companies Act), and the director concerned must be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard before the resolution is passed.

For an LLP, removing or adding a partner requires amending the LLP Agreement and filing Form 3 (and Form 4 for the partner's cessation/admission) with the ROC within 30 days of the change. In both cases, it's worth also updating the bank account's authorised signatory list and any other registrations (GST, for instance) that listed the outgoing person as a signatory.

How do I convert a proprietorship into a Private Limited Company?

This conversion is fairly common as a business grows beyond what a sole proprietorship can comfortably support - typically once you need outside funding, want liability protection, or are bringing on co-founders. The process essentially involves a fresh incorporation, structured to formally take over the proprietorship's business:

1. Incorporate a new Private Limited Company through the standard SPICe+ process, with the proprietor typically becoming a director and shareholder.
2. Draft a 'slump sale' or business transfer agreement, transferring the proprietorship's assets, liabilities, and ongoing contracts to the new company.
3. Transfer or re-apply for licences and registrations, including GST registration, bank accounts, and any sector-specific licences, since these were tied to the proprietorship and don't automatically carry over.
4. Settle the proprietorship's tax position and formally discontinue it, including closing out its GST registration once the transfer is complete.

There can be specific tax benefits (such as exemption from capital gains tax on the transfer) if the conversion meets the conditions laid out under Section 47(xiv) of the Income Tax Act - broadly, that all assets and liabilities are transferred, and the proprietor holds at least 50% of the new company's shares for a minimum period. Given the tax and contractual complexity involved, this is one of the few areas worth running past a CA before executing, rather than handling entirely DIY.

How do I change a company's name after registration?

Changing a company's name post-incorporation is a recognised process, but it requires ROC approval - you can't simply start using a new name informally. The steps are:

1. Board resolution: the board approves the proposed new name and authorises the application.
2. Name reservation: apply through the RUN service to check and reserve the new name, the same way you would for a fresh incorporation.
3. Shareholder approval: pass a special resolution at a general meeting approving the name change and the corresponding amendment to the MOA.
4. File Form MGT-14 and Form INC-24 with the ROC, requesting approval for the name change.
5. New Certificate of Incorporation: once approved, the ROC issues a fresh Certificate of Incorporation reflecting the new name, though the CIN itself stays the same.

After the name change is approved, you'll also need to update your PAN, GST registration, bank account, and any other licences, contracts, or letterheads to reflect the new name - the ROC approval doesn't automatically cascade to these other records, so this follow-up step is easy to underestimate in terms of time and paperwork.

Conclusion

Company registration in India has become significantly more streamlined with the SPICe+ system - bringing name approval, company incorporation, DIN allotment, and tax registrations under one digital roof through the MCA portal. Whether you want to register a company, register your company name, complete a llc company registration equivalent (LLP), or do a full private limited company registration online, the entire process is accessible from anywhere in India.

The most important decision is choosing the right structure - whether that is a private limited company for a startup chasing investment, an LLP for a professional services firm, or an OPC if you are going solo. Getting documentation right the first time, selecting a compliant business name registration that clears the MCA check, and understanding costs and timelines upfront will save you from most of the delay's founders run into.

If you would rather not navigate DSC applications, MCA portal filings, and form preparation on your own, working with an experienced company registration service can take you from idea to Certificate of Incorporation with far less friction. Talk to a registration expert at LegalDev today to get started on the right structure for your business.