Registering a company in India involves several legal, procedural, and regulatory steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to company registration in India (as per 2025 laws):
Types of Companies You Can Register
Type | Suitable For | Minimum Requirements |
Startups, SMEs, Tech firms | 2 Directors, 2 Shareholders (can be same) | |
Public Limited Company | Large businesses, IPO plans | 3 Directors, 7 Shareholders |
One Person Company (OPC) | Solo founders | 1 Director, 1 Nominee (Indian Resident) |
LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) | Professionals, Consultants | 2 Designated Partners |
Documents Required
For Directors/Shareholders:
- PAN Card (Mandatory for Indian nationals)
- Passport (For foreigners)
- Aadhaar/Driving License/Voter ID (as ID proof)
- Address proof (Bank Statement/Utility Bill, not older than 2 months)
- Passport-size photograph
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
For Registered Office:
- Electricity bill/Water bill/property tax receipt
- Rent agreement (if rented)
- NOC from owner
Company Registration Process (Online via MCA Portal)
- Name Approval via RUN (Reserve Unique Name)
- Submit 2 name options
- Ensure the name is unique and not similar to existing trademarks/companies
- Obtain Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)
- Required for all proposed directors/shareholders
- File SPICe+ Form (INC-32)
- Integrated form includes:
- Name reservation
- Incorporation
- DIN allocation (if not already taken)
- PAN & TAN application
- EPFO/ESIC/Professional Tax (where applicable)
- GST registration (optional)
- Integrated form includes:
- Attach Necessary Documents
- ID, address proofs, MOA (INC-33), AOA (INC-34), office proof
- Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
- Issued by ROC with CIN (Corporate Identity Number)
- Includes PAN, TAN of the company
- Open Bank Account
- Use COI, PAN, and board resolution
Costs Involved
Component | Approximate Cost (INR) |
Government fees | ₹1,500–₹10,000 (varies by capital) |
DSC per person | ₹1,000–₹2,000 |
Professional fees | ₹5,000–₹45,000 |
Stamp Duty (state-wise) | Varies by state |
Timeline
- 7–10 working days (if documents are in order)
- Can own 100% shares in an Indian company
- At least 1 Indian resident director is mandatory
- Apostilled/Notarized documents required
- FDI compliance (if required) under FEMA
Post-Incorporation Compliances
- Open Bank Account and deposit capital
- Issue Share Certificates within 60 days
- Maintain Statutory Registers and Board Minutes
- Appoint Auditor within 30 days
- File annual returns, GST, TDS, and Income Tax
FAQs on Company Registration in India
What is the minimum number of directors required to register a company in India?
A Private Limited Company requires at least 2 directors, one of whom must be a resident of India.
What is the fastest way to register a company in India?
Using the SPICe+ form on the MCA portal is the fastest way. The entire process is online and usually takes 7–10 working days.
Can a foreign national register a company in India?
Yes, a foreign national can register a company in India and own 100% of the shares, provided at least one director is an Indian resident.