Company Registration in India: The Complete Guide to Online Company Incorporation
Who’s eligible, which documents to keep ready, exactly how the SPICe+ filing works, and what the Ministry of Corporate Affairs tentatively charges for a company with ₹15,00,000 in authorised capital.
Company Registration in India — Quick Answer
- The SPICe+ form on the MCA portal is the single window for name approval, incorporation, PAN, TAN, GSTIN, EPFO and ESIC.
- A private limited company needs at least 2 directors and 2 shareholders (1 of each for an OPC).
- The MCA’s incorporation fee is currently nil for companies with authorised capital up to ₹15,00,000.
- Turnaround is typically 7–10 working days once documents are complete.
- State stamp duty on the MOA/AOA is charged separately and varies by location.
Every registered business in India begins with the same legal milestone: incorporation with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Company registration in India is no longer a paper-heavy, multi-week process — it now runs almost entirely online through a single integrated form called SPICe+, which bundles name approval, incorporation, PAN, TAN, GST registration, EPFO and ESIC enrolment into one filing. This guide, prepared by the team at GS Pandey & Associates, walks you through who is eligible to incorporate, the documents you’ll need, the exact step-by-step process for company incorporation online, and the tentative government fees applicable when a company is set up with an authorised share capital of ₹15,00,000.
What Does Company Incorporation Actually Mean?
Incorporation is the legal act of registering a business as a company under the Companies Act, 2013, with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) in your state. Once the RoC issues a Certificate of Incorporation, the business becomes a separate legal person, distinct from its founders, with its own PAN, the ability to own assets, enter contracts, and sue or be sued — and it continues to exist even if its directors or shareholders change.
This is what separates an incorporated company from a sole proprietorship or an unregistered partnership, where the business and the owner remain, legally, the same person.
Why Register a Company in India?
Beyond legal formality, incorporation changes what a business can actually do.
Limited Liability Protection
Your personal assets stay shielded — liability is limited to the capital you’ve invested in the company.
Separate Legal Entity
The company can own property, sign contracts, sue and be sued — independent of its founders.
Easier Access to Funding
Investors, VCs and banks overwhelmingly prefer lending to or investing in a registered company structure.
Stronger Brand Credibility
A registered “Pvt Ltd” identity signals seriousness and stability to clients, vendors and partners.
Perpetual Succession
The company continues to exist regardless of changes in ownership, directors, or shareholders.
Structured Ownership & ESOPs
Issuing shares and bringing in co-founders, investors or employees is simple and well-defined in law.
Which Business Structure Should You Register?
The Companies Act, 2013 and the LLP Act, 2008 offer several routes. The right one depends on the number of founders, your funding plans, and how much compliance you’re prepared to take on.
| Structure | Minimum Members | Liability | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | 2 Directors, 2 Shareholders | Limited | Startups & growth-stage businesses raising funding |
| One Person Company (OPC) | 1 Director, 1 Shareholder | Limited | Solo founders who want a corporate structure |
| Limited Liability Partnership | 2 Partners | Limited | Professional & service firms wanting lighter compliance |
| Public Limited Company | 3 Directors, 7 Shareholders | Limited | Larger businesses planning to raise capital publicly |
| Section 8 Company | 2 Directors | Limited | Non-profits, NGOs & charitable objectives |
Basic Requirements to Register a Company in India
Before you open the SPICe+ form, make sure your business meets these baseline requirements:
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Minimum Directors
At least 2 directors for a private limited company (1 for an OPC), with at least one director who is a resident of India — present in the country for a total of 120 days or more in the financial year.
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Minimum Shareholders
At least 2 shareholders for a private limited company (1 for an OPC). Directors and shareholders can be the same individuals.
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Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
A Class 3 DSC for every proposed director and subscriber, used to digitally sign the incorporation forms.
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Director Identification Number (DIN)
Allotted automatically through SPICe+ for up to three first-time directors during incorporation itself.
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A Unique Company Name
The proposed name must not be identical or deceptively similar to an existing company, LLP, or registered trademark.
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A Registered Office Address in India
A valid address with supporting proof — ownership documents or a rent agreement, plus a recent utility bill.
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Memorandum & Articles of Association
The MOA defines your company’s objects and scope; the AOA sets out its internal governance rules.
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Authorised & Paid-up Capital
The Companies Act prescribes no minimum capital — but most businesses choose a realistic figure that reflects actual operating needs.
Documents Required for Company Registration
Keep the following scanned and ready — incomplete documentation is the single biggest cause of delay in MCA filings.
Directors & Shareholders
- PAN card (mandatory for Indian nationals)
- Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, or driving licence
- Latest bank statement or utility bill (under 2 months old) as address proof
- Passport-size photograph
- Passport, notarised or apostilled, for foreign nationals/NRIs
Registered Office
- Latest electricity, water, or gas bill
- Rent agreement, if the premises are rented
- No-objection certificate (NOC) from the property owner, if rented
- Sale deed or property tax receipt, if owned
How to Register a Company Online in India
Here is exactly how company incorporation online works through the SPICe+ route, from your first login to the certificate in hand.
Obtain Digital Signature Certificates
Apply for a Class 3 DSC for every proposed director and subscriber — required to digitally sign all forms.
Reserve Your Company Name
File SPICe+ Part A on the MCA portal with up to two name choices. Approval, once granted, is valid for 20 days.
Draft the MOA & AOA
Define your company’s objects, authorised capital, and internal governance rules in the e-MOA and e-AOA.
File SPICe+ Part B with AGILE-PRO-S
Submit company details, director information, and the linked AGILE-PRO-S form for PAN, TAN, GSTIN, EPFO, ESIC, profession tax, and bank account opening — all in one go.
Professional Certification & Declarations
A practising CA, CS, or CMA certifies the forms, and directors file their statutory declarations and consents.
RoC Scrutiny & Certificate of Incorporation
The Registrar of Companies reviews the filing and issues the Certificate of Incorporation, along with PAN and TAN.
Open Your Bank Account & File INC-20A
Open a current account, deposit subscription capital, and file the Commencement of Business declaration within 180 days.
Government Fees for Company Registration in India
Government fees are charged by the MCA based on a company’s authorised share capital, and rise in slabs as that capital increases. Below is the tentative fee structure specifically for a private limited company incorporated with an authorised capital of ₹15,00,000 — one of the most common amounts chosen by new businesses and startups.
In short: for most new companies registering with ₹15 lakh in authorised capital, the core MCA incorporation fee itself is nil — your actual out-of-pocket cost is largely driven by state stamp duty (which varies materially by location) and any professional fees you choose to engage. For an exact, all-inclusive quote for your state, speak with our team.
What Happens After Incorporation?
Getting the Certificate of Incorporation is the beginning, not the end. A few statutory steps follow immediately.
File INC-20A (Commencement of Business) within 180 days of incorporation.
Hold your first Board Meeting within 30 days of incorporation.
Appoint your first statutory auditor within 30 days.
Issue share certificates to subscribers within 60 days.
Maintain statutory registers — of members, directors, and charges — from day one.
Register for GST, Udyam/MSME, and applicable state labour registrations.
Registration Runs on a Government Portal — Getting It Right Still Needs the Right Hands
Company registration in India is a public, digital process, but accuracy on the first attempt still saves weeks. Our Legal Consultants and Company Secretaries handle the filing end to end, so you can focus on the business.
- Name search and complete SPICe+ Part A & Part B filing
- Drafting of MOA, AOA, and every incorporation declaration
- DSC and DIN processing for every director
- PAN, TAN, GST and EPFO/ESIC registration in the same filing
- Post-incorporation compliance — INC-20A, auditor appointment, and annual filings
Transparent, No-Surprise Pricing
We quote our professional fees upfront, alongside the exact government and stamp duty charges applicable to your state — so there’s nothing unexpected on your invoice.
Start Your Company RegistrationFrequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often about company registration in India.
How can I register a company online in India?
You, or your Chartered Accountant or Company Secretary, file the SPICe+ form on the MCA portal. It covers name reservation, incorporation, MOA and AOA, PAN, TAN, and linked registrations in one filing, so the entire process can be completed online without visiting a government office.
What is the government fee for company registration in India?
It depends on the company’s authorised share capital. For a company incorporated with authorised capital up to ₹15,00,000, the MCA’s incorporation fee under SPICe+ Part B is currently nil. You would still pay nominal charges for name reservation, PAN and TAN, plus state-specific stamp duty on the MOA and AOA.
How many directors and shareholders are required to register a company?
A private limited company needs a minimum of 2 directors and 2 shareholders, who can be the same people. A One Person Company needs only 1 of each, while a public limited company needs at least 3 directors and 7 shareholders.
Can a foreign national be a director of an Indian company?
Yes. However, every company incorporated in India must have at least one director who is a resident of India, meaning someone who has stayed in India for a total of at least 120 days during the financial year.
What documents are required for company registration in India?
PAN and identity and address proof for all directors and shareholders, a recent address proof for the registered office such as a utility bill, and, if the premises are rented, a rent agreement with a no-objection certificate from the property owner.
How long does company incorporation take in India?
With complete documentation and no resubmissions, most companies receive their Certificate of Incorporation within 7 to 10 working days of filing the SPICe+ application.
What is the difference between a Private Limited Company and an LLP?
A private limited company can issue equity shares and is generally preferred by businesses planning to raise external funding. An LLP has lighter compliance requirements but cannot issue shares, which can make fundraising harder.
Do I need a CA or CS to register a company?
A practising professional’s certification is mandatory on the SPICe+ form, so most founders engage a Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, or Cost Accountant. The portal itself is publicly accessible, but professional guidance helps avoid rejections and re-filing delays.
Is there a minimum capital requirement to register a company in India?
No. The Companies Act, 2013 does not prescribe a minimum paid-up or authorised capital, so a company can technically be incorporated with a nominal amount, though most businesses choose a realistic working capital figure.
What should I do immediately after incorporation?
File INC-20A to declare commencement of business within 180 days, appoint your first statutory auditor within 30 days, hold your first board meeting within 30 days, open a current bank account, and register for GST if applicable to your business.
Ready to Register Your Company?
Tell us about your business and the team at GS Pandey & Associates will guide you through documentation, filing, and an exact fee quote for your state.
