A private limited company remains the most popular structure for start-ups and growing businesses in India. It offers limited liability, a separate legal identity and an easy route to bring in investors. The good news is that company registration in India is now almost entirely online, through a single integrated web form on the MCA portal called SPICe+.
With complete documents, a company can often be incorporated within about a week or two, and the same process also delivers PAN, TAN and several other registrations. This guide walks through the SPICe+ process step by step, the documents you will need, the fees involved and a realistic timeline.
Key takeaways
- SPICe+ is a single web form with Part A for name reservation and Part B for incorporation, filed on the MCA V3 portal.
- A private limited company needs at least two directors and two shareholders, with at least one director resident in India.
- The government incorporation fee is nil for companies with authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh, but state stamp duty is payable.
- Linked forms include the e-MOA, e-AOA and AGILE-PRO-S, which covers GST, EPFO, ESIC, profession tax and a bank account where applicable.
- After incorporation, the declaration of commencement of business in INC-20A should be filed within 180 days.
Before you start: basic requirements
- Directors: minimum two, maximum fifteen (more with a special resolution). At least one director must have stayed in India for at least 182 days in the financial year.
- Shareholders: minimum two, maximum two hundred. Directors can also be shareholders.
- Registered office: an address in India where the company can receive communications. It can be rented, owned or even a residential address, with the owner’s consent.
- Digital signatures (DSC): every director and subscriber signing the forms needs a valid Class 3 DSC.
- Capital: there is no minimum paid-up capital requirement, but choose authorised capital with future funding in mind.
Company registration in India through SPICe+: step by step
Step 1: Choose and reserve a name (SPICe+ Part A)
Propose up to two names that reflect the business and are not identical or too similar to existing companies, LLPs or registered trademarks. Check the MCA name search and the trademark registry before filing. Once approved, the name is reserved for 20 days, within which Part B must be filed. You can also file Part A and Part B together.
Choosing a distinctive name early also helps with branding; our guide to trademark registration in India explains how to protect it.
Step 2: Fill in SPICe+ Part B
Part B collects the core incorporation details:
- Registered office address and proof
- Authorised and subscribed share capital
- Details of directors and subscribers, including DIN allotment for up to three new directors
- PAN and TAN applications, which are processed automatically
Step 3: Prepare the linked forms
- e-MOA (INC-33): the Memorandum of Association, including the company’s main objects.
- e-AOA (INC-34): the Articles of Association, the internal rules of the company.
- AGILE-PRO-S: for GSTIN (if opted), EPFO and ESIC registration, profession tax in applicable states, and opening a bank account.
- INC-9: the declaration by subscribers and directors, generated by the system.
Step 4: Sign, pay and submit
Affix DSCs on all forms, upload them and pay the fees and stamp duty online. The Central Registration Centre processes the application.
Step 5: Certificate of incorporation
Once approved, you receive the Certificate of Incorporation with the Corporate Identity Number (CIN), along with PAN and TAN. EPFO and ESIC registration numbers are also allotted, and GST registration follows where it was applied for.
Documents checklist
| For each director and subscriber | For the registered office |
|---|---|
| PAN card | Utility bill (electricity, gas, water or telephone), not older than two months |
| Aadhaar or other identity proof | Rent agreement or ownership proof |
| Address proof such as bank statement or utility bill, recent | No-objection letter from the owner |
| Passport-size photograph | Photographs of the premises, if asked |
| Email ID and mobile number | |
| DSC |
Foreign nationals and NRIs need a passport and, typically, notarised or apostilled documents, depending on the country.
Fees and timeline
Government fees: for authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh, the incorporation fee is nil. Name reservation and higher capital attract fees on the MCA fee scale.
Stamp duty: payable on the MOA, AOA and share capital, at rates that vary by state. The portal calculates it automatically.
Timeline: a common range is about 7 to 15 working days from the start, depending on:
- How quickly DSCs are issued
- Whether the name is approved at the first attempt
- Completeness of documents, since resubmission requests add days
After incorporation: the first 180 days
Registration is only the beginning. Early compliance keeps the company in good standing:
- Open the bank account and deposit subscription money from shareholders.
- File INC-20A, the declaration of commencement of business, within 180 days of incorporation, with proof of subscription money received.
- Appoint the first auditor within 30 days of incorporation.
- Hold the first board meeting within 30 days, and at least four board meetings each year thereafter, subject to relaxations for certain companies.
- Issue share certificates to subscribers within the prescribed time.
- Plan annual filings such as AOC-4 and MGT-7; see our guide to ROC annual filing.
If you are still deciding on the structure, our comparison of LLP vs private limited company may help.
Frequently asked questions
How long does company registration in India take?
With complete documents and valid DSCs, a private limited company can often be incorporated in about 7 to 15 working days. Name objections or resubmissions can extend this.
Is there a minimum capital for a private limited company?
No. There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement. Choose authorised capital based on your funding plans, as stamp duty and fees depend on it.
Can a foreign national be a director?
Yes. A foreign national can be a director and shareholder, but at least one director must be resident in India. Foreign investment must also follow FEMA rules.
Do I need GST registration at the time of incorporation?
Not necessarily. GST registration is required when you cross the threshold or fall into a compulsory category. It can be applied for through AGILE-PRO-S or later.
If you would like help registering your private limited company and setting up the first-year compliance, our team would be happy to assist.
This article is general information based on the law as of September 2026, and is not legal or tax advice. Please check the facts of your own case with a professional before acting.
