Starting a business in India is an exciting milestone. Whether you’re a startup founder, entrepreneur, or growing an established brand, the first official step is registering your company with the government. But for many, the process seems complicated and overwhelming.
That’s where CompaniesNext steps in — we simplify company registration in India, guiding you from idea to incorporation with ease and efficiency. In this ultimate guide, we explain how to register a company in India, what types of companies you can register, the process, documents, costs, and compliance requirements.
Let’s get started!
Why Registering Your Company is Crucial
Registering your company offers more than just legal recognition. It’s a gateway to business credibility, investor funding, tax benefits, and long-term growth.
Benefits of Company Registration in India:
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Legal Recognition: Your business becomes a legal entity separate from the owners.
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Limited Liability: Protects your personal assets in case of debts or legal issues.
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Business Loans and Funding: Investors prefer registered companies.
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Credibility with Clients and Vendors: Builds trust and legitimacy.
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Tax Advantages: Eligible for various deductions and government schemes.
Types of Companies You Can Register in India
Before learning how to register, it’s important to choose the right business structure. India offers several options under the Companies Act, 2013.
1. Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)
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Minimum 2 directors and 2 shareholders
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Limited liability
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Best for startups, growing companies, and VC-backed businesses
2. One Person Company (OPC)
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One director and one shareholder (same person)
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Ideal for solo entrepreneurs
3. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
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Hybrid of partnership and private company
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Partners have limited liability
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Suitable for consulting and service firms
4. Public Limited Company
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Minimum 3 directors and 7 shareholders
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Can raise funds from the public
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Suitable for large-scale businesses
5. Sole Proprietorship
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Owned by a single person
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Not a registered company (informal structure)
For most small to medium-sized businesses and startups, a Private Limited Company is the most recommended structure due to its flexibility, scalability, and legal protection.
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Company in India
At CompaniesNext, we’ve streamlined the entire registration process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Choose a Business Structure
Determine which type of company fits your business goals. For example:
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Choose Pvt Ltd if you plan to raise funding or scale fast.
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Choose LLP for a flexible service business.
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Choose OPC if you’re a solo founder.
Step 2: Obtain Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)
All directors and shareholders need a DSC to digitally sign documents filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Required Documents:
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PAN card
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Aadhaar card
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Passport photo
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Email and mobile number
Step 3: Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)
DIN is a unique ID for each director. It’s applied through the SPICe+ form during incorporation.
Step 4: Name Reservation via RUN
Use the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service on the MCA portal to propose names for your company. Make sure:
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The name is unique and not similar to existing names.
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It follows Companies Act naming guidelines.
CompaniesNext helps you perform a trademark check and draft a professional name application.
Step 5: Draft MOA & AOA
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MOA (Memorandum of Association) defines your company’s objectives.
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AOA (Articles of Association) contains rules for internal management.
These documents are essential and must be signed by all subscribers.
Step 6: File the SPICe+ Form
The SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) form is a comprehensive form used for:
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Incorporation
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DIN allotment
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PAN & TAN application
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GST (optional)
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EPFO and ESIC registration
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Opening a business bank account
Step 7: Get Certificate of Incorporation
Once the MCA approves the application, you will receive your:
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Certificate of Incorporation
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Corporate Identification Number (CIN)
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PAN & TAN This officially marks the birth of your company.
Documents Required to Register a Company in India
For Directors/Shareholders:
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PAN Card (mandatory for Indian nationals)
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Passport (for foreign nationals)
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Aadhaar/Voter ID/Driving License (as ID proof)
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Bank Statement/Electricity Bill (as address proof)
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Passport-size photo
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Email ID and phone number
For Office Address:
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Rental agreement (if rented)
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NOC from the owner
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Utility bill (not older than 2 months)
Post-Incorporation Compliance
Registering your company is just the beginning. Staying compliant with laws and regulations is crucial.
1. Open a Business Bank Account
Deposit the share capital into the company’s account and use it for all business transactions.
2. File Commencement of Business (INC-20A)
Mandatory for companies with share capital. Must be filed within 180 days of incorporation.
3. Appoint a Statutory Auditor
Appoint a Chartered Accountant within 30 days of incorporation.
4. Maintain Statutory Registers
Maintain registers such as:
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Register of Members
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Register of Directors
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Minutes of Board and Shareholder Meetings
5. Annual Filings
File:
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MGT-7 (Annual Return)
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AOC-4 (Financial Statements)
6. GST Registration (If applicable)
Compulsory if your annual turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh (goods) or ₹20 lakh (services), or if you’re doing inter-state trade.
Costs of Registering a Company in India
The total cost varies based on:
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Type of company
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Number of directors
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State of incorporation
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Professional fees
Estimated Breakdown (for a Pvt Ltd Company):
| Item | Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| DSC (2 directors) | 1,000–2,000 |
| MCA Fees & Stamp Duty | 2,000–5,000 |
| Name Reservation | 1,000 |
| PAN & TAN Application | Included in SPICe+ |
| Professional Fees | 5,000–15,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹8,000–₹25,000+ |
CompaniesNext offers competitive company registration packages starting from ₹6,999.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Registration
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Choosing a non-unique or trademarked name
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Incorrect documents or signatures
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Skipping mandatory post-registration filings
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Not appointing an auditor
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Ignoring GST when applicable
How CompaniesNext Makes It Easy
At CompaniesNext, we simplify the entire journey so you can focus on building your business.
Our Services Include:
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Free consultation on the right company structure
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End-to-end documentation support
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Name reservation assistance
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MCA form filing and tracking
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PAN, TAN, and GST registration
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Post-incorporation compliance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How long does it take to register a company in India?
It typically takes 7–10 working days, depending on document readiness and MCA approval times.
Q2. Can a foreigner register a company in India?
Yes, foreign nationals and NRIs can register companies in India under FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) norms.
Q3. Can I register a company without an office address?
No, a registered office address in India is mandatory, but it can be a residential or commercial address.
Q4. Do I need a lawyer or CA to register?
Not mandatory, but it’s recommended. CompaniesNext provides legal and CA support throughout the process.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Register Your Company?
Registering a company is the first real step in making your business official. It opens up doors to funding, branding, taxation benefits, and much more. Don’t get overwhelmed by the process — you don’t have to do it alone.
Let CompaniesNext help you incorporate your business the right way.
📞 Call us now for a free consultation
📧 Email us at support@companiesnext.com
🌐 Visit www.companiesnext.com to get started
Let’s build your dream business — the legal way. 🚀
