You need to register your company before you can legally operate in India. This guide walks you through the exact process for 2026, including the updated government portals, mandatory documents, costs, and steps to get your Certificate of Incorporation.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has streamlined the process through the MCA V3 portal. You can complete most steps online using digital forms and electronic signatures.
Types of Business Structures in India
Your choice of business structure determines your legal responsibilities, tax obligations, and ability to raise capital. Here are the most common options:
Structure | Liability | Min Members | Best For | Tax |
Private Limited Company | Limited | 2 | Funded startups & scalable businesses | Corporate Tax rate |
Limited Liability Partnership | Limited | 2 | Professional firms & small service providers | Flat 30% |
One Person Company (OPC) | Limited | 1 | Solo founders & freelancers | Corporate Tax rate |
Public Limited Company | Limited | 7 | Large scale operations & IPO candidates | Corporate Tax rate |
Section 8 Company | Limited | 2 | Non-profits & charitable organisations | Exemptions apply |
Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)
A Private Limited Company (a corporation with restricted share transfer and limited liability protection) is the preferred structure for startups seeking investment. It limits your personal liability to your share contribution and allows you to issue equity to investors.
Under Section 2(68) of the Companies Act, 2013, a private company restricts share transfers and limits membership to 200 people.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
The Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 governs LLP formation and compliance requirements. If you want a deeper dive into how this compares to a private company, read our detailed LLP vs Pvt Ltd guide
One Person Company (OPC)
An OPC (a corporate entity with a single member and nominee director) allows solo entrepreneurs to operate with limited liability. Section 2(62) of the Companies Act, 2013 defines this structure for individual business owners.
Public Limited Company
A Public Limited Company can raise capital from the general public through share offerings. Section 2(71) of the Companies Act, 2013 requires a minimum of seven members and stricter compliance standards.
Section 8 Company (Non-Profit)
Section 8 companies (non-profit entities under the Companies Act, 2013) promote arts, commerce, charity, or education. Profits must be reinvested into the organization’s stated objectives.
Which Structure Is Right for Your Business?
Choose based on your funding plans and growth strategy. If you plan to raise venture capital or grant employee stock options (ESOPs), register a Private Limited Company. Investors generally prefer this structure for its clear equity division and compliance framework.
For consulting firms or service businesses with trusted partners, an LLP provides fewer compliance requirements while maintaining liability protection.
Step-by-Step Company Registration Process
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs requires these steps for company registration:
Step 1: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
You need a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (a government-approved electronic signature for official documents) to file incorporation forms. Each proposed director and memorandum subscriber requires their own DSC from a licensed certifying authority.
Step 2: Director Identification Number (DIN)
A DIN (an 8-digit unique identifier for company directors) is mandatory for all directors. You can apply for up to three DINs directly within the SPICe+ incorporation form rather than applying separately.
Step 3: Name Reservation (RUN form on MCA V3 Portal)
Reserve your company name using the Reserve Unique Name (RUN) service on the MCA V3 portal. Your proposed name must comply with Section 4 of the Companies Act, 2013 naming guidelines.
Step 4: SPICe+ Form Filing
File the Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus (SPICe+) form. This comprehensive form handles name reservation, incorporation, DIN allotment, and PAN/TAN issuance in one application.
You will draft your Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA) electronically using the linked e-MoA and e-AoA utilities.
Step 5: PAN, TAN, GST Registration
The SPICe+ form automatically generates your Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN). You can request simultaneous GST registration to complete tax registrations in one process.
Step 6: Certificate of Incorporation
The Registrar of Companies (RoC) issues your Certificate of Incorporation (CoI) after verifying your SPICe+ form. This digital certificate includes your Corporate Identity Number (CIN), PAN, and TAN.
Your company legally exists from the date on this certificate.
Documents Required for Company Registration
Prepare these documents before filing:
- Identity Proof: PAN card (mandatory for Indian nationals) and Passport/Aadhar/Voter ID
- Address Proof: Bank statement, electricity bill, or mobile bill (not older than two months)
- Registered Office Proof: Recent utility bill for business premises
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): Signed NOC from property owner allowing business use
Rent Agreement: If using leased property
Company Registration Fees in India (2026)
The government waives incorporation fees for companies with authorized capital up to ₹15 lakh under the current fee structure. You will pay:
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per director
- Stamp Duty: Varies by state and authorized capital amount
- Name Reservation (RUN): ₹1,000 per application
- Professional Fees: ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 for expert assistance
How Long Does Registration Take?
The RoC generally processes applications within 3 to 7 working days through the MCA V3 portal. Delays typically occur when the RoC requests name clarification or document resubmission.
MCA V3 Portal - What's New in 2026
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs operates exclusively through the MCA V3 portal as of 2026. This system uses data analytics and AI to process forms faster and identify compliance issues automatically.
The Company Fresh Settlement Scheme (CFSS) 2026 allows defaulting companies to file pending returns without additional penalty fees. For new registrations, the V3 portal provides real-time application tracking and paperless processing.
Post-Registration Compliance Steps
Complete these steps immediately after incorporation:
- Open Corporate Bank Account: Use your CoI, MoA, and AoA to open a current account
Deposit Share Capital: Subscribers must transfer their subscription amounts to the corporate account - File Form INC-20A: Submit the Commencement of Business declaration within 180 days of incorporation
- Appoint Auditor: The board must appoint a statutory auditor within 30 days of incorporation
For a comprehensive checklist of annual filings and board meeting requirements, explore our main Corporate Law blog (Link to Pillar). If you plan to seek government grants or tax exemptions, you should also read our Startup India guide (Link to A5) to understand the DPIIT recognition process.
Launch Your Business with Confidence
Company registration requires careful attention to documentation and compliance, but the MCA V3 portal has simplified the process significantly. By choosing the right business structure, preparing proper documents, and following these steps, you can incorporate efficiently.
At Altacit Global, we handle the technical requirements of company registration so you can focus on building your business. Contact our corporate law team today to begin your incorporation process with expert guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions - Company Registration India
1. What are the different types of company structures available for incorporation in India?
The most common company structures in India are Private Limited Companies, Public Limited Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), and One Person Companies (OPCs). A Private Limited Company is the most preferred structure for startups and foreign subsidiaries due to its limited liability protection, ease of raising venture capital, and separate legal entity status under the Companies Act, 2013.
Can a foreign national be a director of an Indian company?
Do I need a commercial office space to register a company?
No, you can use a residential address as your registered office. You need a utility bill in the owner’s name and their written NOC
What is the minimum capital required to start a Private Limited Company?
Can I change my company name after incorporation?
Yes, you can change the name by passing a special resolution, checking availability through RUN, and obtaining RoC approval under Section 13 of the Companies Act, 2013.
Is it mandatory to hire a professional for registration?
The SPICe+ form requires certification by a practicing Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, or Cost Accountant under Rule 7 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014. Professional assistance prevents form rejections and compliance errors.
