If you are figuring out how to register a company in India, the good news is that the process is now almost entirely online through a single integrated form. The hurdle is rarely the paperwork; it is knowing the right sequence, the documents to keep ready, and the structure to choose.
This guide explains the company registration process under the Companies Act, 2013, the SPICe+ form, the documents required, the realistic cost components, and how the main business structures compare.
Quick answers
Which law governs company registration in India?
The Companies Act, 2013, administered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
What form is used?
The integrated SPICe+ web form, with Part A for the name and Part B for incorporation.
How many directors does a Pvt Ltd need?
At least two directors and two shareholders; an OPC needs only one of each.
Do I need a DIN before applying?
No. New directors can be allotted a DIN directly through the SPICe+ form.
What do I get at the end?
A Certificate of Incorporation from the ROC, along with PAN and TAN.
How long does it take?
Often a few working days once documents and name approval are in order, subject to MCA processing.
What does registering a company mean?
Registering a company means incorporating a legal entity under the Companies Act, 2013, by filing the SPICe+ form with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, after which the Registrar of Companies (ROC) issues a Certificate of Incorporation. From that point the company exists as a separate legal person, distinct from its owners.
SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) is the integrated form introduced by the MCA, and it bundles several registrations, including name reservation, director identification, PAN, TAN, and EPFO and ESIC registration, into one filing.
Key terms explained
- DSC (Digital Signature Certificate): the electronic signature each director needs to sign MCA filings.
- DIN (Director Identification Number): the unique number every director must hold, allotted through SPICe+ for new directors.
- SPICe+ Part A and Part B: Part A reserves the company name; Part B handles the actual incorporation.
- MOA and AOA: the Memorandum and Articles of Association, filed electronically as e-MOA and e-AOA.
- Certificate of Incorporation (CoI): the document confirming the company is legally registered.
Who should register a company?
A private limited company suits founders who want to raise funding, build a credible brand, and limit personal liability. A one person company (OPC) suits a single founder who wants a corporate structure, while an LLP suits professional partnerships seeking flexibility with limited liability. Our guide to Pvt Ltd vs LLP vs OPC compares them in detail.
Foreign nationals, NRIs, and overseas companies can also incorporate in India through the same SPICe+ route, subject to the applicable foreign investment conditions.
The legal framework
Incorporation is governed by the Companies Act, 2013 and the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, with the MCA as the administering authority and the Registrar of Companies as the issuing office. LLPs follow a separate route under the LLP Act, 2008, using the FiLLiP form rather than SPICe+.
Once incorporated, a company must comply with ongoing requirements such as appointing an auditor, holding board meetings, and filing annual returns, so incorporation is the start of compliance, not the end of it.
How to register a company in India, step by step
- Obtain Digital Signature Certificates. Each proposed director gets a DSC to sign the electronic forms, applied through a licensed certifying authority.
- Reserve the company name. File SPICe+ Part A on the MCA portal with one or two proposed names that are unique and compliant with naming rules. Approval usually takes a couple of working days.
- Prepare the incorporation documents. Draft the e-MOA and e-AOA setting out the company's objects and internal rules, and collect identity, address, and registered-office proofs.
- File SPICe+ Part B. Complete Part B within 20 days of name approval, applying for DIN for new directors, PAN, TAN, and linked registrations through the AGILE-PRO-S form.
- Pay fees and stamp duty. Pay the MCA filing fees and state-wise stamp duty online; the amount depends on authorised capital and the state.
- ROC verification. The Registrar of Companies examines the application and supporting documents.
- Receive the Certificate of Incorporation. On approval, the ROC issues the CoI with the company's CIN, and PAN and TAN are allotted, making the company a legal entity.
Documents required for company registration
- PAN and Aadhaar of all directors and shareholders.
- Identity proof such as a passport, voter ID, or driving licence.
- Address proof such as a recent bank statement or utility bill.
- Passport-size photographs of the directors.
- Registered office proof, such as a utility bill, plus a No Objection Certificate from the owner if rented.
- For foreign nationals, notarised and apostilled identity and address documents.
Our SPICe+ document checklist walks through each proof in detail.
What does company registration cost?
| Cost component | What it covers |
|---|---|
| MCA filing fees | Government fees on the SPICe+ forms, based on authorised capital |
| Stamp duty | State-wise duty on the MOA, AOA, and incorporation, varying by state |
| DSC charges | Digital signature certificates for each director |
| Professional fees | Charges of a CA, CS, or other professional handling the filing |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a name that clashes with an existing company or trademark. The name is rejected and you restart the reservation. Check the MCA and trademark databases before applying.
- Letting name approval lapse. The reserved name is cancelled if Part B is not filed in time. File SPICe+ Part B within 20 days of approval.
- Picking the wrong structure. You face avoidable compliance or funding limits later. Match the structure to your funding and ownership plans.
- Ignoring post-incorporation compliance. Penalties follow for missed filings and auditor appointment. Set up a compliance calendar from day one.
Penalties for non-compliance after incorporation
A company that fails to appoint its first auditor within the period allowed under the Companies Act, 2013 risks penal consequences and operational disruption.
Late filing of annual forms such as the financial statements and the annual return attracts additional fees of Rs 100 per day per form with no upper limit, which can accumulate quickly into a substantial liability.
Persistent default can lead to the company being struck off and directors being disqualified, so timely compliance protects both the entity and its directors.
How the pieces connect
The DSC enables signing, the DIN identifies each director, and SPICe+ ties name reservation, director details, and linked registrations into a single filing, so the sequence matters: a DSC must exist before Part B can be signed and submitted.
Name reservation under Part A and incorporation under Part B are linked steps, because an approved name lapses if Part B is not filed within the prescribed 20 days.
Private limited vs LLP vs OPC
| Feature | Pvt Ltd | LLP | OPC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum members | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Best for | Funding and scale | Professional partnerships | Solo founders |
| Liability | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Filing form | SPICe+ | FiLLiP | SPICe+ |
Key takeaways
- Company registration is governed by the Companies Act, 2013, through the MCA.
- The SPICe+ form bundles name reservation, DIN, PAN, TAN, and more into one filing.
- A private limited company needs at least two directors and two shareholders; an OPC needs one.
- File SPICe+ Part B within 20 days of name approval, or the name lapses.
- Incorporation triggers ongoing compliance, including auditor appointment and annual filings.
Frequently asked questions
How long does company registration take in India?
Once documents and name approval are in order, incorporation often completes within a few working days, subject to MCA processing times.
Do I need a physical office to register a company?
You need a registered office address with valid proof. It can be commercial or residential, with a No Objection Certificate if the premises are rented.
What is the SPICe+ form?
SPICe+ is the integrated MCA web form for incorporation, with Part A for name reservation and Part B for the incorporation filing and linked registrations.
Can a foreigner or NRI register a company in India?
Yes. Foreign nationals and NRIs can incorporate through SPICe+, subject to foreign investment conditions and document attestation requirements.
Is a DIN required before applying?
No. New directors can obtain a DIN directly through the SPICe+ form during incorporation, up to the limit allowed in the form.
What is the difference between a Pvt Ltd and an LLP?
A Pvt Ltd suits raising equity funding and scaling; an LLP suits professional partnerships and uses the FiLLiP form rather than SPICe+.
What happens after I get the Certificate of Incorporation?
You must appoint an auditor, open a bank account, and meet ongoing filing obligations such as annual returns and financial statements.
Want the registration handled end to end?
If you would rather focus on the business than the forms, professional support can take incorporation from name approval to the Certificate of Incorporation. You can read how the Regikart team handles this on our private limited company registration page, or contact us / WhatsApp +91 70444 94804 (Mon-Sat, 9 am-7 pm IST).
About the author
Regikart CA Team
Chartered Accountants at Regikart. Want to discuss this in the context of your business?
