Registering a company in India is far simpler than most people think — and with recent MCA reforms, it can be done entirely online in 7–15 working days. This guide walks you through every option, every step, and every cost.
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Which Business Structure Should You Choose?
This is the most important decision — and the most common source of confusion. Here’s a plain-English breakdown:
| Structure | Best For | Min. Capital | Registration Cost | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | Solo freelancers, very small shops | None | ₹2,000–₹5,000 | Individual slab rate |
| Partnership Firm | 2–20 partners, local businesses | None | ₹3,000–₹8,000 | 30% flat |
| LLP | Professional services, small teams | None | ₹8,000–₹15,000 | 30% flat |
| Private Limited Company | Startups seeking funding, scaling businesses | None (no min. since 2015) | ₹8,000–₹25,000 | 22–25% |
| OPC (One Person Company) | Solo founders wanting Pvt Ltd benefits | None | ₹8,000–₹15,000 | 22–25% |
Bottom line: If you’re serious about building a business that can raise funding, hire employees, or scale — go with a Private Limited Company. If you’re testing a solo idea, start as a Sole Proprietorship and convert later.
How to Register a Private Limited Company in India (2026)
This is the most commonly searched registration type. Here’s the complete process:
Step 1: Get a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Every director needs a DSC to sign documents electronically on the MCA portal.
- Cost: ₹1,000–₹2,500 per director
- Time: 1–3 business days
- How: Apply through any licensed Certifying Authority (e.g., eMudhra, Sify, NSDL). Most CAs now do video-based KYC.
Step 2: Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)
Every director of a company needs a DIN. This is now integrated into the SPICe+ form (Step 5), so you don’t need to apply separately in most cases.
- Cost: Free when done via SPICe+
- Time: Auto-approved in most cases
Step 3: Name Reservation via RUN (Reserve Unique Name)
Before incorporation, you need to check and reserve your company name.
- Cost: ₹1,000 per application
- Time: 2–5 business days
- How: Login to mca.gov.in → MCA Services → Company/LLP → RUN form
- Rules: Name cannot be identical or similar to an existing company. Cannot include restricted words (Bank, Insurance, etc.) without approval. Should ideally end with “Private Limited.”
Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents
You’ll need the following for all directors and shareholders:
- PAN card (mandatory for Indian nationals)
- Aadhaar card
- Passport-size photographs
- Address proof (electricity bill / bank statement — not older than 2 months)
- Registered office proof: Rent agreement + NOC from owner, or ownership documents
Step 5: File SPICe+ Form on MCA Portal
The SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) is a single integrated form that handles company incorporation, DIN allotment, PAN, TAN, GST, ESIC, EPFO, and professional tax registration — all at once.
- Cost: Government fees based on authorized capital (typically ₹2,000–₹10,000) + professional fees if using a CA/CS (₹5,000–₹15,000)
- Time: 5–10 business days after submission
- How: mca.gov.in → MCA Services → Company/LLP → Incorporation → SPICe+ form
Step 6: MOA and AOA Drafting
The Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) are your company’s constitutional documents. The MOA defines what your company will do; the AOA sets the internal rules.
These are attached to the SPICe+ form. Standard templates are available on the MCA portal — most startups use them directly with minor modifications.
Step 7: Certificate of Incorporation
Once your SPICe+ form is approved, you receive the Certificate of Incorporation (COI) via email. This includes your Corporate Identification Number (CIN) and is your company’s birth certificate.
Step 8: Open a Current Bank Account
With the COI, PAN, and AOA, you can open a current account at any bank. Required within 60 days of incorporation.
Step 9: GST Registration (If Applicable)
Mandatory if your annual turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh for some special category states), or if you’re selling online across states. Apply at gst.gov.in.
Full Cost Breakdown for Pvt Ltd Registration (2026)
| Item | Government Fee | If Using a CA/CS |
|---|---|---|
| DSC (per director) | ₹1,000–₹2,500 | Included in package |
| Name Reservation (RUN) | ₹1,000 | Included |
| SPICe+ filing fees | ₹2,000–₹5,000 | Included |
| MOA/AOA stamp duty | ₹200–₹1,000 (state-dependent) | Included |
| CA/CS professional fee | N/A | ₹5,000–₹15,000 |
| Total (DIY) | ₹5,000–₹10,000 | — |
| Total (With CA/CS) | — | ₹10,000–₹25,000 |
How to Register an LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)
LLPs are ideal for professional services firms (consultancies, law firms, design studios) where partners share management but want limited liability.
- Obtain DSC for all designated partners
- Apply for DPIN (Designated Partner Identification Number) via FiLLiP form
- Reserve LLP name via RUN-LLP on MCA portal
- File FiLLiP form (incorporation form for LLPs)
- File LLP Agreement within 30 days of incorporation
Total cost: ₹8,000–₹20,000 (government fees + professional fees)
How to Register a Sole Proprietorship
There’s no central registration for a sole proprietorship — your identity and the business are legally the same. But you’ll need:
- GST Registration (if applicable) — gives your business a legal identity
- Udyam Registration — free MSME registration at udyamregistration.gov.in
- Shop & Establishment Act license — required in most states for any physical business
- Bank account — open a current account in the business name with your GST certificate
Total cost: ₹2,000–₹8,000
Post-Registration Compliance (Important — Don’t Skip)
Registration is just the start. A Pvt Ltd company must complete these after registration:
- INC-20A (Declaration of Commencement): File within 180 days of incorporation with proof of bank account and first share subscription money received.
- Statutory Auditor appointment: Within 30 days of incorporation.
- Annual filings (MCA): MGT-7 (annual return) and AOC-4 (financial statements) — due by September 30 each year.
- Income tax returns: Due October 31 (audit cases) or July 31.
- GST returns: Monthly or quarterly depending on your registration type.
Tip: Budget ₹15,000–₹40,000/year for a CA to handle your annual compliance. This is non-negotiable for a Pvt Ltd company — non-compliance leads to heavy penalties.
How Much Will Your Business Cost Beyond Registration?
Registration is just one part of your startup budget. Use our calculator to get a full picture — premises, equipment, working capital, marketing, and compliance costs by business type and city.
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