Registering a Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) in India is a strategic move for entrepreneurs aiming to build a scalable, investor-ready business with a legally recognized identity. Governed by the Companies Act, 2013 and administered through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), the incorporation process is now completely online but still demands attention to detail, timely documentation, and compliance with procedural norms.
In this detailed blog, we provide a fully elaborated, SEO-optimized, step-by-step guide for registering a private limited company in India. Whether you're a first-time startup founder or a foreign national seeking entry into the Indian market, this guide covers every step from digital signatures to post-incorporation compliance.
The digital nature of the registration process requires that all proposed directors obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). A DSC is an encrypted electronic key issued by a government-approved Certifying Authority (CA) and is used to digitally sign forms on the MCA portal.
PAN card (for Indian nationals)
Passport (for foreign nationals)
Address proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving License)
Passport-sized photograph
Email ID and mobile number for verification
A Class 3 DSC with a validity of 1 or 2 years is mandatory. The process is typically completed within 1–2 working days.
A Director Identification Number (DIN) is a unique identifier allotted to every director. If the individual does not already have a DIN, it is automatically generated during incorporation when submitting the SPICe+ form.
DIN ensures that the MCA can track a director’s associations with multiple companies, ensuring accountability.
Choosing a unique and legally compliant name is crucial. The name must:
Be distinct from existing company/LLP names and trademarks
Not include prohibited words (e.g., ‘Bank’, ‘Stock Exchange’)
Reflect the company’s main objects
RUN (Reserve Unique Name): Quick, standalone application (allows only name reservation)
SPICe+ Part A: Integrated with the incorporation application (recommended for seamless processing)
Approved names are valid for 20 days during which you must complete the incorporation.
The Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) define the legal and operational blueprint of your company:
MOA: Outlines the main objectives, scope, and powers of the company
AOA: Sets the internal management rules, such as director roles, meetings, voting rights, etc.
For online filing, these are submitted as:
e-MOA (INC-33)
e-AOA (INC-34)
A practicing professional (CA, CS, or CMA) must digitally certify these.
Comprehensive documentation is the backbone of successful company registration. Gather:
Identity proofs (PAN, Passport)
Address proofs (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Utility Bill)
Director’s consent (DIR-2), declarations (INC-9, DIR-8)
Proof of registered office (Utility bill, Rent Agreement, NOC)
Passport-sized photos of all directors and shareholders
All documents must be recent (not older than 60 days), self-attested, and in high-resolution scanned format.
The SPICe+ form is the backbone of the incorporation process. It is a web-based integrated application that provides:
Name reservation (Part A)
Incorporation details (Part B)
PAN & TAN allotment
GST, EPFO, ESIC registration
Bank account setup (via AGILE-PRO form)
You must also submit the e-MOA, e-AOA, and other linked forms such as:
INC-9 (declaration)
URC-1 (if converting an entity)
Agile-Pro-S (for opening bank account and other tax registrations)
The entire form is digitally signed by directors and a professional (CA/CS/CMA).
The final submission of SPICe+ requires payment of statutory fees, which vary based on:
Authorized capital
State of registration
MOA/AOA filing charges
After payment, the form is submitted to the Registrar of Companies (ROC) for review.
Once approved, the ROC issues the Certificate of Incorporation (COI). This is legal proof that your company is officially registered. Along with COI, you will also receive:
Permanent Account Number (PAN)
Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN)
These details are essential for bank account setup and tax filings.
With your COI, PAN, and TAN in hand, approach any scheduled bank to open a current account in your company’s name. Required documents include:
COI
Board resolution for bank authorization (if applicable)
Director KYC documents
This account will be used to receive the paid-up capital and conduct business transactions.
Post-incorporation, the company must file Form INC-20A to declare that the subscribers have deposited the paid-up capital.
Within 180 days of incorporation
Failing to file INC-20A may result in heavy penalties or company strike-off. Attach a bank statement showing the capital inflow.
As per Section 139 of the Companies Act, the company must appoint a statutory auditor within 30 days of incorporation. This is done by passing a board resolution and filing Form ADT-1 with the ROC.
The auditor conducts financial audits and ensures legal compliance with accounting standards.
Depending on your business activities, additional registrations may be necessary:
GST Registration (mandatory if turnover exceeds ₹40L for goods or ₹20L for services)
MSME Udyam Registration (for startups seeking benefits)
Startup India DPIIT Recognition (for tax exemptions, funding access)
FSSAI License, Import Export Code (IEC), or Shops and Establishment License
Some of these can be included in the AGILE-PRO form during incorporation.
While the MCA has simplified company registration with online forms like SPICe+, the process still requires close attention to legal and procedural steps. Missing documentation, incorrect form entries, or ignoring post-incorporation filings can cause serious compliance issues.
By following this step-by-step process, you ensure your private limited company is not just legally formed, but also compliant, bank-ready, and positioned for sustainable growth.
For new entrepreneurs, it’s highly advisable to work with a professional who can guide you through each step, verify documents, and file forms correctly.