Table of Contents
Company Registration in India: The Founder’s Guide
Navigate the complexities of legal incorporation, from selecting the right entity to obtaining your Certificate of Incorporation. A technical, no-fluff handbook for serious founders.
Start Registration
Why Founders Choose BizSimpl Over LegalWiz
Expert-led compliance, clearer pricing, and faster company registration in India
While LegalWiz operates as a platform-driven legal marketplace, BizSimpl is built for founders who want direct expert involvement, predictable timelines, and long-term compliance clarity. From entity selection to MCA filings and post-registration obligations, BizSimpl focuses on precision, accountability, and founder decision support — not just form submissions.
Founder Guidance
BizSimpl emphasizes structured decision-making before incorporation, ensuring the chosen entity aligns with funding plans, tax efficiency, and scalability — not just eligibility.
Process Ownership
Instead of routing filings through generic workflows, BizSimpl assigns accountable compliance professionals who manage the MCA and ROC process end-to-end.
Post-Registration Focus
Company registration is treated as a foundation, not an endpoint. Ongoing compliance, audit readiness, and statutory planning are built into the journey.
The Indian Business Landscape
In the Indian startup ecosystem, the line between a hobby and a business is drawn at incorporation. Company registration in India is not merely an administrative checkbox; it is the fundamental legal act that births a "juristic person"—an entity capable of owning property, incurring debt, and suing or being sued in its own name.
For founders, this process—governed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) under the Companies Act, 2013—is the gateway to legitimacy. Whether you are bootstrapping a SaaS product from Bangalore or planning a manufacturing unit in Pune, the regulatory framework remains consistent. At BizSimpl, we believe that understanding these nuances is critical before you sign your first founder's agreement.
Why Company Registration Matters
Operating as an unregistered entity exposes founders to unlimited personal liability.
Asset Protection
In a Private Limited Company or LLP, the liability of shareholders is limited to their capital contribution. Your personal savings are safe from business creditors.
Investment Readiness
VCs and Angel Investors mandate a registered corporate structure—specifically a Private Limited Company—to hold equity and manage ESOP pools.
Trust & Credibility
A Corporate Identification Number (CIN) signals permanence. It is often a prerequisite for vendor empanelment and government tenders.
What Founders Must Decide Before Starting
The SPICe+ form on the MCA portal is unforgiving of ambiguity. Clarity on these four pillars is essential.
1. Ownership Structure
Who holds the equity? You need a minimum of two directors for a Private Limited Company. Solo founders must choose between finding a nominee director or opting for a One Person Company.
2. Authorized Capital
This is the maximum value of shares a company can issue. A standard authorized capital of ₹1,00,000 or ₹10,00,000 is recommended to avoid frequent filings later.
3. Registered Office
Every company needs a physical address in India to receive ROC correspondence. This can be commercial or residential, provided you have an NOC from the owner.
4. Business Activity Code
You must select a specific NIC (National Industrial Classification) code. This defines the scope of your Main Objects clause in the Memorandum of Association (MOA).
The Step-by-Step Registration Process
Since the introduction of SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus), the process is streamlined but technical.
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Directors must obtain a Class-3 DSC to digitally sign forms. This requires video verification.
Name Reservation (RUN/SPICe+)
Reserve a unique name. It must be distinct and not infringe on existing trademarks.
Filing Incorporation Forms
Draft MOA/AOA and file SPICe+ Part B. This applies for DIN, PAN, TAN, GSTIN, and EPFO simultaneously.
Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
The Registrar of Companies issues the COI via email containing your CIN, PAN, and TAN.
Types of Company Structures
Choosing the wrong legal structure can lead to tax inefficiencies. Here is a breakdown.
Private Limited
The default choice for startups raising external capital. Allows ESOPs. Requires 2 directors. Learn more.
LLP
Best for professional service firms. Lower compliance, no mandatory audit if turnover < ₹40L. Explore LLPs.
One Person Company
For solo entrepreneurs wanting limited liability without equity dilution. Just 1 director/member. Read about OPC.
Documents Required
For Indian Nationals
- PAN Card: Mandatory. Name must match exactly.
- ID Proof: Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License.
- Address Proof: Bank Statement or Mobile Bill (Latest).
- Photo: Recent color passport photo.
For Foreign Nationals
Crucial for India market entry.
- Passport: Notarized and apostilled in home country.
- Address Proof: Foreign DL or Bank Statement (Apostilled).
- Resident Director: One Indian resident director is mandatory.
Registered Office Proof (Common for All)
- Utility Bill (Electricity/Gas/Water) of the premises.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner.
- Rent Agreement (if rented) or Property Deed.
Cost and Timeline Analysis
| Parameter | Private Limited | LLP | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Govt Fees | Zero (for Capital < ₹10L) | Variable | - |
| Stamp Duty | State Specific | State Specific | - |
| Professional Fees | ₹6,000 - ₹15,000 | ₹5,000 - ₹12,000 | - |
| Total Duration | 7-14 Working Days | 10-15 Working Days | Standard |
Post-Registration Compliance
Obtaining the Certificate of Incorporation is not the finish line. The Companies Act imposes immediate obligations.
Appointment of Auditor (ADT-1)
Within 30 days of incorporation, the Board must appoint the first Statutory Auditor.
Commencement of Business (INC-20A)
Deposit subscription money and file INC-20A within 180 days to avoid strike-off.
For a complete schedule, refer to our annual compliance checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Build Your Business on a Solid Foundation
Don't let bureaucracy slow you down. BizSimpl handles end-to-end incorporation, ensuring 100% compliance so you can focus on growth.
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