Register A Private Limited Company Online

What is a Private Limited Company (and who should choose it)

A Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) is a separate legal entity incorporated under Indian company law. It provides limited liability to shareholders, a defined shareholding/equity structure, perpetual succession, and governance by a Board of Directors. Shares are not publicly traded and transfers are restricted by the Articles to maintain control.

Who should choose it

• Startups seeking investment (ESOPs, investor rounds) that need a share-based structure.
• Founding teams of 2 or more who want liability protection and formal governance.
• Businesses aiming for credibility with vendors, banks and enterprise clients.
• Teams planning to scale (additional directors, shareholders, subsidiaries or later conversions).
• Foreign/NRI-involved setups that can appoint at least one resident director in India.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Private Limited Company Registration

To ensure compliance and credibility under the Companies Act, here are the key eligibility conditions every applicant must meet:

• Shareholders: A Private Limited Company must have 2–200 shareholders, which can include individuals or corporate entities, Indian or foreign (as per FDI guidelines).
• Directors: Must have 2–15 directors, with at least one Indian resident (staying in India for 182+ days in the previous year).
• Paid-Up Capital: A minimum ₹1 lakh capital is required, as prescribed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
• Company Name: Should be unique, not similar to existing companies or trademarks, and end with “Private Limited”.
• Registered Office: Must have a registered address in India (temporary address allowed initially, to be confirmed within 30 days).
• DIN (Director Identification Number): Mandatory for all directors, issued by the MCA.
• DSC (Digital Signature Certificate): At least one director must hold a Class 3 DSC to digitally sign incorporation forms.
• Documentation: Valid ID and address proofs of directors/shareholders and registered office proof are required for verification.

Documents Required for Private Limited Company Registration in India

To ensure compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and verification by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), the following documents must be accurate, current, and self-attested (where required). Submitting valid and up-to-date documentation builds trust and ensures a smooth incorporation process.

1. Documents from Directors and Shareholders (Indian Nationals)

• PAN Card: Mandatory for all Indian directors and shareholders.
• Identity Proof: Any one – Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport, or Ration Card.
• Recent Photograph: Passport-size, taken within the last 6 months.
• Address Proof: Bank Statement, Electricity Bill, or Telephone Bill (not older than 2 months).

Tip: Use consistent ID details across all documents to prevent verification delays.

2. Documents from Foreign Nationals

• Passport: Mandatory proof of identity (notarized and apostilled if issued outside India).
• Address Proof: Driver’s License, Bank Statement, or Residence Card.
• Proof of Residence: Recent utility or bank statement (not older than 2 months).

All foreign documents must be authenticated per MCA and Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations.

3. Registered Office Proof

• Utility Bill or Property Tax Receipt: Not older than 2 months.
• Rent Agreement or Lease Deed: If the premises are rented.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): From the property owner (if rented or not owned).
• Ownership Proof: Sale deed or title document (if owned by the company).

4. Statutory and Legal Documents

• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): For all proposed directors and authorized signatories.
• Director Identification Number (DIN): For each director.
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA): Define company structure and rules.
• Form INC-9: Declaration by directors and subscribers.
• Form DIR-2: Consent to act as a director.

5. For Corporate Shareholders (If Applicable)

• Certificate of Incorporation: Of the investing entity.
• Board Resolution: Authorizing the investment.
• Registered Address Proof: Of the corporate shareholder.

All documents must be uploaded to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal during the incorporation process. Ensure each document is legible, current, and properly certified to avoid rejection or delays. Maintaining accurate documentation also enhances your company’s credibility, compliance score, and investor trust.

Incorporation process for a Private Limited Company

The incorporation process for a private limited company in India involves several sequential steps, most of which are carried out online through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal. The process is governed by the Companies Act, 2013 and has been streamlined with the introduction of the integrated SPICe+ form system.

Step-by-Step Incorporation Procedure

1. Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

   All proposed directors and shareholders must obtain a DSC, as company incorporation is completed online and digital authentication is required for e-filing documents.

2. Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)

   Prospective directors must possess a DIN, which can be applied for through the SPICe+ form if not already allotted.

3. Reserve Company Name (SPICe+ Part A)

   Use the SPICe+ Part A form to propose and reserve a unique company name through the MCA system. Two alternative names are suggested, and availability is confirmed following ROC naming guidelines.

4. Prepare and File Incorporation Forms (SPICe+ Part B)

   Fill out comprehensive company details, including registered address, capital, director and shareholder details, and attach required documents as prescribed.

5. Draft MOA and AOA

   Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) — the statutory documents defining business objectives and internal rules. Digital signatures are obtained from all subscribers.

6. File AGILE-PRO-S and Other Linked Forms

   This form is filed simultaneously for mandatory registrations including EPFO, ESIC, GST, company PAN, TAN, and the opening of a bank account.

7. Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation (COI)

   Upon successful processing and verification, the Registrar of Companies (RoC) issues a Certificate of Incorporation, along with the Company Identification Number (CIN), PAN, and TAN.

Post-Incorporation Compliance

After incorporation, a Private Limited Company must complete the following compliance actions to remain legally operational and avoid penalties under the Companies Act, 2013. This checklist is a practical guide and not legal advice.

Key Steps (with typical timelines)

1. Open Company Bank Account

   Use the Certificate of Incorporation (COI), PAN, and a Board Resolution to open a current account for all company transactions.

2. File INC-20A (Declaration of Commencement of Business)

   File within 180 days of incorporation with proof of subscription money received and the Board Resolution approving it. Non-compliance attracts penalties.

3. Hold the First Board Meeting

   Convene within 30 days of incorporation. Typical agenda: appoint first auditor, issue share certificates, confirm registered office, approve statutory registers.

4. Appoint First Auditor (Form ADT-1)

   Appoint a statutory auditor within 30 days of incorporation and file the relevant return with the ROC.

5. Issue Share Certificates

   Allot and issue to subscribers within 60 days of allotment; ensure stamping as per state rules.

6. Maintain Statutory Registers & Books

   Prepare and maintain statutory registers, minutes books, and accurate books of account from day one.

7. Board Meetings & Annual General Meeting (AGM)

   Hold Board Meetings as per law and one AGM every financial year; the first AGM is due within nine months of the end of the first financial year.

8. Director KYC (DIN KYC)

   Each director with an active DIN must complete annual DIN KYC (generally by 30 September each year).

9. Other Registrations (as applicable)

   Apply for GST, EPF, ESI, Professional Tax, and any local licences based on your business and state.

10. Ongoing & Annual ROC Filings

    File the annual return (MGT-7/MGT-7A, as applicable) and financial statements (AOC-4) within statutory due dates. File income tax returns, comply with TDS, and report event-based changes (directors, office, capital, charges) within time.

Deadlines at a Glance

Important: Due dates and forms can change by notification. Sector-specific rules or state stamp-duty requirements may also apply.

Disclaimer: This is general information for planning purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific case.

Cost and Timeline for Registering a Private Limited Company in India (2025)

Below is an estimated cost breakdown and typical timeline for registering a private limited company in India in 2025. Actual costs and durations may vary based on authorized capital, state stamp duty, number of directors, and the professional services engaged.

Cost Breakdown

Timeline

With proper preparation and professional assistance, entrepreneurs can generally expect company registration to complete within about 1–3 weeks at a total cost of roughly ₹7,000 to ₹25,000+. Figures are indicative and vary by MCA processing times, state stamp duty, authorised capital, number/ nationality of directors, and any resubmissions/queries. Costs typically include government fees + stamp duty (paid to authorities) and professional fees (paid to your service provider). For an accurate estimate, have a CS/CA review your documents and objects before filing.

Key Advantages of a Private Limited Company in India

A Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) is one of the most trusted business structures for startups and growing businesses due to its legal protection, credibility, and growth potential.

• Limited Liability: Shareholders’ personal assets are protected; liability is limited to their investment.
• Separate Legal Entity: The company can own property, enter contracts, and continue operations regardless of ownership changes.
• High Credibility: Recognized structure that builds trust with clients, investors, and financial institutions.
• Easy Fundraising: Can raise capital through equity from investors or financial institutions.
• Tax Benefits: Eligible for corporate tax deductions and incentives, reducing overall tax burden.
• Continuity: The company’s existence remains unaffected by director or shareholder changes.
• Simpler Compliance: Compared to public companies, Pvt Ltd firms have fewer disclosure requirements and more flexibility.

In summary: A Private Limited Company combines legal security, credibility, and growth flexibility - Ideal for modern entrepreneurs in India.