If you’re starting a business in India, registering your company is one of the most important foundational steps. A registered company gives your business a formal legal identity, helps in gaining trust among clients, and unlocks various government benefits. Whether you’re building a startup, offering services, or launching a product, registration ensures you are compliant with the law from day one.

This guide explains how to register a company in India in 2025, including the process, documents required, government fees, and post-incorporation steps.

Why Register a Company in India?

Registering your company brings several key benefits that help establish a strong foundation for your business:

Separate Legal Entity:
A registered company is legally separate from its owners, which allows it to enter into contracts, own property, and operate in its own name.
Limited Liability Protection:
Promoters’ personal assets are protected from business liabilities. Losses or debts of the company do not affect personal finances.
Better Access to Funding:
Investors and banks prefer to deal with registered entities, especially private limited companies, which allow for equity investment.
Eligibility for Government Schemes:
Registered startups can apply for benefits under the Startup India Scheme, DPIIT recognition, tax exemptions, and more.
Enhanced Credibility:
A company with legal recognition earns more trust from clients, vendors, and other stakeholders.
Perpetual Succession:
The company continues to exist even if there are changes in ownership or management.

Types of Companies You Can Register in India

In India, companies are primarily registered under the Companies Act, 2013. Based on the nature of ownership and operations, the main types are:

Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd):
This is the most popular structure for startups. It allows two or more people to start a company with limited liability and restrictions on share transfers. It is eligible for Startup India benefits and is preferred by investors.
One Person Company (OPC):
Ideal for solo founders who want limited liability and legal recognition. OPCs can only have one shareholder and one director. While suitable for small businesses, OPCs have some restrictions such as mandatory conversion after a certain turnover threshold.
Public Limited Company:
This is suitable for larger businesses that plan to raise capital from the public or list on stock exchanges in the future. It requires a minimum of three directors and seven shareholders.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP):
While not a company under the Companies Act, LLPs are popular among professionals and service businesses. LLPs provide the benefit of limited liability along with operational flexibility and fewer compliance requirements than private companies. However, LLPs cannot raise equity capital like private companies.

Step-by-Step Company Registration Process in 2025

Step 1: Apply for Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
The first step is to get a DSC for all the proposed directors. It is used to sign documents electronically on the MCA portal. The process is simple and usually takes 1–2 working days.

Step 2: Obtain Director Identification Number (DIN)
DIN is a unique number assigned to each director. You don’t need to apply separately as it is automatically allotted while filing the SPICe+ form.

Step 3: Name Reservation through SPICe+ Part A
Choose a unique name for your company and apply for name reservation using SPICe+ Part A. The name should comply with the naming guidelines issued by MCA. Once approved, the name is reserved for 20 days.

Step 4: Filing the Incorporation Forms (SPICe+ Part B)
After name approval, proceed with SPICe+ Part B which includes:

Company registration form
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Articles of Association (AOA)
AGILE PRO for PAN, TAN, GST, EPFO, ESIC, and bank account

You will also upload all relevant documents and sign the forms using DSC.

Step 5: Certificate of Incorporation
Once the application is verified and approved by the Registrar of Companies, you will receive the Certificate of Incorporation (COI). This certificate contains your Company Identification Number (CIN), PAN, and TAN.

Documents Required for Company Registration

For directors and shareholders:

PAN card (mandatory for Indian citizens)
Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport as identity proof
Address proof such as latest utility bill or bank statement
Passport-size photograph

For registered office:

Latest utility bill (electricity, gas, or water bill not older than 2 months)
Rent agreement (if the premises are rented)
No-objection certificate (NOC) from the owner

It is advisable to keep all documents scanned and ready to avoid delays during filing.

Cost of Company Registration in India (2025)

The cost of registering a company varies depending on professional fees, number of directors, and authorized capital. Typically, you will incur:

Government fees (including name reservation and filing charges)
Digital Signature Certificate charges
Professional fees for preparing and filing documents

On average, company registration in India costs between ₹5,000 to ₹12,000 if you take professional help. Some platforms may offer bundled packages that include GST registration, PAN, TAN, and bank account setup.

Professional assistance ensures compliance with all technical aspects of registration and can help you avoid rejections and delays.

How Long Does It Take to Register a Company?

If all your documents are ready and name approval goes smoothly, the entire process can be completed in about 7 to 12 working days.

Digital Signature Certificate: 1–2 days
Name approval: 2–3 days
Filing and issuance of Certificate of Incorporation: 3–7 days

Delays usually happen when documents are missing or incorrect. Working with a CA or CS can significantly reduce such issues.

What to Do After Incorporation?

Once your company is registered, the following steps should be taken:

Open a current bank account in the name of the company
File Form INC-20A (Declaration of Commencement of Business) within 180 days
Maintain proper accounting records
Begin statutory compliances such as GST filing, TDS payments, and bookkeeping
Apply for DPIIT recognition if you wish to be part of the Startup India program

Neglecting post-incorporation compliance can result in penalties and loss of benefits, so it’s important to stay on top of it from the beginning.

Mandatory Post-Incorporation Compliances

In addition to operational steps, every newly incorporated company is required to complete the following statutory compliances:

First Board Meeting within 30 Days:
A meeting of the Board of Directors must be held within 30 days of incorporation to discuss important matters like appointment of statutory auditor, approval of share certificates, and bank account operations.
Appointment of First Auditor and Filing of ADT-1:
The company must appoint its first statutory auditor in the board meeting and file Form ADT-1 with the ROC within 15 days of appointment. The auditor will hold office until the conclusion of the first AGM.
Allotment of Shares and Filing of PAS-3:
After receiving subscription money from the shareholders, the company must issue share certificates and file Form PAS-3 with the ROC within 15 days of allotment. This is mandatory to record the allotment of shares in the MCA database.
Stamp Duty on Share Certificates:
Share certificates must be issued within 60 days from the date of incorporation, and stamp duty must be paid as per the relevant state laws.

These compliances are crucial in avoiding penalties and ensuring the legal standing of the company is fully established from the start.

Final Thoughts

Registering a company in India has become much simpler thanks to the MCA’s integrated SPICe+ system. However, many entrepreneurs still get stuck due to document issues, incorrect forms, or lack of clarity on the process. Taking help from a professional can ensure that your company is registered quickly, correctly, and with minimal effort from your side.

If you’re planning to launch your startup, now is the best time to get started the right way with a properly registered and compliant business structure.

Written by CA Aryan Mittal