Company Registration Process in India

Company Registration Process in India 2026: Step-by-Step SPICe+ Guide

The company registration process in India is completed online through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). The SPICe+ incorporation system enables entrepreneurs to apply for company name approval, incorporation, Director Identification Numbers (DIN), PAN, TAN and several linked registrations through an integrated process.

Whether you are incorporating a Private Limited Company, One Person Company (OPC), Public Limited Company or another eligible company structure, understanding the registration procedure can help avoid unnecessary resubmissions, additional costs and delays.

This guide explains the company incorporation process in India in 2026, including SPICe+ Part A and Part B, MCA V3, MOA, AOA, AGILE-PRO-S, required documents, estimated timelines, fees and important post-incorporation requirements.

For professional incorporation support, visit our Company Registration in India pillar page or our Private Limited Company Registration service page.

Contact EzyBiz India Consulting LLP: Call +91 98992 17778, connect through WhatsApp, or email anil@ezybizindia.in.

What Is the Company Registration Process in India?

Meaning of Company Incorporation

Company incorporation is the legal process of registering a company under the Companies Act, 2013 through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

After incorporation, the company acquires a separate legal identity, subject to the statutory provisions applicable to its chosen structure.

The company receives a Certificate of Incorporation and Corporate Identity Number (CIN) upon approval.

What Is the SPICe+ Incorporation System?

SPICe+ stands for Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus.

It is an integrated online incorporation framework through which company registration and several related statutory applications are processed.

SPICe+ consists of:

• Part A: Reservation of the proposed company name.
• Part B: Incorporation particulars and related statutory information.

Applicable linked forms are submitted as part of the incorporation filing.

Company Registration Through MCA V3

The MCA V3 system supports web-based company incorporation forms and linked applications.

The incorporation filing set was migrated to MCA V3 with effect from January 2023. Applicants should use the current forms and instructions available through the official MCA portal.

The exact interface and form validation requirements may be updated periodically.

Choose the Right Company Structure Before Registration

Private Limited Company

A Private Limited Company is commonly selected by startups, growing businesses and entrepreneurs intending to introduce multiple shareholders or raise equity investment.

It generally requires at least two shareholders and two directors, subject to the Companies Act.

For detailed registration requirements, see Private Limited Company Registration Services.

One Person Company and Public Limited Company

An OPC permits an eligible individual to establish a company with one member, subject to nominee and other statutory requirements.

A Public Limited Company generally requires at least seven members and three directors. It is subject to additional legal and corporate governance requirements.

Different company forms have different eligibility, documentation and ongoing compliance obligations.

Company Registration vs LLP Registration

A Limited Liability Partnership is a separate body corporate registered under the LLP Act, 2008, rather than a company incorporated under the Companies Act.

LLPs follow a different incorporation procedure, generally involving prescribed MCA forms such as FiLLiP.

For structure selection, read our Types of Company Registration in India and LLP vs Private Limited Company guides.

Requirements Before Starting Company Registration

Finalise Shareholders and Directors

Before filing the incorporation application, promoters should identify the proposed shareholders and directors.

The following details should be finalised:

• Names and identification details of promoters.
• Number of proposed shareholders and directors.
• Shareholding percentages.
• Initial capital contribution.
• Appointment of a director meeting the resident-director requirement.
• Nature and scope of proposed business activities.

One person may act as both a shareholder and director where legally permissible.

Determine Authorised and Paid-Up Capital

Promoters should determine the proposed authorised share capital, subscribed capital, face value of shares and initial ownership allocation.

There is no general statutory requirement for a minimum paid-up capital of Rs. 1 lakh for incorporating a standard Private Limited Company.

However, sector-specific requirements and the actual capital needs of the business must be evaluated separately.

Select the Registered Office

The company must have an appropriate registered office in India for statutory correspondence and official records.

Depending on the circumstances, registered-office documents may include:

• Ownership or occupancy proof.
• Rent or lease agreement.
• No-objection certificate from the owner.
• Recent utility bill.
• Complete office address and supporting details.

If a shared or virtual office is proposed, read our Virtual Office for Company Registration in India guide.

SPICe+ Part A – Company Name Reservation Procedure

How to Select a Suitable Company Name

The proposed company name should be distinctive, legally acceptable and consistent with its business activities.

Applicants should avoid names that:

• Are identical or confusingly similar to existing company or LLP names.
• Conflict with registered trademarks.
• Contain prohibited or restricted expressions without approval.
• Suggest an unauthorised government connection.
• Misrepresent the nature of business.

Read our Company Name Reservation in India guide for further details.

Information Required in SPICe+ Part A

SPICe+ Part A generally requires particulars such as:

• Company type and class.
• Company category and sub-category.
• Proposed names.
• Principal industrial activity and NIC classification.
• Business activity description.
• Supporting documents where required.

Name selection should be completed carefully before submitting the incorporation application.

Part A Separate Filing vs Combined Filing

Applicants may generally file SPICe+ Part A separately for name reservation or combine Part A and Part B in a single incorporation application.

Separate name approval can be useful when the proposed name may require clarification or supporting consent.

An approved name for a new company is ordinarily reserved for 20 days, subject to applicable rules and extension provisions.

Approval of the name does not itself create the company.

Digital Signature Certificate and Director Identification Number

Digital Signature Certificate Requirements

A valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is required for relevant persons signing incorporation documents electronically.

DSCs may be required for subscribers, proposed directors, authorised representatives and professional certifying persons, depending on the filing.

Verification typically involves identity, contact and other prescribed details.

DIN Application Through SPICe+

Every director must hold or obtain a valid Director Identification Number (DIN).

Eligible proposed first directors without DIN can generally apply for allotment through the SPICe+ incorporation framework, subject to the prescribed limits and conditions.

Promoters should check the current MCA form instructions for the number of new DIN applications permitted in the particular filing.

Identity Verification and Director Consent

Proposed directors must provide prescribed identity and address documents, consent to act as director and applicable eligibility declarations.

Companies should maintain documents such as director consent and relevant declarations, including DIR-2 and DIR-8 where applicable.

Incorrect or inconsistent identification particulars can result in form validation issues or resubmission.

Documents Required for Company Registration in India

Documents for Individual Directors and Shareholders

Typical documents and information include:

• PAN, where applicable.
• Identity proof.
• Residential address proof.
• Recent photograph, where required.
• Mobile number and email address.
• Digital Signature Certificate.
• Existing DIN, if allotted.
• Prescribed declarations and consents.

Additional documents may be necessary for particular applicant categories.

Documents for Registered Office

The registered-office documents should support the address being entered in the MCA application.

Depending on the circumstances, applicants may need an ownership document, rental agreement, recent utility bill and no-objection certificate.

Names, addresses, property particulars and supporting documents should be internally consistent.

Information About Business Activities and Capital

Promoters must provide information about:

• Proposed company name.
• Principal business activities.
• Main objects of the company.
• Authorised and subscribed share capital.
• Shareholding details.
• Registered office.
• Subscribers and directors.
• Relevant integrated registrations.

Additional resolutions and identity documents may be required where a body corporate is an investor or subscriber.

Memorandum and Articles of Association

Memorandum of Association – MOA

The Memorandum of Association is a constitutional document containing important company particulars, including its name, registered-office state, objects, liability clause and applicable capital provisions.

The main objects should accurately describe the proposed activities and comply with applicable legal restrictions.

Articles of Association – AOA

The Articles of Association establish the company’s internal governance framework.

They may cover matters such as share transfers, voting rights, director appointments, meetings and internal decision-making procedures.

Where required, promoters should consider suitable provisions for future capital raising and changes in ownership.

Electronic MOA and AOA – INC-33 and INC-34

Eligible incorporations use the prescribed electronic MOA and AOA forms, including INC-33 and INC-34.

Special company structures and particular subscriber arrangements may require different prescribed forms or supporting documents.

The appropriate version must be selected according to the current MCA filing requirements.

SPICe+ Part B – Company Incorporation Application

Information Entered in Part B

SPICe+ Part B contains the principal incorporation information.

Depending on the company type, the application may cover:

• Approved proposed name.
• Registered office.
• Business objects and activities.
• Authorised and subscribed capital.
• Subscribers and directors.
• DIN details and applications.
• PAN and TAN particulars.
• Professional certification.
• Relevant statutory declarations.

Subscriber and Shareholding Particulars

Each subscriber’s proposed shareholding must be stated accurately.

The total shares, face value, authorised capital and subscription information should be consistent across the applicable forms and constitutional documents.

Where shareholder arrangements are more complex, the proposed structure should be reviewed before filing.

Professional Certification and Declarations

Incorporation forms require applicable declarations and certification by an authorised practising professional.

The certifying professional reviews the prescribed information and documents in accordance with the relevant requirements.

Promoters remain responsible for providing accurate and complete information.

Linked MCA Forms and AGILE-PRO-S Registration

INC-9 and Other Applicable Linked Forms

Form INC-9 contains prescribed declarations by subscribers and first directors. In many standard cases, the declaration is generated electronically through the incorporation framework.

Other linked forms are applicable depending on the company type and subscriber arrangements.

The applicant must follow the current MCA sequence and validation instructions.

What Is AGILE-PRO-S?

AGILE-PRO-S (INC-35) is the integrated application form for specified registrations and services associated with company incorporation.

Depending on jurisdiction and applicability, it may cover:

• GST registration, where selected.
• EPFO registration.
• ESIC registration.
• Professional Tax registration in supported States.
• Bank account opening request.
• Shops and Establishment registration where integrated.

Separate operational compliance or additional documents may still be required after incorporation.

Is GST, EPFO and ESIC Registration Compulsory?

GST registration is not compulsory merely because a company is incorporated. GST liability must be determined under the relevant GST provisions.

EPFO and ESIC establishment registration arrangements through the incorporation process should not be confused with the obligation to contribute or file employee returns, which depends on applicable labour legislation and coverage.

The exact linked services should be checked through the MCA portal and, where relevant, the GST portal.

How to Submit the SPICe+ Company Registration Application

Review and Validate All Forms

Before submission, review the incorporation application and supporting documents.

Particular attention should be given to:

• Correct proposed company name.
• Business activity and NIC code.
• Shareholder and director details.
• Capital and subscription figures.
• Registered-office documents.
• Required declarations.
• Consistency between the main form and linked forms.

Digital Signing and Filing

The applicable incorporation forms and linked documents must be completed and digitally signed by the relevant persons under the MCA V3 procedure.

After submission, the system generates the appropriate application or Service Request Number (SRN).

The applicant completes payment of prescribed government fees and stamp duty, where applicable.

ROC Examination and Resubmission

The incorporation application is reviewed by the relevant MCA processing authority.

If deficiencies are identified, the applicant may be required to clarify or resubmit information within the allowed period.

Depending on the stage and type of objection, certain linked forms may need to be regenerated or submitted again.

The MCA has separately clarified the consequences of resubmission involving SPICe+ Part A, Part B and linked forms. Applicants should follow the latest portal instructions.

Certificate of Incorporation, CIN, PAN and TAN

Certificate of Incorporation

Once the application is approved, the Registrar issues the Certificate of Incorporation.

This document confirms incorporation of the company under the applicable provisions of the Companies Act.

It contains essential registration particulars, including the company’s Corporate Identity Number.

Corporate Identity Number – CIN

The CIN is a unique identification number allotted to a registered company.

It is used for identifying the company in corporate records, filings and statutory correspondence.

The company’s name and registered details can be checked using MCA’s company information services.

PAN, TAN and Bank Account Opening

PAN and TAN applications are integrated into the incorporation process for eligible companies.

The process also includes an integrated bank-account opening request. However, completion of bank KYC, activation and operational use depends on the bank’s requirements.

After the account becomes operational, the subscribers should deposit the applicable share subscription amounts and maintain proper records.

Company Registration Fees and Professional Costs

Government Filing Fees

Government filing fees depend on the applicable incorporation rules, company type, capital structure and filing particulars.

Some incorporations may qualify for specified filing-fee concessions, although stamp duty and other charges can remain payable.

Promoters should review the fee calculation generated by the MCA portal before payment.

Stamp Duty and Digital Signature Charges

Stamp duty varies according to the applicable State and constitutional documents.

Digital Signature Certificates are ordinarily obtained from eligible certifying authorities and may involve separate charges.

Additional fees may arise from specialised documentation or approvals.

Professional Fees and Total Incorporation Budget

Professional charges generally depend on the number of promoters, complexity of the structure, required documentation, type of company and additional advisory work.

A transparent quotation should distinguish government charges, stamp duty, DSC charges, incorporation assistance and post-registration services.

For a more detailed explanation, read our Company Registration Cost in India guide.

Timeline for Company Registration in India

Stages Affecting the Registration Timeline

Company incorporation involves several stages, including document collection, DSC preparation, name reservation, drafting, filing and MCA processing.

The total time depends on the completeness of documents and the nature of the application.

There is no single guaranteed processing period for every incorporation.

Illustrative Incorporation Timeline

Common Reasons for Incorporation Delays

Common reasons include:

• Proposed name conflicting with an existing name or trademark.
• Incorrect NIC code or business description.
• Mismatch in personal identification details.
• Incomplete registered-office evidence.
• Incorrect capital or subscriber information.
• Invalid or inconsistent digital signatures.
• Missing approvals or declarations.
• Resubmission requests from MCA.

Mandatory Compliance After Company Incorporation

First Board Meeting and Appointment of Auditor

A newly incorporated Private Limited Company should organise its first Board Meeting and comply with the applicable first-auditor appointment provisions.

For standard non-government companies, the first Board Meeting and the Board’s appointment of the first auditor are generally required within 30 days of incorporation, subject to the relevant law.

Commencement of Business – INC-20A

Companies with share capital covered by Section 10A are generally required to file the commencement-of-business declaration in Form INC-20A within 180 days of incorporation.

This filing is linked to confirmation of the required subscription amount and other applicable statutory conditions.

Failure to complete this obligation may result in penalties and restrictions.

Annual ROC, Income-Tax and Other Compliance

After incorporation, companies must assess ongoing requirements including:

• Accounting records and financial statements.
• Statutory audit.
• Board and shareholder meetings.
• Annual ROC filings.
• Income-tax return filing.
• GST and TDS compliance, where applicable.
• Payroll and labour-law obligations.
• Event-based corporate filings.

Review our Private Limited Company Annual Compliance Checklist for more information.

Common Mistakes and Frequently Asked Questions

Common Mistakes in Company Registration

Promoters should avoid the following common mistakes:

• Selecting the wrong business structure.
• Choosing an unavailable or unsuitable company name.
• Not reviewing future fundraising requirements.
• Submitting incomplete identity or office documents.
• Using inconsistent director and subscriber particulars.
• Entering an inaccurate business object clause.
• Assuming incorporation automatically completes every licence.
• Ignoring post-incorporation compliance.

For the benefits and limitations of incorporation, see Advantages and Disadvantages of Private Limited Company Registration.

Frequently Asked Questions on SPICe+ Company Registration

Is company registration completed entirely online?
The principal MCA incorporation filing is electronic. However, identity verification, document execution and additional approvals may require separate procedures.

Can Part A and Part B be filed together?
Yes. The MCA framework permits combined filing or separate name reservation, subject to current portal requirements.

Is a PAN issued during incorporation?
PAN and TAN applications are integrated with company incorporation.

Can a company be registered without a physical commercial office?
The company needs an eligible registered office supported by the prescribed documents. A separate conventional commercial office may not always be necessary.

Is GST registration compulsory for every new company?
No. GST applicability is determined separately under GST law.

Can I register a company with only one shareholder?
An eligible individual may consider an OPC, while a standard Private Limited Company generally requires at least two members.

Special Cases and Additional Questions

Can foreign shareholders incorporate an Indian company?
Foreign investment in Indian companies is permitted subject to the applicable FDI policy, FEMA rules, sectoral restrictions and approval requirements.

Refer to our Company Registration in India With Foreign Shareholders and Directors guide for initial information.

Is Startup India recognition included with incorporation?
No. Company incorporation and DPIIT Startup India recognition are separate procedures.

Read Startup India Registration vs Company Registration.

What if MCA rejects the proposed name?
The applicant must follow the prescribed process for resubmission or submitting another suitable name.

Can an LLP be incorporated through SPICe+?
An LLP follows its own MCA incorporation process under LLP law rather than the ordinary SPICe+ company incorporation procedure.

Professional Company Registration Assistance by EzyBiz India

Our Scope of Company Incorporation Services

EzyBiz India Consulting LLP assists entrepreneurs, startups and established businesses in registering companies in India and fulfilling applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Depending on the agreed engagement, services may include:

• Advisory on company structure.
• Review of shareholders and directors.
• Company name availability and reservation.
• Coordination of DSC applications.
• Preparation of the business object clause.
• Preparation and review of MOA and AOA.
• Compilation of incorporation documents.
• SPICe+ Part A and Part B filing support.
• Completion of applicable linked forms.
• Assistance with MCA clarifications and resubmissions.
• Coordination until receipt of incorporation documents.
• Post-incorporation, accounting and regulatory support.

Contact Our Company Registration Team

For assistance with company registration procedures, documentation, statutory filings and post-incorporation requirements, contact EzyBiz India Consulting LLP.

Mobile: +91 98992 17778
WhatsApp: Chat with our team
Email: anil@ezybizindia.in
Enquiries: Contact Us

Related Services and Useful Resources

• Company Registration Services in India
• Private Limited Company Registration
• Types of Company Registration in India
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Private Limited Company
• Private Limited Company Compliance Checklist
• Company Registration Cost in India
• Company Name Reservation in India
• LLP vs Private Limited Company
• Company Registration in Delhi
• Virtual Office for Company Registration
• Public Limited Company Registration
• ROC Compliance for One Person Company
• Section 8 Company Compliance
• Startup India Registration vs Company Registration