SPICe+ Company Registration Process in India

SPICe+ Company Registration Process in India

The SPICe+ Company Registration Process in India is the integrated online mechanism used for incorporating a new company through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

SPICe+ combines company incorporation with several related registrations and statutory requirements, including company name reservation, Director Identification Number (DIN) for eligible proposed directors, PAN, TAN and applicable linked registrations.

The process is primarily divided into SPICe+ Part A for company name reservation and SPICe+ Part B for company incorporation and related information.

This guide explains the complete SPICe+ incorporation process, documents, linked forms, foreign shareholder requirements, common reasons for resubmission and important post-incorporation steps.

Businesses requiring end-to-end incorporation assistance can visit our Company Registration in India service page.

What Is SPICe+?

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

It is a web-based incorporation framework administered through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for incorporating companies in India.

SPICe+ integrates company registration with several associated registrations and approvals so that promoters do not have to complete multiple independent applications for each requirement.

The process broadly consists of:

• SPICe+ Part A – Company name reservation; and
• SPICe+ Part B – Company incorporation and related statutory information.

Additional linked forms and documents are filed depending upon the type of company, shareholders, directors and registrations applicable to the proposed business.

SPICe+ Company Registration Process – Quick Overview

Stage	Main Requirement
Business Structure	Select Private Limited, Public Limited, OPC, Section 8 or other permitted company structure
Directors & Shareholders	Finalise promoters, directors, ownership and shareholding
Digital Signature	Obtain DSC for persons required to digitally sign incorporation documents
Name Reservation	Apply through SPICe+ Part A
Incorporation	Complete SPICe+ Part B
MOA & AOA	Prepare constitutional documents
Linked Forms	Complete applicable linked forms including AGILE-PRO-S
DIN	Apply for eligible proposed first directors where required
PAN & TAN	Integrated with incorporation process
ROC Review	Application reviewed by MCA/ROC processing authority
Certificate of Incorporation	Issued after approval

SPICe+ Part A – Reservation of Company Name

SPICe+ Part A is primarily used for reservation of the proposed company’s name.

The applicant generally provides information relating to:

• Type of proposed company;
• Class of company;
• Category and sub-category;
• Proposed business activities;
• Applicable NIC code;
• Proposed company name; and
• Supporting documents, wherever required.

How Should a Company Name Be Selected?

The proposed name should be selected carefully because name-related objections are a common reason for delay or resubmission.

A proposed company name should generally:

• Be distinguishable from existing company and LLP names;
• Reflect or be consistent with the proposed business activities;
• Avoid prohibited or restricted expressions;
• Not conflict with an existing registered trademark;
• Use the appropriate legal suffix; and
• Comply with applicable company-name requirements.

It is advisable to shortlist two or three suitable names before submitting the application.

SPICe+ Part A may be filed separately for name reservation or together with Part B as part of the complete incorporation process.

SPICe+ Part B – Company Incorporation

SPICe+ Part B contains the principal information required for incorporation of the company.

Depending upon the proposed company structure, Part B may include information relating to:

• Registered office;
• Capital structure;
• Subscribers;
• Proposed directors;
• Shareholding pattern;
• Business activities;
• DIN particulars;
• PAN and TAN;
• Contact information;
• Declarations and certifications; and
• Other statutory information.

Where Part A has already been approved separately, Part B is completed using the approved company name.

Services Integrated Through SPICe+

The SPICe+ framework integrates several services that earlier required separate applications.

Depending upon applicability, the incorporation process may cover:

• Company incorporation;
• Corporate Identity Number (CIN);
• Director Identification Number (DIN);
• PAN of the company;
• TAN of the company;
• EPFO registration;
• ESIC registration;
• Professional Tax registration, where applicable;
• Opening of the company’s bank account;
• Shops and Establishment registration, where integrated and applicable; and
• GST registration where opted for and applicable.

The exact registrations available or mandatory depend upon the current MCA process, location of the company and nature of the proposed business.

GST registration is not automatically mandatory merely because a company has been incorporated. GST applicability must be determined separately under GST law.

Businesses requiring GST assistance can review our GST and Indirect Tax Services.

Digital Signature Certificate for Company Registration

Company incorporation is completed electronically. Therefore, Digital Signature Certificates are required for persons who must digitally sign the incorporation forms and documents.

Depending upon the proposed company structure, DSC may be required for:

• Subscribers;
• Proposed directors;
• Authorised representatives of corporate shareholders; and
• Professionals certifying the incorporation forms.

The documents required for obtaining DSC depend upon whether the person is an Indian resident, foreign national or authorised representative of a body corporate.

Director Identification Number – DIN

Every individual appointed as a director is required to have a valid Director Identification Number.

Where proposed first directors do not already hold DIN, eligible DIN applications can be integrated into the SPICe+ incorporation process subject to the limits and conditions prescribed under the MCA framework.

Where additional directors require DIN beyond the number permitted through incorporation, separate post-incorporation procedures may be required.

Registered Office for Company Incorporation

Every company must maintain a registered office for receiving statutory communications and maintaining its official corporate address.

Registered-office documentation may include:

• Recent utility bill;
• Rent or lease agreement, where applicable;
• No Objection Certificate from the property owner;
• Ownership document, where applicable; and
• Other supporting address documents.

The documents should clearly establish the company’s right to use the premises as its registered office.

A residential premises may generally be used as the registered office where appropriate address, occupancy and consent documents are available.

Memorandum of Association – MOA

The Memorandum of Association is one of the principal constitutional documents of a company.

It generally contains important particulars relating to:

• Name of the company;
• State of registered office;
• Main business objects;
• Liability of members;
• Capital structure; and
• Subscription details.

Why Is the Object Clause Important?

The object clause describes the principal activities proposed to be undertaken by the company.

It should be drafted carefully because incomplete, inconsistent or inappropriate objects may create issues during incorporation or when the company subsequently undertakes business activities.

Regulated activities may also require additional approvals, licences or wording in the constitutional documents.

Articles of Association – AOA

The Articles of Association contain the internal governance rules of the company.

Depending upon the company structure, the AOA may address matters such as:

• Share capital;
• Issue of shares;
• Transfer of shares;
• Directors’ powers;
• Board proceedings;
• Shareholder meetings;
• Voting rights;
• Dividends; and
• Corporate administration.

Electronic MOA and AOA forms are generally linked to the SPICe+ application, subject to the applicable requirements and exceptions.

Linked Forms With SPICe+

Company incorporation may involve several linked forms and declarations depending upon the structure and circumstances.

These may include:

• Electronic Memorandum of Association;
• Electronic Articles of Association;
• AGILE-PRO-S;
• INC-9 declaration;
• URC-1, where applicable; and
• Other prescribed forms for particular company structures.

Not every linked form applies to every incorporation. Applicability should therefore be determined according to the proposed company’s facts.

What Is AGILE-PRO-S?

AGILE-PRO-S is a linked incorporation form used for certain registrations associated with a newly incorporated company.

Depending upon applicability, it may facilitate matters relating to:

• GST registration;
• EPFO registration;
• ESIC registration;
• Professional Tax registration;
• Bank account opening; and
• Shops and Establishment registration.

Certain registrations may form part of the integrated incorporation process, while GST registration is applied for where appropriate and required.

PAN and TAN Through Company Incorporation

PAN and TAN are integrated with the company incorporation mechanism.

PAN is the company’s Permanent Account Number and is used for income-tax and various financial purposes.

TAN is required where the company is responsible for deducting or collecting tax at source under applicable provisions.

Separate conventional applications for PAN and TAN are generally not required where they are processed through the integrated incorporation process.

Step-by-Step SPICe+ Company Registration Process

Step 1 – Decide the Appropriate Company Structure

Promoters should first determine the appropriate type of company.

Depending upon circumstances, this may include:

• Private Limited Company;
• Public Limited Company;
• One Person Company;
• Section 8 Company; or
• Another permitted company structure.

The decision should consider:

• Number of promoters;
• Ownership structure;
• Business activities;
• Funding requirements;
• Management arrangements;
• Compliance requirements; and
• Long-term expansion plans.

For a broader comparison, review our Types of Business Structures in India guide.

Step 2 – Finalise Directors and Shareholders

The promoters should determine:

• Proposed shareholders;
• Proposed directors;
• Shareholding percentages;
• Number and value of shares;
• Capital contribution;
• Resident-director requirements; and
• Roles of proposed directors.

Directors and shareholders may be the same persons, subject to the requirements applicable to the selected company structure.

Step 3 – Obtain Digital Signatures

Digital Signature Certificates are arranged for subscribers, directors and other persons required to digitally sign incorporation documents.

Step 4 – Select the Proposed Company Name

Suitable company names should be shortlisted after reviewing existing MCA names, trademarks, proposed business activities and naming restrictions.

The name application is then prepared through SPICe+ Part A.

Step 5 – Prepare the Main Business Objects

The principal activities of the company should be identified before drafting the Memorandum of Association.

Where the proposed business is regulated, applicable licences, approvals and other regulatory conditions should also be considered.

Step 6 – Prepare SPICe+ Part B

The incorporation information is completed in Part B, including details of the company, directors, shareholders, capital, registered office and other prescribed particulars.

Step 7 – Prepare MOA and AOA

The constitutional documents are prepared based on the proposed business, capital structure, ownership and governance requirements.

Step 8 – Complete Applicable Linked Forms

AGILE-PRO-S and other applicable incorporation forms and declarations are prepared according to the company’s circumstances.

Step 9 – Affix Digital Signatures and File

The relevant forms and supporting documents are digitally signed and submitted through the MCA system.

Step 10 – ROC / MCA Review

The incorporation application is examined by the concerned MCA processing authority.

The authority may:

• Approve the application;
• Seek clarification;
• Require corrections;
• Issue a resubmission requirement; or
• Reject the application where material deficiencies remain.

Proper documentation and consistency across all incorporation forms can reduce avoidable queries.

Step 11 – Certificate of Incorporation

After approval, the Registrar of Companies issues the Certificate of Incorporation.

The company comes into legal existence from the incorporation date stated in the certificate.

The Certificate of Incorporation contains the company’s Corporate Identity Number and other incorporation particulars.

Documents Required for SPICe+ Company Registration

Documents for Individual Directors and Subscribers

• PAN, where applicable;
• Passport for foreign nationals;
• Identity proof;
• Residential address proof;
• Email address;
• Mobile number;
• Digital Signature Certificate; and
• Other declarations or information required for incorporation.

Registered Office Documents

• Recent utility bill;
• Rent or lease agreement, where applicable;
• No Objection Certificate from the owner;
• Ownership evidence; and
• Other supporting documents, where required.

Proposed Company Information

• Proposed company names;
• Business activities;
• Main objects;
• Authorised share capital;
• Subscribed share capital;
• Shareholding pattern;
• Number of shares;
• Details of proposed directors; and
• Registered office details.

Documents for Corporate Shareholders

Where a body corporate subscribes to the proposed company, additional documents may include:

• Certificate of incorporation;
• Constitutional documents;
• Board resolution;
• Details of authorised representative;
• Ownership particulars; and
• Other documents required under applicable law.

SPICe+ Registration for Foreign Shareholders

Additional documentation may be required where a subscriber, proposed director or corporate shareholder is situated outside India.

Foreign-executed documents may require notarisation, apostille or consular authentication depending upon the country of execution and applicable requirements.

Other matters requiring consideration may include:

• Foreign shareholder documentation;
• Overseas corporate resolutions;
• Authorised representative documentation;
• FEMA requirements;
• Foreign Direct Investment policy;
• Beneficial ownership;
• Sectoral conditions; and
• RBI reporting after receipt of investment.

Foreign investors planning India operations can review our India Market Entry Consulting services.

For a 100% foreign-owned structure, see our Wholly Owned Subsidiary in India guide.

Foreign exchange matters can also be reviewed through our FEMA and RBI Advisory Services.

Common Reasons for Resubmission of Company Incorporation Applications

An incorporation application may be returned for clarification or resubmission where the information or documents are incomplete or inconsistent.

Common issues include:

• Proposed company-name concerns;
• Business objects inconsistent with the proposed name;
• Incorrect NIC code;
• Registered-office documentation issues;
• Old or unacceptable utility bill;
• Missing owner NOC;
• Differences in names across identity documents;
• Incomplete subscriber information;
• Incorrect shareholding details;
• MOA and AOA inconsistencies;
• Digital-signature issues;
• Foreign-document authentication issues; and
• Missing mandatory attachments.

A professional review before filing can reduce avoidable resubmissions.

How Long Does the Company Registration Process Take?

There is no single guaranteed incorporation period applicable to every company.

The actual timeline depends upon factors such as:

• Availability and approval of the proposed company name;
• Number and location of directors and shareholders;
• Availability of DSC;
• Completeness of documents;
• Foreign shareholder involvement;
• Registered-office documentation;
• Nature of proposed business;
• Regulatory approvals, where applicable;
• MCA processing; and
• Clarification or resubmission requirements.

A straightforward incorporation with complete documentation can normally be completed more quickly than an incorporation involving foreign documents, regulated objects or resubmission.

Cost of Company Registration Through SPICe+

The total cost of company incorporation depends on several factors.

These may include:

• Type of company;
• Authorised share capital;
• State of registered office;
• Applicable stamp duty;
• Number of Digital Signature Certificates;
• Number and location of shareholders and directors;
• Foreign documentation requirements;
• Professional fees; and
• Additional regulatory registrations.

For a customised incorporation quotation, visit our Company Registration Services in India.

What Happens After Company Incorporation?

Obtaining the Certificate of Incorporation is only the beginning of the company’s compliance lifecycle.

Important post-incorporation requirements may include:

• Opening or activation of the company bank account;
• Receipt of subscribed share capital;
• Commencement-of-business compliance;
• Appointment of first statutory auditor;
• First Board Meeting;
• Issue of share certificates;
• Maintenance of statutory registers;
• Accounting setup;
• GST compliance, where applicable;
• TDS compliance;
• Payroll setup;
• Income-tax compliance;
• Annual ROC compliance; and
• FEMA/RBI reporting where foreign investment is involved.

For detailed post-incorporation requirements, read our ROC Compliance for Private Limited Company in India guide.

Businesses requiring ongoing financial-record support can also review our Accounting and Bookkeeping Services in India.

SPICe+ vs Earlier Company Incorporation Process

Earlier company incorporation procedures involved a greater number of separate applications and forms.

The SPICe+ framework consolidated several incorporation-related requirements into an integrated web-based process.

For present-day applicants, the important consideration is to follow the current MCA incorporation framework rather than older guides referring to forms and processes that are no longer applicable.

Advantages of the SPICe+ Incorporation Process

Integrated Filing

Multiple incorporation-related registrations can be coordinated within an integrated framework.

Online Process

The principal incorporation filing and supporting documents are submitted electronically through the MCA system.

Integrated PAN and TAN

Company PAN and TAN are integrated with the incorporation process.

DIN Application

DIN applications for eligible proposed first directors can be incorporated into the process within the applicable limits.

Linked Registrations

Several employment, banking and state-related registrations may be coordinated through linked forms depending upon applicability.

Structured Documentation

The electronic incorporation system provides a standardised framework for submitting company, director, shareholder and constitutional information.

SPICe+ Company Registration for Private Limited Company

A Private Limited Company is one of the most commonly incorporated company structures through SPICe+.

It generally requires a minimum of two shareholders and two directors, subject to the applicable Companies Act provisions.

There is no general statutory minimum paid-up capital requirement for incorporation of an ordinary Private Limited Company.

For complete information on requirements, documents and post-incorporation support, visit our Private Limited Company Registration in India service.

SPICe+ Company Registration for Foreign Companies

Foreign companies may incorporate an Indian subsidiary through the applicable SPICe+ process, subject to additional documentation, FEMA, FDI and sector-specific requirements.

The Indian company may be wholly or partly foreign owned depending upon the applicable foreign investment rules.

Foreign-owned incorporations generally require closer coordination of:

• Foreign shareholder documentation;
• Apostille or legalisation;
• Corporate resolutions;
• Authorised representative documents;
• Shareholding and valuation;
• FDI eligibility;
• FEMA reporting; and
• Post-incorporation RBI compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SPICe+?

SPICe+ is the integrated web-based incorporation mechanism used through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for company incorporation and several linked registrations in India.

What is the full form of SPICe+?

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

What is SPICe+ Part A?

SPICe+ Part A is primarily used for reservation of the proposed name of a new company.

What is SPICe+ Part B?

SPICe+ Part B contains the principal company incorporation information, including details relating to the registered office, directors, subscribers, capital and other statutory particulars.

Is SPICe+ used for new company incorporation?

Yes. New company incorporation is undertaken through the applicable SPICe+ framework and current forms available through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Can DIN be obtained through SPICe+?

Yes. Eligible proposed first directors can apply for DIN through the integrated incorporation process within the applicable limits and conditions.

Are PAN and TAN issued through company incorporation?

Yes. PAN and TAN are integrated with the incorporation process.

Is GST registration compulsory with company incorporation?

No. Incorporating a company does not automatically make GST registration compulsory in every case. GST applicability depends upon the nature of supplies, turnover and other applicable provisions.

What is AGILE-PRO-S?

AGILE-PRO-S is a linked incorporation form used for various registrations associated with a newly incorporated company, depending upon applicability.

Is there a minimum capital requirement for a Private Limited Company?

There is no general statutory minimum paid-up capital requirement for an ordinary Private Limited Company. The capital structure should instead be determined according to business and ownership requirements.

Can a foreign national become a director or shareholder?

Foreign nationals and overseas companies may participate in Indian companies subject to applicable company law, FEMA, FDI, sectoral conditions and documentation requirements.

Can a foreign company incorporate an Indian subsidiary through SPICe+?

Yes. An Indian subsidiary is incorporated using the applicable company incorporation process, together with additional documentation and FEMA/FDI compliance for the foreign shareholder.

How long does SPICe+ company registration take?

The actual timeline depends upon name approval, documents, proposed company structure, MCA processing and whether clarification or resubmission is required.

Can company registration be completed online?

The principal company incorporation process is electronic through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. However, promoters must still prepare, execute and authenticate the required documents and complete the applicable regulatory formalities.

Professional Assistance With SPICe+ Company Registration

SPICe+ has integrated many incorporation procedures, but promoters still need to make important decisions regarding company structure, name, business objects, directors, shareholders, capital, registered office and post-incorporation compliance.

EzyBiz India Consulting LLP assists Indian and foreign promoters with:

• Company structure review;
• Document checklist;
• DSC coordination;
• Company-name review;
• SPICe+ preparation;
• MOA and AOA drafting;
• Linked incorporation forms;
• Filing and follow-up;
• Response to resubmission requirements;
• Certificate of Incorporation; and
• Post-incorporation compliance support.

For comprehensive professional assistance, visit our Company Registration in India service.

Related Services

• Company Registration in India
• Private Limited Company Registration in India
• Types of Business Structures in India
• ROC Compliance for Private Limited Company
• Business Registrations & Licences in India
• India Market Entry Consulting
• Wholly Owned Subsidiary in India
• FEMA and RBI Advisory Services
• GST and Indirect Tax Services

Reviewed By

CA Anil Agrawal
Founder, EzyBiz India Consulting LLP

Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of professional experience in company incorporation, taxation, regulatory compliance, accounting and business advisory services for Indian and international businesses.

Last Updated: September 2026

Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal, tax, accounting, regulatory or investment advice. Company incorporation procedures, MCA forms, linked registrations, government fees, stamp duty and documentary requirements may change from time to time and may vary according to the type of company, directors, shareholders, registered office, business activities, foreign ownership and other circumstances. Applicants should verify current requirements on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal and obtain professional advice appropriate to their specific circumstances before filing.