Company Registration FAQs: PVT. LTD., LLP, OPC and GST
Short, clear answers to the questions founders ask most about Company Registration in India: online process, cost and fees, documents, PVT. LTD., LLP, OPC, GST Registration, compliance after Registration, and Registration in Mumbai and other cities. Each answer links to the full guide.
Company Registration: online process and time
What is Company Registration in India?
Company Registration (also called incorporation) is the legal process of creating a company with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Once the Registrar of Companies approves the application, the company receives a Certificate of Incorporation with its own CIN, PAN and TAN, and becomes a separate legal person from its owners. Read Private Limited Company Registration in India.
Can I do Company Registration online in India?
Yes. Company Registration in India is fully online through the SPICe+ form on the MCA portal; there is no need to visit any government office. Documents are uploaded as scans and signed with Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs). Read Online Company Registration on the MCA portal.
How do I register a company in India, step by step?
To register a PVT. LTD. company: (1) get a DSC for each director, (2) apply for name approval in SPICe+ Part A, (3) file SPICe+ Part B with the e-MoA, e-AoA and linked forms, and (4) receive the Certificate of Incorporation with PAN and TAN. Read the SPICe+ form, step by step.
How long does Company Registration take?
With clean documents and DSCs ready, Company Registration commonly takes about one to two weeks from start to Certificate of Incorporation. Name rejections and mismatched documents are the most common causes of delay. Read How long Company Registration takes.
Is Company Registration in 24 hours possible?
No one can promise Company Registration in 24 hours, because approval is given by the Central Registration Centre on behalf of the Registrar of Companies, not by the person filing. "Instant" or "express" offers describe how fast a provider prepares and files the form. Read what instant and express Registration really mean.
Who approves a Company Registration application?
Incorporation applications are processed by the Central Registration Centre (CRC), set up by the MCA to examine SPICe+ forms on behalf of the Registrar of Companies (ROC). The CRC approves the form, asks for resubmission, or rejects it. Read the SPICe+ filing guide.
Can I register a company myself without a CA or CS?
You can file SPICe+ yourself, but the form includes a declaration by a professional engaged in forming the company, such as an advocate, Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant or Company Secretary in practice. That is why most founders involve a professional. Read Can you register a company yourself?
What is the Certificate of Incorporation?
The Certificate of Incorporation is the official proof that a company exists. It shows the company name, Corporate Identity Number (CIN), date of incorporation, PAN and TAN, and can be downloaded from the MCA portal. Read Certificate of Incorporation: meaning and download.
Which business structure should I choose: PVT. LTD., LLP or OPC?
Choose a PVT. LTD. if you plan to raise equity funding or bring in Shareholders, an LLP for a professional or family business that wants lighter compliance, and an OPC if you are a single founder who wants a company. Read PVT. LTD. vs LLP vs OPC: which to choose.
Company Registration cost and fees
What is the government fee for Company Registration in India?
For a PVT. LTD. or OPC with authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh, the MCA charges no incorporation fee. The government part is then mainly the ₹1,000 name fee (if SPICe+ Part A is filed separately), state stamp duty, about ₹131 for PAN and TAN, and a DSC for each signatory. Read the government fees chart.
How much does Private Limited Company Registration cost?
Private Limited Company Registration cost has four parts: government fees and stamp duty, DSCs, professional fees, and work after incorporation such as the first auditor, Share Certificates and Form INC-20A. Only the government fees are fixed by law, so always compare an itemised quote. Read Company Registration cost in India.
What are the fees for LLP Registration?
LLP Registration fees depend on the partners' contribution. At ₹1 lakh contribution, the MCA fees are about ₹750 (RUN-LLP ₹200, FiLLiP ₹500 and Form 3 ₹50), plus state stamp duty on the LLP Agreement and a DSC for each designated partner. Read the LLP fee chart.
What is the OPC Registration cost?
An OPC is registered through SPICe+ like a PVT. LTD., so the government fees are the same: no MCA fee up to ₹15 lakh authorised capital, plus the name fee, state stamp duty, PAN and TAN charges and a DSC. Read OPC Registration cost and yearly costs.
Is Company Registration at ₹999 or ₹9,999 the full cost?
No. A ₹999 or ₹9,999 price usually leaves out government fees, stamp duty, DSCs and post-incorporation work, and a company also has to pay for accounting, audit and annual filings every year, even with zero sales. Read Company Registration at ₹999 or ₹9,999? Why it is a myth.
Is free Company Registration really free?
"Free" or "zero fee" Company Registration usually means the professional fee is waived, not that the company costs nothing. Stamp duty, DSCs and the yearly compliance cost still apply, and the low price is often recovered through an annual contract. Read Is free Company Registration really free?
How much is stamp duty for Company Registration?
Stamp duty on the MoA and AoA is set by the state of the registered office and often depends on authorised capital. In Maharashtra, for example, stamp duty on the AoA is (0.3%) of share capital, about ₹3,000 at ₹10 lakh capital. SPICe+ calculates the exact amount. Read state-wise stamp duty.
How much does a company cost every year after Registration?
Every PVT. LTD. must keep accounts, get them audited and file AOC-4, the Annual Return and an income tax return every year, even with no business. These yearly costs are usually higher than the Registration itself. Read the real cost of running a company every year.
Why does authorised capital change the Registration fee?
The MCA fee and most state stamp duty are calculated on authorised capital, the maximum share capital in the MoA, not on money actually invested. Up to ₹15 lakh, the MCA fee is nil; above it, fees can run into tens of thousands of rupees. Read Authorised vs paid-up capital.
Documents and requirements
What documents are required for Private Limited Company Registration?
For each director: a passport-size colour photograph and self-attested copies of PAN, Aadhaar and the latest bank statement. For the registered office: the latest electricity bill, with a no-objection letter from the owner. Read the documents checklist for Company Registration.
What documents are required for LLP Registration?
Each designated partner gives a passport-size colour photograph and self-attested copies of PAN, Aadhaar and the latest bank statement. The LLP's registered office needs the latest electricity bill and the owner's no-objection letter. Read documents you need, whatever you choose.
What documents are required for OPC Registration?
OPC Registration needs the same documents as a PVT. LTD. for the sole member and director, along with the nominee's PAN, Aadhaar and written consent, plus the registered office proof. Read the PVT. LTD. and OPC documents checklist.
Can I use my home address as the registered office?
Yes. A residential address can be the registered office of a company or LLP, provided you have a recent utility bill and, if you are not the owner, a no-objection letter from the owner. Read Registered office: which address can you use?
What is the minimum capital to register a company?
There is no minimum paid-up capital for a PVT. LTD., OPC or LLP in India. Founders choose the capital themselves; most start with ₹1 lakh to ₹15 lakh authorised capital to keep fees and stamp duty low. Read Authorised vs paid-up capital.
How many directors are needed for a Private Limited Company?
A PVT. LTD. needs at least two directors and two Shareholders (the same people can be both), and can have up to 200 Shareholders. At least one director must stay in India for 182 days or more during the financial year. Read Directors, Shareholders and DIN.
What is a DSC and why is it needed?
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an electronic signature on a USB token. Every proposed director and subscriber signs the incorporation forms with a Class 3 DSC, and a founder who already holds a valid one can reuse it. Read Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
What is a DIN, and can one person have two?
A Director Identification Number (DIN) is a unique, lifetime number for every director, and it also works as the DPIN for LLP designated partners. No one may hold more than one DIN; a duplicate must be surrendered. Read Directors, Shareholders and DIN.
Which documents should a company receive after Registration?
A two-director PVT. LTD. should end up with 18 documents and Registrations, from DSCs, DINs and the Certificate of Incorporation to PAN, TAN, EPFO, ESIC, the first auditor, Share Certificates and Form INC-20A. Read the 18 documents and Registrations.
Private Limited Company (PVT. LTD.)
What is a Private Limited Company?
A Private Limited Company (PVT. LTD.) is a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013, owned by 2 to 200 Shareholders, whose liability is limited to the amount unpaid on their shares. It is the most common structure for startups that plan to grow or raise funds. Read What is a Private Limited Company?
What is the SPICe+ form?
SPICe+ (INC-32) is the single online form for Company Registration. Part A reserves the name; Part B covers incorporation, DIN, PAN, TAN, EPFO, ESIC, a bank account and, optionally, GST, through linked forms such as e-MoA, e-AoA and AGILE-PRO-S. Read the SPICe+ form, step by step.
How do I get my company name approved?
Search the MCA name database and the trademark register first, then apply through SPICe+ Part A with up to two proposed names. Names too similar to existing companies, LLPs or trademarks are commonly rejected. Read Choosing and approving a company name.
What are the MoA and AoA?
The Memorandum of Association (MoA) states what the company is set up to do and its capital; the Articles of Association (AoA) are its internal rules. Both are filed online as e-MoA and e-AoA with SPICe+. Read MoA and AoA in plain language.
Can an NRI or foreign national be a director or Shareholder?
Yes. NRIs and foreign nationals can be directors and Shareholders of a PVT. LTD., subject to FDI rules, but at least one director must be resident in India. Their documents usually need notarisation or apostille abroad. Read the NRI and foreign national guide.
What must a company do in its first 180 days?
After incorporation, a PVT. LTD. must appoint its first auditor within 30 days, issue Share Certificates within two months, and file Form INC-20A within 180 days. Missing INC-20A can lead to a ₹50,000 penalty. Read The first 180 days.
Can a Private Limited Company raise funding?
Yes. A PVT. LTD. can issue shares to investors, offer ESOPs and bring in angel or venture capital, which is why most funded startups choose it. An LLP and an OPC cannot take equity investment in the same way. Read PVT. LTD. or LLP: funding or bootstrap?
Do I need to issue Share Certificates?
Yes. A company must issue Share Certificates to its subscribers within two months of incorporation, and pay stamp duty of (0.005%) of the issue value. Read Share Certificates (Form SH-1) and stamp duty.
LLP Registration
What is an LLP?
A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is a business registered under the LLP Act, 2008 that combines the flexibility of a partnership with limited liability for its partners. It suits professional firms and family businesses. Read What is an LLP?
How do I register an LLP in India?
LLP Registration is online: get DSCs for the designated partners, reserve the name through RUN-LLP (or within FiLLiP), file FiLLiP for incorporation, and then file the LLP Agreement in Form 3 within 30 days. Read the LLP Registration step-by-step guide.
How many partners are required for an LLP?
An LLP needs at least two partners and at least two designated partners who are individuals, with no maximum. At least one designated partner must have stayed in India for 120 days or more during the financial year. Read Partners and designated partners.
What are RUN-LLP and FiLLiP?
RUN-LLP (Reserve Unique Name) is the optional form to reserve an LLP name for ₹200. FiLLiP (Form for incorporation of LLP) is the incorporation form, which also allots DPINs and includes PAN and TAN applications. Read RUN-LLP and FiLLiP explained.
Is an LLP Agreement mandatory?
Yes. The LLP Agreement must be filed in Form 3 within 30 days of incorporation, or additional fees apply. Until it is filed, the default rules of the LLP Act decide profit sharing and partners' rights. Read The LLP Agreement.
How long does LLP Registration take?
With a distinctive name and clean documents, LLP Registration often takes one to three weeks, because the Registrar approves FiLLiP. Filing the LLP Agreement follows within 30 days. Read Registration timelines for companies and LLPs.
Is there a minimum capital contribution for an LLP?
No. There is no minimum contribution for an LLP; partners agree their contribution in the LLP Agreement. The FiLLiP and Form 3 fees, and often stamp duty, rise with total contribution. Read Capital contribution in an LLP.
What are the annual compliances for an LLP?
Every LLP files Form 11 (Annual Return) by 30 May, Form 8 (Statement of Account and Solvency) by 30 October, and an income tax return, even with no business. An audit is needed only above ₹40 lakh turnover or ₹25 lakh contribution. Read Annual compliance for an LLP.
Can an LLP raise investment?
An LLP cannot issue shares, so angel and venture capital investors usually prefer a PVT. LTD. Money can come in as partner contribution, but that makes the investor a partner. Read Can an LLP raise investment?
When is an LLP the wrong choice?
An LLP is usually the wrong choice if you plan to raise equity funding, offer ESOPs, or need a structure that investors and large customers expect. A PVT. LTD. fits those plans better. Read When an LLP is the wrong choice.
One Person Company (OPC)
What is a One Person Company?
A One Person Company (OPC) is a company with a single member who is also usually its director, with limited liability. It lets a solo founder run a company without a second Shareholder. Read What is a One Person Company?
Who can form an OPC? Can an NRI form one?
Any Indian citizen who is a natural person can form an OPC, whether resident in India or not. Since 1 April 2021, NRIs can also form an OPC. A person can be the member of only one OPC. Read Limits and restrictions of an OPC.
What is a nominee in an OPC?
The nominee is the person named at Registration who becomes the member if the sole member dies or becomes incapable. The nominee must give written consent and can be the nominee of only one OPC. Read The nominee in an OPC.
Does an OPC have to convert after crossing a turnover limit?
No. Since 1 April 2021, the earlier limits of ₹50 lakh paid-up capital and ₹2 crore turnover have been removed. An OPC can grow without limit and convert voluntarily at any time. Read Converting an OPC into a PVT. LTD.
What can an OPC not do?
An OPC cannot carry on non-banking financial investment activities, cannot convert into a Section 8 company, cannot have more than one member, and cannot issue shares to investors while it remains an OPC. Read Limits and restrictions of an OPC.
What are the annual compliances for an OPC?
An OPC must get its accounts audited, file AOC-4 and MGT-7A with the ROC, and file an income tax return every year. It does not need to hold an AGM. Read OPC annual compliance.
LLP or OPC: which is better for one or two founders?
A single founder can only use an OPC among these two, because an LLP needs two partners. For two founders, an LLP has lighter compliance, while a PVT. LTD. suits plans to raise funds. Read LLP vs OPC for one or two founders.
GST Registration
What is GST Registration?
GST Registration gives a business a 15-digit GSTIN, which lets it collect GST, claim input tax credit and file GST returns. It is separate from Company Registration. Read What is GST Registration?
Who must register for GST?
You must register when aggregate turnover crosses ₹40 lakh for goods only, or ₹20 lakh if you supply services, in most states; limits are lower in some special category states. Inter-state sellers of goods and some e-commerce sellers must register from day one. Read Who must register for GST?
What documents are required for GST Registration?
GST Registration needs the PAN of the business, identity and address proof of the proprietor, partners or directors, and proof of the place of business such as an electricity bill with a rent agreement or no-objection letter. Bank account details can be added after Registration. Read Documents for GST Registration.
Is there any government fee for GST Registration?
No. The GST portal charges no fee for GST Registration. Any amount paid is a professional fee for preparing and filing the application. Read the GST Registration guide.
How long does GST Registration take?
A normal application with Aadhaar authentication is approved within 7 working days unless a query is raised, or up to 30 days if physical verification is needed. Since 1 November 2025, eligible low-risk applicants can get Registration within 3 working days. Read Voluntary GST Registration and the 3-day route.
Can I get GST Registration on my home address?
Yes. A home, rented or shared address can be the principal place of business if you have valid proof, such as an electricity bill and a rent agreement or no-objection letter. Read GST Registration without a commercial address.
Is GST Registration mandatory for selling on Amazon or Flipkart?
Many sellers of goods on e-commerce platforms need GST Registration, but since 1 October 2023 small suppliers of goods within their own state can sell without it, subject to conditions. Read GST for e-commerce sellers.
Do freelancers need GST Registration?
Freelancers and service providers need GST Registration when aggregate turnover crosses ₹20 lakh in most states, counting export receipts. Below the limit, Registration is optional. Read GST for freelancers and service providers.
Is Company Registration the same as GST Registration?
No. Company Registration creates the legal entity with the MCA; GST Registration registers a business for indirect tax with the GST department. A company may need both, but GST is required only when the law requires it. Read Company Registration vs GST Registration.
What is the GST composition scheme?
The composition scheme lets small businesses pay GST at a lower fixed rate on turnover and file fewer returns, but they cannot collect GST from customers or claim input tax credit. Read The GST composition scheme.
Compliance after Registration
What are the annual compliances for a Private Limited Company?
Every PVT. LTD. must get its accounts audited, hold an AGM, file AOC-4 within 30 days and the Annual Return (MGT-7 or MGT-7A) within 60 days of the AGM, and file an income tax return, even with zero sales. Read Private Limited Company annual compliance.
Is an audit compulsory for a company with no business?
Yes. Every company, including a PVT. LTD. or OPC with zero sales, must have its accounts audited every year. An LLP needs an audit only above ₹40 lakh turnover or ₹25 lakh contribution. Read annual compliance for companies and LLPs.
What is DIR-3 KYC and when is it due?
DIR-3 KYC confirms each director's and designated partner's personal details with the MCA. From 31 March 2026, it is filed once every three financial years, by 30 June. A missed KYC deactivates the DIN until it is filed with a ₹5,000 fee. Read DIR-3 KYC and other filings.
What happens if I miss a compliance deadline?
Late annual forms attract additional fees, directors or designated partners can face penalties, and a company or LLP that keeps missing filings can be struck off. Catching up early keeps the cost down. Read What happens if you miss a deadline?
What documents are needed to open a current account for a company or LLP?
Banks usually ask for the Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, MoA and AoA (or LLP Agreement), a board resolution or partner authorisation, and KYC documents of the directors or partners. Read Current account opening documents for PVT. LTD., OPC and LLP.
Should a new company register under Udyam (MSME)?
Udyam Registration is free and optional, but it helps a company or LLP access MSME benefits such as priority lending and protection against delayed payments. Read Udyam (MSME) Registration for a company or LLP.
How do I close a company or LLP that never started business?
A company or LLP with no business can be closed by applying to the Registrar for strike-off once the legal conditions are met and its filings are in order. Closing properly is usually cheaper than paying for compliance on an unused entity every year. Read Closing a company or LLP properly.
Where can I see all compliance due dates in one place?
The Compliance Calendar shows the monthly, quarterly and yearly due dates for companies and LLPs from their date of incorporation. Read the Compliance Calendar.
Company Registration by city and state
How do I register a company in Mumbai?
Company Registration in Mumbai follows the same online SPICe+ process as the rest of India, with Maharashtra stamp duty and the Registrar of Companies for the Mumbai region. The Mumbai guide explains the ROC, stamp duty and local registrations. Read Company Registration in Mumbai and LLP Registration in Mumbai.
How do I register a company in Thane or Navi Mumbai?
Thane and Navi Mumbai are part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and follow Maharashtra stamp duty and rules. Read Company Registration in Thane, Company Registration in Navi Mumbai, LLP Registration in Thane and LLP Registration in Navi Mumbai.
How do I register a company in Pune?
A company in Pune is registered online through SPICe+ like anywhere in India, and pays Maharashtra stamp duty. Read Company Registration in Pune.
What is the stamp duty for Company Registration in Maharashtra?
In Maharashtra, stamp duty on the AoA is (0.3%) of share capital, subject to a maximum of ₹1 crore, plus a small fixed amount on the MoA. At ₹10 lakh capital, the AoA stamp duty is about ₹3,000. Read the Mumbai guide and the Maharashtra Registration Trend.
How do I register a company in Delhi?
Delhi companies are registered online through SPICe+. Delhi stamp duty is ₹200 on the MoA and (0.15%) on the AoA, subject to a maximum of ₹25 lakh. Read Company Registration in Delhi and Company Registration in Noida.
How do I register a company in Bangalore?
Company Registration in Bangalore (Bengaluru) follows the online SPICe+ process with Karnataka stamp duty, which was revised in February 2024; use the amount SPICe+ shows. Read Company Registration in Bangalore.
How do I register a company in Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata?
The online SPICe+ process is the same; what changes is state stamp duty and local registrations. Read Company Registration in Chennai, Company Registration in Hyderabad and Company Registration in Kolkata.
Where can I find guides for other cities and states?
City and state guides cover Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi and more, and state-wise Registration Trend reports show how many companies each state registers. Read Company Registration across India: city and state guides and state-wise Company Registration data.
Figures are as of November 2026 and can change. The MCA portal and the GST portal show the exact fee before you pay. These answers are for learning, not legal advice. For every topic on this site, see the Company Registration A to Z Index.
