How to Register a Private Limited Company in India

A Private Limited Company is the most preferred business structure for startups and growing businesses in India. It offers limited liability, easy fundraising, and high credibility. Here's your complete guide to incorporation.

What is a Private Limited Company?

A Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.) is a separate legal entity registered under the Companies Act, 2013 with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). It requires a minimum of 2 directors and 2 shareholders (can be the same people), and offers limited liability protection to its owners.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 2 Directors (at least one must be an Indian resident)
• Minimum 2 Shareholders (maximum 200)
• No minimum capital requirement — you can start with as little as ₹1,000
• Registered office address in India
• Unique company name approved by MCA

Documents Required

For Directors/Shareholders

• PAN Card (mandatory for Indian nationals)
• Aadhaar Card / Passport / Voter ID
• Address proof (bank statement, utility bill — not older than 2 months)
• Passport-size photograph
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

For Registered Office

• Utility bill or property tax receipt (not older than 2 months)
• Rent agreement (if rented) with NOC from owner
• Property documents (if owned)

Step-by-Step Incorporation Process

Step 1: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

All proposed directors need a DSC to digitally sign incorporation documents. This typically takes 1-2 days.

Step 2: Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)

DIN is now applied for along with the SPICe+ incorporation form, simplifying the process compared to earlier years.

Step 3: Reserve Company Name (Part A of SPICe+)

Submit up to 2 preferred names for your company through the SPICe+ form. Names must be unique and not similar to existing trademarks or registered companies. This is where many applications face objections — choosing a distinctive name is crucial.

Step 4: File SPICe+ Part B

This includes company details, registered office, capital structure, director and shareholder details, and is filed along with eMOA (Memorandum of Association) and eAOA (Articles of Association).

Step 5: PAN & TAN Application

PAN and TAN for the company are auto-generated through the SPICe+ form — no separate application is needed.

Step 6: Certificate of Incorporation

Once approved by the Registrar of Companies (ROC), you receive the Certificate of Incorporation along with your Company Identification Number (CIN), PAN, and TAN. This typically takes 7-15 working days.

Post-Incorporation Compliance

• Open a current bank account in the company's name
• Deposit subscribed share capital within 60 days
• File for GST registration if applicable
• Conduct first board meeting within 30 days
• Appoint a statutory auditor within 30 days
• Issue share certificates to shareholders within 60 days

Cost of Private Limited Company Registration

Government fees vary based on authorized capital but are generally minimal for small companies. GoVyapar's complete service — including DSC, name approval, and incorporation — starts at ₹7,999 including government fees.