India has made company incorporation largely online through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal. Many founders use a chartered accountant or company secretary for a fee, but it helps to understand the process. Forms and fees change, so always check the current requirements on the MCA website.
Before you start
- Directors’ documents: PAN, Aadhaar or other ID, address proof, photographs, email and mobile number.
- Registered office: address proof (rent agreement or ownership document, plus a recent utility bill) and a no-objection certificate from the owner.
- Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) for the directors, from a licensed certifying authority.
- Name ideas: 2–3 options that are unique, not similar to existing companies or trademarks, and that end in “Private Limited”.
The steps (overview)
- Check name availability on the MCA portal and search the trademark registry for conflicts.
- Fill SPICe+ Part A to reserve the name (or reserve it as part of the full application).
- Fill SPICe+ Part B with company details: capital, directors, shareholders and registered office. It also lets you apply for registrations such as PAN, TAN and, optionally, GST, EPFO and ESIC, plus a bank account opening request.
- Attach the incorporation documents: the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA) in the linked e-forms, director declarations and consents.
- Pay fees and stamp duty. These vary by state and authorised capital.
- Receive your Certificate of Incorporation with your Corporate Identity Number (CIN), PAN and TAN.
After incorporation: don’t skip these
- Open a current account in the company’s name.
- Shareholders deposit their subscription money into the company account.
- File the declaration for commencement of business within the prescribed time after incorporation.
- Appoint the first statutory auditor within the prescribed time.
- Issue share certificates to shareholders.
- Hold the first board meeting.
- Register for GST (if required), Shops & Establishments (state law), and professional tax where applicable.
- Sign a founders’ agreement covering roles, vesting and IP assignment.
What it costs
Government fees are modest for small companies. Professional fees for a CA/CS, DSCs and stamp duty make up most of the cost, which varies by state. Use the Startup Cost Calculator to budget everything for your first year.
Your takeaway
Incorporation takes days or weeks, not months, if your documents are ready. Then set up your compliance calendar in the next chapter so you never miss a deadline.