How do I register a startup in India?

Startup registration in India typically means incorporating a Private Limited Company under the Companies Act 2013 via the MCA's SPICe+ portal. Steps: choose entity type (Pvt Ltd / LLP / OPC), reserve name, obtain DSC & DIN, file SPICe+ with MOA & AOA, pay stamp duty, receive Certificate of Incorporation + PAN/TAN. Optionally register with DPIIT for Startup India recognition.

What is the best business structure for a startup in India?

For most VC-fundable startups, Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) is the default — it allows equity issuance, ESOPs, foreign investment via FDI/FEMA, and limited liability. LLP works for service/consulting businesses without equity plans. OPC works for solo founders. Sole proprietorship has no separate legal identity and is generally avoided for serious ventures.

How much does it cost to register a startup in India?

Government fees: ₹4,000–₹15,000 depending on authorised capital and state stamp duty. Professional fees (CA / company secretary): ₹5,000–₹25,000 depending on complexity. Bharat Quantum Prospera offers complete startup registration packages including DSC, DIN, incorporation, MOA, AOA, PAN, TAN, INC-20A and post-incorporation compliance setup.

How long does it take to register a company in India?

With SPICe+ integrated form, company incorporation typically takes 5–10 working days from filing. Name reservation: 1–3 days. DSC: 1–2 days. Final incorporation certificate: 2–7 days post-filing. Pre-incorporation cleanup of name and structure can take longer.

What is DPIIT Startup India recognition?

DPIIT recognition is granted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade to eligible startups (incorporated < 10 years, turnover < ₹100 crore, working on innovation/scalability). Benefits: income tax exemption under Section 80-IAC (3 of 7 years), angel-tax exemption under Section 56(2)(viib), IPR fast-tracking, and self-certification under labour laws.

Can a foreign national register a company in India?

Yes. Foreign nationals can be directors and shareholders of Indian companies. Atleast one director must be an Indian resident (stayed in India ≥182 days in the previous calendar year). Foreign investment is governed by FDI/FEMA rules — most sectors allow 100% FDI via automatic route. We help structure to meet sectoral caps and approval-route requirements.

What is the minimum capital required to register a Private Limited Company?

There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement under Companies Act 2013 (amendment removed the ₹1 lakh minimum). However, MCA requires you to declare authorised and subscribed capital. Most startups incorporate with ₹1 lakh authorised capital and pay stamp duty accordingly.

Difference between Private Limited and LLP?

Pvt Ltd: separate legal entity, perpetual succession, can raise equity, ESOPs, FDI allowed, taxed at 22-25%, mandatory audit > thresholds. LLP: separate legal entity, perpetual succession, cannot raise equity (only partner contribution), simpler annual compliance, taxed at 30%, no MAT/DDT. Pvt Ltd is mandatory for VC funding.

What is GST registration and when is it required?

GST registration is mandatory if aggregate turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh (goods) or ₹20 lakh (services) — lower in special category states. Mandatory regardless of turnover for: inter-state supply, e-commerce sellers, online service providers, persons liable for reverse charge. We register and set up GST compliance during incorporation.

What post-incorporation compliance is required for a startup?

Within 180 days of incorporation: file INC-20A (commencement of business). Within 30 days: appoint first auditor. Ongoing: hold first board meeting, maintain statutory registers, allot shares, issue share certificates, open bank account, GST registration if applicable, professional tax & shop establishment registration. We handle the full post-incorporation setup.

Can I register a startup without a physical office?

Yes. Registered office can be a residential address, virtual office or co-working space — as long as it can receive communications. Many Indian startups incorporate at the founder's residence or a virtual address. Verification documents (rent agreement, utility bill, NOC) are required.

What is the difference between authorized and paid-up capital?

Authorised capital is the maximum capital the company can issue. Paid-up capital is the actual capital subscribed and paid by shareholders. Stamp duty is calculated on authorised capital. Paid-up can be increased later through additional share issuance up to the authorised limit.

Startup Registration in India

Startup Registration

Complete startup registration services in India — Private Limited, LLP, OPC incorporation under Companies Act 2013, plus DPIIT Startup India recognition, GST registration and post-incorporation compliance. CA-led, end-to-end, and built for founders who want to focus on building.

What you get

Complete startup incorporation.

Everything you need to legally start, operate and scale a business in India — done in one engagement, by chartered accountants.

Entity selection — Private Limited, LLP, OPC, Section 8
Name reservation via RUN / SPICe+ Part A
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for directors
Director Identification Number (DIN) application
Drafting of MOA (Memorandum) and AOA (Articles)
SPICe+ integrated incorporation filing
Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, TAN, EPFO, ESIC, professional tax
Bank account opening assistance
INC-20A commencement of business filing
First auditor appointment & statutory registers
GST registration (where applicable)
DPIIT Startup India recognition support
Post-incorporation compliance roadmap

The process

Step-by-step startup registration.

From entity selection to commencement of business — the standard sequence we follow for every founder.

Step 01 / 10

Choose Entity Type

Decide between Private Limited (Pvt Ltd), LLP, OPC, or Sole Proprietorship based on funding plans, founder count, liability and compliance burden.

Step 02 / 10

Reserve Company Name

Apply for name reservation via RUN/SPICe+ Part A on MCA portal. Choose a name compliant with Companies Act 2013 and trademark availability.

Step 03 / 10

Obtain DSC & DIN

Apply for Digital Signature Certificate for proposed directors and Director Identification Number via SPICe+.

Step 04 / 10

File SPICe+ Form

File integrated SPICe+ Part B for incorporation. Includes MOA, AOA, PAN, TAN, EPFO/ESIC, professional tax and bank account.

Step 05 / 10

MOA & AOA Drafting

Draft Memorandum of Association (objects, capital structure) and Articles of Association (internal governance rules).

Step 06 / 10

Pay Stamp Duty & Fees

State-specific stamp duty on MOA/AOA plus MCA registration fees (varies by authorised capital).

Step 07 / 10

Receive Certificate of Incorporation

ROC issues Certificate of Incorporation, Corporate Identification Number (CIN), PAN, TAN. Typical processing 5–10 working days.

Step 08 / 10

Open Bank Account

Use Certificate of Incorporation + PAN to open current account. Most banks now offer digital onboarding.

Step 09 / 10

Capital Infusion & DPIIT Registration

Founders subscribe to shares (minimum capital infused). Optionally register with DPIIT for Startup India recognition, tax & IP benefits.

Step 10 / 10

Post-Incorporation Compliance

First board meeting, statutory registers, auditor appointment (Section 139), commencement of business filing (INC-20A), GST registration if applicable.

Choosing the right entity

Pvt Ltd vs LLP vs OPC.

The right entity affects your fundraising, taxation, compliance and exit options for years. Here's how to choose.

Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) — default for VC-fundable startups; equity issuance, ESOPs, FDI allowed
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) — service/consulting businesses without equity plans; simpler compliance
One Person Company (OPC) — solo founders who want limited liability without partners
Sole Proprietorship — informal businesses with low risk; no separate legal entity
Section 8 Company — non-profits, foundations, social enterprises
Partnership Firm — traditional partnerships under Partnership Act 1932

Startup India benefits

DPIIT recognition & tax exemptions.

Eligible startups can avail of substantial benefits under the Startup India initiative — but only with proper registration and compliance.

Income tax exemption under Section 80-IAC for 3 consecutive financial years (out of first 10 years)
Angel tax exemption under Section 56(2)(viib) on share premium above fair value
IPR fast-tracking — 80% rebate on patent filing, expedited examination
Self-certification under 9 labour and environmental laws
Public procurement preferences — exemption from prior experience & turnover criteria
Easier winding up — fast-track exit under Companies Act
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme — access to government-backed seed funding

Adjacent services

After incorporation.

Most startups need ongoing CA, tax and legal support. We work with you for the long term.

Ready to start

Register your startup.

Talk to us about registering your startup.

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