Pillar Guide

Company Formation in India

Everything you need to register a Private Limited company, LLP, OPC or foreign subsidiary in India — SPICe+ filings, timelines, documents and post-incorporation compliance, handled by Chartered Accountants.

In short: Register your company via the MCA SPICe+ form with DSC/DIN and MOA/AOA. A Private Limited company needs at least 2 shareholders and 2 directors (one resident in India), no minimum paid-up capital, and is usually incorporated in 7-10 working days.

Which structure suits you?

Choosing the right vehicle up-front avoids costly restructuring later. The most common structures are:

Private Limited Company

Best for startups and businesses raising equity — ESOP-friendly, FDI-ready, standard investor structure.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Limited liability with lighter annual compliance — a fit for services, consulting and professional firms.

One Person Company (OPC)

Solo founders who want limited liability protection with a corporate wrapper.

Foreign Subsidiary (WOS)

Wholly Owned Subsidiary of a foreign parent, incorporated under the automatic FDI route.

The SPICe+ process, step-by-step

  1. 1

    Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

    Class 3 DSCs for every proposed director and subscriber — 1-2 working days.

  2. 2

    Name reservation via SPICe+ Part A

    Two proposed names checked against MCA and trademark databases before filing.

  3. 3

    DIN allotment + MOA & AOA drafting

    DINs are issued through SPICe+ itself; MOA/AOA drafted to reflect your business objects.

  4. 4

    SPICe+ Part B + AGILE-PRO + INC-9

    Integrated filing for incorporation, PAN, TAN, GSTIN, EPFO, ESIC and bank account.

  5. 5

    Certificate of Incorporation

    CoI with CIN, PAN and TAN issued electronically by MCA.

  6. 6

    Post-incorporation compliance

    INC-20A (commencement), first board meeting, statutory registers, GST registration and books setup.

Documents required

  • PAN & Aadhaar of Indian directors / shareholders
  • Passport (mandatory) for NRIs and foreign nationals — apostilled where applicable
  • Recent address proof (bank statement / utility bill) — not older than 2 months
  • Passport-size photograph and email / mobile of each director
  • Registered office proof — rent agreement, NOC and latest utility bill

Pvt Ltd vs LLP vs OPC

FeaturePvt LtdLLPOPC
Minimum members221
Minimum directors / partners2 directors2 designated partners1 director + 1 nominee
LiabilityLimitedLimitedLimited
Equity fundingYes — VC / PE friendlyNo (partner capital only)Restricted
Annual complianceHigherLowerModerate
Best forStartups & growth businessesServices & professional firmsSolo founders

Why work with our Chartered Accountants

Our team combines Big 4 pedigree with hands-on cross-border experience. Incorporation is only step one — we build your compliance calendar, wire up books and reporting, and stay on as your CAs for GST, TDS, ROC and audit.

Founders often pair incorporation with Startup India (DPIIT) registration and Udyam / MSME registration via our sister firm SME Advisory. Once the company is live, SME Advisory also runs annual ROC compliance for a Pvt Ltd, while our audit partner Regi Tom Antony & Associates handles ROC & secretarial compliance and the statutory audit.

Company registration in every Indian state

Central via MCA SPICe+ — pick your state to see localised guidance.

Frequently asked questions

How long does company formation take in India?
With DSCs and clean documents in place, Private Limited incorporation via SPICe+ typically completes in 7-10 working days.
What is the minimum requirement for a Private Limited company?
Two shareholders and two directors, of whom at least one director must be a resident in India. There is no statutory minimum paid-up capital.
Should I choose Pvt Ltd, LLP or OPC?
Pvt Ltd is ideal if you plan to raise external equity or ESOPs. LLP suits services and professional firms wanting lighter compliance. OPC is designed for solo founders who want a corporate wrapper.
Do you register companies in all Indian states?
Yes. Company registration is central through MCA SPICe+, so we serve founders in every Indian state and Union Territory.
Can NRIs or foreign nationals form a company in India?
Yes. NRIs, OCIs and foreign nationals can be shareholders and directors provided the resident-director condition is met and applicable FDI norms are followed.

Reviewed by CA Regi Tom Antony, Regi Tom Antony & Associates. Last updated: July 2026.

Ready to incorporate?

Let our Chartered Accountants handle SPICe+, ROC and post-incorporation compliance so you focus on the business.