How to Register a Private Limited Company in India (2026) — Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-step guide to register a Private Limited Company in India in 2026. Documents, fees, timeline, name approval, DIN, DSC, MoA, AoA. CA-led. From ₹4,999.
Registering a Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) in India is the first step for any serious entrepreneur. A Pvt Ltd gives you limited liability, easier fundraising, professional credibility, and a structure that scales with your business. In this guide, we walk through the entire process in 2026 — from name approval to incorporation certificate.
1. What is a Private Limited Company?
A Private Limited Company is a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013, with at least 2 directors and 2 shareholders. It is a separate legal entity from its owners ("members"), which means the company itself can own property, sue, and be sued. The "private" part means you cannot offer shares to the public.
2. Benefits of a Pvt Ltd Company
- Limited liability — your personal assets are protected if the company gets into trouble
- Easier to raise investment from VCs, angels, and banks
- Better credibility with customers, vendors, and partners
- Easier to issue ESOPs to attract and retain talent
- Perpetual succession — the company outlives its founders
- Lower tax rate (25.17% effective) compared to individuals (up to 30%)
3. Eligibility & Requirements
- Minimum 2 directors (at least 1 must be an Indian resident)
- Minimum 2 shareholders (can be the same as directors)
- A unique company name (not matching any existing company or trademark)
- Registered office address in India (can be residential)
- DIN (Director Identification Number) for each director
- DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) for each director
4. Documents Required
- PAN + Aadhaar of all directors and shareholders
- Passport (for foreign directors / NRI shareholders)
- Address proof of registered office (rent agreement + NOC + utility bill)
- Photos of all directors and shareholders
- MoA (Memorandum of Association) — defines the objects
- AoA (Articles of Association) — defines internal rules
5. Step-by-Step Registration Process
Step 1: Get DSC and DIN
Apply for Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN) for each proposed director. DSC is a Class-3 digital signature used to sign forms on the MCA portal. DIN is a unique ID for each director.
Step 2: Name Approval (RUN / SPICe+)
Apply for name reservation through SPICe+ form on the MCA portal. We recommend keeping 2-3 name options. MCA approval typically takes 1-3 days, but the process is now integrated with SPICe+.
Step 3: File SPICe+ (INC-32)
SPICe+ is the integrated form for name reservation, DIN, incorporation, PAN, TAN, GST, EPFO, ESIC, and bank account opening. Filed online on the MCA portal.
Step 4: Pay Stamp Duty
Stamp duty is state-wise. Paid online through the MCA portal. Varies from ₹100 to ₹10L+ based on the state and authorised capital.
Step 5: Get Incorporation Certificate
Once the ROC approves, you receive the Certificate of Incorporation (COI) along with PAN, TAN, and DIN allotment letters.
6. Timeline & Fees
| Item | Government Fee | Our Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSC (per director) | ₹500–₹1,500 | Included | 1-2 days |
| DIN (per director) | ₹500 | Included | 1-3 days |
| Name approval (RUN) | ₹1,000 | Included | 1-3 days |
| SPICe+ filing | Varies by capital | Included | 3-5 days |
| Stamp duty | State-wise | Included | Online |
| Our total fee | — | From ₹4,999 | 5-7 days |
7. Post-Incorporation Compliance
- Open a current bank account in the company name (HDFC, ICICI, Yes Bank, etc.)
- Issue share certificates to the initial shareholders
- Maintain statutory registers (members, directors, charges)
- File INC-20A (commencement of business) within 180 days
- Get GST registration (if turnover > ₹20L)
- Get MSME / Udyam registration (for benefits)
- File annual returns (AOC-4, MGT-7) with the ROC
- Maintain books of accounts and file income tax returns
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a name too similar to an existing company or trademark
- Not getting NOC from the property owner
- Skipping DSC/DIN (mandatory for SPICe+)
- Filing with wrong authorised capital (overpaying stamp duty)
- Not opening a bank account (required for share capital deposit)
- Missing the INC-20A filing deadline (180 days)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does Pvt Ltd registration take in India?
A: With our Standard plan, 5-7 working days. With Pro plan, 3-4 days. With Starter plan, 7-10 days. Includes DSC, DIN, name approval, incorporation, PAN, TAN.
Q: What is the minimum capital required?
A: No minimum capital requirement as per the Companies Act, 2013. You can start with ₹1 lakh authorised + ₹1 paid-up, or even ₹10,000 authorised + ₹10 paid-up. We recommend ₹1L+ for credibility.
Q: Can a single person register a Pvt Ltd?
A: No. Pvt Ltd requires at least 2 directors + 2 shareholders. For a single-person company, you can register an OPC (One Person Company) which can be converted to Pvt Ltd later.
Q: Can NRI or foreign nationals be directors?
A: Yes. NRI / foreign nationals can be directors and shareholders. At least 1 director must be an Indian resident. Foreign directors need a valid passport + apostilled documents.
Q: What is the cost of Pvt Ltd registration in India in 2026?
A: Government fees range from ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 (depending on authorised capital + state stamp duty). Our total fee starts at ₹4,999 (Starter), ₹7,999 (Standard), ₹12,999 (Pro).
Q: What is the difference between Pvt Ltd and LLP?
A: Pvt Ltd: limited liability, easier to raise funds, can issue ESOPs, but more compliance. LLP: lower compliance, no requirement for audit if below threshold, but harder to raise venture funding.