How Long Does Company Registration Take in India?
One of the most frequently asked questions by entrepreneurs is: how long does it actually take to register a company in India? The answer depends on several factors including document readiness, company name availability, and MCA processing times. While the government has made significant improvements through the SPICe+ digital filing system, the registration process still involves multiple steps, each with its own timeline. This guide provides a realistic, step-by-step breakdown of how long each stage takes so you can plan accordingly.
Overall Timeline Summary
| Company Type | Best Case | Average | With Delays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | 7 working days | 10 to 15 working days | 20 to 30 working days |
| LLP | 7 working days | 10 to 15 working days | 20 to 30 working days |
| One Person Company (OPC) | 7 working days | 10 to 15 working days | 20 to 30 working days |
Step-by-Step Timeline Breakdown
Step 1: Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) - 1 to 2 Days
The first step is obtaining a Class 3 DSC for each proposed director. With the introduction of video-based verification, DSCs can now be issued within 1 to 2 working days. Some certifying authorities even offer same-day issuance for an additional fee.
- Standard processing: 1 to 2 working days
- Express processing: Same day (some providers)
- Common delay: Video verification failure or incorrect Aadhaar OTP (adds 1 day)
Step 2: Name Reservation - 2 to 5 Days
Company name approval through the RUN service or SPICe+ Part A typically takes 2 to 3 working days. However, if your name is rejected, you need to submit a fresh application, which adds another 2 to 3 days per attempt.
- First approval: 2 to 3 working days
- If rejected (first resubmission): Additional 2 to 3 days
- If rejected again: Additional 2 to 3 days per attempt
- Name validity: 20 days from approval date
Step 3: Document Preparation - 1 to 3 Days
Preparing and verifying all documents for the SPICe+ application takes 1 to 3 days depending on your readiness. This includes drafting the MoA and AoA, collecting identity and address proofs, and obtaining registered office documents.
- If documents are pre-prepared: 1 day
- If some documents need to be procured: 2 to 3 days
- If foreign director documents need apostille: 7 to 15 days (do this in advance)
Step 4: SPICe+ Filing - 1 Day
Once all documents are ready, the actual filing of the SPICe+ form on MCA portal takes 1 day when done by a professional. Self-filing may take longer if you are unfamiliar with the form requirements.
Step 5: MCA Processing - 5 to 7 Days
After submission, MCA's Central Registration Centre (CRC) processes the application. This is the stage where you are essentially waiting for government approval.
- Normal processing: 5 to 7 working days
- During peak filing periods: 7 to 10 working days
- If resubmission is required: Additional 5 to 7 working days per cycle
Step 6: Certificate of Incorporation - Same Day as Approval
Once MCA approves the application, the Certificate of Incorporation is issued electronically on the same day. The certificate includes the company's CIN, PAN, and TAN. You can download it directly from the MCA portal.
Post-Registration Timeline
Registration does not end with the Certificate of Incorporation. Here is how long the essential post-registration steps take:
| Post-Registration Step | Timeline | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Open Company Bank Account | 3 to 7 working days | As soon as possible after incorporation |
| Appoint Statutory Auditor (ADT-1) | 1 day filing | Within 30 days of incorporation |
| File Commencement of Business (INC-20A) | 1 day filing | Within 180 days of incorporation |
| Issue Share Certificates | 1 to 2 days | Within 60 days of incorporation |
| GST Registration (if not done via SPICe+) | 5 to 10 working days | Before commencing business (if applicable) |
| LLP Agreement Filing (for LLPs) | 1 day filing | Within 30 days of incorporation |
Common Causes of Delay and How to Avoid Them
| Delay Cause | Time Added | Prevention Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Company name rejection | 3 to 5 days per attempt | Search MCA database and trademark registry; prepare 3 unique name options |
| Incomplete documents | 5 to 10 days | Use a pre-filing document checklist; verify all items before filing |
| DSC issues (expired or wrong name) | 2 to 5 days | Check DSC validity and name accuracy before ordering |
| Name mismatch in PAN and Aadhaar | 5 to 15 days | Correct names in PAN/Aadhaar before starting registration |
| MCA resubmission request | 5 to 7 days per cycle | Use professional filing services for error-free submission |
| Foreign director documents | 7 to 15 days | Start apostille process well before registration filing |
| Peak filing season delays | 3 to 5 extra days | Avoid filing in March-April and September-October if possible |
Tips to Complete Registration Faster
- Prepare all documents before starting: Have PAN, Aadhaar, address proofs, office documents, and photographs ready in the correct format
- Get DSCs first: Order DSCs for all directors before starting any other step
- Research company names thoroughly: Check MCA database and trademark registry for similar names before applying
- Use professional filing services: Experienced professionals file error-free applications that get approved faster
- Verify name consistency: Ensure your name is spelled identically on PAN, Aadhaar, and all other documents
- Prepare office documents early: Get the utility bill, rent agreement, and NOC lined up before you need them
- Respond to queries immediately: If MCA raises a query, respond the same day to avoid further delays
- Avoid peak filing seasons: March-April and September-October see higher filing volumes and slower processing
Conclusion
Company registration in India takes 10 to 15 working days on average when everything goes smoothly. The key to a fast registration is preparation: having all documents ready, choosing a unique company name, and using professional filing services to avoid errors. While you cannot control MCA processing times, you can control the quality of your application. A well-prepared, error-free application is the fastest path to your Certificate of Incorporation.
At IncorpX, we have streamlined the registration process to minimize delays. Our team handles everything from DSC procurement to MCA filing, and we commit to keeping you updated at every stage so you know exactly where your application stands.
