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Private Limited Company Registration Process Explained Simply

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Private Limited Company Registration Process Explained Simply

Q: How many days does it take to register a Private Limited Company?

The complete registration process typically takes 10 to 15 working days from start to finish. This includes 1 to 2 days for DSC procurement, 2 to 3 days for name approval through RUN, and 5 to 7 working days for SPICe+ form processing by MCA. Delays can occur if documents are incomplete or if the name requires resubmission.

Q: How many directors are needed to register a Private Limited Company?

A Private Limited Company requires a minimum of 2 directors at the time of incorporation. At least one director must be a resident of India , meaning they must have stayed in India for at least 182 days in the previous calendar year. The maximum number of directors can be up to 15, and this limit can be increased by passing a special resolution.

Q: What is the minimum capital required for Pvt Ltd registration?

There is no minimum capital requirement for registering a Private Limited Company in India. The earlier requirement of Rs. 1 lakh minimum paid-up capital was removed by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2015. You can start with any amount of authorized and paid-up capital based on your business needs. Most startups begin with Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh authorized capital.

Q: Can I register a Private Limited Company online?

Yes, the entire registration process is completely online through the MCA portal (mca.gov.in). From DSC procurement to name reservation and SPICe+ filing, every step can be completed digitally. Physical document submission is not required. You only need digital copies of identity proofs, address proofs, and registered office documents.

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

Authorized capital is the maximum amount of share capital that a company is authorized to issue as defined in its MoA. Paid-up capital is the actual amount of money shareholders have paid for shares they own. For example, if your authorized capital is Rs. 10 lakh but shareholders have only paid for Rs. 1 lakh worth of shares, your paid-up capital is Rs. 1 lakh. Stamp duty is calculated on authorized capital.

Q: Do I need a physical office to register a company?

You need a registered office address for company registration, but it does not have to be a traditional office space. You can use a residential address, co-working space, or virtual office address . The key requirement is that you can receive official correspondence at that address and provide valid address proof documents (utility bill, rent agreement, and landlord NOC).

Q: Can NRIs or foreigners register a Private Limited Company in India?

Yes, NRIs and foreign nationals can register a Private Limited Company in India. They can be both shareholders and directors. However, at least one director must be an Indian resident (182 days stay requirement). Foreign directors need a valid passport, overseas address proof, and a DSC. FDI norms under FEMA and RBI guidelines must be followed for capital infusion by foreign shareholders.

Q: Is GST registration mandatory during company registration?

GST registration is not mandatory for all companies at the time of incorporation. However, the SPICe+ form includes an option for simultaneous GST registration. It becomes mandatory if your company makes interstate supplies, sells through e-commerce platforms, or is expected to cross the turnover threshold of Rs. 20 lakh (Rs. 10 lakh in special category states) soon after starting operations.

Dhanush Prabha

Feb 10, 2026 12 min read

Private Limited Company Registration Process Explained Simply

Registering a Private Limited Company is the most popular choice for entrepreneurs starting a business in India. It provides limited liability protection, a separate legal identity, and the ability to raise funding from investors. Thanks to the SPICe+ integrated filing system, the entire registration process is now online and can be completed in as few as 10 working days. This guide walks you through every step of the Private Limited Company registration process with clear explanations, timelines, and practical tips.

Step 1: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

The first step in registering a Private Limited Company is obtaining a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for all proposed directors. Since all MCA filings are done electronically, the DSC serves as your digital identity for signing documents online.

How to Get a DSC

Apply through an authorized Certifying Authority such as eMudhra, Sify, NSDL, or CDAC
Submit your PAN card, Aadhaar card, email ID, and mobile number
Complete video verification (introduced as a paperless alternative to physical verification)
Receive your DSC on a USB token or as a downloadable certificate within 1 to 2 working days

A Class 3 DSC with 2-year validity costs approximately Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000 per director. Each director needs their own DSC, so for a company with 2 directors, budget Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 4,000 for DSCs.

Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name

Before filing for incorporation, you need to reserve a unique name for your company. MCA provides two methods for name reservation:

Method 1: RUN (Reserve Unique Name) Service

Submit up to 2 name options through the MCA portal
Fee: Rs. 1,000 per application
Approval typically takes 2 to 3 working days
Reserved name is valid for 20 days from approval

Method 2: SPICe+ Part A

Reserve the name as part of the incorporation form itself
Same fee and timeline as RUN service
More efficient as it combines name reservation with incorporation filing

Company Name Guidelines

Your company name must follow MCA's naming rules to avoid rejection:

The name should have 3 parts: Unique Name + Activity + Structure (e.g., "TechNova Solutions Private Limited")
Must not be identical or similar to an existing company name or registered trademark
Avoid restricted words like 'National', 'Government', 'Reserve Bank', 'Corporation', or 'Commission' unless government approval is obtained
The name should not contain generic terms alone without a distinctive element
Always search the MCA database and trademark registry before applying

Step 3: Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)

Every director of a company must have a Director Identification Number (DIN), which is a unique lifetime identification number issued by MCA. The SPICe+ form now allows allotment of up to 3 DINs as part of the incorporation process, eliminating the need for a separate application.

DIN Requirements

PAN card (mandatory for Indian directors)
Aadhaar card or passport for identity verification
Address proof (passport, voter ID, driving license, or Aadhaar)
Passport-size photograph
For foreign directors: valid passport and overseas address proof (apostilled or notarized)

Step 4: File SPICe+ Form (Incorporation Application)

The SPICe+ form is the main incorporation application that you submit to MCA. It is a comprehensive form that integrates multiple services into a single filing. SPICe+ has two parts:

SPICe+ Part A: Name Reservation

If you have not already reserved your name through RUN, you can do it through Part A. This part is optional if name reservation is already done.

SPICe+ Part B: Incorporation Details

This is the main incorporation form that includes:

Company details: Name, type, category, and sub-category of the company
Registered office address: Full address with supporting documents
Capital structure: Authorized capital and paid-up capital details
Director and subscriber details: Personal information, DIN, and shareholding of all directors and subscribers
Memorandum of Association (eMoA): Filed as INC-33, defining the company's objects and authorized activities
Articles of Association (eAoA): Filed as INC-34, defining the company's internal rules and governance

Documents to Attach with SPICe+

Identity proof of all directors (PAN + Aadhaar or passport)
Address proof of all directors (not older than 2 months)
Passport-size photographs of all directors
Registered office proof: Utility bill (electricity/water/gas), rent agreement, and landlord NOC
Declaration by professionals (Form INC-9) from the CA/CS filing the application
Consent of directors (Form DIR-2) from each proposed director

Step 5: Integrated Services in SPICe+

One of the biggest advantages of SPICe+ is that it bundles multiple registrations into a single application. Along with company incorporation, you automatically get:

Service	What It Provides	Automatically Included
PAN Application	Permanent Account Number for the company	Yes
TAN Application	Tax Deduction Account Number	Yes
EPFO Registration	Employees Provident Fund registration	Yes (if applicable)
ESIC Registration	Employees State Insurance registration	Yes (if applicable)
GST Registration	Goods and Services Tax registration	Optional (via AGILE-PRO-S)
Bank Account Opening	Company bank account with selected bank	Optional (via AGILE-PRO-S)
Professional Tax	State professional tax registration (Maharashtra)	Yes (Maharashtra only)

Step 6: Receive Certificate of Incorporation

Once MCA processes and approves your SPICe+ application, you will receive the Certificate of Incorporation (CoI) electronically. The CoI contains:

Corporate Identity Number (CIN): A unique 21-digit identification number for the company
Company Name: As approved and registered
Date of Incorporation: The date from which the company legally exists
PAN Number: Allotted to the company for tax purposes
TAN Number: For TDS deduction purposes

The Certificate of Incorporation is your company's birth certificate. It proves that your company is a legally recognized entity under the Companies Act, 2013.

Start Your Company Registration Now

Step 7: Post-Incorporation Steps

After receiving the Certificate of Incorporation, you need to complete these essential steps to make your company fully operational:

Open a Company Bank Account: Visit a bank with the CoI, PAN card, board resolution, and KYC documents of all directors to open a current account in the company's name
File Form INC-20A: Declaration of Commencement of Business must be filed within 180 days of incorporation, confirming that subscribers have paid for their shares
Appoint Statutory Auditor: File Form ADT-1 within 30 days of incorporation to appoint a Chartered Accountant as the company's auditor
Issue Share Certificates: Issue physical or digital share certificates to all subscribers within 60 days of incorporation
Maintain Statutory Registers: Set up the Register of Members, Register of Directors, Register of Charges, and Minutes Book
Set Up Compliance Calendar: Mark all filing due dates for board meetings, annual returns, financial statements, and tax returns

Registration Timeline Overview

Typical timeline for Private Limited Company registration
Step	Duration	Cumulative Timeline
DSC Procurement	1 to 2 days	Day 1 to 2
Name Reservation (RUN/SPICe+ Part A)	2 to 3 days	Day 3 to 5
Document Preparation	1 to 2 days	Day 5 to 7
SPICe+ Part B Filing	1 day	Day 7 to 8
MCA Processing	5 to 7 days	Day 12 to 15
Certificate of Incorporation	Same day as approval	Day 12 to 15

Conclusion

The Private Limited Company registration process in India has become efficient and fully digital through the SPICe+ system. With proper preparation of documents, a well-chosen company name, and professional filing support, you can have your company registered in 10 to 15 working days. The key is to get your documents right the first time, follow MCA naming guidelines, and complete all post-incorporation steps promptly.

At IncorpX, we handle the complete registration process for you, from DSC procurement and name reservation to SPICe+ filing and post-incorporation compliance. Our team ensures error-free filing and guides you through every step so you can focus on building your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days does it take to register a Private Limited Company?

The complete registration process typically takes 10 to 15 working days from start to finish. This includes 1 to 2 days for DSC procurement, 2 to 3 days for name approval through RUN, and 5 to 7 working days for SPICe+ form processing by MCA. Delays can occur if documents are incomplete or if the name requires resubmission.

What is the SPICe+ form used for?

SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) is an integrated incorporation form introduced by MCA that combines multiple services in a single application. It covers company incorporation, DIN allotment (up to 3 directors), PAN and TAN application, GST registration, EPFO registration, ESIC registration, and bank account opening in one form. This has significantly simplified the registration process.

How many directors are needed to register a Private Limited Company?

A Private Limited Company requires a minimum of 2 directors at the time of incorporation. At least one director must be a resident of India, meaning they must have stayed in India for at least 182 days in the previous calendar year. The maximum number of directors can be up to 15, and this limit can be increased by passing a special resolution.

What is the minimum capital required for Pvt Ltd registration?

There is no minimum capital requirement for registering a Private Limited Company in India. The earlier requirement of Rs. 1 lakh minimum paid-up capital was removed by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2015. You can start with any amount of authorized and paid-up capital based on your business needs. Most startups begin with Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh authorized capital.

Can I register a Private Limited Company online?

Yes, the entire registration process is completely online through the MCA portal (mca.gov.in). From DSC procurement to name reservation and SPICe+ filing, every step can be completed digitally. Physical document submission is not required. You only need digital copies of identity proofs, address proofs, and registered office documents.

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

Authorized capital is the maximum amount of share capital that a company is authorized to issue as defined in its MoA. Paid-up capital is the actual amount of money shareholders have paid for shares they own. For example, if your authorized capital is Rs. 10 lakh but shareholders have only paid for Rs. 1 lakh worth of shares, your paid-up capital is Rs. 1 lakh. Stamp duty is calculated on authorized capital.

Do I need a physical office to register a company?

You need a registered office address for company registration, but it does not have to be a traditional office space. You can use a residential address, co-working space, or virtual office address. The key requirement is that you can receive official correspondence at that address and provide valid address proof documents (utility bill, rent agreement, and landlord NOC).

What happens after receiving the Certificate of Incorporation?

After receiving the Certificate of Incorporation, you need to complete several post-incorporation steps: open a company bank account, file Form INC-20A (Commencement of Business declaration) within 180 days, appoint a statutory auditor within 30 days (Form ADT-1), issue share certificates to subscribers, and set up your compliance calendar for board meetings and annual filings.

Can NRIs or foreigners register a Private Limited Company in India?

Yes, NRIs and foreign nationals can register a Private Limited Company in India. They can be both shareholders and directors. However, at least one director must be an Indian resident (182 days stay requirement). Foreign directors need a valid passport, overseas address proof, and a DSC. FDI norms under FEMA and RBI guidelines must be followed for capital infusion by foreign shareholders.

Is GST registration mandatory during company registration?

GST registration is not mandatory for all companies at the time of incorporation. However, the SPICe+ form includes an option for simultaneous GST registration. It becomes mandatory if your company makes interstate supplies, sells through e-commerce platforms, or is expected to cross the turnover threshold of Rs. 20 lakh (Rs. 10 lakh in special category states) soon after starting operations.

What are the annual compliance requirements after registration?

After registration, a Private Limited Company must comply with: 4 board meetings per year (2 for small companies), an Annual General Meeting within 6 months of financial year end, filing Form AOC-4 (financial statements) and Form MGT-7A (annual return) with MCA, income tax return filing, statutory audit by a Chartered Accountant, and maintaining statutory registers and minutes of meetings.

Can a single person register a Private Limited Company?

No, a Private Limited Company requires a minimum of 2 shareholders and 2 directors. If you are a solo founder, you have two options: register a One Person Company (OPC) which requires only 1 director and 1 nominee, or find a co-founder, family member, or trusted person to serve as the second director and shareholder. Many solo founders choose the OPC route and convert to Pvt Ltd later when they bring on partners.

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Written by Dhanush Prabha

Dhanush Prabha is the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at IncorpX, where he leads product engineering, platform architecture, and data-driven growth strategy. With over half a decade of experience in full-stack development, scalable systems design, and performance marketing, he oversees the technical infrastructure and digital acquisition channels that power IncorpX. Dhanush specializes in building high-performance web applications, SEO and AEO-optimized content frameworks, marketing automation pipelines, and conversion-focused user experiences. He has architected and deployed multiple SaaS platforms, API-first applications, and enterprise-grade systems from the ground up. His writing spans technology, business registration, startup strategy, and digital transformation - offering clear, research-backed insights drawn from hands-on engineering and growth leadership. He is passionate about helping founders and professionals make informed decisions through practical, real-world content.

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