Choose the right structure first
| Private limited | One person company | LLP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum people | 2 directors, 2 shareholders | 1 member, 1 director, plus a nominee | 2 designated partners |
| Raising investment | Best suited — equity, ESOPs | Limited; converts to Pvt Ltd as it grows | No equity shares |
| Compliance load | Highest | Moderate | Lower |
| Audit | Always required | Always required | Only above turnover/contribution limits |
If you plan to raise money from investors or issue ESOPs, a private limited company is usually the right call. For a consulting practice or family business that won't raise equity, an LLP is often simpler.
Basic requirements for a private limited company
- At least two directors, one of whom has stayed in India for at least 182 days in the financial year
- At least two shareholders (directors can also be the shareholders)
- A registered office address — a home or rented premises works, with a utility bill and the owner's NOC
- No minimum paid-up capital
- A unique name that doesn't clash with existing companies or trademarks
Documents
- PAN and Aadhaar of each director and shareholder (passport and address proof for foreign nationals)
- Recent bank statement or utility bill as address proof, and a photograph
- Registered office proof: electricity or water bill, plus rent agreement and owner's NOC if rented
- Digital signature certificates (DSC) for the directors and subscribers — we arrange these
The incorporation process (SPICe+)
- DSC. Digital signatures for the proposed directors and subscribers.
- Name reservation. We run name and trademark searches, then apply through SPICe+ Part A. Two name options can be proposed.
- SPICe+ Part B. The incorporation form, filed with the electronic memorandum and articles of association (e-MoA and e-AoA). Director identification numbers (DIN) for new directors are allotted through this form.
- AGILE-PRO-S. The linked form covers EPFO and ESIC registration, bank account opening and, optionally, GSTIN.
- Certificate of Incorporation. Issued by the Registrar with your CIN, together with the company's PAN and TAN.
With documents in hand, name approval to incorporation typically takes one to two weeks, depending on MCA processing and whether the name is accepted first time.
The first months after incorporation
- Open the company bank account and deposit the subscription money.
- Hold the first board meeting within 30 days and appoint the first statutory auditor.
- Issue share certificates to subscribers within 60 days.
- File INC-20A, the declaration of commencement of business, within 180 days — the company can't start business or borrow until it's filed.
- Set up statutory registers, and register for GST if your business needs it.
From here, the company has a yearly compliance calendar — see ROC compliance for what's due and when.
How Vitt-Marg helps
We take you from structure advice to a company with a bank account and PAN, and then set up the compliance calendar that keeps it in good standing. If you'll need GST from day one, we file for it alongside incorporation — see GST registration.
Guides on company registration
Short notes from our team on the rules, deadlines and the mistakes we see most often.
Registering a company in Noida? It goes to ROC Kanpur, not Delhi
Noida companies file with ROC Kanpur. Noida vs Delhi address, UP stamp duty, office proof that works, and the first months after incorporation.
Read note →AOC-4 and MGT-7: your company's annual filing for FY 2025-26
Dates that run from your AGM, what each form needs, and why ₹100 a day with no cap is the least of the problem.
Read note →Registering a US company from India: LLC or C-Corp, and what follows
State choice, EIN without an SSN, the Form 5472 filing that costs $25,000 to miss, and the FEMA side in India.
Read note →Setting up a Saudi company from India: what it actually involves
MISA registration, attested parent documents, ZATCA and Saudization — plus the ODI, APR and Schedule FA compliance back home.
Read note →Frequently asked questions
Can I register a company with my home address in Noida?
Yes. A residential address can be the registered office, with a recent utility bill and a no-objection letter from the owner. You can shift the registered office later by filing the relevant form.
How much does it cost to register a private limited company?
Government fees and stamp duty depend on the company's authorised capital and the state, plus the cost of digital signatures. We give you a fixed, all-inclusive quote before starting.
Can a foreign national or NRI be a director?
Yes. At least one director must have stayed in India for 182 days or more in the financial year, but others can be non-residents. Their documents may need to be notarised or apostilled.
Should I choose an LLP or a private limited company?
Choose a private limited company if you plan to raise equity or offer ESOPs. An LLP has lighter compliance and is often better for professional practices and family businesses. We'll recommend one based on your plans.
What happens if we don't file INC-20A?
The company can't commence business or exercise borrowing powers, and penalties apply to the company and its officers. The Registrar can also start proceedings to strike the company off.
This page is general information, current as of September 2026, and not advice for your specific situation. Laws, forms and due dates change — speak to us before acting on it.