Why a Private Limited Company?
A Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) is the most popular structure for serious founders in India. You get limited liability, perpetual succession, easier fundraising, and a professional structure that investors expect.
Key requirements
- Minimum 2 directors and 2 shareholders (can be the same people)
- At least one director must be resident in India
- A registered office address in India
- Unique company name approved by the MCA
The 5-stage process
1. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Every director needs a Class-3 DSC to sign e-forms on the MCA portal. Takes 1–2 days.
2. Director Identification Number (DIN)
The DIN is auto-allotted during incorporation via the SPICe+ form — you no longer need a separate DIN application for first-time directors.
3. Name reservation (RUN)
- Pick 2 names in order of preference
- Follow the Companies (Incorporation) Rules — must end with "Private Limited"
- The name should not be identical to an existing company or trademark
- Approved names are reserved for 20 days
4. SPICe+ filing
SPICe+ is the unified incorporation form — it bundles:
- Company incorporation
- PAN and TAN application
- GSTIN (optional)
- EPFO and ESIC registration
- Professional Tax (for select states)
- Bank account opening (via partner banks)
Along with SPICe+, you submit:
- MOA (Memorandum of Association) — objects of the company
- AOA (Articles of Association) — internal rules
- INC-9 declaration
5. Certificate of Incorporation
Once MCA approves, you receive the Certificate of Incorporation (COI) with your Corporate Identification Number (CIN). This is your company's birth certificate.
Documents checklist
- PAN and Aadhaar of all directors / shareholders
- Passport-size photos
- Address proof: bank statement / utility bill (not older than 2 months)
- Registered office proof: rent agreement + NOC from owner, or ownership proof
- Email and mobile of each director
Timelines and cost
- End-to-end time: typically 7–15 working days
- Government fees: vary with authorised capital (lower for ≤ ₹1 lakh)
- Professional fees: depend on the consultant and package
After incorporation
- Open the company bank account using COI, PAN, MOA, AOA
- Deposit subscription money as per MOA
- Obtain GSTIN if turnover crosses threshold
- File INC-20A (commencement of business) within 180 days
- Hold first board meeting within 30 days
- Appoint an auditor within 30 days
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