A Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) is one of the most preferred business structures in India for startups and SMEs. It offers:
Separate legal identity
Limited liability for shareholders
Easier access to investment
Credibility with partners, banks, government
With reforms like SPICe+ and linked services, the registration process has become more streamlined in 2025.
Law / Regulation |
Key Role |
Companies Act, 2013 |
Governs incorporation, duties, rights, director qualifications. |
Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 (and amendments) |
Technical rules for registration, MOA/AOA, name reservation etc. |
SPICe+ (SPICe Plus) |
Integrated MCA form for incorporation including multiple linked services. |
Requirement |
Details (2025) |
Minimum Directors |
2 (one must be resident in India) |
Minimum Shareholders |
2 (can be same as directors) |
Name |
Must have “Private Limited” as suffix; name must be unique, not infringing trademarks or existing companies. |
Registered Office |
A valid Indian address, proof via utility bills/rent deed/NOC etc. |
Capital Requirement |
No minimum paid-up capital required |
Digital Signature (DSC) |
Class 3 DSC required for subscribers / directors to sign DOCs online. |
Step |
What to Do |
Step 1: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) |
All proposed directors & subscribers need DSC from recognised Certifying Authoritys. |
Step 2: Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN) |
DIN is now part of SPICe+ Part B. For new directors, DIN application gets processed along with incorporation. |
Step 3: Name Reservation (SPICe+ Part A / RUN service) |
Propose one or two names. Name should comply with MCA rules. If name is reserved, valid for 20 days. |
Step 4: Prepare MOA & AOA |
Draft Memorandum & Articles electronically (e-MOA / e-AOA forms: INC-33 / INC-34) as per business objectives and management rules. |
Step 5: Fill SPICe+ Part B + Linked Forms |
SPICe+ Part B includes incorporation, and linked services like PAN, TAN, EPFO, ESIC, bank account, etc. AGILE-PRO-S is linked. |
Step 6: Submit Documents, DSC, & Fee |
Attach required identity, address proofs, office proof, photos; digitally sign and upload; pay government fees & stamp duty as per state. |
Step 7: ROC Verification & Certificate of Incorporation (COI) |
The Registrar of Companies reviews the application; on successful approval, gets COI, and CIN (Company Identification Number) is issued. |
For Directors / Shareholders |
For Registered Office |
For Business Constitution |
Identity Proof (PAN Card, Aadhar Card, Passport for foreign nationals) |
Utility Bill (≤2 months old) / Rent Agreement & NOC / Ownership Deed |
MOA, AOA (eMOA / eAOA) |
Passport-size Photographs |
Proof of address of registered office |
Declaration by first directors / subscribers |
Address Proof of Directors (Utility bill, bank statement, etc.) |
None |
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for all signatories |
Cost Component |
What It Covers / Determines |
Approximate Cost (2025) |
DSC for Directors |
Cost per person; depends on validity & provider |
~ ₹800-₹1,500 per DSC |
RUN / SPICe+ Name Reservation Fee |
₹1,000 per application generally |
None |
Government Filing Fees |
Depends on authorised capital & state stamp duties |
Varied; low for small capital, increased for higher authorised capital & more expensive states. |
Stamp Duty on MOA/AOA |
Depends on state and authorised capital |
Varies; e.g., a few hundred to several thousand rupees depending on location. |
Professional Fees (CA / CS / Firm) |
For drafting, certification, advisory, filing |
₹5,000-₹15,000 or more depending on complexity & region. |
Step |
Estimated Duration |
DSC issuance |
1-2 working days |
Name reservation (Part A) |
1-2 working days |
SPICe+ Part B & linked filings |
2-3 working days |
Certificate of Incorporation |
3-5 working days after submission (in simple cases) |
Total for incorporation |
Typically 5-15 working days depending on state, authorised capital, and backlog. |
After the company is incorporated, the following must be done:
Declaration of Commencement of Business (Form INC-20A) within 180 days.
Open Bank Account in company name.
Apply for GST Registration if your turnover or business conditions require.
First Board Meeting within 30 days of incorporation.
Statutory Auditor Appointment within 30 days.
Issue Share Certificates to subscribers.
Maintain Registers & Books (statutory registers, minutes etc.).
Choose a company name carefully: avoid duplication, trademark conflicts, use of restricted words.
Make sure identities, addresses match exactly across documents. Discrepancy leads to rejection.
Obtain DSC early so it doesn’t hold up filing.
Be aware of state-wise variation in stamp duty.
Use the MCA portal’s checklist to ensure all attachments are correct.
Ensure email and mobile of directors are valid and unique (used for OTP / communication).
Advantages
Credibility & separate legal entity
Limited liability protection
Easier access to funding / investment
Perpetual succession
Tax incentives (startups etc.)
Disadvantages
Higher compliance burden than proprietorship/partnership
Continuous annual filings, audits etc.
Costs associated: professional fees, accounting etc.
Registering a Private Limited Company in India in 2025 is much easier than before thanks to SPICe+ and the integrated services. However, legal compliance, careful documentation, and following MCA rules are still crucial for smooth incorporation.
If you’re planning to register a Pvt Ltd company, ensuring you have: DSCs ready, accurate documents, carefully reserved name, and all linked forms in SPICe+ completed will reduce delays and costs.
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