In India entrepreneurs increasingly select Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) as their preferred organizational structure. The Limited Liability Partnership structure unites critical features from both partnership firms and companies into one entity. Details in its designation show that an LLP represents a partnership structure formed by at least two participants operating under an LLP agreement. Partners of LLPs establish limited participant liability while the entity benefits from perpetual organizational succession like companies.

In the year 2008 India introduced the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) framework. India's management of LLPs operates through the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008. The formation of an LLP requires a minimum of two partners to complete incorporation. Despite meeting the LLP requirement, an LLP can maintain its registration without restrictions on the number of partners it accepts. 

Each LLP must designate at least two partners who remain natural persons with one of their members being a resident of India. The designated partners receive their rights and duties through the standard provisions of their LLP agreement. Under the LLP Act 2008 along with the provisions mentioned in the LLP agreement designated partners must ensure full compliance.

• The legal structure of LLP functions independently in the same way as corporate entities.

• A new LLP requires at least two partners who will establish this business structure together. 

• Irrespective of how many partners exist there are no restrictions to the maximum numbers allowed.

• All limited liability partnerships require at least two partners assigned to handle such duties.

• At least one designated partner needs to be a resident of India.

• Each LLP partner has restricted liability that equals their allocated contribution amount.

• LLP formation expenses remain at minimum levels.

• Less compliance and regulations.

• No requirement of minimum capital contribution.

• Separate legal entity : An LLP maintains a distinct legal identity which resembles company status. The organization status of the LLP functions independently from its member contributors. Through its own business name the LLP possesses the rights to sue and become subject to legal action. The LLP uses its name to sign contracts that helps build trust with stakeholders along with encouraging clients and suppliers to feel confident about doing business with them.

• Limited liability of the partners : Among the members of LLP they hold financial responsibility only through their investment. Each partner bears responsibility up to their original partnership capital contribution amount. The contribution amount which partners make serves as their maximum liability because they remain safe from personal financial responsibility for business losses. During an LLP's time of closure, it results in the assets of the establishment being responsible for settling business obligations while partners maintain their limited financial exposure. 

• Low cost and less compliance : An LLP's formation expenses remain lower than those of establishing either a public or private limited company. An LLP needs to meet limited compliance obligations. Two necessary annual documents compose the LLP's filings: Annual Return together with Statement of Accounts and Solvency.

• No requirement of minimum capital contribution : The formation of an LLP requires no minimum required capital. All types of companies can proceed with incorporation without needing minimum paid-up capital. An LLP can emerge through any level of capital provided by its partners.

• Penalty on non-compliance : The Minimal standards of compliance set for LLP organizations represent their main burden. Late compliance with required tasks leads to substantial penalties imposed on LLP legal entities. Each year even LLPs without business operations must submit annual returns to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). The LLP will face severe penalties from the government when it skips its mandatory return filing obligations.

• Winding up and dissolution of LLP : LLPs need at least two partners to establish their operations. A decline in the number of partners below two for six consecutive months will lead to an automatic dissolution of the company.

• Difficulty to raise capital  : The LLP excludes shareholder constructs present in company structures yet differs transactionally from other SSU entities. Venture capitalists along with angel investors are prohibited from becoming shareholders within an LLP structure. Each shareholder needs to serve as LLP partner to gain full partner rights which include all responsibilities associated with partnership. The preference of angel investors along with venture capitalists for investing in companies over LLPs results in capital funding challenges for business entities that use the LLP structure.

Step 1: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

• Before starting the registration procedure it's essential to obtain Digital Signature Certificates from designated partners involved in the proposed Limited Liability Partnership. Digital signatures become essential because LLP documentation must be submitted through online platforms which need secure electronic signatures. Certificate holders must acquire their digital signature certificates by receiving them from government approved certifying agencies. A certified agency list follows below. Different government-approved certifying agencies determine the prices for obtaining digital signature certificates. You need to get DSC in class 3 category as part of your application process. 

Step 2: Designated partner identification number (DPIN)

• One needs to file applications for the DPIN of designated partners in the proposed LLP. You need to use Form DIR-3 to apply for the DPIN allocation. Each application requires attaching a scanned version of your Aadhar Card and PAN Card documents to the Form. A Company Secretary or Cost Accountant or Chartered Accountant working full time must sign this form. 

Step 3: Name Approval

• RUN-LLP functions as an application system to obtain reservations of proposed LLP names and the Central Registration Centre controls its processing. Before writing an LLP name on the form you must check MCA portal's free name search tool. 

• A search in the system will display names from existing companies/LLPs which match the search conditions supplied by users. The search results show counterparts that will assist you in preventing name duplication. A name shall receive approval from the Central Government for use in an LLP if it satisfies their opinion as undesirable so long as it does not duplicate an existing partnership, body corporate or trademark or LLP name.

• The form allows one opportunity to resubmit within 15 days for correcting identified defects. The LLP can submit two proposed names while making an application. You need to submit your LLP incorporation request.

Step 4: Incorporation of LLP

• FiLLiP stands as the incorporation document and participants must submit it to the Registrar who controls the area where the LLP's registered office stands. An integrated form serves as the incorporation method.

• You need to pay fees per the amount listed in Annexure 'A'.

• Under this form an individual without a DPIN or DIN seeking appointment as designated partner can request an allotment of DPIN.

• Two individuals comprise the only authorized parties who can submit such applications for name allocation.

• Users can submit their name reservation requests through the online portal FiLLiP.

• The application name undergoes approval and the reserved approved name becomes the proposed name for the LLP.

Step 5: LLP entities must present their Limited and Liability Partnership agreement through Form 3

• An LLP agreement sets boundaries for both partnership relations among members and between the partnership and its members.

• The MCA portal requires all LLP agreement documents to be submitted using Form 3 in electronic format.

• Exception regarding LLP agreement filings triggers notification within 30 days starting from the moment of incorporation.

• All LLP Agreements need to appear on Stamp Paper for legal validity. A different stamp duty value exists for Stamp Paper depending on each state.

Documents of Partners

• The registration process of LLP requires both PAN Card and any valid ID Proof (PAN Card/ ID Proof) from each of the named partners. PAN card serves as the basic identification proof for all purposes.

• Partners who want to demonstrate their residence can use any valid identification including voter’s ID, passport and driver’s license and either utility bills less than two months old or an Aadhaar card. Accounts and personal information recorded in residence proof documents and PAN identity cards must match exactly. 

• Partners must submit their photographs that match passport dimensions on a white background surface.

• Foxiegn nationals wanting to partner with an Indian Limited Liability Partnership must submit their passport for registration as per guidelines. Foreign nationals and NRI must apply for document notarization or apostilling from their home country's relevant authorities to join an Indian LLP. If needed the Indian embassy in their country may instead sign the necessary documents.

All foreign nationals along with NRIs requiring address verification must present government-issued identity proofs including residence cards or bank statements or driving licenses.

Translations of documents in languages other than English must include original notarization or apostilled certification.

Documents of LLP

• Proof of Registered Office Address: To register as a business entity proof of the registered office needs to be presented immediately following incorporation or within the initial 30 days.

1. Confirmation requires rent agreements along with landlord no-objection certificates to use the facility as an official registered office. The permission granted by the landlord through no objection certificate enables the LLP to use a location as its 'registered office'.

2. The submission requirements for registration accept gas utility bills or electricity bills or telephone bills from any single source. A valid application requires proof of premise address and owner name alongside documents that stay current for 2 months.

3. Digital Signature Certificate: Only one designated partner needs to obtain digital signature certification because they will use it to digitally sign all business documents.

• Minimum of two partners.

• DSC for all designated partners.

• DPIN for all designated partners.

• A distinctive name must exist for the LLP structured business and should differentiate itself from current LLP format and trademark usage.

• Capital contribution by the partners of the LLP.

• LLP Agreement between the partners.

• Proof of registered office of the LLP.