How to Register a Company in India: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026 Edition)

The Indian startup ecosystem is one of the most vibrant in the world. With the government’s focus on "Ease of Doing Business," the process of company registration has been streamlined into a single-window clearance system.

Why Choose a Private Limited Company?

Before diving into the "how," it is important to understand the "why." A Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.) offers:

• Limited Liability: Protects personal assets from business debts.

• Separate Legal Entity: The company can own property and incur debts in its own name.

• Perpetual Succession: The company continues to exist even if shareholders change.

• Fundraising Ease: Preferred by VCs and Angel Investors.

Pre-requisites for Company Incorporation

Before you log onto the MCA portal, ensure you have the following in place:

1. Minimum Two Directors: At least one must be a resident of India.

2. Minimum Two Shareholders: Can be individuals or corporate entities.

3. Registered Office Address: A physical location in India where official correspondence is sent.

4. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Required for all proposed directors to sign electronic forms.

Step-by-Step Process to Register Your Company

Step 1: Obtain Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)

Since the entire process is online, physical signatures are replaced by DSCs. You must apply for a Class 3 DSC from a government-recognized Certifying Authority (CA).

Step 2: Apply for Name Reservation (RUN)

You need a unique name for your company. Use the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service on the MCA portal.

• Ensure the name follows the Companies (Incorporation) Rules.

• Avoid names similar to existing companies or trademarks.

• You can provide two names in order of preference.

Step 3: Fill the SPICe+ Form (The Master Form)

The SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) is a comprehensive form that handles multiple registrations at once:

• Part A: Name Reservation (if not done via RUN).

• Part B: Incorporation, DIN (Director Identification Number) allotment, and application for PAN and TAN.

• Agile-PRO-S: Application for GSTIN, ESIC, EPFO registration, and Professional Tax (where applicable). It also helps in opening a Bank Account.

Step 4: Draft MoA and AoA

• Memorandum of Association (MoA): Defines the company's constitution and its main objectives.

• Articles of Association (AoA): Defines the internal rules and regulations of the company.

These are filed electronically via forms eMoA (INC-33) and eAoA (INC-34).

Step 5: Certificate of Incorporation

Once the Registrar of Companies (ROC) verifies your documents and SPICe+ form, they will issue a Certificate of Incorporation (CoI). This certificate includes your Corporate Identity Number (CIN) and is proof that the company now legally exists.