Registering a business in India can be done entirely online through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). The first decision, though, is not a form or a fee. It is which type of entity suits your plans, because the type decides how many people you need, how you raise money, what you can do with profits and how much compliance follows.
This guide compares the main options (Private Limited Company, One Person Company, LLP, Section 8 company, Public Company and the non-registered alternatives), then walks through the online process, the documents, the government fees and what to do after registration. For the full picture of registering a company in India, start here and then go to the service page of the type you choose.
Which Type of Entity Should You Register?
| Type | People required | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | 2 to 200 members; at least 2 directors | Startups, businesses that want investors, ESOPs or limited liability |
| One Person Company (OPC) | 1 member (plus a nominee); at least 1 director | A single founder who wants a company structure |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | At least 2 designated partners, one of them resident in India | Professional firms and small partnerships |
| Section 8 Company | Same as a private or public company | Non-profit objects such as education, charity or research |
| Public Company | At least 7 members and 3 directors | Businesses planning to raise money from the public |
| Sole Proprietorship | One person | The simplest start; not a separate legal entity |
Of these, the Private Limited Company, OPC, Public Company and Section 8 company are registered under the Companies Act, 2013 through the SPICe+ form. An LLP is not a company: it is registered under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 through the FiLLiP form. A sole proprietorship has no company-law registration at all.
Private Limited Company
A private limited company is a separate legal entity owned by shareholders. The Companies Act allows 2 to 200 members and needs at least 2 directors (up to 15, or more with a special resolution). Shareholders’ liability is generally limited to the amount unpaid on their shares, though personal exposure can still arise in some situations, such as fraud or a personal guarantee. There is no minimum paid-up capital.
This is the usual structure for businesses that expect outside investment or want to give equity to co-founders or employees. If this sounds like you, our page on private limited company registration covers the process, documents and state-wise costs in detail.
One Person Company (OPC)
An OPC has only one member, and the memorandum must name a nominee who steps in if the member dies or becomes incapable of contracting. Only a natural person who is an Indian citizen can form one, and since 1 April 2021 that person need not be resident in India. A person can be a member of only one OPC.
An OPC suits a solo founder who wants limited liability without finding a second shareholder. It can be converted into a private or public company at any time, and the old paid-up capital and turnover limits that once forced conversion are no longer in force. See our page on One Person Company registration for the steps.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
An LLP combines the flexibility of a partnership with limited liability for its partners. It needs at least two designated partners, and at least one of them must be resident in India. Incorporation is filed in Form FiLLiP, which also covers name reservation, DPIN and the PAN and TAN application.
An LLP cannot issue shares, so it is a weaker fit for equity investors and ESOPs. It works well for professional practices and closely held businesses. Read more on our Limited Liability Partnership registration page. If you already run a partnership firm, the page on partnership firm registration explains that route.
Section 8 Company
A Section 8 company is formed to promote commerce, art, science, sports, education, research, social welfare, religion, charity, protection of the environment or similar objects. It must apply its profits to those objects and cannot pay dividends to its members. It carries a licence from the Central Government, which for a new company is applied for within the SPICe+ form, and its name must include a word such as Foundation, Forum, Association, Federation, Chambers, Confederation or Council.
Choose this type for a genuine non-profit venture, not as a way to run a business. Our Section 8 company registration page explains the licence and the compliance that follows.
Public Company and Sole Proprietorship
A public company needs at least seven members and three directors. The Companies Act no longer fixes any minimum paid-up capital for it. It is the form for businesses planning to raise money from the public, and our page on public limited company sets out the requirements.
A sole proprietorship is the simplest start, but the business and the owner are the same legal person, so there is no limited liability. Many owners begin there and later move to a company.
How to Choose in Four Questions
- How many founders are there? One founder can choose an OPC or a proprietorship. Two or more can choose a private company or an LLP.
- Will you take outside investment? Investors generally subscribe to shares, so a private company is the usual choice. An LLP has no shares to offer.
- Is the purpose to earn profit for owners? If not, and the objects are charitable or similar, consider a Section 8 company.
- How much compliance can you manage? A company has more filings than a partnership. A properly qualifying small company gets some relief, covered in our company registration FAQs.
If you are still unsure, our guide to the types of companies in India goes through each one in more detail.
How to Register a Company Online: Step by Step
For a private company, OPC, public company or Section 8 company, the online route is the same.
- Get a digital signature certificate (DSC). Every proposed director and signing subscriber needs one. MCA accepts Class 2 or Class 3 certificates. You can apply for a digital signature certificate online.
- Reserve the company name (SPICe+ Part A). You can propose up to two names in one application, with one resubmission if needed. An approved name stays reserved for 20 days, and Part B must be filed within that period. You can check company name availability first.
- Prepare SPICe+ Part B (INC-32). This form carries the e-MoA (INC-33), the e-AoA (INC-34) and the declarations. For a Section 8 company, the e-MoA is INC-13, the e-AoA is INC-31 and the licence is applied for in the same form. The Director Identification Number (DIN) for up to three new directors, PAN and TAN are applied for in this form.
- Sign and pay. Directors sign with their DSCs, and the fees and the state stamp duty are paid online.
- Receive the Certificate of Incorporation. MCA’s Central Registration Centre processes the application and issues the certificate with the company’s CIN, PAN and TAN. After this, the Registrar of Companies for your registered office handles filings, changes and notices.
- Complete the first formalities. Open a bank account, bring in the share money and begin the post-incorporation steps below.
An LLP follows a different route: a name through RUN-LLP, then the FiLLiP form, which combines incorporation, DPIN and PAN and TAN applications.
Documents Required
For each Indian director and shareholder:
- PAN (mandatory)
- An identity proof such as Aadhaar, voter ID, passport or driving licence
- A residence proof such as a bank statement or a utility or mobile bill, not older than 2 months
- A passport-size photograph, an email address and a mobile number
For foreign nationals: a passport and address proof, generally notarised and apostilled in the home country, or consularised where the country is outside the Hague Convention. Exact requirements depend on the person’s country and status.
For the registered office: a utility bill (electricity, water, gas or telephone) not older than 2 months, a no-objection certificate from the owner, and the rent agreement if the premises are rented.
Names must match exactly across PAN, Aadhaar and the address proof, including initials and order. A mismatch is a frequent reason why DSC and SPICe+ applications are returned.
Government Fees to Expect
The cost of registration has three parts.
- MCA fee: a company incorporated through SPICe+ with authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh pays no MCA filing fee. Above ₹15 lakh, a fee applies by authorised capital slab, so check the MCA fee calculator before filing.
- Name reservation: ₹1,000 when the name is reserved separately through SPICe+ Part A.
- Stamp duty: this is set by each state, and it varies widely, so the total cost differs from state to state. Our private limited company registration page and state pages explain it for Pvt Ltd.
DSC charges and professional fees are in addition. Because government fees can change, always confirm the current amounts on the MCA portal before you file.
How Long Does It Take?
For a private company, registration typically takes 7 to 10 working days, subject to MCA processing. The stages overlap, so the total is less than the sum of the parts.
| Stage | Indicative working days |
|---|---|
| DSC issued | 1 to 2 |
| Name reserved (Part A) | 1 to 3 |
| Part B prepared and filed | 1 to 2 |
| Central Registration Centre review to certificate | 3 to 5 |
Delays usually come from a refused name, mismatched documents or queries from MCA.
What to Do After Registration
Registration is only the start. For a company with share capital:
- First 30 days: hold the first board meeting and appoint the first auditor.
- Within 2 months: issue share certificates.
- Within 180 days: file the declaration that subscribers have paid for their shares (Form INC-20A) under Section 10A. A company should not commence business until it is filed.
- Every year: hold the AGM, get the accounts audited and file financial statements (AOC-4) and the annual return (MGT-7, or MGT-7A for small companies).
- For directors: complete DIR-3 KYC. Since 31 March 2026 it is due once in every three financial years instead of every year.
- Taxes and licences: GST, professional tax and trade licences depend on the business and the state.
Our guides on post-incorporation compliances and annual compliance for private limited companies cover what to do and when.
Example: Choosing the Right Type
Illustrative example, not a client case.
Two friends plan a design studio and expect to bring in an angel investor next year. One of them also wants to keep a small online store separate. Because investors subscribe to shares, they register a private limited company for the studio. The second friend, running a solo store with no partner, starts it as an OPC, with a nominee named. If the store later takes a second owner, the OPC can be converted into a private company at any time.
Conclusion
Registering a company online is straightforward once you have chosen the right type. Match the structure to your funding plans, the number of owners and your purpose, then follow the same online steps. Each type has its own service page above if you want the details before you decide.
If you want a professional to handle the filing, private limited company registration is the most common route for growing businesses, and our team can guide you through it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is company registration mandatory in India?
It is mandatory if you want to operate as a company or an LLP. A sole proprietorship does not need company-law registration, though GST, licences and other registrations may still apply to the business.
2. Which company type is best for a startup?
Startups that expect to raise investment or give shares to employees usually choose a private limited company, because investors subscribe to shares. A solo founder can start as an OPC and convert later.
3. Can a single person register a company?
Yes. An Indian citizen who is a natural person can form an OPC. Since 1 April 2021 the person need not be resident in India.
4. Is an LLP a company?
No. An LLP is registered under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 and is a separate type of entity from a company.
5. How long does online company registration take?
For a private company it typically takes 7 to 10 working days, subject to MCA processing. The time depends on name approval, document accuracy and any queries raised.
6. Do I need to visit an office to register a company?
No. SPICe+ is filed online and processed centrally by MCA’s Central Registration Centre, and the directors sign electronically with their DSCs.
7. What is the MCA fee for registering a company?
A company with authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh pays no MCA filing fee under SPICe+, though state stamp duty applies. Above that, a fee applies by authorised capital slab.
