How to Register Private Limited Company in India?

Starting a business in India? A Private Limited Company is probably the most popular structure founders pick, and for good reason. It protects your personal assets, makes raising funds easier, and gives your brand instant credibility.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about company registration in India in 2026, from eligibility to the final certificate.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Private Limited Company
• Eligibility and Requirements Before You Start
• Step-by-Step Process to Register Private Limited Company
• Cost of Company Registration in India
• Post-Registration Compliance
• Why Use Legalxindia for Your Registration
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Private Limited Company

A Private Limited Company is a legal business entity registered under the Companies Act, 2013. It’s separate from its owners, which means the company can own property, enter contracts, and take on debt in its own name.

You can have 2 to 200 shareholders. Shares can’t be traded publicly. That’s what makes it “private.”

Why Choose This Structure

• Limited liability for all shareholders
• Easier access to venture capital and loans
• Separate legal identity from founders
• Higher trust from clients and vendors
• Straightforward ownership transfer

If you’re serious about scaling, this is the structure most investors expect to see.

Eligibility and Requirements Before You Start

Director Requirements

• Minimum 2 directors and maximum 15
• At least one director must be an Indian resident
• Directors must be at least 18 years old
• No requirement for directors to be shareholders

Documents You Need

Get these ready before you apply:

For Directors and Shareholders:

• PAN card (mandatory for Indian nationals)
• Aadhaar card or Passport
• Recent bank statement or utility bill (address proof)
• Passport-size photograph

For the Registered Office:

• Electricity bill or any utility bill
• No-objection certificate from the property owner
• Rent agreement (if applicable)

Step-by-Step Process to Register Private Limited Company

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs handles all company registration in India through its online MCA portal. Here’s how the process works in 2026.

Step 1: Get a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Every director needs a DSC. This is the digital equivalent of a physical signature. You’ll apply through a government-approved certifying authority. It usually takes 1 to 2 working days.

Step 2: Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)

A DIN is a unique ID for every director. Good news: you can apply for DIN directly through the SPICe+ form now. No separate application needed.

Step 3: Name Approval Through RUN

Pick a company name and check its availability on the MCA portal using the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service. Your name should be unique and shouldn’t match any existing trademark or company name.

Pro tip: Have 2 to 3 name options ready. The MCA sometimes rejects names that are too generic or similar to existing ones.

Step 4: File the SPICe+ Form

SPICe+ is the main incorporation form. It’s a single form that covers multiple registrations at once:

• Company incorporation
• PAN and TAN allotment
• EPFO and ESIC registration
• GST registration (optional at this stage)
• Bank account opening (via AGILE-PRO-S)

You’ll also attach the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) here. These documents define your company’s objectives and internal rules.

Step 5: Get the Certificate of Incorporation

Once the Registrar of Companies verifies your application, you’ll receive the Certificate of Incorporation via email. This certificate confirms your company legally exists. You’ll also get your CIN (Corporate Identity Number) at this point.

Total time: typically 7 to 10 working days if all documents are in order.

Cost of Company Registration in India

Service Provider	Starting Price	Includes	Support
Legalxindia	₹4,999 onwards	DSC, DIN, MOA, AOA, COI, PAN, TAN	Dedicated expert + follow-up
Vakilsearch	₹7,999 onwards	DSC, DIN, COI, PAN, TAN	Online chat support
IndiaFilings	₹7,499 onwards	DSC, DIN, COI	Email support
DIY via MCA Portal	₹2,000 to ₹3,000 (govt. fees only)	Nothing handled for you	None

Government fees vary based on authorized share capital. For a company with ₹1 lakh share capital, the MCA fees are minimal. Professional fees are separate.

Post-Registration Compliance

Registration is just the beginning. Once you register your Private Limited Company, there are ongoing legal obligations you can’t ignore.

Here’s what you’ll need to handle every year:

• File annual returns with the MCA
• Hold Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
• Maintain statutory registers and minutes
• File income tax returns (check out Income Tax Return Filingservices at Legalxindia)
• Handle GST return filing if registered under GST (see GST Return Filing)
• Complete DIR-3 KYC Filingfor all directors annually

For a complete breakdown of what’s due and when, visit the Annual Compliance for Private Limited Companypage on Legalxindia.

Skipping compliance can result in heavy penalties and even disqualification of directors. Don’t let that happen.

Why Use Legalxindia for Your Registration

Legalxindia makes company registration in India genuinely easy. No chasing government portals. No confusion over document formats.

Here’s what you get:

• A dedicated legal expert assigned to your case
• End-to-end handling from DSC to Certificate of Incorporation
• Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
• Post-registration compliance reminders
• Help with GST registration if you need it (learn more about GST Registration for Indian Businesses)

Thousands of founders across India have used Legalxindia to get their companies off the ground quickly and correctly. You can too.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to register a Private Limited Company in India?
Typically 7 to 10 working days if all your documents are correct and complete.

2. Can a single person register a Private Limited Company?
No. You need at least 2 directors and 2 shareholders. If you want a solo structure, consider an OPC (One Person Company) instead.

3. Is there a minimum capital requirement to register a Private Limited Company?
No minimum paid-up capital is required as of 2026. You can start with as little as ₹1,000.

4. Can a foreign national be a director in an Indian Private Limited Company?
Yes, but at least one director must be an Indian resident who has stayed in India for at least 182 days in the previous calendar year.

5. What is the difference between MOA and AOA?
The MOA (Memorandum of Association) defines the company’s objectives and scope. The AOA (Articles of Association) covers internal management rules and procedures.

6. Do I need a physical office to register a company?
You need a registered office address in India. It can be a residential address too, as long as you have valid proof and an NOC from the owner.

7. What happens after I get the Certificate of Incorporation?
You’ll need to open a current bank account, apply for GST if applicable, and start maintaining statutory records. Annual compliance kicks in from day one.

8. Can I change my company name after registration?
Yes. You can change it by passing a special resolution and filing the required forms with the MCA. It does involve additional fees and time.

9. Is GST registration mandatory at the time of company incorporation?
Not always. GST registration is required only if your turnover crosses the threshold limit or if you’re doing inter-state business. You can register later.

10. Why should I use Legalxindia instead of doing it myself?
The MCA portal can be tricky, especially for first-timers. One error in your application can delay the process by weeks. Legalxindia’s experts handle it correctly the first time, saving you time, stress, and potential rejection fees.