Company Registration Process in India 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Overview of Company Registration in India

India has significantly simplified the company registration process through digitization. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) introduced the SPICe+ form in 2020, which integrates multiple registrations into a single application. What used to take 30-45 days now takes just 7-12 working days.

In this guide, we walk you through the entire registration process as it stands in 2026, including recent updates and practical tips from our CA team.

Pre-Registration Checklist

Before starting the registration process, ensure you have the following ready:

1. Minimum Requirements

• •At least 2 directors (one must be an Indian resident)
• •At least 2 shareholders (can be the same as directors)
• •A registered office address in India
• •Unique company name (prepare 2-3 options)

2. Documents Ready

For Each Director:

• •PAN Card (mandatory for Indian directors)
• •Aadhaar Card
• •Passport-size photograph (white background)
• •Address proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID/Driving License/Passport)
• •Mobile number linked to Aadhaar

For Registered Office:

• •Rent agreement (if rented) or sale deed (if owned)
• •Utility bill not older than 2 months
• •NOC from the landlord/owner

3. Business Decisions

• •Company name (2-3 options)
• •Business activity (NIC code)
• •Authorized share capital
• •Shareholding pattern among founders

The 5-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

What is it? A DSC is the digital equivalent of a physical signature. It is used to sign all electronic filings with the MCA.

Who needs it? All proposed directors need a Class 3 DSC.

How to get it:

1. Apply through a licensed Certifying Authority
2. Submit PAN, Aadhaar, and photograph
3. Complete video verification
4. Receive DSC on USB token or as a file

Timeline: 1-2 working days

Cost: Rs 990 per person (at actual, through Setup India)

Step 2: Director Identification Number (DIN)

DIN is now integrated with the SPICe+ form, so you no longer need to apply separately. However, if existing directors are joining, their DIN must be valid and DIR-3 KYC must be up to date.

Step 3: Name Reservation (RUN)

RUN (Reserve Unique Name) is the online service for name approval.

How to apply:

1. Login to the MCA portal
2. Select RUN service
3. Enter 2 name choices with significance
4. Attach board resolution (if applicable)
5. Pay Rs 1,000 fee

Name Selection Guidelines:

• •Must not be identical or similar to any existing company or trademark
• •Must include the type of entity (e.g., "Private Limited")
• •Should reflect the nature of business
• •Avoid restricted words (National, Government, President, etc.)

Timeline: 2-3 working days (can be rejected if names are not unique)

Pro Tip: Use the MCA company name search tool to check availability before applying. This saves time and the Re-application fee.

Step 4: SPICe+ Form Filing

SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) is the master form that handles everything:

Part A - Name Reservation:

• •If you have not used RUN separately, name reservation can be done through SPICe+ Part A

Part B - Incorporation Application:

• •Company details (name, type, category, sub-category)
• •Registered office address
• •Capital structure (authorized and paid-up capital)
• •Director details and DIN application
• •Subscriber details
• •Stamp duty payment

Linked Forms Filed Simultaneously:

• •e-MOA (INC-33): Electronic Memorandum of Association
• •e-AOA (INC-34): Electronic Articles of Association
• •AGILE-PRO-S: Integrated application for GSTIN, EPFO, ESIC, Professional Tax, and bank account

Documents to Upload:

1. Declaration by first directors (INC-9)
2. Address proof of registered office
3. Utility bill (not older than 2 months)
4. NOC from property owner
5. Proof of identity and address of subscribers/directors

Timeline: 3-5 working days for RoC approval

Step 5: Certificate of Incorporation

Once the RoC approves the SPICe+ application, you receive:

1. Certificate of Incorporation with CIN (Corporate Identification Number)
2. Company PAN (auto-generated)
3. Company TAN (auto-generated)
4. DIN for new directors (auto-allotted)
5. GSTIN (if applied through AGILE-PRO-S)
6. EPFO and ESIC registration (if applicable)

The Certificate of Incorporation is your company's birth certificate - it confirms the company's legal existence.

Post-Incorporation Mandatory Compliances

Within 30 Days of Incorporation:

1. Open Company Bank Account - Visit a bank with the Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, and board resolution
2. File INC-20A - Declaration of commencement of business (within 180 days)
3. Hold First Board Meeting - Must be held within 30 days
4. Issue Share Certificates - Physical or electronic share certificates to subscribers
5. Maintain Statutory Registers - Register of members, register of directors, etc.

Ongoing Annual Compliances:

Common Reasons for Rejection

1. Name similarity with existing companies or trademarks
2. Incomplete documents or poor quality scans
3. Address proof issues - utility bill older than 2 months
4. DIN not active for existing directors
5. Mismatch in PAN details of directors

Timeline Summary

With Setup India's Growth Plan, we handle every step and deliver your incorporation in 7 days flat.

Conclusion

The company registration process in India is now fully digital and can be completed in 7-12 working days. The key to a smooth registration is having all documents ready, choosing the right name, and working with experienced professionals who understand MCA procedures.

Start your company registration today with Setup India - transparent pricing, expert CA support, and 7-day delivery guaranteed.