How to Register a Private Limited Company in India (2026): Requirements, Process & Cost
A Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) is the most popular structure for startups and growing businesses in India — it offers limited liability, a separate legal identity, and the credibility investors and banks look for. This guide covers the minimum requirements, documents, the SPICe+ registration process, timeline and cost for 2026.
Minimum requirements to register a Pvt Ltd company
- Directors: minimum 2, maximum 15. At least one director must be resident in India (present in India for 182 days or more in the previous year).
- Shareholders (members): minimum 2, maximum 200.
- Paid-up capital: no minimum — you can incorporate with any amount (₹1 lakh authorised capital is commonly used).
- Registered office: a valid address in India with proof.
- Unique name: distinct from existing companies and trademarks.
Documents required
- PAN and Aadhaar of all directors and shareholders
- Passport-size photographs of directors
- Identity and address proof (voter ID, passport or driving licence)
- Registered office proof — rent agreement, a recent utility bill (under 2 months old) and an NOC from the owner
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for all directors
Step-by-step: the SPICe+ registration process
- Get DSCs — obtain a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate for every director (1–2 working days).
- Reserve the name — apply through SPICe+ Part A on the MCA portal with up to two proposed names.
- Draft MoA and AoA — the Memorandum and Articles of Association define your objects and internal rules.
- File SPICe+ Part B — submit director/shareholder details, capital structure and registered-office proof.
- File AGILE-PRO alongside SPICe+ to obtain GST, EPFO and ESIC registrations, plus a bank account.
- Pay fees and stamp duty electronically and submit with DSCs.
- Certificate of Incorporation is issued with your CIN, and PAN and TAN are allotted automatically.
Timeline and cost
Incorporation usually takes about 7 to 15 working days once documents are ready. There is no government service charge for the SPICe+ form itself in many cases, but you pay MCA filing fees and state stamp duty (which vary by authorised capital and state — higher in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka). Including professional assistance, a typical all-in cost ranges from roughly ₹7,000 to ₹18,000.
What you get, and what comes next
On incorporation you receive the Certificate of Incorporation (with CIN), PAN, TAN, and GST/EPFO/ESIC registrations if opted. From there, a Pvt Ltd has ongoing compliance — opening a bank account, filing the commencement of business (INC-20A), annual ROC filings (AOC-4, MGT-7), board meetings, and income tax returns. See our guide on annual compliances to stay on track.
Private Limited vs LLP — which to choose?
If you plan to raise external funding or issue ESOPs, a Private Limited Company is usually the better fit; an LLP suits professional/services firms wanting lower compliance. Read the full comparison and ask our experts in the Community.
Frequently asked questions
Can a single person start a Private Limited Company?
No — a Pvt Ltd needs at least two directors and two shareholders. A single founder can instead register a One Person Company (OPC).
Is a physical office required?
You need a valid registered office address with proof; it can be a residential or commercial premises, including a co-working space with an NOC.
How much capital do I need?
There is no minimum paid-up capital. You can start with a nominal amount and increase it later.
Ready to incorporate?
Getting the name, MoA/AoA objects, capital structure and director KYC right the first time avoids resubmissions and delays. TAXAJ‘s Chartered Accountants and Company Secretaries register companies end-to-end across Delhi, Bengaluru, Goa and Bihar. Ask a question in our Community or get in touch with TAXAJ to incorporate smoothly.
This guide is general information current for 2026 and is not a substitute for professional advice. MCA rules, fees and stamp duty can change — verify the latest position on mca.gov.in or consult a professional before acting.
