
To register a Private Limited Company in India, follow these steps:
Step 1: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
The directors and shareholders must obtain DSC from certifying authorities.
Required documents: PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport-sized photo, email ID, and phone number.
Step 2: Obtain Director Identification Number (DIN)
Apply for DIN using the SPICe+ form on the MCA portal.
Each director must have a unique DIN.
Step 3: Name Approval via RUN or SPICe+
Choose a unique company name and apply for approval using the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service or directly through SPICe+ (INC-32).
The name should comply with Companies Act, 2013 and MCA guidelines.
Step 4: Draft Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA & AoA)
MoA defines the company’s objectives.
AoA outlines the company’s rules and regulations.
Step 5: File SPICe+ Form for Company Incorporation
Submit SPICe+ (INC-32) form online via the MCA portal.
Attach required documents:
PAN & Aadhaar of Directors
Address Proof of Directors
Proof of Registered Office (Rent Agreement/NOC)
Declaration by Directors (DIR-2)
MoA & AoA
Step 6: Obtain PAN, TAN, and Incorporation Certificate
Once MCA approves, you will receive:
Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
Company PAN & TAN
Automatic registration for EPFO & ESIC.
Step 7: Open a Company Bank Account
Use the Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, and MoA/AoA to open a bank account.
Step 8: Register for GST (if applicable)
If turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh (₹20 lakh for services), register for GST.
To register a Private Limited Company in India, you need the following documents:
1. Documents of Directors & Shareholders:
Identity Proof:
PAN Card (mandatory for Indian nationals)
Passport (for foreign nationals)
Address Proof: (Any one)
Aadhaar Card
Voter ID
Driving License
Passport
Residential Proof: (Recent utility bills, any one)
Bank Statement
Electricity Bill
Telephone Bill
Mobile Bill
(Should be recent, not older than 2 months)
Passport-sized Photograph
Director Identification Number (DIN) – (Applied through SPICe+ form)
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) – (Required for e-filing)
2. Documents for the Registered Office Address:
Address Proof:
Latest Electricity Bill / Water Bill / Property Tax Receipt
(Should be recent, not older than 2 months)
Ownership Proof: (If owned)
Sale Deed or Property Deed
NOC from Owner: (If rented)
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord
Rent Agreement (if applicable)
3. Company Incorporation Documents:
Memorandum of Association (MoA) – Defines company’s objectives.
Articles of Association (AoA) – Defines company’s internal rules.
Declaration by Directors & Subscribers (Form INC-9).
Once all documents are ready, you can proceed with the online registration via the MCA portal (www.mca.gov.in) using the SPICe+ form.
To register a Private Limited Company in India, the minimum and maximum requirements for Directors and Subscribers (Shareholders) are:
1. Directors Requirement:
Minimum: 2 Directors
Maximum: 15 Directors (can be increased by passing a special resolution)
At least one director must be a resident of India (i.e., stayed in India for at least 182 days in the previous financial year).
2. Subscribers (Shareholders) Requirement:
Minimum: 2 Subscribers
Maximum: 200 Subscribers
A subscriber can be an individual or a corporate entity.
Each subscriber must take at least one share in the company.
Yes, a foreign individual can become both a Director and a Subscriber (Shareholder) in a Private Limited Company in India. However, there are certain requirements to be met:
1. Foreign Individual as a Director:
A foreign individual can be appointed as a Director in an Indian company.
They must obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN) by filing the SPICe+ form.
They need a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for online filing.
At least one director must be an Indian resident (i.e., has stayed in India for at least 182 days in the previous financial year).
Documents required:
Passport (notarized & apostilled in their home country)
Address Proof (Utility Bill, Driving License, or any Government ID)
Passport-size Photograph
2. Foreign Individual as a Subscriber (Shareholder):
A foreign individual or foreign company can hold shares in an Indian company.
Investment in an Indian company by a foreign national is governed by the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy.
If FDI is under the automatic route, no prior government approval is needed.
If under the approval route, permission from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is required.
Documents required for a foreign shareholder:
Passport (notarized & apostilled)
Address Proof (notarized & apostilled)
Foreign company documents (if applicable)
Registering a Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) in India offers several benefits, making it one of the most preferred business structures. Here are the key advantages:
1. Limited Liability Protection
Shareholders’ personal assets remain protected; liability is limited to the amount invested in shares.
2. Separate Legal Entity
The company is a distinct legal entity, separate from its owners.
It can own assets, enter contracts, and sue or be sued in its own name.
3. Easy Fundraising & Investment Opportunities
Private Limited Companies can raise funds through equity, venture capital, angel investors, and banks.
More credibility compared to proprietorships and partnerships.
4. Perpetual Succession
The company continues to exist even if directors or shareholders change, ensuring business continuity.
5. Tax Benefits
Corporate tax rates are often lower than individual tax rates.
Eligible for various tax exemptions, deductions, and startup benefits under government schemes.
6. Better Credibility & Brand Image
More trust among customers, suppliers, and investors due to MCA & ROC registration.
Easier to get business loans and contracts.
7. Easy Share Transfer
Ownership can be easily transferred by selling shares.
Unlike a proprietorship or partnership, where ownership changes are complex.
8. Eligibility for Government Schemes & Tenders
Eligible for Startup India benefits, MSME registration, and government tenders.
Changing a shareholder in a Private Limited Company in India involves the transfer of shares from an existing shareholder to a new one. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Check the Articles of Association (AoA)
The AoA may have restrictions on share transfers.
If restrictions exist, the company may need board approval or an offer to existing shareholders first (Right of First Refusal).
Step 2: Obtain Consent & Execute Share Transfer Deed
The current shareholder and the new buyer must sign a Share Transfer Deed (Form SH-4).
The deed should include:
Details of the seller and buyer
Number of shares transferred
Consideration amount (Price paid)
Signatures of both parties & two witnesses
Step 3: Payment of Stamp Duty
Share transfer requires stamp duty (0.25% of the consideration amount) to be paid.
The deed should be signed on stamp paper or have revenue stamps affixed.
Step 4: Submit Share Transfer Documents to the Company
The seller must submit:
Signed Form SH-4
Share certificate (original)
Proof of payment for shares (if applicable)
Step 5: Board Resolution for Approval
The Board of Directors must approve the transfer in a Board Meeting.
A new share certificate is issued to the new shareholder within 1 month.
Step 6: Update the Register of Members
The company must update its Register of Members (Form MGT-7) to reflect the new shareholder.
Step 7: File Forms with MCA (If Applicable)
If the transfer leads to change in significant beneficial ownership, Form BEN-2 must be filed.
If a director changes due to share transfer, DIR-12 must be filed.
Key Notes:
Shares cannot be freely transferred like a public company due to Pvt Ltd restrictions.
If shares are transferred between Indian & foreign shareholders, FDI compliance & RBI approval may be needed.
Changing a Director in a Private Limited Company in India involves either adding a new director or removing/resigning an existing one. The process depends on whether the director is resigning voluntarily or being removed by the company.
1. Appointment of a New Director
Step 1: Check the Articles of Association (AoA)
Ensure that the company’s AoA allows the appointment of directors and follow any specific conditions mentioned.
Step 2: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) & Director Identification Number (DIN)
The new director must obtain a DIN (if they do not already have one).
Apply for DIN through Form DIR-3 on the MCA portal (if not already obtained).
Step 3: Obtain Consent & Declaration from the New Director
The new director must provide:
Form DIR-2 (Consent to act as a director)
Form MBP-1 (Disclosure of interest in other entities)
Step 4: Pass a Board Resolution
The company must hold a Board Meeting and pass a resolution to appoint the director.
Step 5: File Form DIR-12 with the MCA
The company must file Form DIR-12 within 30 days of appointment.
Attach:
Board Resolution
DIR-2 (Consent Letter)
DIN Details
Step 6: Update the Company’s Records
Update the Register of Directors & Shareholders and issue a fresh list if necessary.
2. Resignation of a Director
Step 1: Director Submits Resignation Letter
The director submits a resignation letter to the company.
Step 2: Board Meeting & Resolution
The company accepts the resignation in a Board Meeting and records it in the minutes.
Step 3: File DIR-12 with MCA
The company must file Form DIR-12 within 30 days of resignation.
Attach:
Resignation letter
Board Resolution accepting resignation
Step 4: Director Files DIR-11 (Optional, Recommended)
The resigning director can file Form DIR-11 with the MCA to officially notify their resignation (optional but recommended).
3. Removal of a Director by the Company
Step 1: Board Meeting to Call General Meeting
The Board of Directors must call a General Meeting to remove the director.
Step 2: Pass Special Resolution in General Meeting
Shareholders vote to remove the director via Ordinary Resolution (simple majority).
Step 3: File DIR-12 with MCA
The company must file Form DIR-12 within 30 days of removal.
Key Points to Remember
Minimum 2 Directors are required in a Private Limited Company at all times.
At least one director must be an Indian resident (lived in India for 182+ days in the previous year).
If the director holds shares, their shareholding remains unless separately transferred.
Converting a Private Limited Company into a Public Limited Company in India involves legal compliance under the Companies Act, 2013. Below is the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Check Articles of Association (AoA)
The Articles of Association (AoA) of the company should allow conversion.
If not, amend the AoA to remove restrictions on share transfer and increase the number of members.
Step 2: Convene a Board Meeting
Pass a Board Resolution to approve the conversion.
Fix the date for the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to seek shareholder approval.
Step 3: Hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)
Pass a Special Resolution for:
Conversion from Private to Public Company.
Amendment of the MoA & AoA.
File Form MGT-14 with the MCA within 30 days of passing the resolution.
Step 4: Increase Number of Directors & Shareholders
Minimum Requirements for a Public Company:
Directors: At least 3 (from 2 in a private company).
Shareholders: At least 7 (from 2 in a private company).
Step 5: File Conversion Application with MCA
Submit Form INC-27 to the MCA for conversion approval.
Attachments required:
Copy of Special Resolution
Amended MoA & AoA
List of Directors & Shareholders
Declaration by Directors confirming compliance
Step 6: Obtain New Certificate of Incorporation
Once approved, the Registrar of Companies (ROC) will issue a Fresh Certificate of Incorporation as a Public Limited Company.
Step 7: Comply with Public Company Regulations
Update statutory records, PAN, TAN, and bank details.
If planning to list on stock exchange, comply with SEBI regulations.
Key Points to Remember
Post-conversion, shares can be freely transferred, unlike a private company.
If the company has more than ₹10 crore capital, it must comply with SEBI & listing requirements.
The company will have to follow stricter compliance, such as appointing an Independent Director and holding board meetings quarterly.
Listing a company on the Stock Exchange in India involves a detailed process that includes regulatory approvals, compliance with SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) regulations, and fulfilling stock exchange requirements. Below is the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Convert to a Public Limited Company
If the company is a Private Limited Company, it must be converted into a Public Limited Company before listing.
Step 2: Meet Eligibility Criteria for Listing
The company must comply with SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018 and stock exchange requirements.
For NSE & BSE Mainboard Listing:
Minimum Post-Issue Paid-Up Capital: ₹10 Crore
Net Tangible Assets: ₹3 Crore in the last 3 years
Profitability Track Record: Profitable in at least 3 out of the last 5 years
Minimum Public Shareholding: At least 25%
For SME Exchange Listing (NSE Emerge/BSE SME):
Post-Issue Paid-Up Capital: Below ₹25 Crore
Track Record: At least 3 years of operations
Net Tangible Assets: ₹1.5 Crore or more
Step 3: Appoint Merchant Banker
Hire a SEBI-registered Merchant Banker to manage the Initial Public Offering (IPO).
The Merchant Banker helps in:
Due diligence
Preparing IPO documents
Pricing & underwriting the issue
Step 4: Draft & File DRHP with SEBI
Prepare the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with financials, company details, and risk factors.
File the DRHP with SEBI for approval.
SEBI may ask for clarifications or modifications.
Step 5: Approval from Stock Exchange
Apply for listing on NSE/BSE with necessary documents.
Get in-principle approval from the exchange.
Step 6: Marketing & IPO Subscription
Conduct roadshows, investor presentations, and advertisements to attract investors.
Open the IPO for public subscription through ASBA (Applications Supported by Blocked Amount).
Step 7: Allotment of Shares & Listing on Exchange
After the IPO closes, shares are allotted to investors.
The company gets the Listing & Trading Approval from the stock exchange.
Shares start trading on NSE/BSE on the listing date.
Key Points to Remember
SEBI compliance is mandatory before listing.
SME listing is easier with relaxed norms for small companies.
Post-listing, the company must follow SEBI & Stock Exchange disclosure norms.
Author Name:
CA Irshad Khan