How to register a Company in India

Registering a business in India is the key to overcoming cultural isolation, targeting specific emerging markets with huge potential within India, and leapfrogging bureaucratic hurdles. India still holds a lot of promise as one of the world's largest economies and consumer markets. It is one of the rare countries that has continued to attract FDI investment even during the pandemic. 

 Non-resident businesses can benefit from setting up shop in India due to the abundance of resources, low-wage skilled labor, and tax exemptions for certain categories of businesses. The Government of India has made remarkable progress in liberalizing industries, easing bureaucratic red tape, and setting up arbitration forums for amicable settlement of disputes. 

 How to Register a Business in India?

1. Check Company Name: Use the RUN service on Ministry of Corporate Affairs website to check name availability for your company.

2. Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate: The Digital Signature Certificate is mandatory for all the Directors and Subscribers of the Memorandum of Association. Since the Indian company registration process is completely online, a digital signature is required to sign digital documents on the MCA portal.

3. Director Identification Number: At least one director of your company should have a DIN number. The DIN number of the proposed director and his proof of address is required to proceed with Indian company registration.

5. Fill e-Memorandum of Association: (e-MOA) and Association of e-Articles (e-AOA) forms on the SPICe+ portal.

6. Complete Documentation: Upload all the above e-forms, pay the fees, and wait for confirmation.

7. Certificate of Incorporation: After submitting all the required documents, the registrar will scrutinize all the documents. After verification and successful completion, the registrar will issue the company's certificate of incorporation. If any changes are needed, you will be notified of the suggestions.

8. Obtain your Company Identification Number: CIN, Permanent Account Number (PAN), and Tax Deduction/Collection Account Number (TAN) at the time of registration.

9. Companies limited by shares are required to file a declaration: that they have received their subscription amount and have a verified office address within 182 days of incorporation, but before they can commence their business.