A private limited company is the most common structure for startups and growing businesses in India. Registration is done online with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) through the SPICe+ form, and the Central Registration Centre processes the application. Once the company is incorporated, the Registrar of Companies, Hyderabad, has jurisdiction over companies with their registered office in Telangana.

Basic requirements

  • Directors: at least two, with at least one resident in India (in India for 182 days or more during the financial year). The maximum is fifteen, which can be increased by a special resolution.
  • Shareholders: at least two and at most two hundred. Directors and shareholders can be the same people.
  • Capital: there is no minimum paid-up capital. You choose the authorised capital (the maximum shares the company can issue) and the paid-up capital (what the founders actually invest).
  • Registered office: an address in India where the company can receive communication. It can be a commercial or residential property.

Documents required

For each director and shareholder:

  • PAN card (mandatory for Indian nationals)
  • Proof of identity — Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence
  • Proof of address — a recent bank statement, utility bill or mobile bill, generally not more than two months old
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Email address and mobile number for OTP verification

Foreign nationals and NRIs provide a passport and an overseas address proof, notarised or apostilled in the country of residence as required.

For the registered office:

  • A recent electricity, water or gas bill, or property tax receipt, for the premises
  • A no-objection certificate from the owner
  • A rent or lease agreement, if the premises are rented

Step-by-step process

  1. Digital signature certificates (DSCs). Each proposed director and subscriber obtains a Class 3 DSC, used to sign the forms online.
  2. Name reservation (SPICe+ Part A). Propose a name that is not identical or too similar to an existing company, LLP or registered trademark, and describe the business. Once approved, the name is reserved for 20 days for incorporation.
  3. Incorporation application (SPICe+ Part B). Enter the details of the directors, shareholders, capital and registered office. Directors who do not have a DIN are allotted one through this form.
  4. Memorandum and Articles of Association (e-MoA and e-AoA). These are filed online with SPICe+. The MoA sets out the company's objects; the AoA sets out its internal rules.
  5. AGILE-PRO-S. This linked form applies for GST registration (if opted), EPFO and ESIC registration, and opening of the company's bank account.
  6. Signing and filing. The forms are signed with DSCs, certified by a practising professional, and filed with the MCA fees and stamp duty.
  7. Certificate of incorporation. Once approved, the company receives its certificate of incorporation with its Corporate Identity Number (CIN), along with its PAN and TAN.

How long does it take?

When the documents are in order, a company is usually incorporated within one to two weeks of starting — a few days for DSCs and name approval, and several working days for the incorporation application. Delays usually come from a name being rejected, mismatches between names in PAN and other documents, or address proofs that are out of date. Preparing the documents carefully before filing saves the most time.

What does it cost?

The costs at incorporation are:

  • Government fees, which are waived for companies with authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh
  • Stamp duty on the MoA and AoA, which depends on the state and the authorised capital
  • DSCs for each director and subscriber
  • Professional fees

We give founders a single fixed quote after understanding the shareholding and capital they need.

After incorporation

Incorporation is the start of the company's compliance, not the end. Within the first 180 days the company must hold its first board meeting, appoint its first auditor, issue share certificates, receive the subscription money and file INC-20A. Read our post-incorporation compliance checklist and the common mistakes in company incorporation dos and don'ts.

ASKN & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants in Madhapur, Hyderabad, handles company registration and ROC compliance from start to finish.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does it take to register a private limited company?

Usually one to two weeks once documents are ready — a few days for digital signatures and name approval, and several working days for the incorporation application.

What documents are required for private limited company registration?

For each director and shareholder: PAN, proof of identity, a recent address proof and a photograph. For the registered office: a recent utility bill, a no-objection letter from the owner and a rent agreement if rented.

How much does it cost to register a private limited company in Hyderabad?

Government fees are waived for authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh. You pay stamp duty, digital signature costs and professional fees. We give a single fixed quote after understanding your capital and shareholding.

Can one person register a private limited company?

A private limited company needs at least two directors and two shareholders. A single founder can incorporate a One Person Company (OPC) instead.

This article is general information based on the law as at the date shown and is not professional advice. Please consult us before acting on it.