How to Set Up a Company in India — 2021 Guide

What Are the Types of Businesses in India?

Sole Proprietorship

While not technically a company, a sole proprietorship bears mentioning as it is the easiest, simplest way to get into business in India. It only requires one person to set up and operate, and you have full control over your business.

There is no government registration required, and all profits from the business are yours. Do be aware though, a sole proprietorship, unlike a company, does not have limited liability. This means if the business owes debts to creditors, you will be personally liable for those debts.

One Person Company

A relatively new business structure, the One Person Company (OPC) was introduced in 2013 by the Indian Government. Prior to 2013, it was required that a private company have at least two directors and two members, while a public company had to have at least three directors and seven members to be incorporated. However, with the advent of the OPC, a single individual could incorporate their own company.

The major advantages of incorporating an OPC as opposed to a sole proprietorship is that while you still retain 100% of the business, you are also able to limit your liability as well as qualify for certain tax benefits. It should also be easier for you to obtain bank loans as financial institutions will see your limited liability as less risk.

The director and nominee directors cannot be foreigners.

Partnership Firm

As the name implies, a partnership company is for when your company has two or more partners that act as directors. You and your partner/s will have a partnership deed drafted that details all of the obligations and duties of each partner, as well as the particulars of profit sharing.

The partnership company enjoys all of the same benefits as an OPC, except now the risk is minimised for each director, as it is shared amongst the partners. It should be noted that this is not a limited liability company, so the partners are personally liable for the company’s debts. A maximum of 50 partners is permitted in a partnership company.

Limited Liability Partnership

A limited liability partnership takes the flexibility of a partnership company and provides the extra benefits of limited liability.

Foreign investment is allowed under approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal (FIFP).

Private Limited Company

Larger in scope than a partnership company, a private limited company has a maximum of 200 partners. A private limited company, as referred to in its name, cannot raise capital from the public, so all funding must be raised internally, rather than issuing shares publically.

A private limited company can however receive funds from public platforms and issue debentures to obtain funding.

Foreign investment is allowed under automatic approval for most industry sectors.

Public Limited Company

A public limited company has a minimum of seven shareholders and is permitted to raise capital through a public offering of shares. Shareholders are able to transfer shares freely and prospectus must be published for the use of public issue.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is allowed under automatic route in the government permitted sectors.

Section 8 Company

A section 8 company is to be established for the promotion of a cause, e.g. sports, religions, social welfare etc. The company is a non-profit, so all income is to go to the benefit of the cause itself, and no dividends are to be paid to its members.

Comparison of Different Company Types in India

Related Read: Why is India the next economic powerhouse for foreign businesses »?

What Are the Steps for Registering and Incorporating a Company in India?

1.  Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate

The first thing you’ll need to do is apply for and obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), which will give you the ability to complete the online process for company registration in India. You can get a DSC from a Certifying Authority, a list of which can be found here.

2. Obtain a Digital Identification Number

A Digital Identification Number (DIN) is obtained from the State of Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). All directors (current and intending) must obtain a DIN. A company director then sends all DINs to the Registrar of Corporate (RoC).

Any changes of personal details e.g. name, address, needs to be updated in the DIN registrar.

3. Compile the Necessary Information and Documentation

You will need to have the following documents:

• DSC
• Form SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus Form INC-32)
• Electronic Memorandum of Association (eMoA- INC 33) and Articles of Association (eAoA- INC 34) IN Spice+ Form INC 32.
• Form AGILE-PRO (INC-35) in Spice+ Form INC 32 for Application for registration of Goods and Service Tax Identification Number (GSTIN), Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) registration, Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) Registration and Profession Tax Registration (For Maharashtra) and Opening of Bank Account.

The MCA system will then automatically provide you with the prefilled 49A (PAN) and 49B (TAN) application forms. Have your directors attach their digital signatures, and attach both signed forms to an MCA21 form.

RoC will then verify your documents, and suggest changes where necessary.

Upon approval from RoC, you will receive your company seal for issuance of share certificates. You will also receive your certificate of incorporation allowing your company to do business in India.

We’ve made an effort to give you as much free information as possible in this short article, but if you have any questions about incorporating your company in India, ask us below.

We’ve been doing this for a long time all around Southeast Asia, so we’re sure to be able to save you time, money, and headaches.

If you’d like a personal consultation to advise on your move to India, please do contact us, it’s both our job and pleasure to help.