Key takeaways
- Every director and shareholder needs PAN, identity proof, a recent address proof and a photograph; foreign nationals use their passport.
- Bank statements and utility bills used as address proof should not be more than two months old.
- For the registered office you need a recent utility bill and the owner's no-objection; a rent agreement helps if the place is rented.
- Documents signed or issued abroad usually need to be notarised and apostilled, or attested by an Indian embassy.
Most delays in company registration come from documents, not from the law. A bill that is three months old, a name spelt differently on two IDs or a missing signature from the property owner can send an application back. This checklist covers the documents for private limited company registration in India, so you can collect everything in one go.
For each director and shareholder (Indian residents)
| Document | Accepted examples | Points to check |
|---|---|---|
| PAN card | Permanent Account Number | Required for every Indian national. The name on PAN is the reference for other documents. |
| Identity proof | Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence | Name, father's name and date of birth should match PAN. |
| Address proof | Bank statement, or electricity, telephone or mobile bill | Should not be more than two months old and in the person's own name. |
| Photograph | Recent passport-size photo | Clear, with a plain background. |
| Contact details | Personal mobile number and email | Each person's own; used for verification. |
| Digital signature (DSC) | Class 3 DSC from a licensed certifying authority | Needed by everyone who signs the forms. |
| DIN | Director Identification Number | Only if the person already has one. Up to three new directors can get a DIN in the incorporation form. |
Read our guide on DIN and DSC for directors if anyone needs to get them for the first time.
For foreign nationals and NRIs
- Passport. Mandatory for foreign nationals as identity proof. NRIs who are Indian citizens use their passport and their PAN, if they have one.
- Address proof. A recent bank statement, utility bill or government-issued residence document from the country of residence.
- Attestation. Documents issued or signed outside India should be notarised and then apostilled in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, or attested by the Indian embassy or consulate in other countries.
- Translation. Documents not in English need a certified translation.
Foreign shareholding also brings foreign exchange rules into play. See how NRIs and foreign nationals can start a business in India.
For a company or LLP that will be a shareholder
- Certificate of incorporation and PAN of the investing entity
- Board resolution, or partners' resolution for an LLP, approving the investment and naming the authorised representative
- Identity and address proof of the authorised representative
- For a foreign company: its certificate of incorporation and resolution, notarised and apostilled or attested by the embassy
For the registered office
| Document | Points to check |
|---|---|
| Proof of address | A recent electricity, water, gas or telephone bill for the premises, not more than two months old |
| No-objection certificate | Signed by the owner, allowing the company to use the address as its registered office |
| Rent or lease agreement | If the premises are rented, a copy of the agreement |
| Proof of ownership | Where required, such as a property tax receipt or sale deed |
The address on the bill should match the address you give, including the flat or shop number and the PIN code. If the office is not ready yet, the company can be incorporated with a correspondence address, but the registered office must be set up and verified within 30 days.
Information about the company
- Two proposed names, in order of preference, with the meaning of any coined word
- A clear description of the main business activities
- Authorised capital and the shares each subscriber will take
- Names of the first directors
- Choice of bank for the company's account
- Details for EPFO and ESIC registration, and GST if you want to apply now
Documents your professional prepares
- The SPICe+ application, Part A and Part B
- The memorandum (e-MoA) and articles of association (e-AoA)
- Declarations by subscribers and first directors (INC-9)
- Each director's consent to act as director (Form DIR-2)
- The AGILE-PRO-S form for the linked registrations
Our guide to the SPICe+ form explains what each of these does.
Tips that save a resubmission
- Make sure names are spelt the same way on PAN, Aadhaar and passport
- Collect address proofs last, so they are still within two months on the filing date
- Use clear, colour scans, not phone photos taken at an angle
- Get the owner's no-objection signed before filing, not after a query
- Check that digital signatures have not expired
Want a ready list for your case? Our company registration team sends a checklist made for your directors, shareholders and office.
This checklist reflects the general requirements on the MCA portal as on the date shown. The Registrar may ask for additional documents in a particular case.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register a company at my home address?
Yes. Many companies start from a residential address. You need a recent utility bill for the address and, if you are not the owner, a no-objection from the owner.
Do directors have to be shareholders?
No. A director need not hold shares and a shareholder need not be a director, unless the articles say otherwise. A private limited company needs at least two directors and two shareholders, and they can be the same people.
Is there a minimum capital for a private limited company?
No. The minimum paid-up capital requirement was removed in 2015. You decide the capital based on your plans, keeping in mind that authorised capital affects government fees and stamp duty.
Can another company be a shareholder in my new company?
Yes. A company, LLP or other body corporate can subscribe through an authorised representative. You need its board resolution authorising the investment and its registration documents.