Registering a private limited company in India has become significantly faster and simpler through the SPICe+ form. Most incorporations now complete within 3-7 working days if documents are in order.
This guide covers the full process for registering a Pvt Ltd company in Indore in 2026: the exact steps, realistic costs, common delays, and what you need to do in the first 90 days after incorporation.
Why private limited?
Before the process, a quick decision point. Private limited is the most common structure for funded startups, service businesses with growth ambitions, and any company where limited liability matters.
The key advantages:
- Limited liability: personal assets are protected from business debts
- Separate legal entity: the company can own property, sue, and be sued in its own name
- Fundraising-ready: investors prefer Pvt Ltd for equity investment
- Credibility: many clients, banks, and vendors expect the company structure
If you are not raising external capital and prefer simpler compliance, an LLP or proprietorship may work better. This guide focuses on Pvt Ltd.
Step 1: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Every director needs a Digital Signature Certificate to sign electronic forms filed with MCA.
What you need:
- PAN card copy of each director
- Aadhaar card copy of each director
- Passport-size photo of each director
- Email and mobile number (must be individually linked to PAN)
DSC comes in different classes. Class 3 is the standard requirement for MCA filings. Cost is typically Rs 500-1,500 per director depending on the issuing authority and validity period.
Most company secretaries or filing agents can arrange this for you. If you are doing it yourself, emudhra, Sify, or Capricorn are registered issuing authorities.
Step 2: Obtain Director Identification Number (DIN)
Every director must have a DIN before appointment. If you do not already have one, you can apply for it simultaneously through the SPICe+ form.
What you need:
- Valid PAN
- Aadhaar-linked mobile number (for OTP verification)
- Recent passport-size photograph
DIN is free when applied through SPICe+. The portal generates it within 1-2 hours during working hours.
If a director already has a DIN from a previous directorship, no new DIN is needed. One DIN covers all companies.
Step 3: Reserve Your Company Name
The name reservation runs through SPICe+. You can propose up to two names in order of preference.
Naming rules to know:
- The name must be unique and not too similar to an existing trademark or company
- words like "India", "Indian", "National", "Central", "State", or "Government" require justification
- "Corporation", "Authority", "Board", "Commission" are generally not allowed for private companies
- The last words of the name must indicate the business activity or the company cannot be registered with that name alone
A name that is already a registered trademark in a similar class will face MCA objection. Running a quick trademark search (ipindia.gov.in) before filing is worth the 30 minutes it takes.
SPICe+ auto-checks for MCA name conflicts. A trademark conflict is checked separately and often surfaces as an objection after filing.
Step 4: File SPICe+ Form (INC-32)
SPICe+ is the integrated form that handles name approval, incorporation, and several registrations in one filing.
Through SPICe+, you simultaneously apply for:
- Company incorporation (INC-32)
- DIN allotment for new directors
- PAN application (Form 10B is auto-generated)
- TAN application (Form 10B is auto-generated)
- GST registration (linked to PAN)
Documents required for SPICe+ filing:
- Memorandum of Association (MoA): States the company's objects and activities
- Articles of Association (AoA): Governs internal rules and governance
- Declaration by subscriber and director (INC-9): Confirms no disqualification from being a director
- Proof of registered office: Rent agreement + NOC from owner + utility bill (not older than 2 months)
- Identity proof of each director: PAN card (mandatory) + Aadhaar or passport
- Address proof of each director: Bank statement, telephone bill, or electricity bill (not older than 2 months)
- Passport-size photographs of each director
- Director consent form (Form DIR-2)
SPICe+ runs as a web-based filing. The MoA and AoA must be prepared in the prescribed format, stamped (stamp duty varies by state), and digitally signed by all subscribers.
Stamp duty in Madhya Pradesh for incorporation documents is relatively moderate. Your CS or filing agent can calculate the exact amount based on authorized share capital.
Step 5: Wait for Incorporation Certificate
MCA processes SPICe+ filings quickly. In a straightforward case with no objections:
- Name approval and DIN: Same day or within a few hours
- Certificate of Incorporation: 1-3 working days
If there is a name objection or document issue, it can take longer. Common reasons for delay:
- Name too similar to existing company or trademark
- Incorrect class of activity in MoA
- Missing or unclear proof of registered office
- Digitally signed documents not properly uploaded
Once the Certificate of Incorporation is issued, your company legally exists. The CIN (Corporate Identification Number) is assigned at this stage and stays with the company permanently.
Step 6: Post-Incorporation Registrations
After incorporation, several registrations must follow in the first few weeks.
PAN and TAN: These are applied through SPICe+ and typically issued within 2-3 days. Confirm receipt.
GST Registration: If your annual turnover will exceed Rs 40 lakh (Rs 20 lakh for special category states) or you are in inter-state supply, GST registration is mandatory. SPICe+ auto-applies for it but you need to verify the application status on the GST portal and complete the process.
Bank Account: Open a current account in the company name. You need the Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, AoA, MoA, and board resolution. Most banks require all directors to be present or provide a specific authorization.
ESI and PF: If you will have employees earning below the wage threshold, register for Employees' State Insurance (ESI) and EPF. This can be done online through the respective portals.
Realistic Cost Range for Incorporation in Indore
Government fees (approximate):
- MCA filing fees: Based on authorized share capital. For share capital up to Rs 15 lakh, the government fee is minimal (around Rs 500-1,000 for filing)
- Stamp duty (MP): Varies by authorized capital, typically Rs 1,000-5,000 for standard incorporations
- DIN (if new): Free through SPICe+
Professional fees (CS or CA):
- If using a company secretary or chartered accountant: Rs 5,000-15,000 typically, depending on complexity and whether it includes post-incorporation filings
Total ballpark: Rs 8,000-25,000 for a standard incorporation done through a professional, including government fees.
Avoid the very low-end online portals that file without proper MoA/AoA drafting or skip necessary declarations. The cost of fixing a poorly drafted MoA later is higher than doing it right the first time.
First 90 Days: Compliance Checklist
After incorporation, compliance starts immediately. Here is what to do and when:
Within 30 days:
- Hold the first board meeting and record minutes
- Issue share certificates to subscribers
- File INC-20A (Declaration of Commencement of Business) if the company has raised subscription money above the threshold. Required within 180 days of incorporation but file early to avoid MCA attention.
- Appoint an auditor (board resolution)
- Apply for PAN and TAN if not done through SPICe+
Within 60 days:
- Set up a proper books of account or accounting system
- Open company bank account if not done already
- Register for GST if applicable and not auto-processed
- Register for EPF and ESI if you have or plan to have employees
Within 90 days:
- File first return (GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B) if GST registered
- File DPT-3 (Return of Deposits) if any deposits received from shareholders
- Confirm DIN KYC status for all directors (MCA Master Data check)
- Verify company MCA data (MCA Master Data) for accuracy of name, address, and director list
Ongoing annual compliance:
- Annual General Meeting (AGM): Must be held within 6 months of financial year end (September 30 for most companies)
- Financial statements and annual return (AOC-4 and MGT-7): File within 30 days of AGM
- DIR-3 KYC: Annual KYC for each director with MCA
- DPT-3: Return of deposits (even if no deposits, a nil return is required)
- Form MBP-1: Return of significant beneficial owners
- Income tax return: File ITR-6 by the due date (usually October 31)
Common Mistakes Founders Make
- Not filing INC-20A within 180 days: Results in MCA penalties and potential company status issues
- Treating the company bank account as personal: Keep strict separation of personal and company finances
- Missing DIR-3 KYC: A deactivated DIN blocks new directorship appointments and flags during due diligence
- Not maintaining proper books of account from day one: Makes annual filing easier and protects you during tax assessments
- Forgetting GST compliance if turnover crosses threshold mid-year: GST registration is backdated in effect; penalties apply from the threshold-crossing date
FAQ
Q1. How long does Pvt Ltd registration take in India in 2026? With SPICe+ and documents in order: 3-7 working days for the Certificate of Incorporation. Post-incorporation registrations (GST, bank account) take another 3-10 days depending on the authority.
Q2. Do I need a office address to register a company? Yes. The registered office must be in India. It can be a residential address if you have a rent agreement and NOC from the owner. A virtual office or co-working space address also works if the owner consents and proper documentation is available.
Q3. What is the minimum capital required to register a Pvt Ltd company? There is no minimum capital requirement. A company can be incorporated with Rs 1,000 or even Rs 100 as share capital. Most startups start with Rs 1 lakh or Rs 10 lakh for practicality.
Q4. Can a single person register a private limited company? Yes. You can be the sole subscriber and director. A private limited company requires a minimum of 2 shareholders and 2 directors, but the same person can hold both positions.
Q5. What happens if I do not file annual returns? MCA levies additional fees for every day of delay. After two consecutive years of non-filing, the company is marked as "dormant" and can face strike-off proceedings. Directors of struck-off companies face personal disqualification for a period.