What it is
SPICe+ Part A reserves the proposed name; Part B covers incorporation, DIN allotment, PAN, TAN, EPFO, ESIC and GSTIN (optional).
Linked forms are filed with it: e-MoA (INC-33), e-AoA (INC-34), AGILE-PRO-S (INC-35) and INC-9 declarations.
A private limited company needs a minimum of two shareholders and two directors, at least one of whom is resident in India.
Who it applies to
- Minimum two subscribers and two directors (one Indian resident, present in India 120 days or more in the previous financial year).
- A registered office address in India with valid proof — a residential address is acceptable.
- No statutory minimum paid-up capital.
Documents required
- •PAN and Aadhaar of every director and subscriber
- •Passport for foreign nationals (apostilled or notarised)
- •Bank statement, electricity bill or mobile bill not older than two months for every director
- •Passport-size photograph of every director
- •Registered office proof: latest utility bill plus rent agreement and owner's NOC
- •Digital Signature Certificate (Class 3) for every subscriber and director
Step-by-step process
- 1
Obtain Class 3 DSCs
Each subscriber and director needs a Class 3 DSC with video KYC. Typically issued within a day.
- 2
Reserve the name (SPICe+ Part A)
Submit up to two proposed names with the business objective. Test the name against the naming rules first to avoid losing the fee.
- 3
Draft MoA and AoA
Prepare the objects clause carefully — a vague or overbroad objects clause is the most common resubmission trigger.
- 4
File SPICe+ Part B with linked forms
Fill in capital structure, subscriber and director details, registered office and attach INC-9, e-MoA, e-AoA and AGILE-PRO-S.
- 5
Pay fees and stamp duty
MCA filing fee plus state-specific stamp duty on the MoA/AoA, based on authorised capital and the state of registration.
- 6
Receive the Certificate of Incorporation
The ROC issues the COI with CIN, PAN and TAN. Open the bank account, deposit the subscription money and file INC-20A within 180 days before commencing business.
Fees and timeline
Government fees
MCA filing fee is nil for authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh; stamp duty varies by state (typically ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 in total). Professional fees are separate.
Typical timeline
7 – 12 working days from receipt of complete documents, assuming no resubmission.
Common mistakes and rejection reasons
- Name too similar to an existing company or a registered trademark.
- Objects clause not matching the intended business activity or the NIC code selected.
- Utility bill for the registered office older than two months, or a rent agreement without the owner's NOC.
- Director's photograph or signature not matching the identity proof.
- Forgetting INC-20A within 180 days — this attracts a ₹50,000 penalty on the company.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum capital for a private limited company?
There is no statutory minimum paid-up capital; you can incorporate with any amount, though ₹1 lakh authorised capital is common.
Can I register a company at my home address?
Yes. A residential address is acceptable as the registered office if you provide a utility bill and the owner's no-objection certificate.
How long does incorporation take?
Typically 7 to 12 working days once all documents and DSCs are ready, longer if the ROC marks the form for resubmission.
Do it with help, or do the maths first
This guide is general information on public compliance procedures and is not professional advice for your specific facts. Government fees and timelines change; verify on the official portal before filing.