LLP Registration in Thiruvananthapuram

A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) protects personal assets while you build a business. The LLP Act, 2008, recognizes an LLP as a separate legal entity that can sign contracts, own property, and continue operations even if partners change.

Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, Kerala’s capital, is rapidly evolving as a hub for technology, services, tourism, and green enterprises. The city hosts Technopark, one of Asia’s largest and greenest IT parks. In 2024-25, the IT park recorded software export revenues of Rs 14,575 crore.

With such strong growth in IT, MSMEs, and sustainable projects, the city offers many opportunities for entrepreneurs. An LLP company registration offers the right mix of flexibility, credibility, and simplicity for such ventures.

Entrepreneurs in Thiruvananthapuram choose LLPs because:

• Limited Liability: The LLP protects your personal assets from business debts.
• Operational Flexibility: Partners decide how to run the business. That helps when building dynamic or small-scale ventures.
• Low Capital Requirement: Ideal for startups, services, small manufacturing, or trading units.
• Business Continuity: LLP’s legal structure remains even if partners change.
• Less Compliance: Simpler than a full company; less paperwork, easier to manage.
• Credibility: A registered LLP builds trust with clients, banks, and investors. This is useful in tech, services, exports, or tourism businesses.
• Scalability & Diversity: You can add partners, pivot your business, or expand as Thiruvananthapuram’s economy grows.

Due to these factors, entrepreneurs are forming LLPs in Thiruvananthapuram as a robust and future-ready business structure.

Thiruvananthapuram has emerged as a high-growth business hub, driven by IT, tourism, and research-led industries. As of 2025, the state recorded over Rs. 90,000 crore in IT exports. Thiruvananthapuram contributes significantly through its expanding services and digital economy.

With this steady growth, the LLP model becomes a smart choice for entrepreneurs seeking a flexible, low-risk, and scalable structure.

1. Diverse Economic Base & Expanding Growth Sectors

Thiruvananthapuram has evolved into a multi-sector growth hub:

• The city hosts premier institutions like ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST). Such initiatives make it a hub for R&D-based startups.
• Thiruvananthapuram district ranks among Kerala’s top tourism contributors. In 2024, 2.22 crore tourists visited Kerala.

This economic diversity creates opportunities in sectors like IT services, digital solutions, tourism ventures, and wellness services. The LLP structure supports such varied business models with flexible management, scalability, and low compliance costs.

2. Policy Support, Startup Momentum & Investment Push

Thiruvananthapuram benefits from strong government initiatives:

• Under Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), the state crossed 6,200+ registered startups in 2024. Many of these are based in Thiruvananthapuram.
• Kerala has introduced multiple incentives for IT, R&D, MSMEs, tourism, and green-tech enterprises. These initiatives are making it easier to start and scale LLPs.

Because LLPs are compliance-light, flexible, and cost-efficient, they are well-suited for founders who want to take advantage of Kerala’s incentives.

3. Strong Investment & Economic Momentum Across Kerala

• Between 2021 and 2025, Kerala attracted new investments worth Rs. 70,916 crore across sectors. These included IT, tourism, MSMEs, green energy, and manufacturing.
• Entrepreneurs are setting up thousands of MSMEs and startups across the state, giving rise to a diverse ecosystem of small and medium enterprises. This is creating demand for allied services in logistics, trade, exports, supply chain, and more.

This economic growth and investment wave means that small and medium entrepreneurs in Thiruvananthapuram have access to a growing market. This momentum helps LLPs operate as a strategic and agile business structure.

Registering an LLP in Thiruvananthapuram is a process governed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) under the LLP Act, 2008. To ensure smooth incorporation, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Minimum Partners: An LLP must have at least two partners to start. There is no upper limit on the number of partners.
• Designated Partner Requirements: At least two partners must be Designated Partners (DPs), responsible for compliance and filings. Out of these, one DP must be a resident of India, meaning they must have stayed in India for a minimum of 120 days in the previous financial year.
• Eligible Partners: Both individuals and corporate entities (companies, LLPs, or foreign bodies corporate) can become partners in a Thiruvananthapuram-based LLP.
• DSC: Every Designated Partner must obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to sign incorporation documents and forms on the MCA portal digitally.
• DIN/DPIN Requirement: All DPs must hold a valid Director Identification Number (DIN) or Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN) issued by the MCA.
• Unique Name Requirement: Your LLP name must be distinct and not identical or too similar to an existing company, LLP, or registered trademark. Name reservation can be done easily through the RUN-LLP service on the MCA website.
• LLP Agreement: Partners must prepare and file an LLP Agreement within 30 days of incorporation. This document outlines partnership terms, duties, rights, and profit-sharing arrangements.
• Foreign Partner Eligibility (FEMA Compliance): Foreign nationals and foreign entities can also become partners in an LLP registered in Thiruvananthapuram. They must, however, comply with FEMA regulations and ensure that the investment falls under a sector where 100% FDI is allowed under the automatic route.
• Capital Requirement: There is no minimum capital requirement to start an LLP in Thiruvananthapuram. Contributions can be made through:
  • Cash
  • Tangible or intangible assets
  • Intellectual property
  • Services or other benefits agreed upon mutually by partners

As long as the partners meet MCA’s requirements, any eligible individual or entity can register an LLP in Thiruvananthapuram.

LLP registration in Thiruvananthapuram is completed online through the MCA portal (mca.gov.in). The process entails uploading documents, submitting forms, and signing electronically.

Here’s how you can register your LLP step-by-step:

Step 1: Get DSC for All Partners

You need a DSC to sign all LLP forms online.

• Make sure each designated partner gets a Class 3 DSC.
• You can easily obtain it from licensed authorities such as e-Mudhra, Sify, or NSDL.

Step 2: Apply for DIN/DPIN

The MCA issues a DPIN to recognize each designated partner.

• You can apply for a DPIN for up to two partners instantly while filing the FiLLiP form.
• If you have more than two designated partners, you’ll file Form DIR-3 separately.

Step 3: Get Name Approval for Your LLP (RUN-LLP)

Next, you need to reserve your LLP name.

• File the RUN-LLP form with the Registrar of Companies (ROC), Ernakulam, which covers Thiruvananthapuram.
• You can propose two names at a time.
• Make sure the name is unique and doesn’t match any existing company, LLP, or trademark.
• You can resubmit once if the ROC rejects your proposed name.

Tip: Use RegisterKaro’s free company name search tool before filing to avoid name rejections.

Step 4: File Consent of Partners (Form 9)

You must take formal consent from all designated partners.

• Each partner needs to sign Form 9, confirming they are eligible under the LLP Act.
• Attach this form when you file the FiLLiP.

Step 5: File the LLP Incorporation Form (FiLLiP)

After securing name approval and partner consents, you can file the FiLLiP form.

• This form helps you incorporate the LLP and get DPINs for two partners simultaneously.
• You’ll attach all required documents, including:
  • Registered office proof
  • Identity proofs of partners
  • Address proofs of partners

Step 6: Draft & File the LLP Agreement

Once the LLP is incorporated, you must draft the Agreement that governs your firm.

• Clearly define roles, duties, capital contributions, and profit-sharing.
• Execute the agreement on Kerala-specific stamp paper.
• File Form 3 with the ROC within 30 days of incorporation.

Step 7: Receive the COI

The ROC verifies your application and then issues the Certificate of Incorporation (COI). This document confirms your LLP’s official legal existence in Thiruvananthapuram.

Step 8: Apply for PAN & TAN

To make your LLP tax-ready, you must apply for:

• PAN
• TAN

You can use the NSDL or UTIITSL platforms to complete this step.

The entire process of registering an LLP in the region takes around 10-15 days.

Note: If you don’t file your LLP Agreement within the deadline, your LLP will automatically follow Schedule I of the LLP Act, 2008, which may not match how you want to run your business.

To complete the LLP registration process in Thiruvananthapuram, you need to submit the following documents:

From the Partners

• PAN Card and Aadhaar Card of each partner.
• Identity Proof: Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License.
• Address Proof: Bank statement or electricity bill (not older than two months).
• Photograph: Recent passport-size photo with a clear white background.

For Foreign Nationals/NRIs (if applicable)

• Notarized/apostilled passport.
• Notarized/apostilled residence proof, such as a utility bill or bank statement from outside India.

Proof of Registered Office Address in Thiruvananthapuram

• Owned Property: Copy of the sale deed or property deed.
• Rented Property: Copy of the rent agreement or lease deed.
• Utility Bill: Electricity bill, gas bill, or telephone bill (not older than two months).
• NOC from Owner: If you register your LLP office in rented premises, the property owner must give a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

The cost of LLP registration in Thiruvananthapuram depends on stamp duty, government charges, and professional fees. Below is a clear breakdown of the fees and penalties you should know before registering your LLP:

Stamp Duty for LLPs in Thiruvananthapuram

As per the MCA, the stamp duty rates in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) are as follows:

Note: New DPIN is free if applied through FiLLiP. Rs. 500 applies only for DIN allotment via DIR-3 (used rarely for LLP).

Penalties for LLPs in Thiruvananthapuram

LLPs in Thiruvananthapuram must comply with the LLP Act, 2008, and MCA regulations. Authorities impose penalties and extra fees if companies fail to meet filing or compliance requirements.

By evaluating the LLP registration fees in advance, you can streamline the process and focus on building your LLP without financial surprises.

After registering your LLP in Thiruvananthapuram, you must actively meet annual and event-based compliances to stay compliant and avoid penalties. Here is a list of LLP annual compliances:

• File Annual Returns (Form 11): You must file Form 11 with the ROC every year within 60 days of the financial year-end (by May 30). This form shows details of all partners and their contributions.
• Submit Statement of Account and Solvency (Form 8): File Form 8 by October 30. This form declares your LLP’s financial position and solvency.
• File Income Tax Return (Form ITR 5): File the LLP’s income tax return every year in Form ITR 5. If your turnover or capital contribution crosses Rs. 40 lakh and Rs. 25 lakh, respectively, you must also get a tax audit.
• File LLP Agreement (Form 3): Submit the LLP Agreement to the ROC Ernakulam in Form 3 within 30 days of incorporation. If you delay, you pay heavy penalties.
• Comply with Event-Based Filings: File the correct forms when events occur, such as:
  • File Form 4 for a change in partners/designated partners.
  • File Form 15 for a change in registered office.
  • File Form 3 for an amendment to the LLP Agreement.
  • File Form 5 for the change of LLP name.
• Follow Local Compliances in Thiruvananthapuram:
  • Register for Professional Tax and file returns with the state authorities.
  • Obtain GST registration if your turnover exceeds Rs. 40 lakh (Rs. 20 lakh for services) or if you do interstate supply.
  • Register your office under the Kerala Shops and Establishments Act, which is mandatory for all business premises.