How Long Does it Take to Register a Company?

Company registration is a highly efficient process, largely due to digital platforms and streamlined procedures. The typical timeline for completing the entire company registration process, from preparing documents to receiving the final certificate, is now just a matter of weeks. This is a significant improvement over the earlier system, which often took several months to complete. 

A faster process enables entrepreneurs to launch and operate their businesses much sooner, giving them a competitive edge in today’s dynamic market.

This transformation in the registration process has significantly reduced bureaucratic hurdles. It clears the path and helps you focus on building your business instead of letting paperwork slow you down. The ability to quickly gain a legal identity is a major advantage for any new venture looking to establish credibility and begin operations swiftly.

How Many Days Will it Take to Register a Company in India?  

Here is a typical day-by-day breakdown of the company registration process in India, showing you how long each step takes.

Step 1: Obtain a DSC and DIN

Before you can file any forms, all proposed directors must have a DSC and DIN. This step, which takes 2-3 working days, is crucial for online submissions.

• A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an electronic signature that is required to sign documents submitted to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). It’s a digital equivalent of a physical signature and can be obtained from government-certified authorities.
• A Director Identification Number (DIN) is a unique eight-digit number issued to every individual who intends to be a director of a company. A single DIN is sufficient for an individual to be a director in any number of companies.

Step 2: Reserve a Unique Company Name

You must ensure that your proposed company name is unique and not already in use.

• The company name must not be identical or too similar to an existing company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or registered trademark.
• You can check company name availability on the RegisterKaro’s portal using the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) or SPICe+ Part A forms. Reserving a name in advance can help avoid delays during the incorporation process.

Step 3: Prepare and Draft Incorporation Documents

This step involves creating the foundational legal documents for your company. This is the most detailed part of the process and takes 5-7 working days.

• The Memorandum of Association (MoA) is a document that defines the company’s constitution, its objectives, and the scope of its operations. It’s the charter of the company.
• The Articles of Association (AoA) outline the company’s internal rules and regulations for its management and operations, including the rights and duties of directors and shareholders.

Step 4: File the SPICe+ Form

The SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) is a single, integrated form that combines multiple applications. This final step from the date of incorporation process takes 3-5 working days and marks your business as a legal entity.

• This web-based form is the main application for company registration and includes applications for company incorporation, DIN allotment, and PAN and TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) for the company.
• You must upload all the required documents, including the MoA, AoA, identity and address proofs of directors, and proof of the registered office address.

Step 5: Receive the Certificate of Incorporation (CoI)

Once the MCA has reviewed and approved your application, it will issue the Certificate of Incorporation (CoI).

• The CoI is the official document that legally registers your company and signifies its existence as a separate legal entity.
• It is issued along with the company’s Corporate Identity Number (CIN), PAN, and TAN.

Step 6: Post-Incorporation Compliances

After registration, there are several mandatory steps to complete to make your company operational.

• Open a bank account in the company’s name and deposit the paid-up capital.
• Complete other required registrations, such as GST registration, if your business turnover exceeds the threshold.
• Appoint an auditor within 30 days of incorporation to handle financial records and filings.

The total estimated timeline for company registration is between 13 to 20 working days. This timeline can be affected by factors such as the accuracy of documents, the workload of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), and any delays in getting your company name approved.

Average Timeframe for Different Company Structures

Here are the typical timelines for different types of companies, assuming everything goes smoothly. This will show you how many days it takes to register a company.

Company Structure	Typical Registration Timeframe
Private Limited Company	10–15 working days with all documents in order and no delays
One Person Company (OPC)	Approximately 10 working days, subject to departmental approval
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)	7–10 working days (typical), up to 15–25 working days depending on filings and formalities
Public Limited Company	Typically 15–20 working days, if documentation and approvals are smooth

Factors That Affect the Timeline of Company Registration

The time it takes to register your company isn’t the same for everyone. Several important factors can speed up or slow down the process. The total company timeline depends on:

• Type of Company: The kind of company you form (like a Private Limited Company or LLP) affects the timeline. Each type has different rules, which affect how long the government office, the Registrar of Companies (ROC), takes to process your application.
• Documentation Accuracy: Your documents must be perfect. Any small mistake, like an incorrect name or address, will cause delays. The government will ask you to fix the errors, adding more days to your timeline.
• MCA Name Approval Time: Getting your company name approved is a big step. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) reviews every name to make sure it’s unique. If the MCA rejects your proposed name, you have to suggest a new one, which can add several days to the process.
• Technical Delays: Sometimes, the MCA portal has technical issues or is down for maintenance. These unexpected delays are out of your control, but they can affect your overall timeline.

Common Reasons for Delays in Company Registration

Even with a planned timeline, some common issues can cause delays.

• Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation – Missing ID proofs, mismatched details (like PAN vs Aadhaar), or unsigned forms often lead to rejections. Ensure all documents are complete, correct, and properly signed to avoid rejections and delays.
• Name Approval Issues – Proposed company names may be too similar to existing ones or violate naming guidelines, causing multiple resubmissions. Research and select a unique name that complies with all naming conventions to expedite the approval process.
• DSC/ DIN Delays – Errors in DSC/DIN applications or pending verification can stall the process. Verify all personal details carefully during the DSC and DIN application to prevent verification holds.
• Technical Glitches on MCA Portal – System downtimes, form validation errors, or portal crashes sometimes delay submissions. It is advisable to check the MCA portal’s status and try to submit forms during off-peak hours to reduce the risk of technical issues.
• Delayed Payment of Fees – Any lapse in paying ROC or stamp duty fees leads to application holds. Confirm that all required fees are paid promptly and accurately to keep the application moving forward.

Contacting our Company registration consultants would be a better choice

Tips to Speed Up the Registration Process

You can take several steps to avoid delays and make your company registration as fast as possible.

• Prepare Documents in Advance – Keep PAN, Aadhaar, address proof, photographs, and business documents ready to avoid delays. Having a complete and organized folder of all required documents will significantly reduce the time taken for application preparation.
• Choose a Unique and Compliant Name – Use RegisterKaro’s name availability tool and avoid names similar to existing companies to prevent rejections. Conducting a thorough name search and having a few alternative names ready can save you from repeated name reservation applications.
• Apply for DSC and DIN Early – Ensure all directors obtain Digital Signature Certificates and Director Identification Numbers before filing forms. Starting the process with the necessary digital credentials for all directors ensures a smooth and continuous application flow.
• Double-Check Forms Before Submission – Verify all details in SPICe+, INC-3, MOA, and AOA to prevent errors. A meticulous review of all forms and attached documents can prevent common mistakes that lead to resubmission requests from the MCA.
• Pay Fees Promptly – Clear ROC and stamp duty payments immediately to avoid application holds. Timely payment of all government fees is critical as it validates the application and moves it forward in the queue.
• Hire Professional Help – Expert consultants or platforms can streamline the process, track submissions, and handle queries efficiently. Leveraging professional expertise can help you navigate the complexities of the registration process and ensure all legal requirements are met correctly.

Final Thoughts

The timeline for registering a company is not fixed and depends on multiple factors. While registration can be completed in under two weeks under ideal conditions, the duration varies based on the business structure, administrative efficiency, and applicant preparedness.

Speedy registration requires careful preparation: submit accurate documents, conduct a thorough name search, obtain DSC and DIN early, and pay fees promptly. Avoiding common pitfalls and, if needed, seeking professional assistance can help ensure a smooth and efficient registration process.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is the minimum number of directors required to start a company?

To incorporate a private limited company, a minimum of two directors is required. For a public limited company, at least three directors are needed. All directors must have a valid Director Identification Number (DIN) and a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) before the date of incorporation process begins.

2. Can a foreigner be a director in an Indian company?

Yes, a foreigner can be a director in an Indian company. However, at least one of the directors must be a resident of India. This resident director must have lived in India for at least 182 days in the previous financial year.

3. What is the minimum capital required for company registration?

There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement for private or public companies as of the latest regulations. Companies can be registered with any amount of capital, even as low as ₹1. However, the company must specify the authorized capital in its Memorandum of Association (MoA).

4. Is it mandatory to have a registered office address on the date of incorporation?

Yes, a registered office address is mandatory. You must provide a valid address proof for the registered office, such as a rent agreement or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner, along with a utility bill (not older than two months).

5. What is the difference between a private and a public limited company?

A private limited company limits the number of its members to 200 and restricts the transfer of its shares. A public limited company, on the other hand, can have an unlimited number of members and can offer its shares to the public through a stock exchange.

6. How do I choose a name for my company?

The proposed name must be unique and should not be identical or too similar to any existing company name or registered trademark. You can check the availability of the name on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal. It is advisable to have a few alternative names ready.

7. What are the key documents required for company registration?

Key documents include the PAN card and Aadhaar card of all directors, passport-sized photographs, and a valid address proof. Additionally, for the registered office, a utility bill and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner are required.

8. What is a Director Identification Number (DIN)?

A DIN is a unique eight-digit number issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to any individual who intends to be a director of a company. It is a one-time requirement, and once an individual has a DIN, they do not need to apply for another one.

9. What is the purpose of the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)?

The MoA is the primary legal document that defines the company’s constitution, objectives, and the scope of its activities. The AoA, on the other hand, contains the internal rules and regulations for the company’s management and operations, governing the relationship between the company and its members.

10. What is a Certificate of Incorporation (CoI)?

A CoI is the official document issued by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) that legally registers a company and certifies its existence. It includes the company’s name, Corporate Identity Number (CIN), and the date of incorporation, officially marking the company as a separate legal entity.