Top Company registration Lawyers in India - Kanoon Sutra

Why Company Registration Matters

Starting a business can feel like launching a dream — but for that dream to survive and grow, it must stand on a firm legal foundation. Registering your company legally provides that foundation. It transforms your business from an informal venture into a recognized legal entity, unlocking benefits like limited liability protection, credibility with clients and investors, access to funding, easier compliance, and long-term continuity.

Without registration, a business remains informal — vulnerable to legal risks, personal liability, trust deficit, and growth limitations. In contrast, a registered company with proper compliance gives you stability, credibility, and the freedom to scale. For many clients, company registration is not a bureaucratic hurdle — it is a critical step toward turning their ambition into a sustainable enterprise.

What Types of Business Entities Can You Register in India

Depending on your business size, number of partners, capital needs, and long-term goals, you can choose among different legal forms. Each has its advantages, and the right choice depends on your specific needs.

• Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)

• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

• One Person Company (OPC)

Public Limited Company

• Partnership / Sole Proprietorship

STEP-BY-STEP COMPANY REGISTRATION PROCESS IN INDIA

1.Obtaining Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) for All Proposed Directors

2 .Director Identification Number (DIN) Processing

3. Name Reservation Through SPICe+ Part A

4. Drafting the Company’s MOA&AOA

5. Filing SPICe+ Part B — The Main Incorporation Form

6. Payment of MCA Government Fees and Stamp Duty

7. Certificate of Incorporation (CoI), PAN, and TAN Issuance

DETAILED DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR COMPANY REGISTRATION

Proper documentation ensures smooth verification and reduces processing delays.

Identity proof of directors/shareholders

PAN (mandatory for Indian citizens)
Passport (for foreign nationals)
Aadhaar / Voter ID / Driving License

Address proof of directors/shareholders

Utility bill
Bank statement
Telephone/internet bill

Declarations & affidavits

Director consent (DIR-2)
Non-disqualification declaration
Subscriber declaration
Professional certification notes

Registered office proof

Rental agreement (if rented)
NOC from property owner
Utility bill

POST-INCORPORATION COMPLIANCE: WHAT EVERY NEW COMPANY MUST DO

Many entrepreneurs believe that company registration ends with receiving the Certificate of Incorporation. In reality, post-incorporation compliance is just as important. Failing to complete these mandatory steps can lead to penalties, non-compliance notices, and even the striking off of the company by the Registrar of Companies (ROC).

To build a healthy corporate foundation, a newly incorporated company must complete several legal, financial, and administrative formalities.

1.Opening a Bank Account in the Company’s Name

Once the Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, and TAN are issued, the company must open a dedicated bank account in its registered name. All business funds — investments, expenses, deposits, revenues — must flow through this account to maintain financial transparency.

Banks require:

Copy of COI
MOA & AOA
Board resolution for bank account opening
KYC documents of directors
PAN/TAN documents

2.Filing Form INC-20A — Declaration of Commencement of Business

Every company must file Form INC-20A within 180 days of incorporation. This confirms that:

The company has received capital from shareholders
The business is ready to commence operations
Registered office verification is completed

Failure to file INC-20A can result in:

Penalty of ₹50,000 for the company
Penalty of ₹1,000 per day on each director
ROC striking off the company

3. Appointment of the First Auditor

Every company must appoint its first auditor within 30 days of incorporation. If the Board of Directors fails to do so, shareholders must appoint an auditor within 90 days.

Auditors are essential to:

Maintain financial accuracy
Conduct statutory audits
File annual financial statements
Support compliance with accounting standards

4. Maintaining Statutory Registers and Records

Every registered company must maintain mandatory registers, including:

Register of Members
Register of Directors & Key Managerial Personnel
Register of Charges
Share Certificates issued
Minutes of Board Meetings
Minutes of General Meetings

These are crucial for:

Transparency
Legal compliance
Due diligence
Audits
Investor scrutiny

5. Board Meetings and General Meetings

Every registered company must maintain mandatory registers, including:

Register of Members
Register of Directors & Key Managerial Personnel
Register of Charges
Share Certificates issued
Minutes of Board Meetings
Minutes of General Meetings

These are crucial for:

Transparency
Legal compliance
Due diligence
Audits
Investor scrutiny

6. Filing Annual Returns: AOC-4 and MGT-7

Every company must annually file:

AOC-4

Contains financial statements, balance sheet, profit & loss statement, notes, and auditor’s report.

MGT-7

Contains annual return details such as:

Shareholding
Directors
Meetings
Capital structure
Compliance status

7. Maintaining Books of Accounts

Companies must maintain:

Cash book
Sales and purchase records
Bank statements
Ledgers
Inventory records
Expense vouchers

COMMON MISTAKES ENTREPRENEURS MAKE DURING REGISTRATION

• Choosing the wrong business

• Ignoring trademark checks

• Submitting incorrect or mismatched documents

• Poorly drafted MOA/AOA

• Submitting incorrect or mismatched documents

Missing INC-20A filing

• Neglecting annual compliance

WHY CHOOSE OUR LAW FIRM FOR COMPANY REGISTRATION?

Choosing the right legal partner is just as important as choosing the right business structure. Company registration is the foundation upon which your entire business stands — one mistake today can turn into a major legal problem tomorrow.

End-to-End Assistance

From choosing the business structure to post-registration compliance, we handle everything:

Structure consultation
Name reservation
Filing SPICe+
Drafting MOA/AOA
Handling documents
Auditor appointment
Annual compliance
Legal advisory

Zero Error Filing & Precision Drafting

Incorrect filings lead to:

Delays
Rejections
Penalties

Expert Corporate Advisory

We don’t just register companies — we build legally strong corporations.

We advise on:

Funding structure
Shareholding design
ESOPs
Corporate governance
Investment-readiness

Confidentiality & Transparency

We also maintain full transparency in:

Fees
Timelines
Procedures
Requirements

No hidden costs, no misleading promises.

Long-term Legal Support

Our relationship doesn’t end after incorporation. We continue supporting your company with:

Annual filings
Tax compliance
Labour law advisory
GST matters
Corporate agreements
Dispute resolution

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Q1. Can a single person register a company?

Yes, through a One Person Company (OPC). It allows solo entrepreneurs to operate with limited liability and corporate identity.

Q2. Can foreigners or NRIs register a company in India?

Yes. Foreign nationals and NRIs can be directors or shareholders in Indian companies. However, at least one director must be an Indian resident. Additional documentation (passport, visa, overseas utility bill) may be required.

Q3. Can I register a company online without visiting any office?

Yes. The entire process — DSC, DIN, SPICe+, name approval, PAN/TAN, and incorporation — can be done online. Physical visits are rarely needed unless exceptional verification is required.

Q4. How many directors are required for a Pvt Ltd Company?

A Private Limited Company requires minimum 2 directors and maximum 15, unless special resolution increases the limit.

Q20. Can the company be struck off if compliance is not done?

Yes. The Registrar of Companies has the authority to strike off companies that: