Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)
Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)
Company formation in India
The Pvt Ltd is best suited for: Indian founders building a startup eligible for Startup India recognition, Foreign companies entering the Indian market through a subsidiary, NRIs establishing an Indian business entity, Tech startups seeking venture capital in India, Companies targeting India's 1.4 billion consumer market. Domestic companies that opt for the concessional tax regime under Section 115BAA pay 22% corporate tax (effective rate 25.17% including surcharge and cess) but forgo most exemptions and deductions. Companies that do not opt for this regime pay 30% (25% for turnover up to INR 400 crore in the preceding year). New domestic manufacturing companies incorporated after 1 October 2019 can opt for 15% under Section 115BAB (effective 17.16%). Startup India-recognised companies can claim a 3-year tax holiday under Section 80-IAC on profits (available for companies incorporated before 1 April 2025 with turnover under INR 100 crore). Dividend Distribution Tax has been abolished — dividends are now taxed in the hands of shareholders. Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) of 15% applies to companies not opting for the concessional regime, calculated on book profits.
- Indian founders building a startup eligible for Startup India recognition
- Foreign companies entering the Indian market through a subsidiary
- NRIs establishing an Indian business entity
- Tech startups seeking venture capital in India
- Companies targeting India's 1.4 billion consumer market
Key Facts
Step-by-Step Formation Process
Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and DIN
All proposed directors must obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) from a certified authority and a Director Identification Number (DIN) from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). The DIN is a unique lifetime identification number for directors. For foreign nationals, DSC can be obtained based on a foreign address with apostilled/notarised documents.
Reserve company name via RUN (Reserve Unique Name)
Apply for name reservation through the MCA21 portal using the RUN service. You may propose up to two names per application. The name must end with "Private Limited" and cannot be identical or too similar to existing companies or trademarks. MCA approval is typically fast for straightforward names.
File SPICe+ incorporation form
Submit the SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) form via MCA21. SPICe+ is a combined form that handles incorporation, DIN allotment, PAN, TAN, EPFO, ESIC, and GST registration in a single application. Attach the Memorandum of Association (MoA), Articles of Association (AoA), proof of registered office address, and identity/address proofs of all directors and subscribers.
Receive Certificate of Incorporation
MCA issues a Certificate of Incorporation bearing the Corporate Identity Number (CIN), PAN (Permanent Account Number), and TAN (Tax Deduction Account Number). The CIN is the unique identifier for all regulatory filings.
Post-incorporation compliance
Open a corporate bank account and deposit the initial share capital. File INC-20A (declaration of commencement of business) within 180 days of incorporation. Register for GST if applicable. Appoint a statutory auditor at the first board meeting. Set up accounting records compliant with Indian Accounting Standards. File quarterly GST returns, annual income tax return, and annual ROC filings (AOC-4, MGT-7).
Required Documents
- PAN card and Aadhaar card of Indian directors (or passport and apostilled address proof for foreign directors)
- Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) for all directors
- Proof of registered office address (utility bill + rent agreement or ownership proof)
- NOC from property owner for use of address as registered office
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)
- Passport-sized photographs of all directors and subscribers
- Declaration by professionals (CA/CS/advocate) in Form INC-8/INC-9
Cost Overview
Tax Treatment
Domestic companies that opt for the concessional tax regime under Section 115BAA pay 22% corporate tax (effective rate 25.17% including surcharge and cess) but forgo most exemptions and deductions. Companies that do not opt for this regime pay 30% (25% for turnover up to INR 400 crore in the preceding year). New domestic manufacturing companies incorporated after 1 October 2019 can opt for 15% under Section 115BAB (effective 17.16%). Startup India-recognised companies can claim a 3-year tax holiday under Section 80-IAC on profits (available for companies incorporated before 1 April 2025 with turnover under INR 100 crore). Dividend Distribution Tax has been abolished — dividends are now taxed in the hands of shareholders. Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) of 15% applies to companies not opting for the concessional regime, calculated on book profits.
Pros & Cons
- Separate legal entity with perpetual succession and clear limited liability protection
- Eligible for Startup India recognition — unlocking a 3-year tax holiday (Section 80-IAC), self-certification for labour and environmental compliance, and fast-track patent applications
- New domestic manufacturing companies choosing the concessional regime pay just 15% corporate tax (Section 115BAB) — among the lowest in Asia
- Access to India's 1.4 billion consumer market — the world's fastest-growing large economy
- Strong VC and PE ecosystem — India is the third-largest startup ecosystem globally
- SPICe+ streamlines incorporation into a single integrated filing process
- Extensive double tax treaty network with 95+ countries
- Minimum two directors and two shareholders required — sole founders must find a co-director/shareholder
- At least one director must have stayed in India for at least 182 days in the preceding calendar year (resident director requirement)
- Compliance burden is significant: GST returns (monthly/quarterly), TDS returns (monthly), ROC annual filings, income tax return, board meetings (minimum 4/year), and annual general meeting
- Transfer of shares requires board approval and compliance with the Companies Act — not as freely transferable as in some jurisdictions
- Foreign exchange transactions are heavily regulated under FEMA — non-compliance can result in significant penalties
Other Structures in India
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Get StartedThis content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.