How to Register a Startup in India (2025)

Complete Step-by-Step Guide for New Entrepreneurs

Starting a business is an exciting journey — but registering your startup in India can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, the Indian government has made it easier, faster, and cheaper to register and run a business legally under the Startup India initiative.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to register your startup in India, what documents you need, where to register, the fees involved, and how to get official startup recognition from the government.

Step 1: Decide the Business Structure

Before registration, you need to decide the legal structure of your startup:

Pro Tip: For most tech or product startups, a Private Limited Company or LLP is preferred for funding, trust, and legal safety.

Step 2: Choose a Name and Check Availability

Go to the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) portal and check if your desired startup name is available.
Make sure it's:

• Unique

• Easy to pronounce

• Not similar to existing brands

Use the MCA "Check Company Name" tool (Source: [mca.gov.in])

Step 3: Get Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Since all filings are done online, Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is mandatory.

• Get it from authorized DSC vendors like eMudhra or Sify

• Required for all directors or partners

• Valid for 2–3 years

Cost: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 per person

Step 4: Director Identification Number (DIN)

For company registration, each director needs a DIN.

• Apply via SPICe+ Form (online on MCA site)

• You can get DIN and company incorporation in one step

Step 5: Register with MCA (Use SPICe+ Form)

The SPICe+ form is a single integrated form to register your company with:

• Company name

• Incorporation certificate

• PAN & TAN

• DIN for directors

You will need to upload:

• MOA (Memorandum of Association)

• AOA (Articles of Association)

• ID proofs (Aadhaar, PAN, passport photo)

• Proof of registered office address

Fees:

• ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 (based on capital and structure)

• Stamp duty varies by state

Processing Time: 5–7 working days

Source: Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Startup India

Step 6: Register for Startup India Recognition (Optional but Recommended)

Once your company is incorporated, apply for Startup India DPIIT Recognition to get access to:

• Tax exemptions

• Funding support (SIDBI, venture capital)

• Government tenders

• IPR support

Apply at: startupindia.gov.in
Upload:

• Incorporation certificate

• Brief about your startup & innovation

• Directors' details

Approval Time: 1–3 weeks

As of 2024, over 1,20,000+ startups have received DPIIT recognition in India. (Source: Startup India Dashboard)

Optional: Register for GST (Goods and Services Tax)

When Required:

• Your turnover exceeds ₹40 lakhs (₹20 lakhs for services)

• Selling online (e.g., Amazon, Flipkart)

• Interstate selling

Register via: gst.gov.in
No fee is charged.

Startup Registration Snapshot Table

Documents Required

• Aadhaar & PAN card of all founders

• Passport-size photos

• Utility bill/rent agreement of office (if available)

• MOA & AOA (for companies)

• Email ID & mobile number for OTP verification

Summary & Action Steps

You don’t need a CA or lawyer to register a business anymore. With tools like SPICe+ and Startup India, you can complete the entire process online from home.

To Get Started:

1. Finalize your structure (Private Ltd, LLP, etc.)

2. Get DSC for all founders

3. Register via MCA portal using SPICe+

4. Apply for DPIIT recognition via Startup India

5. Get GST if you sell online or cross ₹40L turnover

Sources Referenced

• Ministry of Corporate Affairs (mca.gov.in)

• Startup India (startupindia.gov.in)

• GST Portal (gst.gov.in)

• Invest India Reports

• DPIIT Startup Dashboard (2024)