With the introduction of INC-29, company registration is now easier than ever. However, you will see why it is still advisable to do it through professionals when you read about the whole process.
Company registration is a three-stage process with the new Form INC-29. If you follow the correct method and waste no time, you could have the incorporation certificate within 14 working days. But always be prepared for a longer wait, particularly if the Registrar of Companies (RoC) has a heavy workload at the time or if your proposed company’s name is rejected on the first attempt.
Here is a detailed explanation of the procedure along with expected timelines. We’ve also answered FAQs and suggested best practices for your application. However, if you still have questions you can contact our team at Vakilsearch.
You can follow this process and register the company yourself or you can choose to register it with Vakilsearch and we will take care of everything at a nominal cost.
1. Obtaining a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Time to complete: 2 to 4 days
Cost: ₹1500
As PVT company registration is now done online, one of your company’s directors’ signatures will be needed on all the electronic documents. To make this possible, they would need a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). This is available from a vendor of any one of the six certifying authorities appointed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), including Tata Consultancy Services, nCode and e-Mudhra. The rates of their vendors could differ vastly. Charges would include the cost of the physical USB token on which the certificate is stored.
The entire process would take two to five days, largely because hard copies of the form INC-29 and documents need to be couriered to the vendor (online legal services companies, including Vakilsearch, would, however, need only self-attested soft copies to begin the process).
What do you need to submit?
Completed application form
- Identity proof: Copy of PAN card or, in case of foreign national, copy of passport
- Address proof: Copy of (any 1) passport/election/voter ID/ration card/driver’s license/utilities bill/Aadhar card. If the utility bill (gas/telephone) is submitted, it should be in the name of the applicant and no older than two months from the filing of the form INC-29 (12 months, in case of foreign national)
Common Reasons for Rejection of DSC
The following minor mistakes can cause a delay in your application:
- Abbreviating names: Do not abbreviate directors’ names, regardless of what is mentioned in the ID/address proof
- Spelling mistakes: Errors in the name are completely unacceptable
- Old bills: Always provide the latest utility bill. Also, it needs to be in the applicant’s name
- Prefixes: Do not prefix Mr./Mrs/Shri., etc
2. Search for Company Name Availability
Time to complete: 1 to 2 days (simultaneous with DSC application)
Cost: Free
You don’t need to wait for the DSC to begin this process. In fact, given how tricky it can be, you should start it as soon as you apply for Digital signature Certificate Online. The reasons are that the Form INC-29 only allows you to propose one company name and the MCA is very picky about the ones it approves. Here is where you can find out all the guidelines for naming your private company.
3. Drafting of MoA & AoA
Time to complete: 2 days
Cost: ₹2000 to ₹5000 per document
Once the name is approved, the MCA requires a definition of the proposed company. These will be provided through the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA), which can be drafted by a CS or lawyer. Both need to be self-attested.
4. Getting the documents in order
Time to complete: 2 days
Cost: n/a
The Form INC-29 that we’ll talk about in the next step is an 8-page form. Along with it, you’ll need to submit several documents. As it can take up to 10 for approval and resubmission is allowed only once, it’s worth taking two days to get all the documents in order. Here are all the documents and information you need ready:
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DIN application
Up to three directors may apply for the Director Information Number (DIN). To apply, you need a scanned copy of a passport-sized photograph, the PAN card (passport in case of foreign national), and a soft copy of the driver’s license/voter ID/latest utility bill.
Indian nationals would have to self-attest these documents. Foreign nationals residing in commonwealth countries would need them apostilled, while those in commonwealth nations can have them notarised. If your company has more than 3 directors without DINs, you would need to provide their details and apply for DINs separately (DSCs would also be required).
2. Name approval
You need to have settled on a name for your company and describe its significance and main objects in a single line.
3. MoA & AoA
Memorandum and Articles of Association, which would also contain the main objects of your business. To the MoA, you would need to attach an affidavit from all subscribers in Form INC-9.
4. Registered office verification
As part of the filing, you will need to provide details about the registered office address. For this, you would need to provide a copy of the latest utility bill for the office address, a copy of the rental agreement along with a NOC from the owner (if rented property), or a sale deed (if the property is owned).
5. Appointment letters and declarations
Letters of appointment of directors, CEO, and managers, a declaration by the first director in INC-9, and declaration by appointee director and managing director in Form DIR-2. All of these would need to be self-attested. A Company Secretary would also need to give a declaration toward the proposed company verifying the authenticity of the declarations.
5. Filing of INC-29
Time to complete: 1 day
Cost: ₹2,000 + authorised capital fee + stamp duty
The form needs to be filed very carefully because you only get one opportunity to resubmit it. So let’s say your form is found to have five errors by the RoC, but you only correct three of them, the RoC will reject your form INC-29 and you would have to pay the filing fees again and go through immense trouble to get a refund on the government fees and the stamp duty. This is why you have to ensure your documents are in order.
Once you file the form, RoC fees and stamp duty will need to be paid electronically. RoC fees change according to authorised capital and the stamp duty varies by location. In certain states, such as Punjab and Kerala, it is costlier than in others. You can calculate the fees to be paid on the MCA website (find out Vakilsearch fees for company registration).
6. Verification by RoC & issuance of a certificate of incorporation
Time to Complete: 2 to 8 working days
Cost: n/a
The RoC will verify the documents. If any changes are needed, you will be notified of the required changes. If it’s all clear, you shall receive the certificate of incorporation within seven to eight working days. It will be e-mailed to the directors. The MCA now only issues digital certificates. You can print out the incorporation certificate if you wish.
7. Obtaining PAN and TAN
Time to complete: 21 working days
Cost: ₹109 + ₹67
The Income Tax Act, 1961, requires each company to quote a registered Permanent Account Number and Tax Account Number.
The procedure is as follows:
- Go to the NSDL website: https://nsdl.co.in/ and fill in the application for PAN and TAN. For PAN, you will pay ₹109, while ₹67 must be paid towards TAN.
- On payment, you will receive an acknowledgment letter for each.
- Make two copies of the Certificate of Incorporation.
- Put the company seal (rubber stamp) and the signature of the director who will be operating the bank account on each document.
- Courier the documents and acknowledgment slips for PAN and TAN separately.
- You should receive hard copies of both within 21 days at the registered office.
After you receive your PAN card and TAN you can open a current account and commence your business.
You can register your company through Vakilsearch and save yourself from all the hassles. Our experts take care of everything from verifying your documents, and drafting MoA and AoA to applying for PAN and TAN. Form INC-29: Your key to swift and hassle-free company incorporation, making the process seamless and efficient.
Conclusion:
Navigating the process of new company registration in India, specifically through Form INC-29, involves several critical stages: obtaining a Digital Signature Certificate, securing company name approval, drafting Memorandum and Articles of Association, compiling necessary documents, filing Form INC-29, and awaiting verification by the Registrar of Companies (RoC). While the timeline can vary, diligent preparation and attention to detail can expedite the issuance of the incorporation certificate within approximately 14 working days, barring any unforeseen delays. Partnering with experienced professionals like Vakilsearch can streamline this journey, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitating a smooth start to your entrepreneurial venture.
