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Guide

Incorporating a private limited company (SPICe+)

Incorporate a private limited company online using SPICe+ with integrated PAN, TAN, GSTIN and EPFO/ESIC registration.

Pending professional review. This content was drafted with Claude from official sources and has not yet been reviewed by an ArthaKara professional. Verify against the official sources before relying on it.

1. Overview

SPICe+ (INC-32) is the integrated web form for company incorporation. It covers name reservation, incorporation, DIN allotment, PAN and TAN, and through AGILE-PRO-S, GSTIN, EPFO, ESIC, professional tax (where applicable) and a bank account.

2. Applicability

Persons who want to incorporate a private limited company in India.

3. Eligibility

Minimum two directors and two shareholders (can be the same persons); at least one director resident in India for 182 days or more in the previous calendar year; a registered office address in India.

4. Documents required

  • PAN and Aadhaar of directors and subscribers
  • Address proof and photographs
  • Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) of directors and subscribers
  • Registered office proof (utility bill, not older than two months) and NOC from the owner
  • Draft memorandum and articles of association (e-MoA INC-33, e-AoA INC-34)
  • Declarations INC-9 and DIR-2 consent

5. Step-by-step procedure

  1. Obtain DSCs for proposed directors and subscribers.
  2. Fill SPICe+ Part A on the MCA portal to reserve the name (two proposed names allowed).
  3. After name approval, complete SPICe+ Part B: capital, registered office, directors (DIN allotted for up to three), subscribers.
  4. Fill linked forms: e-MoA (INC-33), e-AoA (INC-34), AGILE-PRO-S (INC-35), and INC-9.
  5. Affix DSCs, get professional certification and submit; pay fees and stamp duty.
  6. Receive the Certificate of Incorporation with CIN, PAN and TAN.
  7. Open the bank account and file INC-20A (declaration for commencement of business) within 180 days after subscribers pay for shares.

6. Government portal

MCA portal

7. Government fees

Fees and stamp duty depend on authorised capital and the State. Check the MCA fee calculator before filing; ArthaKara does not quote government fees until officially verified for your case.

8. Relevant Act and sections

Sections 3, 4, 5, 7, 10A, 149 and 152-154, Companies Act, 2013.

9. Applicable Rules

Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014; Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014; Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014.

10. Notifications and circulars

MCA notifications on SPICe+ and AGILE-PRO-S forms.

11. Time limits and due dates

Name reserved through SPICe+ Part A is valid for 20 days; INC-20A within 180 days of incorporation; first auditor to be appointed by the Board within 30 days.

See the due dates calendar

12. Common mistakes

  • Names that resemble existing companies or trademarks
  • Utility bills older than two months
  • Mismatched names across PAN and Aadhaar
  • Not filing INC-20A on time
  • Main objects drafted too narrowly

13. FAQs

Is there a minimum capital?

No minimum paid-up capital is required.

Can a foreign national be a director?

Yes, but at least one director must be resident in India.

14. Downloadable checklist

Download checklist (PDF)

15. Last verified

Not yet verified by an ArthaKara reviewer.

Mandatory legal requirements
  • At least one resident director
  • INC-20A within 180 days
  • Appointment of first auditor within 30 days
Recommended professional practices
  • Check trademark availability before choosing a name
  • Set up accounting and statutory registers from day one

Official sources

Information published by ArthaKara Consulting Services is intended for general educational and informational purposes. It is based on the statutory provisions and official information referenced on the respective page as of its stated verification date. Laws, rules, notifications and regulatory interpretations may change. Readers should independently verify the applicable provisions and seek professional advice before taking action. ArthaKara is an independent professional information and consulting platform and is not a government website or government-endorsed portal.