How long does it take to register a private limited company in India?
Typically 7 to 15 working days from the point your documents are complete. The filing itself goes through the MCA's SPICe+ form, which bundles name reservation, incorporation, PAN, TAN and DIN allotment into a single application. Delays almost always come from document mismatches — a name that clashes with an existing trademark, or an address proof older than two months.
What is the minimum capital needed to start a Pvt Ltd company in India?
There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement. India removed it through the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2015. You can incorporate with a nominal authorised capital, though most founders set it at a level that leaves room for the first funding round without needing to amend the capital clause later.
Do I need GST registration immediately after incorporating?
Not automatically. GST registration becomes mandatory once turnover crosses ₹40 lakh for goods or ₹20 lakh for services, and immediately regardless of turnover if you sell inter-state, sell through an e-commerce marketplace, or fall under reverse charge. Many founders register voluntarily anyway, because without a GSTIN you cannot claim input tax credit and larger B2B clients often will not onboard you.
Can a foreign national or NRI own an Indian company?
Yes. Foreign nationals and NRIs can hold shares in an Indian private limited company, and most sectors allow 100% foreign direct investment through the automatic route. The constraint is on the board, not the cap table: at least one director must be resident in India, meaning they have stayed in India for 182 days or more in the previous financial year.
What compliance is due every year for an Indian private limited company?
At minimum: MGT-7 annual return and AOC-4 financial statements to the ROC, an income tax return, DIR-3 KYC for each director, and a board meeting cadence with minutes. If you are GST-registered, add monthly or quarterly GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B filings. If you deduct TDS, add quarterly TDS returns. Missing ROC deadlines carries a daily penalty that does not cap out, so the calendar matters more than the individual filing.