Startup Registration from idea to incorporated, recognised startup.

Startup registration in India is not a single act but a sequence of related filings that together give a new venture its legal identity, statutory licences, and access to the policy benefits available to early-stage businesses. The first and most foundational decision is the choice of entity — a private limited company under the Companies Act, 2013 for ventures planning to raise external capital, a limited liability partnership for service or professional firms, or a one person company for solo founders.

Once the entity is incorporated, the startup typically needs PAN, TAN, GST, professional tax, and Shop and Establishment registration; Udyam registration where it qualifies as an MSME; DPIIT recognition under the Startup India scheme; and digital signatures for directors and authorised signatories. Where founders are issuing equity, advance planning is needed on the founder agreement, vesting schedule, employee stock option plan, and shareholders agreement. Each of these decisions affects future fundraising, tax treatment, and exit flexibility.

Our startup registration practice acts as the founder's external company secretary and compliance partner for the first year. We advise on entity choice, file the incorporation with MCA, obtain PAN, TAN, GST, and other registrations, file DPIIT recognition where eligible, draft founder agreements and ESOPs, set up the books of account and tax calendar, and complete the first year of MCA filings.