Tuesday, 4 November 2025

Documents Required for Setting Up a Pvt. Ltd. Company in India (2025 Updated Guide)

Starting a Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.) in India is one of the smartest ways to build a recognized and compliant business entity. It provides legal protection, credibility, and opportunities to attract investors. However, before you begin the incorporation process, you must ensure that all required documents are ready and properly verified.

This detailed guide explains every document you’ll need — from director KYC proofs to office address verification — to successfully complete the Procedure to set up a Pvt. ltd company process in India.


Why Documentation Matters in Company Formation

When you apply for company incorporation through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), the entire process happens digitally using the SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) form.

Since no physical verification occurs initially, documentation plays a crucial role in establishing your business’s authenticity and compliance.

Incorrect, incomplete, or mismatched documents are the most common reasons for rejection or delays in registration. Ensuring accuracy and consistency across all documents will save both time and cost.


Overview of Documentation Categories

The documents required for setting up a Private Limited Company can be grouped into three main categories:

  1. Documents for Directors and Shareholders

  2. Documents for the Registered Office

  3. Legal and Compliance Documents (MOA, AOA, etc.)

Let’s explore each in detail.


1. Documents Required for Directors and Shareholders

A Private Limited Company requires at least two directors and two shareholders. The same individuals can serve both roles.

Here’s what each director and shareholder needs to provide:

A. Identity Proof (Any One of the Following):

  • PAN Card (Mandatory for Indian Nationals)
    PAN is the primary identity proof used for tax and registration purposes. It must be valid and clearly legible.

  • Passport (For Foreign Nationals)
    Foreign promoters or directors must submit a valid, notarized, and apostilled passport.

  • Voter ID / Driving License / Aadhaar Card
    These are accepted as supplementary ID proofs for Indian citizens.

Tip: Ensure that the name and spelling on all identity documents match exactly with other documents (like PAN, Aadhaar, and bank details) to avoid rejection.


B. Address Proof (Any One of the Following):

  • Latest Electricity Bill, Telephone Bill, or Bank Statement (not older than 2 months)

  • Valid Aadhaar Card or Voter ID

The address proof confirms the residential location of each director and shareholder. Ensure that your address proof contains your name and address exactly as in PAN.


C. Passport-Sized Photograph

Each director and shareholder must submit a recent, clear, and color passport-sized photograph in digital format.


D. Contact Details

  • Valid Email ID

  • Active Mobile Number
    These are used for communication and verification during the MCA registration process.


E. Additional Documents for Foreign Nationals (If Applicable):

If a foreign national or NRI is a director or shareholder:

  • Passport (notarized and apostilled)

  • Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement, not older than 2 months)

  • A valid visa and residence permit (if residing in India)

These documents must be notarized in the home country and apostilled as per international standards.


2. Documents Required for Registered Office Address

The registered office of a Pvt. Ltd. company serves as the official address for all government and legal correspondence.

You must submit valid proof of ownership or tenancy along with the owner’s consent.

A. Proof of Address (Any One):

  • Electricity Bill

  • Water Bill

  • Gas Bill

  • Property Tax Receipt

These documents must not be older than 2 months and should clearly show the address and owner’s name.


B. Ownership Proof

If the office premises are owned by a director or shareholder, submit the property ownership document or sale deed.


C. Rent Agreement (If Rented Property)

For rented offices, a legally valid rent agreement between the company and the property owner is required.

The rent agreement must:

  • Be on a non-judicial stamp paper (as per state rules)

  • Clearly mention the rental period, address, and rent amount

  • Be signed by both parties


D. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Owner

The property owner must issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) allowing the company to use the premises as its registered office.

Format Example:

“I, [Owner’s Name], hereby provide my consent to allow [Company Name] to use the premises located at [Address] as its registered office. I have no objection to the same.”

The NOC must include the owner’s signature, contact details, and date.


E. Verification of Registered Office

The registered office must be functional within 30 days of incorporation. The ROC may conduct a physical or digital inspection to confirm its authenticity.


3. Legal and Statutory Documents

After the identity and address verification, the company needs to submit several legal documents that define its objectives, governance, and structure.

A. Memorandum of Association (MOA)

The MOA defines the company’s objectives, business activities, and operational scope. It serves as the company’s constitution, outlining the purpose for which the company is formed.

It includes:

  • Name clause

  • Registered office clause

  • Object clause

  • Liability clause

  • Capital clause

In online registration, MOA is submitted electronically as e-MOA (INC-33).


B. Articles of Association (AOA)

The AOA governs the internal management of the company, outlining rules and regulations for:

  • Appointment and powers of directors

  • Shareholding patterns

  • Voting rights

  • Meetings and resolutions

  • Dividend distribution

The AOA is submitted electronically as e-AOA (INC-34).


C. Declaration by Directors and Subscribers (Form INC-9)

Each director and shareholder must digitally sign a declaration (Form INC-9) stating that they are:

  • Not convicted of any offense related to company management

  • Compliant with all provisions of the Companies Act, 2013


D. Consent to Act as Director (Form DIR-2)

Every director must provide a written consent to act in that capacity. This form is filed along with identity and address proofs.


E. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Each proposed director must obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for signing e-forms. It ensures secure authentication and document integrity during the MCA filing process.


F. Director Identification Number (DIN)

DIN is a unique number assigned to every company director. It can be applied for within the SPICe+ form or separately through Form DIR-3.


Checklist of All Required Documents (Summary)

CategoryDocuments Required
Directors/ShareholdersPAN Card, Aadhaar/Passport, Address Proof, Photo, Email ID, Mobile No.
Foreign NationalsNotarized Passport, Address Proof, Visa/Residence Permit
Registered OfficeUtility Bill, Rent Agreement, NOC from Owner
Legal DocumentsMOA, AOA, INC-9, DIR-2, DSC, DIN
AdditionalBank account proof (post-incorporation), GST application documents

4. Additional Tips for Smooth Documentation

  1. Ensure Consistency Across All Documents – Names, addresses, and spellings must match exactly.

  2. Scan Documents Clearly – All scans should be in color, high-resolution, and in PDF format.

  3. Check Validity Period – Bills and statements should not be older than two months.

  4. Avoid Common Errors – Illegible documents, unsigned NOCs, or mismatched addresses can lead to rejection.

  5. Use Professional Help – Expert consultants can verify and prepare all documents before submission to the ROC.


Common Reasons for Document Rejection

  • Name mismatch between PAN and Aadhaar

  • Expired utility bills or missing NOC

  • Unclear scanned copies

  • Invalid rent agreement or unsigned owner consent

  • Failure to notarize foreign documents

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures faster incorporation and prevents unnecessary re-submissions.


5. Why Professional Assistance Simplifies Documentation

At Company Formation India, our experts handle the entire documentation process — from verification to submission.

Here’s how we help:

  • Document checklist preparation

  • Drafting MOA & AOA

  • Obtaining DSC and DIN

  • Reviewing and formatting scanned files

  • Filing forms on the MCA portal

Our support minimizes rejection risks, reduces delays, and ensures a smooth, compliant registration experience.


Conclusion

Accurate documentation is the foundation of a successful Private Limited Company setup in India. From director KYC proofs to the company’s MOA and AOA, every document plays a vital role in proving authenticity and ensuring legal compliance.

By keeping your documents ready, verified, and updated, you can complete the entire company registration process online in just 7–10 working days.

If you’re ready to start your business journey, get expert guidance at Company Formation India — your trusted partner for Private Limited Company formation across India.


FAQs

Q1. Can I use my home address as a registered office?
Yes, you can use your residential address as the registered office, provided you have an NOC from the property owner.

Q2. Do all directors need DSC and DIN?
Yes. Every proposed director must obtain both a Digital Signature Certificate and a Director Identification Number.

Q3. Can foreign nationals be directors in a Pvt. Ltd. company?
Yes, but they must submit notarized and apostilled identity and address proofs.

Q4. Is PAN mandatory for all directors?
Yes. PAN is compulsory for all Indian directors and shareholders.

Q5. What happens if any document is missing or incorrect?
Incomplete or invalid documents will delay incorporation and may result in rejection by the MCA.

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