Pre-Registration Documents
PAN Card Required
PAN cards of all directors and shareholders (mandatory for all)
📄 Format: Scanned copy
🕒 Timeline: Must have before filing
Aadhaar Card Required
Aadhaar of all directors for Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
📄 Format: Scanned copy
🕒 Timeline: For DSC application
Address Proof Required
Registered office proof: Rent agreement + NOC OR Property deed
📄 Format: Notarized copy
🕒 Timeline: Within 30 days
Director KYC Required
Passport/Voter ID/Driver's License + Bank statement (last 2 months)
📄 Format: Self-attested copies
🕒 Timeline: Before DIN application
Company Registration Steps
Step 1: DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) ₹1,500-3,000
Apply for Class 2/3 DSC for all directors. Valid for 2 years.
🕒 Timeline: 1-2 days
📋 Provider: eMudhra, Sify, etc.
Step 2: DIN (Director Identification Number) Free
Apply via SPICe+ form for all directors (new or existing DIN)
🕒 Timeline: Same day with SPICe+
📋 Portal: MCA portal
Step 3: Name Approval (RUN) Free
Reserve Unique Name - Submit 2 preferred names for approval
🕒 Timeline: Instant to 1 day
💡 Tip: Use RUN service on MCA portal
Step 4: SPICe+ Filing ₹500 + ₹1,000
File SPICe+ form (company incorporation + PAN + TAN application combined)
🕒 Timeline: 5-7 days
📋 Includes: Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, TAN
Step 5: MoA & AoA Included
Draft Memorandum & Articles of Association (attached with SPICe+)
🕒 Timeline: Before SPICe+ filing
💡 Tip: Include ESOP clauses for startups
Post-Incorporation Compliance
Bank Account Opening ₹5,000-15,000
Open current account. Required: COI, PAN, MoA/AoA, Board Resolution
🕒 Timeline: 3-7 days
💡 Recommended: HDFC, ICICI, Axis for startups
GST Registration Optional
Mandatory if turnover > ₹20L (₹10L for services). Apply within 30 days.
🕒 Timeline: 7-10 days
📋 Portal: GST portal
Startup India Registration Optional
Get DPIIT recognition for tax benefits and exemptions
🕒 Timeline: 1-2 weeks
💡 Benefits: 3-year tax holiday, IPR fast-track
Estimated Costs (India)
Digital Signature Certificate (2 directors)
₹3,000 - ₹6,000
Name Reservation (RUN)
₹0
SPICe+ Filing Fee (ROC)
₹1,500
Stamp Duty (varies by state)
₹5,000 - ₹10,000
Professional Fees (CA/CS)
₹5,000 - ₹15,000
Bank Account Opening
₹5,000 - ₹15,000
Total (Approximate)
₹20,000 - ₹55,000
Pre-Registration Requirements
Company Name Selection Free
Check availability on Delaware Division of Corporations website
📄 Format: Must include "Inc.", "Corp.", or "Company"
🕒 Timeline: Instant check online
Registered Agent Required
Delaware requires a registered agent with physical address in DE
💰 Cost: $50-300/year
💡 Options: Harvard Business Services, Incorporate.com
EIN (Employer ID Number) Free
Apply for EIN from IRS (required for bank account and taxes)
🕒 Timeline: Same day (online)
📋 Portal: IRS.gov
Incorporation Documents
Certificate of Incorporation $89
File with Delaware Division of Corporations
🕒 Timeline: 1-2 weeks (standard) / 24 hours (expedited +$100)
Bylaws Included
Internal rules for company governance (not filed with state)
💡 Tip: Use YC or Orrick startup templates
Stock Certificates $50-200
Issue shares to founders (use Carta or Clerky for cap table)
🕒 Timeline: After incorporation
83(b) Election Critical!
File with IRS within 30 days of stock grant (saves huge taxes)
🕒 Deadline: 30 days from stock grant
⚠️ Important: Mail to IRS + keep receipt
Estimated Costs (Delaware C-Corp)
Delaware Filing Fee
$89
Registered Agent (annual)
$50 - $300
Franchise Tax (annual minimum)
$175 - $400
Legal/Formation Service
$500 - $2,000
Cap Table Software (Carta/Clerky)
$0 - $500
Total First Year
$800 - $3,500