Business Setup Services

Register and launch your business — from private companies to international incorporations.

Business Setup services

Business Setup: complete guide

Introduction

Starting a business in India involves more than choosing a name and opening a bank account. You need to pick a legal structure, register it with the right authority, obtain tax registrations, and secure the licences and certifications that apply to your industry. The choices you make at this stage shape your liability, your tax position, your ability to raise money and the compliance you will carry for years. A food business needs an FSSAI licence, an importer needs an Import Export Code, a manufacturer of notified electronic goods needs BIS registration, and a startup that wants tax benefits needs recognition under the Startup India programme.

Our Business Setup services bring these steps together in one place. We help founders, families, professionals and established businesses register companies, LLPs, partnership firms and proprietorships; obtain registrations such as Udyam, Startup India, IEC, FSSAI, BIS, hallmarking, legal metrology and ISO certification; secure Digital Signature Certificates; check and choose business names; set up specialised entities such as Nidhi companies and producer companies; and incorporate overseas entities in jurisdictions such as Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States. We also build business and e-commerce websites for newly formed businesses.

Every service in this category follows the same principle: understand the business first, then choose the registration that fits. A founder planning to raise venture capital needs a different structure from a consultant working alone or a family running a shop. A business that sells packaged food online needs a different set of registrations from one that exports engineering goods. Our team looks at what you actually plan to do and recommends the combination of registrations that applies, without adding services you do not need.

Professional help matters here because the rules are spread across many laws and authorities, including the Companies Act, 2013, the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, the Indian Partnership Act, 1932, the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006. Each has its own forms, portals, documents and timelines, and each is amended from time to time. An error at the setup stage, such as an inconsistent address, a wrongly chosen activity code or a name that clashes with a trademark, can cause delays and costs that are easy to avoid with the right preparation.

Services in This Category

Private Limited Company Registration. The most common structure for startups and growing businesses. A private limited company is a separate legal entity with limited liability for shareholders, and is the preferred structure for raising equity investment. We handle name reservation, drafting of the Memorandum and Articles, the SPICe+ filing and the issue of PAN and TAN.

One Person Company Registration. A company with a single shareholder, introduced by the Companies Act, 2013 for solo founders who want limited liability and a corporate structure. It requires a nominee and has somewhat lighter compliance than a private limited company. We handle the incorporation and nominee consent.

Limited Liability Partnership Registration. An LLP combines the flexibility of a partnership with limited liability for its partners. It suits professional firms, consultancies and businesses that do not plan to raise equity funding. We prepare the incorporation filing and the LLP agreement.

Partnership Firm Registration. A traditional structure for two or more people doing business together under a partnership deed. Registration with the Registrar of Firms under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932 is optional but gives the firm important legal rights, such as the ability to sue third parties. We draft the deed and handle registration in your state.

Sole Proprietorship. The simplest form of business, owned and run by one person, with no separate legal identity. A proprietorship is set up through registrations such as GST, Udyam or a shops and establishments licence in the proprietor's name. We help you choose and obtain the registrations that establish your business identity.

Nidhi Company Registration. A Nidhi company is a type of company recognised under section 406 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Nidhi Rules, 2014, formed to encourage thrift and savings among its members by accepting deposits from and lending to members only. It has specific requirements on members, net owned funds and declarations. We handle incorporation and the initial compliance filings.

Producer Company. A producer company is formed by primary producers, such as farmers, to carry on activities like production, procurement, processing and marketing of their produce. It is governed by the producer company provisions now contained in the Companies Act, 2013. We handle incorporation for groups of producers and producer institutions.

Startup India Registration. Recognition by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade as a startup, available to eligible private limited companies, LLPs and registered partnership firms. Recognition can open up benefits such as self-certification under certain labour and environmental laws, faster patent examination with fee concessions, and eligibility to apply for tax benefits. We prepare and file the application.

MSME/SSI Registration. Registration on the Udyam portal for micro, small and medium enterprises, based on investment in plant and machinery or equipment and on turnover. Udyam registration can help with priority sector lending, protection against delayed payments under the MSMED Act, and eligibility for government schemes. We complete the registration for you.

IEC [Import/Export Code]. A ten-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade that is required for most import and export of goods and for availing export benefits. The IEC is linked to the PAN of the business and must be updated each year. We file the application and the annual update.

FSSAI Registration Online. Every food business operator, from home-based food makers to manufacturers, restaurants, cloud kitchens and importers, must obtain an FSSAI basic registration, state licence or central licence depending on its turnover and type of activity. We identify the correct category and file the application.

BIS Registration. Certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards for products covered by Quality Control Orders, including the ISI mark under the Product Certification Scheme and registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme for electronic and IT goods. We identify the applicable standard, coordinate testing and handle the application.

Hallmark Registration. Registration with the Bureau of Indian Standards for jewellers who sell hallmarked gold and silver jewellery and artefacts. Hallmarking is mandatory for notified gold articles in notified districts. We help jewellers obtain and maintain registration.

Legal Metrology. Registrations and licences under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, including registration for manufacturers, packers and importers of pre-packaged commodities, and licences for dealers, repairers and manufacturers of weights and measures. We handle applications with the central or state authority as applicable.

ISO Certification. Certification of your management system against international standards, such as quality management, environmental management or information security management. ISO certification is voluntary but often required by large clients and tenders. We help you prepare documentation and coordinate with an accredited certification body.

Digital Signature Certificate. A Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is needed by directors, designated partners and authorised signatories for filings on government portals such as the MCA portal, the income tax portal, the GST portal for companies, and for e-tenders. We arrange issuance after online verification.

Company Name Search. A check of your proposed company or LLP name against existing companies, LLPs and the trademark register, with a view on whether the name is likely to be approved under the naming rules. This helps you avoid rejection at the name reservation stage.

Business Name Generator. A free online tool that suggests possible business names based on your keywords and industry. It helps you build a shortlist, which can then be checked through our Company Name Search and trademark search services.

Dubai Incorporation. Setting up a mainland, free zone or offshore company in Dubai, along with guidance on Indian overseas investment rules for Indian residents and companies investing in the entity.

Singapore Incorporation. Incorporation of a private limited company in Singapore, a common choice for founders seeking a regional base in Southeast Asia, access to investors and a well-regarded legal system. We coordinate with licensed local service providers and handle the Indian-side reporting.

Hong Kong Incorporation. Incorporation of a private company in Hong Kong for businesses trading with or sourcing from China and East Asia. We coordinate the local filings and the Indian overseas investment requirements.

Netherlands Incorporation. Setting up a private limited company in the Netherlands, often used as a European base for trade, distribution and services. We coordinate with local notaries and service providers and handle the India side.

UK Incorporation. Incorporation of a private limited company in the United Kingdom, used by founders who want a UK presence for clients, contracting or expansion into Europe. We handle the registration and guide you on ongoing UK filings.

US Incorporation. Formation of a corporation or limited liability company in a US state, commonly used by founders who want to sell to US customers, raise funding from US investors or set up a technology business. We handle formation and guide you on federal tax identification and ongoing filings.

Web/E-Commerce Website Development. Design and development of a business website or online store for newly registered businesses, so you can present your products and services and start selling online once your registrations are in place.

Who These Services Are For

  • First-time founders who need help choosing the right structure and completing the registrations to start trading legally.
  • Startups planning to raise funding that need a company structure, Startup India recognition and clean documentation from day one.
  • Solo entrepreneurs and freelancers looking for a simple setup, such as a proprietorship or one person company.
  • Professionals and consultants who want a partnership firm or LLP for their practice.
  • Food businesses of every size, from home kitchens to manufacturers, that need FSSAI registration or a licence.
  • Manufacturers and importers of goods covered by BIS, hallmarking or legal metrology requirements.
  • Exporters and importers who need an Import Export Code and related registrations.
  • Small and medium enterprises that want Udyam registration to access credit, schemes and delayed payment protection.
  • Farmer groups and producer organisations looking to form a producer company.
  • Community savings groups that want to form a Nidhi company under the rules.
  • Indian businesses expanding abroad and NRIs setting up overseas entities.
  • Businesses bidding for tenders that ask for ISO certification or other quality credentials.

How to Choose the Right Service

Start with the questions that decide your structure, then move to industry-specific registrations.

Step one: choose your legal structure. If you plan to raise equity funding or want a structure that investors understand, a private limited company is usually the most suitable. If you are a single founder who wants limited liability, consider a one person company. If you want limited liability with lighter compliance and do not plan to issue shares, compare an LLP. If you want the simplest possible setup and are comfortable with unlimited personal liability, a proprietorship or partnership firm may be enough. Specialised needs, such as a member-based savings body or a farmer collective, point to a Nidhi company or a producer company.

Step two: secure your name and signatures. Use the Business Name Generator to build ideas, then run a Company Name Search before filing. Directors and designated partners will need a Digital Signature Certificate for company and LLP filings.

Step three: add the registrations your activity requires. Food businesses need FSSAI. Importers and exporters need an IEC. Manufacturers or importers of notified products need BIS registration, and jewellers selling hallmarked articles need hallmark registration. Businesses packing or importing pre-packaged goods, or dealing in weights and measures, usually need legal metrology registration.

Step four: consider registrations that bring benefits. Udyam registration can help small businesses access credit and schemes. Startup India recognition opens up specific benefits for eligible startups. ISO certification can help with large clients and tenders.

Step five: consider overseas expansion separately. If you need an entity abroad, the choice of country depends on your customers, investors and operations. Indian overseas investment rules apply whichever country you choose.

If you are unsure, a short consultation with our team can map out the exact services your business needs and the order in which to complete them.

How We Work

  1. Understand your business. We discuss what you plan to do, who your customers are, where you will operate, how many founders are involved, and your plans for funding and growth.
  2. Recommend the right services. We suggest the structure and registrations that apply to your business, and explain why each is needed.
  3. Share a document checklist. You receive a checklist tailored to your structure and activity, so you can gather everything in one go.
  4. Review documents before filing. Our team checks names, addresses, signatures and supporting documents for consistency, since mismatches are the most common reason for queries.
  5. Prepare and file applications. We draft the required documents and file applications on the relevant government portals, with government fees paid at actual.
  6. Handle queries. If an authority raises a query or asks for resubmission, we prepare the response and refile within the time allowed.
  7. Deliver certificates and next steps. Once approved, we share the certificates and registration details, along with a summary of the compliance that follows.
  8. Ongoing support. Many registrations carry annual filings, renewals or updates. We can take care of these through our compliance services.

Rules and procedures across these laws change from time to time. We check the current requirements for each service at the time of filing.

Pricing

Each service in this category has its own pricing, shown on the respective service page. Some services have a fixed professional fee, some are quoted after we review your requirements, and the Business Name Generator is free to use.

Professional fees cover our work in advising, preparing documents, filing and following up on the application. Government fees, stamp duty, testing charges, certification body charges and similar third-party costs vary by state, capital, product or jurisdiction, and are payable at actual. Where you need several services together, such as incorporation along with GST, Udyam and an IEC, we can set out the combined scope and fees clearly before we begin.

FAQs

Which business structure should I choose?

It depends on your plans. A private limited company suits businesses planning to raise funding, an LLP suits professional and service businesses wanting limited liability with lighter compliance, a one person company suits solo founders, and a proprietorship suits very small or early-stage businesses. We help you compare them.

Do I need GST registration when I register my business?

Not always. GST registration depends on your turnover, the type of supply and whether you sell across states or online. It can be applied for at the time of incorporation or later when it becomes necessary.

Can I register a company from home?

Yes. A residential address can be used as the registered office or place of business, with suitable address proof and a no-objection certificate from the owner if the property is not in your name.

Do I need a Digital Signature Certificate for every director?

For company and LLP incorporation, each proposed director or designated partner who signs the forms needs a valid Digital Signature Certificate.

Is FSSAI registration needed for a home-based food business?

Yes. Every food business operator, including small home-based businesses, needs at least an FSSAI basic registration. Larger businesses need a state or central licence depending on turnover and activity.

What is the difference between Udyam registration and Startup India recognition?

Udyam registration is for micro, small and medium enterprises based on investment and turnover. Startup India recognition is for eligible new businesses working on innovation or scalable business models. A business can hold both if it meets both sets of criteria.

Do I need an IEC for exporting services?

An IEC is mainly required for import and export of goods. For services, it is generally needed when you want to claim benefits under the foreign trade policy. We can confirm the position for your business.

How do I know if my product needs BIS certification?

A product needs BIS certification if it is covered by a Quality Control Order or a notification under the Compulsory Registration Scheme. The list is updated regularly, so we check it against your product.

Can I convert my business into a different structure later?

Yes. A proprietorship can be converted into a company, a partnership firm into an LLP, and a private company into a public company, among other options, by following the prescribed procedures. Conversions involve filings and costs, so choosing carefully at the start is worthwhile.

Can an Indian company set up a subsidiary abroad?

Yes, subject to the overseas investment rules under the Foreign Exchange Management Act. Investments must be routed through an authorised dealer bank and reported within the prescribed timelines.

Can foreign nationals register a business in India?

Yes. Foreign nationals and companies can set up a private limited company or LLP in India, subject to the foreign direct investment rules for their sector. At least one director of a company must be resident in India.

Do these registrations need to be renewed?

Some do. FSSAI licences, BIS licences, ISO certificates and Digital Signature Certificates have validity periods, and the IEC needs an annual update. Company and LLP registrations do not expire but carry annual filings.

Can you handle several registrations together?

Yes. Many businesses need incorporation along with GST, Udyam, an IEC or FSSAI. We plan the sequence so that each registration uses consistent details, which reduces queries.