Incorporation of Company in India
Choose the right structure, complete all ROC filings and launch your business with PAN, TAN, GST and bank account – with expert guidance at every step.
- ✓Understand your business model, funding plans and risk appetite.
- ✓Recommend the most tax-efficient and compliance-friendly structure.
- ✓Handle drafting, filing and approvals while you focus on business.
Choose Structure
Choose the Right Structure for Your Company
Tap a card to view minimum directors, shareholders and capital requirement. Document checklist remains similar for all structures.
Minimum Directors
2 directors (at least 1 Indian resident).
Members / Shareholders
Minimum 2 and maximum 200 shareholders. Directors and shareholders can be same person.
Minimum Capital
No statutory minimum. Practically we start with ₹1,00,000 authorised capital or as per your plan.
Minimum Directors
3 directors (at least 1 Indian resident).
Members / Shareholders
Minimum 7 shareholders. No upper limit; suitable for wider capital base.
Minimum Capital
No fixed legal minimum; earlier ₹5,00,000 was a common benchmark.
Minimum Directors
1 director who can also be the sole member.
Members / Shareholders
1 member + 1 nominee (both must be Indian residents).
Minimum Capital
No minimum capital. Usually ₹1,00,000 authorised capital or more if required.
Minimum Directors
2 directors (private form) or 3 directors (public form).
Members / Shareholders
Minimum 2 members (private) or 7 members (public) depending on structure.
Minimum Capital
No prescribed minimum capital. Depends on project and licence conditions.
Minimum Directors
3 directors as it is incorporated as a public company.
Members / Shareholders
Minimum 7 members at incorporation; to reach 200 members within 1 year as per Nidhi Rules.
Minimum Capital
Minimum paid-up equity share capital of ₹10,00,000.
Minimum Directors
At least 2 directors with good financial / banking experience preferred.
Members / Shareholders
Minimum 2 shareholders (private) or 7 (public), depending on chosen company form.
Minimum Capital
Net Owned Funds of at least ₹2 crore (as per RBI guidelines – may change over time).
Documents Required for Incorporation
- PAN & Aadhaar
- Recent passport size photograph
- Mobile number and email ID
- Address proof – Voter ID / Passport / Driving licence
- Latest bank statement / utility bill (not older than 2–3 months)
- 2–3 proposed names in order of preference
- Registered office proof – rent agreement / ownership documents
- Electricity / water / gas bill of registered office (recent)
- NOC from owner of the premises
- Brief note on main objects and business activity
Process
Steps of Incorporation
Name Research & Reservation
We check MCA and trademark databases, suggest unique names and file name reservation with proper object & NIC code mapping so that approval chances are high.
Drafting & Filing for Incorporation
We draft MOA & AOA, declarations, consents and supporting documents, then file SPICe+ & AGILE with DSC of proposed directors and subscribers.
Approval & Post-Incorporation Setup
On ROC approval, we guide you on bank account opening, INC-20A filing, issue of share certificates and initial ROC / tax registrations.
Packages
Choose Package as per Your Requirement
Prices are professional fees. Government fees, stamp duty and GST will vary according to state and capital structure.
Basic Package
Simple, no-frills incorporation for small businesses.
- DIN – up to 2 directors
- Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
- PAN & TAN
- ESIC registration
- PF registration
- Name reservation
Pro Package
Ideal for funded startups and growth-stage companies.
- DSC for 2 directors (Class-3)
- DIN for directors
- Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
- MOA & AOA
- PAN & TAN
- ESIC & PF registration
- Name reservation
- INC-20A – Commencement of Business filing
- Support in SPICe+ & AGILE filing
- Assistance in bank account opening
Premium Package
End-to-end launch – from registration to website & starter compliances.
- DSC for directors
- DIN for directors
- COI, MOA & AOA
- PAN & TAN
- ESIC & PF registration
- Name reservation
- INC-20A – Commencement of Business
- DIR-3 filing (if applicable)
- GST registration (one state)
- UDYAM / MSME registration
- Bank account opening assistance
- One-page starter website for your startup
- First board meeting documents
- Issue of share certificates format
- One trademark filing (professional fee included)
Incorporation Blueprint
Types of Companies in India
Before we file any form, I first help you choose the right structure. Your decision will affect liability, tax planning, fundraising and compliance. Here is a simple view of the main options most founders consider in India.
Private Limited Company
The standard choice for startups, service businesses and growing brands.
A Private Limited Company gives you limited liability and a proper shareholding structure. Investors, banks and serious clients usually prefer dealing with a private limited entity over a simple proprietorship or partnership.
Public Limited Company
Suitable when you plan to invite many shareholders or raise money from the public.
A Public Limited Company is designed for scale. It comes with stricter disclosure and compliance but also gives you access to public investment and, in the long term, the possibility of a stock exchange listing.
One Person Company (OPC)
For individuals who want full control but still need a corporate shield.
OPC allows a single person to run a company with limited liability. It is a good fit for consultants, freelancers and early-stage founders who are starting alone but want a clean legal structure from day one.
Section 8 Company
Meant for NGOs, foundations and organisations working for public good.
A Section 8 Company is a not-for-profit structure. Surplus is used only for charitable or social objects, not for dividend. It is often preferred for CSR projects and long-term development initiatives.
Nidhi Company
A mutual benefit company created to encourage savings and give loans to members.
Nidhi Companies operate on a simple idea – members contribute savings and can also borrow from the pool. They are regulated under the Companies Act and Nidhi Rules but do not need an RBI licence like NBFCs.
NBFC Structure
For serious lending, fintech models and large-ticket finance operations.
An NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company) works under direct supervision of the Reserve Bank of India. It demands higher capital and compliance but opens the door to structured lending, consumer finance and digital credit products.
All Business Certificates & Licences You Need in India
When you start or grow a business in India, you hear many names – COI, MOA, TAN, GST, FSSAI, IEC, MSME, ESIC, EPF and more. As a practising Company Secretary, I have put all important certificates and licences on this single page, in simple language. Click on any card below to see who issues it, why it is required, how much time it normally takes, and what documents are generally needed.
Core Company Certificates (For All Companies)
Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
Issued by: Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) – Registrar of Companies (ROC).
Purpose: This is the legal birth certificate of your company. It proves that your company is registered and recognised as a separate legal entity under the Companies Act.
Time required: Normally 1–3 working days after filing SPICe+ forms correctly (may vary depending on MCA workload).
Documents required: SPICe+ form, KYC of all directors and subscribers (PAN, Aadhaar, address proof), registered office proof (rent agreement/ownership + utility bill), MOA and AOA drafts, DSC of director and practising professional certification.
After COI, your company gets a unique CIN and official date of incorporation.
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Issued by: MCA along with Certificate of Incorporation.
Purpose: MOA defines the main objects, scope, capital and powers of your company. It acts like the company’s constitution and sets outer limits of what the company can do.
Time required: Approved together with incorporation; no separate timeline.
Documents required: Finalised object clause, authorised share capital details, subscriber details and shareholding pattern, professional drafting as per Companies Act, 2013, and subscribers’ consent.
Banks, investors and regulators often look at MOA to check if the business activity is covered.
Articles of Association (AOA)
Issued by: MCA along with incorporation documents.
Purpose: AOA is the internal rulebook of the company. It governs management, powers of directors, issue and transfer of shares, decision-making, and conduct of meetings.
Time required: Issued with COI; it is part of the incorporation bundle.
Documents required: Draft AOA including clauses on share capital, rights, meetings, board powers, transfer/restrictions, entrenchment clauses (if any), and subscribers’ approval.
Most shareholder and investor protections are built into the AOA or linked agreements.
PAN – Permanent Account Number (Company)
Issued by: Income Tax Department (through NSDL/UTIITSL).
Purpose: Tax identity of the company. Required for opening bank accounts, filing income tax returns, TDS, and most financial transactions.
Time required: Usually allotted along with COI now; physical card may take a few days.
Documents required: Certificate of Incorporation, company address proof, authorised signatory KYC (PAN, Aadhaar, photo) and authorisation/board resolution.
Without PAN, you cannot complete most financial registrations and compliances.
TAN – Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number
Issued by: Income Tax Department.
Purpose: Mandatory for entities deducting TDS or collecting TCS on payments like salary, rent, contractor bills, interest and professional fees.
Time required: Around 3–7 working days after online application and processing.
Documents required: PAN and basic details of the deductor, address of the office, KYC of authorised signatory and online TAN application acknowledgement.
TAN is quoted on all TDS/TCS challans, returns and certificates (Form 16, 16A etc.).
DIN – Director Identification Number
Issued by: MCA through DIR-3 / SPICe+ process.
Purpose: Unique lifetime identification number allotted to each director. Used for all MCA filings, appointments and resignations.
Time required: Same day in most cases if KYC and documents are correct.
Documents required: PAN (for Indian nationals), passport (for foreign nationals), address proof, photo, declaration of non-disqualification and professional certification.
One person can hold only one DIN and must complete yearly DIR-3 KYC.
DSC – Digital Signature Certificate
Issued by: Licensed Certifying Authorities (eMudhra, Capricorn, Sify, etc.).
Purpose: Secure digital signature used to sign e-forms on MCA, GST, Income Tax, EPF, ESIC and other government portals.
Time required: 1–2 working days after video/OTP based verification.
Documents required: PAN and Aadhaar (for individuals), COI/PAN (for company), email ID, mobile number, photograph and authorisation/board resolution for company signatories.
DSC acts like your online signature; keep it secured and do not share the USB token/password casually.
INC-20A – Declaration of Commencement of Business
Issued by: Filed with MCA and taken on record by ROC.
Purpose: Confirms that subscribers have paid the share capital and the company is ready to commence business.
Time required: 2–5 working days after filing, if documents are proper.
Documents required: Bank statement showing receipt of share capital, board resolution, Certificate of Incorporation, and INC-20A form signed by director and professional.
INC-20A must be filed within prescribed time to avoid penalties and restriction on business activities.
Commencement of Business Certificate
Issued by: MCA automatically after approval of INC-20A.
Purpose: Allows the company to legally start business operations and exercise borrowing powers.
Time required: Issued on approval of INC-20A; no separate process.
Documents required: Approved INC-20A, proof of capital infusion and board resolutions as required.
Banks may ask for proof of commencement before activating certain facilities or loans.
Tax & Accounting Certificates
GST Registration Certificate
Issued by: Goods and Services Tax Department (Central + State).
Purpose: Registers your business under GST so you can collect GST on invoices, claim input tax credit and file GST returns.
Time required: Generally 3–7 working days; may vary by state and type of registration.
Documents required: PAN and COI, promoters’ PAN/Aadhaar, address proof and NOC of office, bank proof (cancelled cheque/statement), photograph of authorised signatory and board authorisation.
Many B2B customers insist on GST registration for smooth ITC claim.
LUT – Letter of Undertaking
Issued by: Online on GST portal (accepted by the department).
Purpose: Allows exporters to export goods or services without payment of IGST, subject to conditions.
Time required: Usually same day once filed correctly.
Documents required: Active GST registration, IEC and export details (if available), authorised signatory DSC/EVC and undertaking of compliance with export rules.
LUT is renewed periodically and is important for zero-rated exports.
Form 15CA / 15CB
Issued by: 15CA via Income Tax e-filing portal; 15CB by practising Chartered Accountant.
Purpose: Certifies tax treatment of foreign remittances made outside India (services, royalty, import, commission etc.).
Time required: Around 1–3 working days depending on CA review and complexity.
Documents required: Invoice or agreement, purpose and nature of remittance, PAN/details of remitter and recipient, DTAA applicability if any and bank remittance details.
Banks will not process certain foreign remittances without 15CA/15CB.
TDS / TCS Certificates (Form 16, 16A, 27D etc.)
Issued by: Deductor/collector through TRACES portal.
Purpose: Acts as proof that tax has been deducted or collected and deposited with the government, giving credit to the deductee.
Time required: Available after quarterly TDS/TCS returns are filed and processed.
Documents required: Valid TAN, correctly filed quarterly returns, challans of tax payment, deductee details (name, PAN, amount and nature of payment).
Employees and vendors rely on these certificates for claiming TDS credit in their returns.
Labour & Establishment Certificates
ESIC Registration
Issued by: Employees’ State Insurance Corporation.
Purpose: Provides medical, sickness, maternity and other social security benefits to eligible employees.
Time required: Often instant ESIC code online; full setup in 1–3 working days.
Documents required: COI/registration, employer PAN, address proof, list of employees with salary details, bank details and authorised signatory KYC.
Mandatory above specified employee strength and salary thresholds.
EPF Registration
Issued by: Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
Purpose: Enables provident fund and pension contribution for eligible employees.
Time required: About 1–5 working days after online application.
Documents required: Business registration documents, PAN, address proof of establishment, specimen signature, details of employees and authorised signatory KYC.
EPF and ESIC are core compliances examined in HR and labour audits.
Shop & Establishment Registration
Issued by: State Labour Department or Municipal authority (varies by state).
Purpose: Registers your office, shop, outlet or commercial establishment under local labour laws.
Time required: Around 3–15 working days depending on state and documentation.
Documents required: PAN and registration proof, address proof (rent agreement/ownership), photos of shop/board (in some states), employee details and authorised signatory KYC.
This registration is commonly asked for opening current accounts and local licences.
Professional Tax Registration
Issued by: State Professional Tax / Commercial Tax Departments.
Purpose: Allows deduction and payment of professional tax on salaries and sometimes on business/profession income.
Time required: 3–10 working days depending on state procedures.
Documents required: PAN and COI/registration, address proof of establishment, employee details, shop & establishment or GST certificate and KYC of authorised signatory.
Professional tax is applicable only in certain states such as Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka etc.
Contract Labour Licence
Issued by: State Labour Department.
Purpose: Mandatory when engaging contract labour above notified thresholds for specific works.
Time required: About 7–30 working days including scrutiny and approval.
Documents required: Principal employer registration, details of contractor and contract, number of contract workers, duration of work, prescribed fees and security deposit.
Non-compliance can lead to penalties and restrictions on use of contract labour.
Business Operations Licences
Trade Licence
Issued by: Municipal Corporation or local urban body.
Purpose: Permission to run a specific trade or commercial activity within city limits under local municipal laws.
Time required: Around 7–21 working days, sometimes after site visit.
Documents required: COI/registration, premises proof and building NOC, nature-of-trade details, fire/pollution NOC (for risky activities) and proprietor/director KYC.
Essential for most shops, restaurants and local service establishments.
MSME / Udyam Registration Certificate
Issued by: Ministry of MSME through Udyam portal.
Purpose: Recognises your business as Micro, Small or Medium enterprise and enables access to MSME benefits, subsidies and protections.
Time required: Usually instant online registration if PAN and Aadhaar are correctly linked.
Documents required: Aadhaar and PAN of proprietor/partners/directors, PAN of entity, basic business details, bank details and turnover/investment figures (self-declared, later validated through GST/IT data).
Udyam registration is important for availing delayed payment protection and various schemes.
Factory Licence
Issued by: State Directorate of Factories / Labour Department.
Purpose: Authorises running of a manufacturing unit under the Factories Act with prescribed health, safety and welfare standards.
Time required: About 15–45 working days, usually with inspection.
Documents required: Factory building plan and layout, land/lease documents, machinery and power load details, worker strength and shift system, pollution and fire clearances where applicable.
Mandatory when you cross worker thresholds and use power-driven manufacturing processes.
Pollution NOC – Consent to Establish / Operate
Issued by: State Pollution Control Board.
Purpose: Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) for units having potential air, water or noise pollution.
Time required: Around 30–90 days depending on category of unit (green/orange/red) and state policies.
Documents required: Project report and process flow, details of effluents/emissions, site plan, land/building documents, environment management plan, and NOCs from local authorities.
Critical for manufacturing, hospitals, hotels and other polluting activities.
Fire NOC
Issued by: Local Fire Department / Fire Services.
Purpose: Certifies that building premises have adequate fire safety installations and comply with fire safety norms.
Time required: Roughly 15–45 days including on-site inspection.
Documents required: Building layout, occupancy details, fire fighting system layout, installation certificates from vendors, structural safety certificate (where required) and previous NOC for renewals.
Often a pre-condition for trade licence, factory licence, multiplex, hotel, school, hospital etc.
Import, Export & International Business Certificates
IEC – Import Export Code
Issued by: Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
Purpose: Mandatory code to legally import or export goods and services from India.
Time required: Usually 1–3 working days for complete and correct applications.
Documents required: PAN of entity, COI/registration, bank certificate or cancelled cheque, principal place of business proof and authorised signatory KYC.
IEC is linked with PAN and is now mandatory for almost all export–import activities.
RCMC – Registration Cum Membership Certificate
Issued by: Export Promotion Councils / Commodity Boards.
Purpose: Recognises the exporter as a member of a specific council to avail export incentives and schemes.
Time required: Around 7–20 working days depending on the council.
Documents required: IEC, PAN, COI/registration, export product details, export turnover details (if any) and membership fee.
Commonly required for availing benefits under various export promotion schemes.
APEDA Registration
Issued by: APEDA – Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
Purpose: Mandatory for exporters dealing in notified agricultural and processed food products.
Time required: Roughly 7–15 working days after filing application.
Documents required: IEC, PAN, COI/registration, bank certificate/cancelled cheque and product/category details.
APEDA membership gives access to buyer–seller meets and export promotion support.
FIEO Registration
Issued by: Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).
Purpose: Provides export community membership, credibility and support services.
Time required: About 7–20 working days.
Documents required: IEC, PAN, COI, export performance details (if available), bank proof and KYC of authorised signatory.
Useful for diversified exporters engaged in multi-product export activity.
Food, Health & Hospitality Licences
FSSAI Registration / Licence
Issued by: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (through State/Central Licensing Authorities).
Purpose: Mandatory licence for any entity involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution or sale of food.
Time required: Around 15–60 days depending on whether it is Registration, State Licence or Central Licence.
Documents required: COI/registration, food premises layout and address proof, list of food products, promoter/director KYC, local body licence and water testing report (where required).
FSSAI number must be printed on food packages and bills as per law.
Health Trade Licence
Issued by: Municipal Corporation / Health Department.
Purpose: Required for trades affecting public health such as salons, spas, certain shops and services.
Time required: About 10–30 days, often after inspection.
Documents required: Trade premises address proof, COI/shop act registration, layout and sanitation details, waste disposal and water source information, and KYC of owner/partners.
Conditions focus on cleanliness, hygiene and disposal of waste.
Eating House Licence
Issued by: Local Police Licensing Unit / Commissioner of Police (especially in metros).
Purpose: Permission to operate restaurants, cafés and similar eating places where public gathers.
Time required: Around 20–45 days including police verification.
Documents required: FSSAI licence/application, trade licence, shop & establishment registration, premises layout, Fire NOC, structural safety certificate and KYC of owners/directors.
Important for running dine-in outlets, cafés and night kitchens.
Liquor Licence
Issued by: State Excise Department.
Purpose: Allows hotels, bars, clubs and shops to serve or sell alcoholic beverages.
Time required: Usually 30–90 days or more; highly regulated and quota-based.
Documents required: Premises ownership/lease, restaurant/bar approvals and trade licence, layout plan, police and local body clearances, Fire NOC and payment of excise fees and deposits.
Rules and availability differ widely from state to state in India.
Industry-Specific Licences (Selected Sectors)
Drugs & Cosmetics Licence
Issued by: State Drug Control Department / Drug Controller.
Purpose: Required for retail/wholesale sale, stocking or distribution of medicines and certain cosmetics.
Time required: About 30–90 days including inspection and scrutiny.
Documents required: Premises proof meeting area norms, registered pharmacist details, COI/registration, storage facility details (racks, cold storage), declarations and affidavits as per Drugs & Cosmetics Act.
Compliance is very strict due to public health impact.
AYUSH Manufacturing / Trade Licence
Issued by: State AYUSH Department / Licensing Authority.
Purpose: Licence for manufacturing or marketing Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) products.
Time required: Roughly 60–120 days depending on inspection and approval.
Documents required: Manufacturing unit layout and ownership, details of technical experts, formulation and label details, quality control and testing arrangements, COI and other statutory registrations.
Helps build trust in traditional medicine brands and ensures regulatory oversight.
Cosmetics Manufacturing Licence
Issued by: State Drug Control Department.
Purpose: Mandatory for units manufacturing cosmetic and personal care products under Drugs & Cosmetics Rules.
Time required: Around 60–120 days including product and facility review.
Documents required: Factory premises details and ownership, list of cosmetic products and ingredients, technical staff qualifications, quality control records and testing procedures.
Covers shampoos, creams, lotions, make-up and other cosmetic items.
Mining / Quarry Licence
Issued by: State Mining Department / Directorate of Geology & Mining.
Purpose: Grants rights to extract specific minerals, stone, sand or other material from notified areas.
Time required: Several months, as it involves environmental, forest and land clearances.
Documents required: Land ownership/lease papers, mining plan and geological report, environment and forest clearances, local body approvals and proof of financial capability.
Heavily regulated due to environmental and land-use impact.
Textile / Garment Unit Licences
Issued by: Combination of Factory, Labour, Pollution Boards and Local Bodies.
Purpose: Compliance for setting up and operating textile, garment or apparel manufacturing units.
Time required: Varies widely by state, scale and processes (dyeing, printing, washing etc.).
Documents required: COI/registration, factory licence application and layout, pollution NOC (for dyeing/processing), ESIC/EPF registration, Fire NOC and building approvals.
Clusters often have additional local compliances and infrastructure schemes.
Telecom Licences (OSP / Unified)
Issued by: Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Purpose: Required for call centres, BPOs and telecom-linked service providers using telecom resources in a structured way.
Time required: Around 1–3 months depending on licence type and scrutiny.
Documents required: COI and shareholding details, network diagram, agreements with telecom providers, board resolutions and required undertakings.
OSP and other licences are central for ITES and telecom-heavy businesses.
NBFC Registration
Issued by: Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Purpose: Allows a company to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company for lending, investment or finance activities.
Time required: Several months due to detailed scrutiny, background checks and capital conditions.
Documents required: COI with financial object clause, proof of minimum Net Owned Fund, detailed business plan, promoter profile and KYC, board resolutions and compliance undertakings.
NBFC regulation is stringent and capital-heavy, but useful for lending and finance businesses.
Lending Service Provider (LSP) Compliance
Issued by: Governed through agreements with regulated entities under RBI digital lending guidelines.
Purpose: Defines compliant role of platforms/fintechs that support digital lending journeys for banks/NBFCs.
Time required: Depends on partnership approval and compliance readiness.
Documents required: Service agreements with regulated lenders, IT and data protection architecture, KYC/onboarding process documentation, grievance redressal and audit framework.
Important for loan apps, fintech marketplaces and digital lending platforms.
Payment Aggregator Licence
Issued by: Reserve Bank of India.
Purpose: Enables a fintech to onboard merchants and process digital payments (cards, UPI, net-banking) on their behalf.
Time required: Many months; high capital, governance and IT security standards required.
Documents required: Application with promoter and management profile, net worth certificate and audited financials, IT security and PCI-DSS documentation, risk management and KYC/AML policies, merchant onboarding and dispute processes.
Only serious, well-capitalised entities get RBI Payment Aggregator approval.
Brand, IP & Quality Certifications
Trademark Registration Certificate
Issued by: Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks.
Purpose: Protects your brand name, logo, tagline or combination mark from misuse by others.
Time required: Typically 12–24 months, but rights relate back to the filing date; faster if no objection/opposition.
Documents required: Applicant details and KYC, brand name/logo artwork, class and description of goods/services, user claim and proof (if already used), TM-48/POA if filed through agent/CS/advocate.
Using ™/® correctly and maintaining TM records are important for brand protection.
Copyright Registration Certificate
Issued by: Copyright Office, Government of India.
Purpose: Protects original literary, artistic, musical, dramatic and software works against unauthorised copying.
Time required: Roughly 6–12 months or more depending on examination and objections.
Documents required: Copy of the work, author and owner details, declarations of originality, NOC if author and applicant are different and fee proof.
Useful for content creators, software developers, designers and education businesses.
Patent Certificate
Issued by: Indian Patent Office.
Purpose: Grants exclusive rights over inventions which are new, inventive and industrially applicable.
Time required: Generally several years; can be fast-tracked for startups and specific categories.
Documents required: Patent specification with claims and drawings, inventor/applicant details, priority documents where applicable, power of attorney if filed via patent agent.
Patents are powerful but expensive; correct strategy is important.
ISO Certifications (ISO 9001, 27001, etc.)
Issued by: Accredited ISO Certification Bodies (not a government authority).
Purpose: Shows that your management systems meet recognised international standards for quality, environment, information security, etc.
Time required: About 4–12 weeks depending on scope and readiness.
Documents required: Documented policies and processes, implementation records, internal audit and management review reports, corrective action records.
Many corporate and foreign clients prefer ISO-certified vendors and service providers.
BIS Certification
Issued by: Bureau of Indian Standards.
Purpose: Confirms that specified products meet Indian safety and quality standards (mandatory for many electronics, toys, helmets, etc.).
Time required: Approximately 2–6 months depending on product testing and factory inspections.
Documents required: Product test reports from BIS-recognised labs, factory and quality control details, brand authorisation (if contract manufacturing), technical specifications, labels and drawings.
Non-compliance can lead to seizure of goods and penalties in notified categories.
Banking, Financial & Tender Certificates
Solvency Certificate
Issued by: Scheduled commercial bank of the applicant.
Purpose: Certifies financial soundness and capacity to undertake contracts; widely used in government tenders and large contracts.
Time required: Around 7–15 working days depending on bank policy.
Documents required: Bank account statements, details of assets and liabilities, financials, request letter stating purpose and KYC of the applicant.
Amount of solvency is decided by bank based on overall financial profile.
Net Worth Certificate
Issued by: Practising Chartered Accountant.
Purpose: Certifies the net worth of a person or entity by considering total assets minus total liabilities; used for visas, tenders, bank limits etc.
Time required: Approximately 2–5 working days after receiving all data.
Documents required: Latest audited financial statements, list of assets (properties, investments), list of liabilities (loans, guarantees), and PAN/basic KYC.
Accuracy is important, as many authorities rely on CA-certified net-worth figures.
Turnover Certificate
Issued by: Practising Chartered Accountant.
Purpose: Confirms annual turnover for specific years, usually demanded in tenders, empanelment and franchise applications.
Time required: Around 2–5 working days after verification of records.
Documents required: Audited financial statements, GST returns/sales registers, trial balance/ledger summary and basic entity details.
Turnover thresholds are often key eligibility conditions in public and private tenders.
Digital Payment Certifications
Issued by: Banks, payment aggregators, card networks and in some cases security auditors.
Purpose: Covers activation of UPI, QR codes, POS, internet payment gateways and security standards like PCI-DSS for payment handling.
Time required: Few days to few weeks depending on scale and type of certification.
Documents required: COI/registration and PAN, promoter KYC, bank details for settlement, website/app details for online payment, and security/IT documentation for large gateways.
Strong payment setup improves customer convenience and trust for online businesses.