What is a Private Limited Company?
A Private Limited Company is a legal business entity in India where ownership is limited to a small group of shareholders (usually 2–200). Its key features include:
- Separate legal identity from its owners
- Limited liability for shareholders
- Easy to raise funding from investors
- Mandatory compliance with Companies Act, 2013
Steps for Private Limited Company Registration in Kerala
Here’s the step-by-step process to register your company:
1. Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
A DSC is required for signing forms electronically. It ensures authenticity for company registration forms filed online with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Timeline: 1–2 days
Fees: ₹500–₹1,500
2. Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)
DIN is a unique number allotted to company directors. Every director must have a DIN to be officially registered.
Timeline: 1–2 days
Fees: ₹500 per director
3. Name Approval via RUN (Reserve Unique Name)
Submit your proposed company name to MCA. Ensure the name is unique and follows naming guidelines.
Timeline: 1–3 days
Fees: ₹1,000
4. File SPICe Form (INC-32)
This integrated form includes company registration, DIN allotment, and PAN/TAN application. Along with MoA (Memorandum of Association) and AoA (Articles of Association), this step completes the legal registration.
Timeline: 2–5 days
Fees: ₹4,000–₹10,000 (depends on authorized capital)
5. Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
Once approved, MCA issues the Certificate of Incorporation, confirming that your Private Limited Company is legally recognized.
Timeline: Usually 5–10 days
Documents Required for Registration
You’ll need the following documents:
|
Category |
Documents Required |
|
Identity Proof |
PAN card, Aadhaar card, Passport, Voter ID of directors |
|
Address Proof |
Utility bill, rent agreement, or property deed |
|
Address Proof of Company |
Registered office rental agreement or ownership documents |
|
Other |
DSC of directors, MoA & AoA, NOC from property owner (if rented) |
Fees for Private Limited Company Registration in Kerala
Registration fees vary based on authorized capital:
- Stamp Duty & Filing Fees: ₹1,000–₹10,000
- Professional Charges: ₹5,000–₹15,000 (if using expert services)
Total costs typically range between ₹6,000–₹25,000 depending on your business structure and capital.
Timeline for Company Registration
|
Step |
Duration |
|
DSC Application |
1–2 days |
|
DIN Allotment |
1–2 days |
|
Name Approval |
1–3 days |
|
SPICe Form Filing |
2–5 days |
|
Certificate of Incorporation |
5–10 days |
Average Total Timeline: 10–20 days
Benefits of Registering a Private Limited Company in Kerala
- Limited liability for owners
- Professional credibility for clients and investors
- Easier access to funding and loans
- Continuity of business despite ownership changes
Common Challenges & How to Avoid Them
- Name Rejection – Ensure the name is unique, not similar to existing companies, and follows MCA guidelines.
- Incomplete Documentation – Keep all ID and address proofs ready before filing.
- Delay in Approvals – Track your application via MCA portal and respond to any queries promptly.
Conclusion
Registering a Private Limited Company in Kerala is straightforward if you follow the steps, keep your documents ready, and understand the fees and timeline. Proper planning ensures a smooth registration process, giving your business a strong legal foundation to grow.
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