If you’re not familiar with the general landscape in India, from information on its society and customs to business practices, getting to know the landscape will smooth the process of registering and conducting your business in the country. Companies in the United States, for example, often conduct business on the basis of transactions, while Indian business is still largely relationship-based. Knowing the right network of people is likely to further your business more than focusing on specific transactions. [2] X Research source Knowing cultural differences is important, too. For example, cows are considered holy animals in India. Thus, if you’re interested in selling beef in India, you would want to know if and where this type of business is possible.

To register your company, you will file your completed application online with the Indian government’s Registrar of Companies, or RoC. The RoC, which is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, oversees the incorporation of new companies and the administration of businesses under the statutory regulations of the Companies Act. [4] X Research source

It’s a good idea to have at least four potential names for your company in case some other entity registered under that name with the RoC. [5] X Research source By performing due diligence on the language and culture if you’re not familiar with either, you can avoid choosing names that might offend possible Indian clients or be rejected by Indian authorities. [6] X Research source For instance, you may not use a name that implies any connection to government or international organizations. [7] X Research source Consider customizing the name to the Indian market to attract more clients. [8] X Research source

The Indian Ministry of Corporate Affairs maintains a website where you can check whether other companies registered under a certain name.

The forms DIR-3 and DSC, which you can find online at the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’s website, will allow you to apply for the DIN online. [10] X Research source For both documents, you’ll need information including your passport, proof of address, educational qualifications and current occupation. You also need a passport-sized photograph. [11] X Research source

You can register for your DSC online at the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’s website. [13] X Research source The Ministry of Corporate Affairs requires that all companies have a DSC because companies will file all applications online. [14] X Research source You need the same identification documents to obtain a DSC that you do for the DIN, including passport and proof of address. [15] X Research source

All of the required forms that you will file online with your completed application you can find online as well at the Ministry of Corporate Affairs website. [16] X Research source

You should list a minimum of four possible names and a maximum of six in order of preference. [17] X Research source

The RoC usually takes two days to approve one of your name choices. [19] X Research source You will have to pay a fee of 500 rupees when filing this form. [20] X Research source After the RoC approves your company name, you have six months to file online for the registration of your company. [21] X Research source

The Memorandum of Association contains the company’s business objectives. [24] X Research source [25] X Research source The Articles of Association contain details on the company’s daily operations, including its management. [26] X Research source [27] X Research source Each document must be signed by at least two members of the company in their own handwriting. It is also required that one witness be present for the signatures. [28] X Research source

Once you have a notarized copy, you can scan these documents and file them online with your other completed application materials.

The required fee is based on your company’s capital assets. [32] X Research source

The RoC maintains offices across India that are responsible for specific states and regions. [34] X Research source

The RoC considers a complete application to consist of the following documents, in duplicate: a stamped MoA; a stamped AoA; a copy of any agreements referred to in the articles; a copy of the letter from the RoC on the availability of the company name; the e-Form No. 1 for the incorporation of the company; and receipts of payment for the registration and filing fees. [36] X Research source

You will file on the website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. It has a prompt for you to upload all application materials; from the DNI and DSC to the MoA, AoA, and receipts of payment for registration fees. [37] X Research source

If the RoC does not find the application satisfactory, you will be informed as to what documents are missing or of any other information you need to provide on the application forms. [40] X Research source You can re-file your application when you’ve made the necessary corrections. [41] X Research source