Complete Guide to Documents Required for Incorporation of Company (2026)

Starting a company is an exciting venture, but it demands careful preparation. Understanding what are the documents required for incorporation of company is the first critical step. This guide provides a comprehensive checklist, ensuring your registration process with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is smooth and efficient. Let’s navigate the essential paperwork to bring your business vision to life in 2026, the first step in the long journey from Ideation to IPO.

Understanding the Company Incorporation Process

The company registration process in India has been completely digitized through the MCA portal, primarily using the SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically) form. To successfully navigate this, you must know what are the documents required for incorporation of company at each stage. The process is streamlined into a few key steps.

Key Stages of Company Registration

The journey from an idea to a registered company involves distinct, sequential stages. This guide will detail the specific documents needed for each one.

Procuring DSC & DIN: The first step is to obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for all proposed directors, followed by applying for a Director Identification Number (DIN).
Name Reservation (SPICe+ Part A): You will reserve your proposed company name through the SPICe+ Part A form.
Filing for Incorporation (SPICe+ Part B): This is the main application where all details and the core documents required for incorporation of company are submitted to the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

The Role of Digital Signatures (DSC)

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an electronic equivalent of a physical signature and is mandatory for filing forms on the MCA portal. It ensures the authenticity and security of the documents submitted.

All proposed directors and subscribers to the Memorandum of Association (MoA) must have a valid Class 3 DSC.
This is the very first tool you need to procure before initiating the incorporation process.
Bharat Comply simplifies this initial step by assisting you in obtaining a DSC quickly and efficiently through our dedicated Business Licenses service.

List of Documents Required for Directors and Shareholders

The identity and address verification of the company’s first directors and shareholders are paramount. The MCA has a specific list the documents required for the incorporation of a company to ensure the authenticity of the individuals involved. All copies submitted must be clear and self-attested.

Identity Proof for Indian Nationals

Each director and shareholder who is an Indian national must provide the following identity proofs:

PAN Card: A copy of the PAN card is mandatory. The name on the PAN card will be used as the official name in all documents.
Additional ID Proof: A copy of an Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License.

The requirements for the documents required for incorporation of private company are specific and must be followed meticulously to avoid rejection.

Address Proof for All Directors

To verify the current residential address of all directors and shareholders, one of the following documents must be submitted:

Bank Statement (latest)
Electricity Bill
Mobile or Telephone Bill

Important Note: The address proof document must not be older than two months from the date of filing. The name and address on the proof must perfectly match the details provided in the PAN and Aadhaar cards. For foreign nationals, a notarized and apostilled copy of their passport is mandatory.

Essential Documents Required for Incorporation of Company’s Registered Office

Every company must have a registered office address in India from the date of its incorporation. This address is used for all official correspondence from government departments. The documents required for incorporation of company related to the office are crucial for verification.

Proof of Office Address

You must provide proof of the registered office address. This can be a commercial or residential address.

Submit a recent utility bill, such as an electricity, gas, or telephone bill.
This bill must be in the name of the property owner and should not be older than two months.
This address will be officially recorded as the company’s principal place of business.

Document Type	Requirement
Utility Bill	Latest copy (not older than 2 months) of Electricity, Gas, or Telephone Bill.
Rent Agreement	Required if the premises are rented. Must be duly notarized.
No Objection Certificate (NOC)	A signed letter from the property owner granting permission to use the premises as the company’s registered office.

No Objection Certificate (NOC)

If the registered office premises are not owned by the company or one of its promoters, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the legal owner of the property is mandatory. The NOC should state that the owner has no objection to the company using their premises as its registered office. If the property is rented, a copy of the notarized rent or lease agreement is also required.

Core Incorporation E-Forms and Documents

Beyond personal and address proofs, the constitutional documents of the company form the core of the incorporation application. The documents required for incorporation of private company include a well-drafted MoA and AoA that define the company’s scope and internal governance.

Memorandum of Association (MoA)

The MoA is the company’s charter document. It defines the company’s objectives, scope of operations, and relationship with the outside world. It contains key clauses like:

Name Clause: The approved name of the company.
Domicile Clause: The state where the registered office is located.
Objects Clause: The main business activities the company will undertake.
Liability Clause: The extent of liability of its members.
Capital Clause: The authorized share capital of the company.

Drafting a precise MoA is crucial. Bharat Comply’s Legal Documentation service ensures your MoA is professionally drafted to align with your business goals.

Articles of Association (AoA)

The AoA is the rulebook that governs the company’s internal management and day-to-day operations. It outlines the rules and regulations for matters such as:

Appointment and powers of directors
Conduct of board and shareholder meetings
Share allotment and transfer procedures
Dividend declaration

Our experts at Bharat Comply, through expert Legal Drafting, can help you draft a comprehensive AoA tailored to your specific business structure and governance needs.

Post-Incorporation Compliance Checklist

Once the RoC approves your application, you will receive several key documents. This is not the end of the process, but the beginning of your compliance journey.

Certificate of Incorporation (COI)

The COI is the official certificate issued by the Registrar of Companies, serving as conclusive proof of the company’s existence. It is the company’s birth certificate and includes:

The company’s name
Corporate Identity Number (CIN)
Date of incorporation

It is essential to keep a secure digital and physical copy of the COI, and also to consider Complete Intellectual Property Protection for your brand and innovations.

Applying for PAN and TAN

In the modern SPICe+ process, the application for the company’s Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) is integrated into the incorporation form itself. These are allotted automatically upon incorporation, setting the stage for future financial activities like Business Valuation.

PAN is required for all financial transactions and for filing income tax returns.
TAN is required for deducting tax at source (TDS).

Bharat Comply’s ongoing Compliance Services can help you manage all post-incorporation tax and regulatory filings, including GST Return Filing Services, seamlessly.

How Bharat Comply Streamlines the Documents Required for Incorporation of Company

Gathering, verifying, and filing the complete list the documents required for the incorporation of a company can be a complex and time-consuming task. Any error or discrepancy can lead to delays or rejection of your application. This is where Bharat Comply steps in as your trusted partner.

Document Category	For Indian Nationals	For Foreign Nationals
Identity Proof	PAN Card (Mandatory) + Aadhaar/Voter ID/Passport	Notarized & Apostilled Passport Copy
Address Proof	Bank Statement / Utility Bill (not older than 2 months)	Notarized & Apostilled Address Proof
Photograph	Passport-sized photograph	Passport-sized photograph

Your Partner in Compliance

Our expert team at Bharat Comply simplifies the entire process for you. With our end-to-end Company Registration service, we handle everything from document collection and verification to the final submission of your application. We ensure that all the documents required for incorporation of company are perfectly in order, giving you peace of mind and the freedom to focus on building your business. Start your entrepreneurial journey with Bharat Comply today!

Contact our experts for a seamless and hassle-free company registration experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and why is it needed?

A DSC is an electronic signature used to authenticate online documents. It is mandatory for directors and subscribers to sign e-forms for company incorporation on the MCA portal.

Q2. Can I use my residential address as the registered office?

Yes, you can use a residential address as the registered office, provided you submit the required proof of address and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner.

Q3. How long does the company incorporation process take?

With all documents in order, the process, including name approval and final incorporation, typically takes about 7-10 working days.

Q4. What is the first step to incorporate a company?

The very first step is to obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for all the proposed directors of the company.

Q5. What are the MOA and AOA in company incorporation?

The Memorandum of Association (MoA) defines the company’s objectives, while the Articles of Association (AoA) outline the internal rules for governing the company.

Q6. Is a physical office mandatory for company registration?

No, a physical commercial office is not mandatory at the time of registration. You can use a residential address as the registered office with the proper documentation.