10 Step Guide to Company Registration in Kerala
Between 2016 and 2021, around 5,000 startups have been established in the South Indian state of Kerala, as documented in a report by the Kerala Startup Mission. And do you know what’s even more impressive? The government is aiming for about 15,000 startups by 2027, as a plan of the Startup India initiative.
Kerala-based startups have benefited from an immense flow of venture capital, totalling an impressive $551 million spread across 110 funding deals since 2015, as pointed out in the analysis presented in ‘Decoding The Rise Of Kerala’s Startup Ecosystem‘. The growth-stage investments are on the rise. From almost $19 million in 2018 to $96 million in 2021, it is evident that smart investors are placing substantial bets on the promising potential of Kerala startups.
Now, let’s address the matter at hand, the process of registering a company in Kerala can seem like a very difficult task to take up on. With many paperworks and approvals. One can get tired of going all the way to complete the company registration in Kerala. In this easy guide, we will get into the details of steps involved in the business registration in Kerala.
How to Register a Company in Kerala
Company formation in Kerala has various procedures to be completed, let us go through them one by one:
Step 1: Choose the Right Business Structure
Before starting your business registration in Kerala, you have to come in terms and conclude on the type of structure. This is the initial point for your business venture.
Types of Business Entities:
| Business Entity Structure | Description |
| Sole Proprietorship | Owned and operated by one person |
| General Partnership | Two or more people co-own and manage a business |
| Limited LIABILITY Partnership | Minimum 2 Designated partners, all partners have unlimited liability |
| PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANY | Combines features of partnerships and corporations, offers flexibility in management and profit sharing |
| Private Limited Company (Ltd.) | Companies other than private limited Companies. Some Public Companies get listed and their shares are traded in stock exchange |
Step 2: Decide Company Name
Now that you have decided on the business entity structure, you should select a name for your company. It should adhere to the naming guidelines of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the Companies Act 2013.
Step 3: Submit Name Approval
You have to acquire approval from the Registrar of Companies (ROC) and reserve your brand name by filing relevant forms so as to avoid future legal issues with trademark and copyright.
Step 4: Get the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
For the next step, you need a Digital Signature Certificate.This is required for the documentation of online company registration in Kerala.
Step 5: Proceed with Incorporation using Spice Forms
Now company Incorporation is a streamlined process, wherein multiple applications have been all consolidated under a SPICE FORM. This has 2 parts. Part A – for name reservation purposes and Part B which handles the incorporation related details
Step 6: Prepare and File Incorporation Documents
In this part of the company registration process in Kerala, you have to prepare, file and submit the following through MCA portal online:
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
- AGILE PRO
- INC 9
- SPICE PART B
Step 7: Certificate of Incorporation Issuance
Following the successful submission and verification of documents, the Registrar of Companies will issue a Certificate of Incorporation, officially registering the company in Kerala. It could take anywhere from 15 to 25 days.
Step 8: PAN and TAN
Under the new SPICE Form. PAN and TAN would be mandatorily allotted to the company once incorporation application is approved. Hence no further additional application is required.
Step 9: GST Registration
The GST registration is a legal mandatory for any business in the states of India. Do not leave out this part of company formation in Kerala.
Step 10: Follow Local Regulations
For a problem-free running of your business, follow the local regulations and obtain the necessary industry and location -specific licenses accordingly.
Opt for Professional Company Registration Services in Kerala
Although this seems like an easy guide to follow, you might come across several hurdles along the way. From proper and timely submission of documents to following different sets of processes for business structures it can be really a difficult task to manage. Whether it is a private limited company registration in Kerala or any other company formation, it is advised to seek the assistance of experts for easy and efficient handling.
Get in touch with Clearbiz today for more information about the registration of the company in Kerala.