How to Start a Business in India — Complete Registration Guide
By Parul Singh, GST Practitioner · Business
Table of Contents
I helped 500+ new businesses register in Delhi. The biggest mistake first-timers make is choosing the wrong entity type.
Starting a business in India involves choosing the right entity structure, obtaining necessary registrations, and setting up compliance systems from day one.
Step 1: Choose Your Entity Type
The right entity depends on your business needs, number of promoters, liability preference, and growth plans. Proprietorship is simplest, Private Limited offers the most credibility and funding options.
Step 2: Register Your Business
- Proprietorship: No formal registration needed — register under GST, MSME
- Partnership: Execute partnership deed, register with Registrar of Firms
- LLP: File incorporation with MCA via RUN-LLP, get DPIN, DSC
- Pvt Ltd: Get DSC, DPIN, name approval via SPICe+ form, certificate of incorporation
Step 3: Essential Registrations
- PAN: For the business entity
- TAN: If TDS applies
- GST: If turnover exceeds threshold
- MSME/Udyam: For small business benefits
- Shop & Establishment: Local municipal registration
- Professional Tax: State-specific registration
- Bank account: Open current account
Most registrations are now online. A GST practitioner can handle the entire process end-to-end.