Company Registration Timeline in India: How Long Does It Take in 2026?

Starting a company in India is no longer a paperwork marathon. Thanks to digitisation by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), the incorporation process in 2026 is faster, more predictable, and largely online.

Still, one question dominates every founder’s mind:

How long does it actually take to register a company in India?

The short answer: usually 7 to 15 working days.
The honest answer: it depends on preparation, accuracy, and MCA processing time.

This article explains the realistic company registration timeline in India in 2026, step by step, with official references and practical insights so you can plan confidently, not optimistically.

Understanding Company Registration in India (2026 Context)

Company registration in India is governed by the Companies Act, 2013 and administered by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The entire incorporation workflow is handled through the SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) system .

SPICe+ integrates multiple registrations into one process, including:

• Company incorporation

• Director Identification Number (DIN)

• PAN and TAN allotment

• Optional GST, EPFO, ESIC, and bank account registration

This integration is the primary reason incorporation timelines have shortened significantly over the past few years.

How Long to Register a Company in India in 2026?

Under normal conditions, company registration in India takes 7–15 working days from start to finish .

However, this assumes:

• Correct documentation

• No name rejection

• No resubmission from ROC

• Normal MCA system load

Let’s break the timeline down stage by stage.

Step-by-Step Company Registration Timeline

1. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Time required: 1–2 working days

Every proposed director must have a valid Digital Signature Certificate to sign MCA forms electronically. DSCs are issued by government-authorised certifying authorities and are mandatory for SPICe+ filings.

Delays usually occur when:

• Identity or address proofs are unclear

• Video or OTP verification is missed

Best practice: Apply for DSCs before initiating name reservation.

2. Name Reservation (SPICe+ Part A)

Time required: 1–3 working days

Company name approval is handled through SPICe+ Part A. The ROC checks name availability and compliance with the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014.

If approved, the name is reserved for:

• 20 days for new companies

Name rejection is one of the most common causes of delays, usually due to:

• Similarity with existing company names

• Use of restricted words without approval

• Trademark conflicts

MCA name approval timelines are published and monitored through the official portal .

3. Document Preparation & Verification

Time required: 1–3 working days

While MCA processing is digital, document readiness is still a human bottleneck.

Documents typically include:

• PAN and Aadhaar of directors/shareholders

• Address proof

• Registered office proof

• Memorandum of Association (MoA)

• Articles of Association (AoA)

Errors at this stage almost always result in ROC resubmission, adding several days to the incorporation approval time.

4. SPICe+ Part B Filing (Incorporation Application)

Time required: 1–4 working days

SPICe+ Part B is the core incorporation form. It includes:

• Company details

• Capital structure

• Director details

• Registered office information

Along with Part B, linked forms such as AGILE-PRO-S are submitted for PAN, TAN, and optional statutory registrations.

According to MCA documentation, once correctly filed, these forms move directly to ROC verification .

5. MCA Processing Time & ROC Approval

Time required: 2–5 working days

This is where timelines vary the most.

The ROC examines:

• Legal compliance

• Document clarity

• Form consistency

If everything is in order, the Certificate of Incorporation (COI) is issued electronically. PAN and TAN are generated automatically and sent via email.

Official MCA guidance confirms that incorporation certificates are issued only after complete verification by the ROC .

Overall Company Registration Timeline (2026)

This is the realistic and verifiable timeline for most Private Limited, OPC, and LLP registrations.

Factors That Affect MCA Processing Time

Even in 2026, timelines are not guaranteed. Common delay triggers include:

Name objections

Rejected names require resubmission, restarting the approval clock.

ROC resubmission

Even minor inconsistencies (address format, initials mismatch) can lead to clarification requests.

MCA portal load

Quarter ends and peak startup seasons increase processing time.

Public holidays

Government working days directly impact approval speed.

MCA does not guarantee fixed approval days; it processes applications on a case-by-case compliance basis .

Can Company Registration Be Done Faster?

Yes but only to a point.

There is no official “fast-track” incorporation. However, timelines can be optimised by:

• Preparing documents in advance

• Choosing compliant, distinctive names

• Filing SPICe+ Part A and Part B together when ready

• Responding immediately to ROC queries

Professional incorporation services often help avoid preventable delays by ensuring first-time accuracy.

Official Government Resources (Highly Recommended)

For accurate, up-to-date information, always rely on official sources:

• Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
  Company incorporation, SPICe+, name approval

 https://www.mca.gov.in/

• Companies Act, 2013
  Legal framework for incorporation
  Published by Government of India

SPICe+ User Manual & FAQs
Detailed filing guidance
Available on MCA portal