Form SPICe+: Complete Guide to Company Incorporation in India

Starting a company in India used to involve juggling multiple forms, visiting several government departments, and waiting weeks for approvals. That changed when the Ministry of Corporate Affairs introduced the SPICe Plus form. Short for Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus, SPICe+ consolidated what were once separate and time-consuming procedures into a single integrated web form.

Today, the SPICe+ company incorporation process is the mandatory route for registering a Private Limited Company, One Person Company, Public Limited Company, or Section 8 Company in India. Through a single filing, you can reserve your company name, obtain DIN for directors, apply for PAN and TAN, register for GST, get an EPFO and ESIC code, and open a bank account. All from one form.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the SPICe Plus form, from eligibility and structure to the documents required and common pitfalls to avoid.

What is the SPICe Plus Form?

The SPICe Plus form is an integrated incorporation form introduced by the MCA in February 2020 through the Companies (Incorporation) Amendment Rules. It replaced the older SPICe form (INC-32) and brought together ten different services that previously required separate applications.

The form is divided into two parts. Part A handles name reservation for the proposed company. Part B covers the actual incorporation, including details of directors, subscribers, share capital, registered office address, and linked registrations. Both parts are filed through the MCA portal at mca.gov.in.

What makes SPICe+ particularly powerful is the concept of linked forms. Along with the main SPICe+ form, you simultaneously file AGILE-PRO-S (for GST, EPFO, ESIC, and bank account opening), e-MOA (electronic Memorandum of Association), and e-AOA (electronic Articles of Association). Together, these four forms constitute the complete SPICe+ company incorporation process.

Ten Services Bundled into One Filing

Before SPICe+, founders had to apply separately for each registration. Now, the SPICe Plus form delivers all of the following through a single submission.

This integration eliminates redundant paperwork and dramatically reduces the time from application to operational readiness. For founders exploring their options, understanding the full scope of business registration structures helps in making the right choice before filing.

SPICe+ Company Incorporation Process: Step by Step

Part A: Name Reservation

The process begins with reserving a unique name for your company. In Part A of the SPICe Plus form, you can propose up to two names in order of preference. The name must comply with MCA naming guidelines, meaning it cannot be identical or too similar to an existing company or trademark, and it must clearly indicate the type of entity (Private Limited, LLP, etc.).

Once submitted, the Registrar of Companies reviews the proposed names. Approval typically comes within 1 to 3 working days. The reserved name stays valid for 20 days, including weekends and holidays. You must complete the Part B filing within this window. If the name expires, you'll need to reapply and pay the fee again.

Part B: Company Incorporation and Linked Forms

Part B is where the actual incorporation happens. You provide details about the company's registered office address, authorised and paid-up share capital, director and subscriber information, and the principal business activity using NIC codes. If the proposed directors don't already hold a DIN, up to three DINs can be applied for within this section.

Simultaneously, you must file three linked forms. The e-MOA captures the company's objects, liability, and capital clauses. The e-AOA contains the internal rules governing the company's management. AGILE-PRO-S handles GST registration, EPFO and ESIC codes, and the bank account opening request. All four forms are submitted together as a single package.

Every form must be digitally signed using a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). The subscribers, directors, and a certifying professional (CA, CS, or Cost Accountant) all need to affix their digital signatures before the form can be submitted.

After Filing: Certificate of Incorporation

After the ROC verifies all documents and details, the Certificate of Incorporation is issued electronically. This certificate contains the company's name, CIN (Corporate Identity Number), date of incorporation, PAN, and TAN. It serves as the legal proof that your company now exists as a separate entity under Indian law.

The typical turnaround from Part B submission to receiving the certificate is 7 to 10 working days, provided there are no queries or deficiencies in the application. Once incorporated, the next step is to open a bank account, deposit the paid-up capital, and file Form INC-20A (declaration for commencement of business) within 180 days.

Documents Required for Filing the SPICe Plus Form

Preparing the right documents upfront is the single most effective way to avoid delays. Here is a comprehensive list of what you need before starting the SPICe+ company incorporation process.

For directors and subscribers, you need self-attested copies of PAN cards (mandatory for Indian residents), identity proof such as passport, Aadhaar, or voter ID, address proof like a bank statement, utility bill, or driving licence (not older than two months), and a recent passport-size photograph. For foreign nationals, the passport is mandatory along with notarised and apostilled address proof.

For the registered office, you need a sale deed or property tax receipt if the premises are owned, or a rent agreement along with a no-objection certificate from the landlord if the premises are rented. A utility bill (electricity, gas, or water) not older than two months serves as proof that the address is active and operational.

If you're registering a private limited company, the minimum requirement is two directors and two shareholders. For a one person company, only one director and one nominee are needed. Public companies require a minimum of three directors and seven shareholders.

Government Fees for SPICe+ Filing

The total cost of incorporation depends heavily on your state of registration (due to stamp duty variations) and the authorised capital of the company. A startup with Rs. 1 lakh authorised capital in a low stamp-duty state can get incorporated for under Rs. 10,000 in government fees.

Which Entity Types Can Be Incorporated Through SPICe+?

The SPICe Plus form is used exclusively for incorporating companies under the Companies Act, 2013. This includes Private Limited Companies, which are the most popular choice among startups and SMEs. It also covers One Person Companies for solo entrepreneurs, Public Limited Companies for entities planning to raise funds from the public, and Section 8 Companies for non-profit organisations promoting charitable, social, or scientific objectives.

LLP incorporation follows a separate process using the FiLLiP form and is not covered under SPICe+. Similarly, partnership firms and sole proprietorships have their own registration procedures that don't involve the MCA portal. If you're weighing options between structures, exploring the benefits of LLP incorporation alongside company registration helps in picking the right fit.

Common Mistakes That Delay the SPICe+ Filing

The most frequent cause of rejection is a proposed company name that is too similar to an existing entity or a registered trademark. Before filing Part A, search the MCA database and the trademark registration records to verify that your preferred name is genuinely available.

Address proof older than two months is another common issue. The ROC is strict about the recency of utility bills, and even a minor date discrepancy leads to resubmission. Similarly, mismatches between a director's PAN name and the name entered in the form trigger queries.

Incorrect NIC code selection causes problems during the GST registration leg of AGILE-PRO-S. The code must accurately reflect the company's principal business activity. Selecting a generic or incorrect code can delay GST approval or require a post-incorporation amendment.

Finally, many applicants forget that the Part A name reservation expires in 20 days. If you don't file Part B within this window, the reserved name lapses. Having all documents and DSCs ready before filing Part A is the best way to avoid this.

Essential Steps After SPICe+ Incorporation

Receiving the Certificate of Incorporation is the beginning, not the end. Several post-incorporation steps must be completed to make the company fully operational and compliant.

Open a current bank account in the company's name using the incorporation certificate, PAN card, and the bank mandate from AGILE-PRO-S. Deposit the subscribed paid-up capital into this account. Within 180 days of incorporation, file Form INC-20A as a declaration that the company has received the subscribed capital and is ready to commence business. Failure to file INC-20A can result in the ROC striking off the company.

Complete GST registration formalities if your AGILE-PRO-S application requires verification. Appoint an auditor within 30 days of incorporation using Form ADT-1. Hold the first board meeting within 30 days of the incorporation date. Register for professional tax in states where it is mandatory. These early compliance steps set the foundation for a well-governed company.

Conclusion

The SPICe Plus form has transformed company incorporation in India from a multi-step maze into a streamlined digital journey. By consolidating name reservation, incorporation, DIN allotment, tax registrations, and bank account mandates into one filing, it saves founders considerable time and effort.

Understanding the SPICe+ company incorporation process in detail, from document preparation to post-incorporation compliance, ensures that you avoid common pitfalls and get your company up and running swiftly. Preparation is everything. Gather your documents, obtain DSCs, finalise your company name, and work with a qualified professional to get it right the first time.

For end-to-end support with your company incorporation through SPICe+, connect with the experienced team at Patron Accounting. Our chartered accountants and company secretaries handle every aspect of the filing, from name reservation to post-incorporation compliance, so you can focus on launching your venture.