India has emerged as the 3rd largest ecosystem for startups. In the past few years, there has been a huge increase in the number of startups across the country. To support startups, the Government of India has launched various plans and programmes. To avail these benefits, you must ensure that your startup is officially registered. This process will not only legitimise your business but also provide various networking and collaboration opportunities.

Steps Involved in Registering Your Startup in India

1. Incorporate Your Business

The first step in registering your startup is to register your business as a legal entity. You can incorporate your business as a Private Limited Company, Partnership Firm or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).

Each has its own advantages as well as disadvantages, so choose the one that suits your needs best. You can submit the registration application with the respective authority and obtain the incorporation certificate.

2. Register with Startup India

Once your business is incorporated, the next step is to register it with the Startup India initiative. To start, visit the Startup India website and create an account. To create your account you need to click on the ‘Register’ button and provide necessary details such as name, email ID, mobile number, password, type of user, startup stage, etc.

3. Get DPIIT Recognition

After creating your account on the Startup India website, the next step is to obtain DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) Recognition. This will give you access to various benefits like access to Fund of Funds, tax exemption for 3 consecutive years, tax exemption on investments above fair market value and many more. 

The following are the steps to get DPIIT recognition:

1. After logging in to your registered startup India profile, click on ‘Apply for DPIIT Recognition’ under the ‘Recognition’ tab.
2. This will redirect you to the National Single Window System (NSWS) website.
3. Now, register your startup in NSWS; add the form ‘Registration as a Startup’, and fill the ‘Startup Recognition Form’.

4. Recognition Application

The next step is filing the recognition application. On the startup recognition form you need to fill details such as entity details, full office address, authorized representative details, directors/partner details, startup activities, self-certification, etc. After filling the required details make sure to double-check your responses before submitting it.

5. Documents for Registration

The following documents are required while applying for DPIIT recognition:

• Certificate of Incorporation or Registration
• Proof of funding
• Authorization letter of the authorized representative
• Proof of concept (pitch deck/website link/video)
• PAN (Permanent Account Number)
• Patent and trademark details
• List of awards or certificates of recognition

6. Recognition Number

After you submit your application, the DPIIT will review it. If everything is in order, you will receive a recognition number within two days of filing the information online. This number is your proof that your startup is officially recognized by the government.