LLP registration in India

What it is

A limited liability partnership is registered under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008. It is a separate legal entity. Each partner's liability is limited to the agreed contribution, with exceptions such as fraud. It combines the flexibility of a partnership with limited liability.

What you need

• At least two partners, and at least two designated partners who are individuals.
• At least one designated partner resident in India, meaning someone who has stayed in India for at least 120 days in the financial year.
• A registered office address in India.
• A name ending in "LLP" that the Registrar approves.
• Digital signature certificates for the designated partners, and a Designated Partner Identification Number for each.
• A written LLP agreement between the partners.
• No minimum contribution.

The process

1. Get digital signatures for the designated partners.
2. Reserve the name, either separately or within the incorporation filing.
3. File FiLLiP on the MCA portal with the supporting documents. It can also apply for identification numbers for the designated partners.
4. Receive the Certificate of Incorporation with the LLP's identification number.
5. File the LLP agreement on Form 3 within 30 days of incorporation.

After incorporation

• Open the LLP bank account and bring in the contributions.
• Register for GST if needed. See GST registration and returns.
• File Form 8, the statement of account and solvency, and Form 11, the annual return, every year.
• File the LLP's income tax return. An audit is required above certain turnover or contribution limits.

What you pay

Government fees depend on the contribution, and stamp duty on the LLP agreement varies by state. Add professional fees and digital signatures. We quote after we know your contribution, state and number of partners.

Is it the right choice

An LLP often suits professional firms and small businesses without plans for equity funding. It has no shares, so it does not fit share-based investment. Compliance is lighter than a company's. See the comparison and private limited company registration.