How to Register an LLP in India – Complete Legal Guide with Steps, Timeline, and Cost (2025)

Introduction

In today’s regulatory climate, flexibility and legal protection are the two pillars every entrepreneur looks for when starting a business. A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) strikes the ideal balance combining the ease of a traditional partnership with the credibility and limited liability benefits of a corporate structure.

Whether you’re a consultant, tech professional, CA, or co-founder of a boutique firm, an LLP gives you a legally recognized structure without the pressure of rigid compliance or minimum capital mandates. But how do you register an LLP in India, and what legal steps are involved?

This blog gives you a complete, step-by-step walkthrough of the LLP registration process in 2025 covering eligibility, documentation, government portals, filing forms, costs, and timelines.

Who Can Register an LLP in India?

To register an LLP, you need:

• A minimum of two partners
  
  

At least one Designated Partner who is a resident of India (residency = 120+ days in the previous financial year)

These partners can be individuals or corporate entities (like companies or other LLPs). Foreign nationals and NRIs can also be partners, subject to FEMA regulations. There is no upper limit on the number of partners, and no bar on profit-sharing structures, making it ideal for:

• Service professionals forming a shared practice
  
  
• Startup founders looking for limited liability
  
  
• Freelancers and consultants formalizing their firm
  
  

💡 Example: Two software engineers can form an LLP for their SaaS business without registering as a Pvt Ltd Company avoiding equity structuring altogether.

Step-by-Step Process to Register an LLP in India (2025)

Here’s how LLP registration unfolds in reality not just on paper.

Step 1: Apply for Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)

The first legal step is to get a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate for each Designated Partner. This is required to sign e-forms digitally on the MCA portal.

✅ Documents Required:

• PAN
  
  
• Aadhaar
  
  
• Passport-sized photo
  
  
• Email and mobile for OTP
  
  

You can get DSCs issued via government-certified providers. Many CA firms manage this for you.

Step 2: Apply for DPIN or DIN

Every designated partner must obtain a Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN). If they already have a DIN (from company directorship), they don’t need to reapply.

👉 This is usually done within the FiLLiP form itself. No separate DIR-3 form is needed unless the person already has a DIN and wants to link it.

Step 3: Reserve Your LLP Name via RUN-LLP

Choosing the right LLP name is both a legal and branding task. You must ensure the name:

• Is unique and distinguishable from existing company or LLP names
  
  
• Doesn’t violate any registered trademarks
  
  
• Ends with ‘LLP’ or ‘Limited Liability Partnership’
  
  

Apply through RUN-LLP on the MCA portal. You can propose up to two names, along with justification.

Common Rejection Triggers:

• Using generic terms like “India”, “Global”, “Tech” without clear context
  
  
• Choosing names too similar to existing companies, even if inactive
  
  

If your proposed name is approved, it’s reserved for 90 days.

Step 4: File the FiLLiP Form (LLP Incorporation Form)

FiLLiP (Form for incorporation of LLP) is the core document that includes:

• Partner details
  
  
• Registered office address
  
  
• DPIN application (if not already taken)
  
  
• Subscription sheet
  
  
• Consent of partners

 

Attachments include:

• PAN and Aadhaar (or passport for foreign nationals)
  
  
• Utility bill of registered office (less than 2 months old)
  
  
• NOC from property owner (if office is rented)
  
  

Professional certification by CA/CS/CMA

Once filed, the Registrar of Companies (RoC) will verify and, upon approval, issue the Certificate of Incorporation and LLPIN (LLP Identification Number).

Step 5: Execute the LLP Agreement (Form 3 Filing)

An LLP Agreement defines your internal rules:

• Capital contributions
  
  
• Rights and duties of partners
  
  
• Profit/loss distribution
  
  
• Dispute resolution clauses
  
  

It must be:

• Printed on non-judicial stamp paper (value varies by state)
  
  
• Signed by all partners
  
  
• Filed within 30 days of incorporation via Form 3 on the MCA portal
  
  

⚠️ Late filing leads to ₹100/day penalty with no upper cap.

Time Required to Register an LLP in 2025

On average, the entire process takes 7–10 working days, depending on:

• Document readiness
  
  
• Approval speed by MCA and RoC
  
  
• Partner coordination and digital signatures
  
  

Breakdown:

• DSCs: 1–2 days
  
  
• Name reservation: 2–3 days
  
  
• FiLLiP + COI: 3–5 days
  
  
• Agreement + Form 3: 1–2 days

Cost of LLP Registration (Government + Professional Fees)

Government Fees (based on capital contribution):

Contribution Amount	Govt Fee (Approx.)
Up to ₹1 lakh	₹500
₹1–5 lakh	₹2,000
₹5–10 lakh	₹4,000
Above ₹10 lakh	₹5,000

Stamp Duty for LLP Agreement:

• Ranges between ₹500–₹2,000 depending on your state
  
  

Professional Charges (optional but recommended):

• DSCs, drafting, e-filing, MCA coordination: ₹7,000–₹15,000 on average
  
  
• CA or CS-assisted registration increases accuracy and reduces rejection risk

What to Do After LLP is Registered

Once you receive the Certificate of Incorporation, take the following actions:

1. Apply for PAN & TAN in the LLP’s name
   
   
2. Open a current bank account
   
   
3. Apply for GST Registration, if turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in NE states)
   
   
4. Draft letterheads, issue invoices, and start business
   
   

Set up your books of accounts and compliance tracking

Compliance Snapshot (First-Year Essentials)

Even if your LLP has no income in its first year, you must still file:

• Form 11 (Annual Return) – due by May 30
  
  
• Form 8 (Statement of Account & Solvency) – due by October 30
  
  

Income Tax Return (ITR-5) – due by July 31 (if not audited)

Audit is only required if:

• Turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh OR
  
  

Capital contribution exceeds ₹25 lakh

Conclusion

LLP registration may appear straightforward, but real-life filings often involve rejected names, incorrect attachments, missed deadlines, or DPIN delays. With the MCA’s stricter scrutiny in 2025, it’s crucial to get it right the first time especially if you’re a non-resident partner or registering with cross-border contributors.

Working with a professional can help ensure a smooth, compliant, and timely registration. At CA Vijay Singh’s office, we assist founders, professionals, and NRIs with seamless LLP setup and post-incorporation legal support.

📞 Need Help Registering Your LLP the Right Way?

CA Vijay Singh and his team provide end-to-end compliance management covering annual returns, ITR, audits, and MCA filings so you can stay focused on your business while we handle the legal side.

👉 Contact us now to start your LLP registration with expert guidance. We handle everything so you can focus on building your business.