The New Business Registration Checklist

Registrations are easier when done in the right order, because each one depends on the previous. Here is the sequence we follow for most new businesses. Not every item applies to everyone — that is exactly what a roadmap conversation sorts out.

Foundation

1. 1Choose your structure — proprietorship, partnership, LLP, OPC or private limited company.
2. 2Register the entity — incorporation with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for companies and LLPs, or a partnership deed for a firm. A proprietorship needs no incorporation.
3. 3PAN and TAN — the entity's tax identity, and the deduction account you need once you pay salaries, rent or contractors.
4. 4Business bank account — a current account in the business name, opened with the incorporation documents, PAN and KYC.

Tax and MSME

1. 1GST registration — mandatory above turnover thresholds, and from day one in some situations such as selling across states or through e-commerce platforms. Voluntary registration can make sense if your customers need GST invoices.
2. 2Udyam (MSME) registration — free, quick and useful for credit, tenders and delayed-payment protection.
3. 3Professional tax — a state-level registration for the business and, once you hire, for employees. Applies in many but not all states.

State and industry licences

1. 1Shop & Establishment registration — required by most states for any commercial premises, including offices.
2. 2Trade licence — issued by the local municipal body for certain business activities.
3. 3FSSAI — for anything involving food: restaurants, cloud kitchens, packaged foods, catering.
4. 4Import Export Code (IEC) — if you will import or export goods or, in some cases, services.
5. 5Sector-specific licences — drug licences, pollution consents, fire safety, and similar depending on your activity.

Protecting and scaling

1. 1Trademark — protect your brand name and logo before you spend on marketing them.
2. 2Provident fund and ESI — become mandatory once your headcount crosses the thresholds; register before you hit them.
3. 3Startup India (DPIIT) recognition — optional, for innovative or scalable startups seeking programme and tax benefits.

Not registrations, but do them now

• Set up an accounting system and a compliant invoice format before your first sale.
• Create a compliance calendar with every monthly, quarterly and annual due date.
• Register a domain and business email in your own name, not a vendor's.
• Claim your Google Business Profile so customers can find and call you.