Startup India Registration
Get official government “Startup” recognition, DPIIT certificate, income tax benefits, & connect to India’s startup ecosystem.
Give your business a competitive edge from DAY 1!
Apply For Startup India Registration
Give your business a competitive edge from DAY 1!
What is Startup India Registration?
Startup India Registration is a government initiative providing officially recognized startups with tax benefits, funding opportunities, compliance relaxations, and easy access to government/VC/grant schemes.
Companies, LLPs & registered partnership firms can apply through DPIIT's online portal and upon approval, receive unique DPIIT “Startup” recognition. This certificate is often required for fundraising, angel investment, grants, government tenders & tax exemption requests.
Companies, LLPs & registered partnership firms can apply through DPIIT's online portal and upon approval, receive unique DPIIT “Startup” recognition. This certificate is often required for fundraising, angel investment, grants, government tenders & tax exemption requests.
Who, Why & When is it Required?
For private limited, LLP or registered partnership firm (not for proprietorship/individual)
Compulsory for applying tax benefit under Section 80-IAC
Required for fundraising from angel investors, VCs, or applying to Accelerators, Govt. grants/IC programs
Needed to get “Startup” status in grant/tender portals
Recommended for: technology, product, scalable or innovative business
Must be new/innovative (not old, restructured, split business, or subsidiaries)
Valued by mentors, banks, customers as proof of “real startup”
Needed at any stage: from 1st month to 10th year, as long as your business meets eligibility
Startup India – Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Body | DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade), Govt. of India |
| Who can apply? | Private Limited, LLP, Registered Partnership Firm (business age ≤ 10 years, turnover ≤ ₹100Cr) |
| Eligible Activities | Any business offering innovation, improvement, scalable product/service, job creation, or economic impact |
| Documents | Company registration (COI), PAN, business plan, director/partner details, brief note on innovation |
| Key Benefits | Tax holiday (Sec 80-IAC), DPIIT certificate, access to investor/VC/grant network, tender, IPR subsidy |
| Exclusions | Old/demerged/restructured companies, routine trading, franchise-type businesses |
| Certificate Validity | Up to 10 years from company’s date of incorporation (if criteria met) |
Startup India Registration – Steps & Process
- Get your company/LLP/firm incorporated (Pvt Ltd/LLP/Regd. Partnership)
- Prepare key documents: PAN, COI, brief innovation note, business plan, director/partner details
- Online registration at Startup India Portal with all basic & proof attachments
- DPIIT examines and may request clarifications or proof of “innovation”/“scalability”
- Certificate of Recognition issued (via email & downloadable), with DPIIT Startup number
- If eligible, file for Income Tax 80-IAC or other tax/file benefits as needed
Advantages
- Official Govt. Startup Certificate (valid for banks/investors/tenders)
- Tax holiday: 3-year income tax exemption under Sec 80-IAC (if approved)
- Access to Startup India grants, seed funds, Incubators, VC networks
- Discounted or zero-fee IPR/trademark/patent filings
- Government tenders & public procurement eligibility
- Brand credibility & legal proof of innovative status
Disadvantages
- Only available to registered company/LLP/firm (not available for proprietorship/individuals)
- Documentation scrutiny; must show innovation/improvement, not routine/trading sector
- No direct funding or investment — only facilitation/grants (actual funds need separate application)
- Regular compliance needed; benefits can be cancelled by DPIIT if rules violated
Typical Use–Cases
• Tech product startups, app/SaaS founders, D2C/ecommerce brands
• Seeds funds/accelerators/funding applicants
• Startups targeting angel/VC rounds, or seeking tender/grant eligibility
• Any company/LLP/firm going for government schemes or public contracts
• Seeds funds/accelerators/funding applicants
• Startups targeting angel/VC rounds, or seeking tender/grant eligibility
• Any company/LLP/firm going for government schemes or public contracts
Need Startup India Certificate?
End-to-end support for Startup India (DPIIT) application, compliance queries, and 80-IAC tax/ grant eligibility — guided by experts.
Get Free Startup India Consultation
Mail:
Hello@valcoura.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is eligible for Startup India recognition?
Any Private Limited company, LLP, or Registered Partnership, not older than 10 years and turnover below ₹100Cr, working on product/tech/service innovation/scalability.
Is Startup India registration needed for each company?
Yes—each new entity must apply. You need a COI, PAN, business plan & innovation note for each application.
Is it mandatory for every startup?
Not mandatory legally. But essential if you want tax exemptions, grants, government/VC/angel benefits, or to enter specific tenders and government schemes.
How long does approval take?
Usually 5–15 working days, if all documents & innovation description are clear.
Can a foreign-owned company apply?
Yes—if the company is registered in India and meets all other criteria.
How to get the 80-IAC tax benefit?
First get DPIIT Startup recognition, then file separate 80-IAC application at Income Tax portal. Separate scrutiny and approval is done for tax holiday.
Can proprietorship apply for Startup India?
No — only Private Limited, LLP, Registered Partnership can be recognized as startup.
Do you help with pitch decks, innovation notes?
Yes—our expert consultants guide on documents, business plan, innovation note and filings for best chance of approval.