Which registrations does my business need?
Answer a few questions and get a personal checklist with official links, in the order you should do them.
9 steps to get fully registered
Do them in this order. Most are free and online.
Why
- Turnover above ₹20–40 lakh (by state and supply type) requires GST registration.
- You appear eligible for DPIIT Startup India recognition.
Next steps
- Incorporate via SPICe+ on the MCA portal (PAN and TAN come with it).
- Open a current bank account for the business.
- Register for GST (your turnover is above the limit).
- Get free Udyam (MSME) registration.
- Register under your state’s Shops and Establishments Act (municipal or labour department).
- Register for professional tax as an employer (in states that levy it).
- Apply for DPIIT Startup India recognition (tax and compliance benefits).
- Protect your brand: search and file a trademark application.
- Subscribe to your compliance due dates.
General checklist. Industry licences (FSSAI for food, drug licence, import–export code, pollution consent) are extra. Confirm with a CA or CS.
Common questions
Is Udyam registration compulsory?
It is free and optional for most businesses, but you need it to claim MSME benefits such as priority lending, delayed-payment protection and some government tenders.
Who can get DPIIT Startup India recognition?
Private limited companies, LLPs and registered partnership firms up to 10 years old, with turnover never above ₹100 crore, working on innovation or a scalable model. Proprietorships are not eligible.
When does PF registration become compulsory?
Generally when you have 20 or more employees. ESI generally applies at 10 or more employees in notified areas. You can register voluntarily earlier.
Sources and last check
We list every rate, limit and date this page relies on, where it comes from and when we last checked it. Rules change: please confirm on the official website before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
- Startup recognition and employer registration thresholdsVerified 13 Oct 2026
DPIIT recognition: up to 10 years from incorporation, turnover never above ₹100 crore, working on innovation or a scalable model. EPF applies to establishments with 20+ employees, ESI generally 10+ (state notifications vary). The labour codes may change thresholds; check the portals.
DPIIT notification G.S.R. 127(E), 19 Feb 2019 · EPFO: coverage · ESIC: coverage
- GST registration thresholdsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Goods: ₹40 lakh in most states, ₹20 lakh in six states, ₹10 lakh in four north-eastern states. Services: ₹20 lakh, or ₹10 lakh in those four states. Some sellers must register regardless of turnover (for example inter-state suppliers of goods and most e-commerce sellers).
GST portal: registration · ClearTax: GST registration limits
- EPF and ESI contributionsVerified 13 Oct 2026
The EPF wage ceiling rose from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 a month in September 2026. Employers may still contribute on full basic.
- Official websites
Udyam registration · Startup India recognition · GST registration
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