Separate legal entity
The LLP can own property, enter contracts and take legal action in its own name.
An LLP is a separate legal entity with limited liability protection for its partners. No minimum capital is required, and a flexible LLP Agreement lets partners decide profit sharing and management.
| What’s Included (Quick Comparison) | Basic₹2,999/- | StandardMost Popular₹4,999/- | PremiumMost Valued₹9,999/- |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name approval Filling/ Guidance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| FiLLiP incorporation Filing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Certificate of Incorporation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAN and TAN Registration | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| LLP Agreement | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Registered office document review | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Form 3 Filing | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| GST registration (Under 14A Scheme) | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3-month Free GST Filing (up to 10 transactions) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Udyam registration | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Trademark Filing (1 Application under 1 Class) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Professional and Priority Support | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
A Limited Liability Partnership, or LLP, is a business structure registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008. It gives a business its own legal identity while allowing partners to decide how they will manage the business, share profits and contribute capital.
Once incorporated, the LLP can own assets, open a bank account, enter contracts, sue or be sued in its own name. A partner is generally not personally responsible for the LLP's liabilities merely because they are a partner. This protection does not cover a partner's own fraud, wrongful act, personal guarantee or unauthorised conduct.
LLP registration is usually a good fit for consultants, agencies, professional firms, family businesses, service businesses and founders who want a formal structure without planning an equity-funded startup immediately.
An LLP is a body corporate and a separate legal entity from its partners. It combines two useful features: the limited-liability protection associated with a company and the internal flexibility of a partnership.
The owners of an LLP are called partners. The individuals responsible for statutory duties and MCA filings are called designated partners. The LLP Agreement decides their contribution, profit-sharing ratio, powers, duties and exit rules.
An LLP is not a private limited company. It does not have shareholders, share capital, directors, a CIN or ESOPs in the company-law sense. It is identified by an LLPIN and governed by the LLP Act, 2008.
You need LLP registration when you want to use the words Limited Liability Partnership or LLP in your business name and operate as an LLP. An unregistered partnership cannot present itself as an LLP.
Registration is useful because it gives your business a separate identity, a registered name, a documented partner arrangement and a legal route to enter contracts or hold assets. The Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Registrar of Companies is the formal proof that the LLP exists.
In order to register a limited liability partnership firm, there are certain mandatory requirements that should be met. This eligibility requirement includes:
| Basis | Designated Partner | Partner |
|---|---|---|
Role | Owner and he is responsible for statutory filings and compliance | Owner of the LLP |
Who can be one | Individual only | Individual or body corporate |
Minimum number | At least two, including one resident in India | Can join as an additional partner alongside the designated partners. |
| Compliance owner | Responsible for filing statutory forms and meeting LLP Act obligations | As set out in the LLP Agreement |
DPIN | Required; eligible new designated partners can seek it through FiLLiP | Not Required |
To start an LLP, there are multiple documents needed to be attached while filing the FiLLiP form. FiLLiP Form stands for Form for Incorporation of Limited Liability Partnership and used to incorporate your LLP with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Keep these documents clear, current and consistent with PAN details. Different spellings, old address proof and missing owner consent are common reasons for resubmission or rejection. Use the below table as your checklist and complete prepare your documents accordingly:
Note - Documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Note: Address proof and utility bills should be recent; the exact acceptable age can vary by the form or authority. Documents not in English should be accompanied by a certified English translation.
LLP registration is completed online on the MCA portal. Startup Movers manages the documentation, form preparation and follow-up; partners provide accurate information and sign documents using their DSCs.
Check the proposed name against existing companies, LLPs and trademarks. You may reserve the name through RUN-LLP or apply through the incorporation route where permitted. The name should reflect your business and end with LLP or Limited Liability Partnership.
Each designated partner who must sign the MCA forms needs a valid Digital Signature Certificate. We collect the required KYC documents and coordinate the application through an authorised certifying authority.
We prepare the subscriber sheet, designated partner consent, office proof, partner contribution details and other necessary attachments. If a proposed designated partner does not already have a DIN, eligible DIN allotment can be requested through FiLLiP.
FiLLiP means Form for Incorporation of Limited Liability Partnership. It contains the LLP's name, registered office, business activity, partner details, designated partner details and contribution. It is filed with the Registrar of Companies having jurisdiction over the registered office.
Once the Registrar approves the filing, the MCA issues the Certificate of Incorporation and assigns the LLP Identification Number, known as LLPIN. PAN and TAN are processed through the integrated incorporation flow.
The partners sign the LLP Agreement on appropriate state stamp paper. It must be filed with the MCA in Form 3 within 30 days of incorporation. This is not optional. If the agreement is not filed, the default rules in Schedule I of the LLP Act can apply until the partners document their own arrangement.
| Stage | Indicative time |
|---|---|
DSC and document collection | 1 to 3 working days |
Name approval | 1 to 5 working days |
FiLLiP filing and ROC processing | 4 to 8 working days |
LLP Agreement execution and Form 3 filing | Within 30 days after incorporation |
Most straightforward LLP incorporations take around 10 to 15 working days, excluding delays caused by name rejection, incomplete documents, DSC issues, a ROC resubmission or state-specific stamp-paper requirements.
The cost of LLP registration has four parts: MCA fees, state stamp duty, DSC charges and professional fees. Do not compare packages only by the headline price; ask whether the LLP Agreement, Form 3, DSCs, government fees and stamp duty are included or not.
| Category | Fees (In INR) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
Name reservation | ₹200 | RUN-LLP fee, if this route is used separately |
DSC (per partner) | ₹2000-₹2500 | Number of designated partners and the validity selected |
LLP Stamp Duty | ₹500 | Up to 1 lakh contribution |
LLP Agreement stamp duty | Varies based on state and capital contribution (₹150-₹5000) | State where the agreement is executed, contribution and agreement terms |
LLP Agreement drafting & Form 3 | ₹3,000 - ₹10,000 | Complexity of the partner arrangement and professional scope |
Note: Government fees and rules may change. Confirm the exact fees and stamp duty before filing. Check the stamp duty for your state/UT using our Free Stamp Duty Calculator.
The Certificate of Incorporation proves that the LLP has been legally incorporated by the Registrar of Companies. It is used for opening the current account, entering contracts and completing statutory registrations.
The LLPIN is the LLP's unique identification number. It is normally a seven-character alphanumeric number, such as AAB-1234. Use it in MCA filings, official records and LLP verification. An LLP does not receive a CIN because a CIN is assigned to companies, not LLPs.
| Component | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
First 3 Characters | Alphabetic (e.g., ABC, XYZ) | Internal registry sequence code generated automatically by the MCA. Note: Unlike a CIN, these letters do not represent a state or geographic location. |
Last 4 Digits | Numeric (e.g., 1234) | A unique sequential registration number assigned chronologically as LLPs register across India. |
The LLP Agreement is the operating rulebook of the partners. It should be drafted for the actual business arrangement rather than copied from a generic template. Many founders get confused about what should be included in an LLP Agreement. Here is the complete list what an llp agreement should cover:
Registering an LLP is a critical step because it creates the legal foundation for your future business operations. However, even small errors during the registration process can lead to delays, additional compliance costs, or significant penalties.
Some common LLP registration mistakes that should be avoided include:
The LLP can own property, enter contracts and take legal action in its own name.
Partners are generally liable only to the extent of their agreed contribution, subject to fraud, wrongful acts and personal guarantees.
Partners can choose a practical contribution amount based on the business.
A change in partners does not automatically end the LLP.
Partners can set profit sharing, management rights and decision-making rules through the LLP Agreement.
An LLP can add partners as the business grows.
It does not require board meetings, annual general meetings or mandatory statutory audit in every case.
A registered LLP has an LLPIN, Certificate of Incorporation and statutory filing trail.
It works well for consultancies, agencies, law firms, CA firms, design studios and closely held service businesses.
| Feature | Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | Private Limited Company | Traditional Partnership Firm |
|---|---|---|---|
Governing law | LLP Act, 2008 | Companies Act, 2013 | Indian Partnership Act, 1932 |
Legal identity | Separate legal entity | Separate legal entity | Generally not separate from partners |
Owners | Partners | Shareholders | Partners |
Management | Partners/designated partners | Directors | Partners |
Minimum members | 2 partners | 2 shareholders and 2 directors | 2 partners |
Resident requirement | One resident designated partner | One resident director | Depends on arrangement/state requirements |
Liability | Generally limited | Generally limited | Partners usually have unlimited joint liability |
Ownership transfer | As per LLP Agreement | Shares can be transferred subject to AOA/agreements | As per partnership deed and consent |
Equity funding and ESOPs | Not a natural fit | Best suited | Not a natural fit |
Statutory audit | Threshold based | Usually mandatory annually | Depends on tax law/other rules |
Best suited for | Professionals, services and closely held businesses | Venture-scale startups and equity funding | Small informal ventures |
Unlike a company with share capital, an LLP does not file Form INC-20A or appoint a first statutory auditor within 30 days. But it still needs to complete important actions quickly. Here are certain actions that must be completed once your LLP is registered and it include:
Choose an LLP if you want limited liability, flexible profit sharing and comparatively leaner compliance, especially for a professional or service-led business.
Consider a private limited company instead if you expect angel or VC investment, want to issue ESOPs, need a share-based cap table or intend to bring in multiple equity investors. A structure can be changed later, but conversion has legal and tax consequences, so choose with your planned growth path in mind.
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An LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership registered under the LLP Act, 2008. It is a separate legal entity from its partners and gives partners contractual flexibility with generally limited liability.
LLPs suit professional firms, consultants, agencies, service businesses, family businesses and closely held ventures that want formal registration and limited liability without a share-based corporate structure.
You need at least two partners, at least two individual designated partners, one resident designated partner, a valid Indian registered office, a compliant name and incorporation documents.
No, the LLP Act does not prescribe a minimum contribution. Partners can decide a reasonable contribution in the LLP Agreement.
There is no statutory maximum number of partners in an LLP.
No, an LLP needs at least two partners at all times. If it carries on business for more than six months with only one partner, that person can face personal liability in the circumstances set out under the LLP Act.
Yes, the same two individuals can be both partners and designated partners, provided one fulfils the resident-in-India requirement.
A partner is an owner. A designated partner is an individual responsible for statutory filings and compliance. Every LLP needs at least two designated partners.
Yes, a body corporate can be a partner, but it must nominate an individual to act as its designated partner where required.
Yes, subject to FEMA, FDI policy and sector-specific conditions. The LLP must still have at least one resident designated partner in India.
Foreign investment in an LLP may be permitted under the automatic route where the sector allows 100 percent FDI under the automatic route and has no FDI-linked performance conditions. Check the current FDI policy before proceeding.
Usually yes, but the person should first check their employment contract, outside-business policy, non-compete terms and conflict-of-interest restrictions.
Yes, spouses, siblings, parents and other family members can form an LLP if the incorporation requirements are met.
Common documents include PAN, identity proof, recent address proof, photograph, DSC documents, registered-office proof, owner NOC where applicable, subscriber sheet, Form 9 consent and business/contribution details.
They generally need a passport and overseas address proof. Depending on the country, documents may need notarisation, apostille or consular legalisation, along with a certified English translation if not in English.
A Digital Signature Certificate is the electronic signature used by designated partners to sign MCA forms online.
DIN is the identification number used for a designated partner. Ordinary partners do not necessarily need DIN. Eligible new designated partners can seek DIN allotment through the incorporation filing.
FiLLiP means Form for Incorporation of Limited Liability Partnership. It is the MCA incorporation form that records the LLP's office, partners, designated partners, contribution and other incorporation details.
Yes, you can apply through RUN-LLP, or use the available incorporation route as applicable. A name must be unique, legally acceptable and end with LLP or Limited Liability Partnership.
The MCA process permits proposed names in the available name-reservation route. We recommend preparing two well-checked options in order of preference.
An LLP name approved through RUN-LLP is generally reserved for three months. Check the MCA approval letter for the exact validity and file incorporation within that period.
Yes, if you can provide valid address proof and the owner's NOC where required.
Yes, if it is a genuine address for receiving official communication and the provider supplies valid documentation, including the agreement, utility bill and owner authorisation as needed.
No, LLP incorporation is completed online through the MCA portal using digitally signed documents.
Most straightforward cases take 10 to 15 working days. The timeline can increase if the name is rejected, documents are incomplete or the ROC asks for resubmission.
It is the official certificate issued by the Registrar of Companies after approving the LLP incorporation. It proves the LLP legally exists.
LLPIN is the LLP Identification Number allotted after incorporation. It is the LLP's unique MCA identifier and appears on the Certificate of Incorporation.
No, LLPIN identifies an LLP. CIN identifies a company incorporated under the Companies Act.
PAN and TAN are processed through the integrated incorporation flow. Keep the documents and details ready, and check the final issued records after incorporation.
It is the legal agreement that defines partner contributions, profit sharing, powers, duties, remuneration, entry and exit rules, and dispute resolution.
Yes, partners should execute it and file it with the MCA in Form 3 within 30 days of incorporation.
The LLP can incur late filing consequences and may not have its customised partner terms properly recorded with the MCA. The default Schedule I rules may apply where no agreement governs a point.
No, GST depends on turnover, activity, place of supply and compulsory-registration provisions. Some LLPs need it from the beginning; others do not.
Yes, an eligible LLP can apply for Udyam registration as an MSME.
An eligible LLP can apply for DPIIT Startup India recognition. It must meet the current eligibility conditions; recognition is not automatic after incorporation.
Yes, an LLP must meet annual MCA, tax, accounting and any applicable GST obligations even if it has not earned revenue.
Form 11 is the Annual Return, generally due by 30 May. Form 8 is the Statement of Account and Solvency, generally due by 30 October.
No, LLP accounts audit is generally required when annual turnover exceeds Rs. 40 lakh or contribution exceeds Rs. 25 lakh, subject to applicable rules. Tax audit can apply separately under income-tax law.
An LLP is generally taxed as a partnership firm. Its income is normally taxed at 30 percent, plus applicable surcharge and cess. A partner's exempt share of profit and taxable remuneration or interest should be evaluated under the Income-tax Act and the LLP Agreement.
An LLP can obtain loans and admit partners, but it cannot issue equity shares or ESOPs like a private limited company. It is usually not the preferred vehicle for VC funding.
No, an LLP does not have share capital and cannot issue company-style ESOPs. It can consider contractual incentive arrangements, subject to legal and tax advice.
Yes, these changes can be made by following the LLP Agreement, obtaining the necessary partner approvals and filing the applicable MCA forms within the prescribed time.
Yes, Retirement, cessation and transfer of rights should follow the LLP Agreement, and the LLP should file the relevant change form with the MCA.
It may be possible to restructure the business, but the route and consequences depend on the applicable law, tax position, contracts and business facts. Take advice before committing to a conversion plan.
No, both create a formal business entity, but an LLP is registered under the LLP Act, 2008, whereas a company is incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013.
The final cost depends on contribution, state stamp duty, number of DSCs, name-reservation route, LLP Agreement scope and professional fees. Ask for a written breakup before filing.
The LLP becomes legally incorporated on the issue of the certificate. Complete the LLP Agreement, bank account, tax registrations and business-specific licences before carrying out activities that require them.
An LLP does not have the same statutory company-secretary requirement as a company. It can still use a CA, CS or legal professional for compliance and filings.