Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Registration in India
What is an LLP?
A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is a hybrid business structure that combines the operational flexibility of a partnership with the limited liability protection of a company. It is governed by the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 and is ideal for professionals and businesses seeking minimal compliance with limited liability.
LLP Registration Prerequisites and Eligibility Conditions
- Partners:
- Minimum 2 partners required (one must be a resident of India).
- No upper limit on the number of partners.
- Individuals or corporate entities can be partners.
- Designated Partners:
- At least 2 designated partners, both of whom must have a Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN).
- At least one designated partner should be an Indian resident.
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC):
- All designated partners must have a valid DSC to file electronic forms.
- Unique Name:
- The LLP’s name must not conflict with an existing LLP, company, or trademark.
Characteristics of Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Characteristic | Description |
---|---|
Separate Legal Entity | LLP is distinct from its partners. |
Limited Liability | Partners’ liability is limited to their capital contribution. |
Perpetual Succession | LLP continues to exist even if partners change. |
No Minimum Capital Requirement | No minimum capital is required to form an LLP. |
Flexible Structure | Combines the benefits of partnership and company structures. |
Governance | Governed by the LLP Agreement and the LLP Act, 2008. |
Advantages of LLP
- Limited Liability Protection:
Partners are not personally liable for the firm’s debts or obligations. - Separate Legal Entity:
LLP can own assets, enter into contracts, and sue or be sued in its own name. - Operational Flexibility:
LLP agreements allow partners to define roles, rights, and duties flexibly. - No Mandatory Audit Requirement:
LLPs with turnover less than ₹40 lakh or capital less than ₹25 lakh are exempt from mandatory audits. - Ease of Fundraising:
LLPs can raise capital through corporate partners or financial institutions.
Disadvantages of LLP
- Limited External Funding Options:
LLPs cannot raise equity funding as companies do. - High Penalty for Non-Compliance:
Late filing or non-compliance attracts heavy penalties. - Limited Recognition:
LLPs may not be preferred for large-scale or high-growth ventures. - Rigid Exit Process:
Dissolution of an LLP requires compliance with formalities and legal procedures.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Name Structure
- Format:
[Proposed Name] + LLP
Example: “Innovative Solutions LLP” - Guidelines:
- The name should reflect the nature of the business.
- It must be unique and comply with naming guidelines issued by the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs).
- Avoid names that are identical or similar to existing trademarks or entities.
Documents Required for LLP Registration
- For Partners:
- PAN card (mandatory for Indian partners).
- Passport (mandatory for foreign partners).
- Address proof (Aadhar, voter ID, driving license, etc.).
- Latest bank statement/utility bill.
- For LLP Office:
- Proof of registered office address (rent agreement, NOC from owner, utility bill).
- Other Requirements:
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for all designated partners.
- LLP Agreement details (drafted post-registration).
Effortless LLP Registration: A Step-by-Step Process
- Obtain DSC and DPIN:
All designated partners need a DSC and a DPIN. - Name Reservation:
File Form RUN-LLP to reserve a unique name. - Filing Incorporation Form:
Submit Form FiLLiP (Form for Incorporation of LLP) with details of partners, registered office, and contribution. - Drafting the LLP Agreement:
Prepare the LLP Agreement, outlining governance rules, profit-sharing ratios, and partner responsibilities. - Register the LLP Agreement:
File the LLP Agreement in Form 3 with the Registrar of LLPs. - Certificate of Incorporation:
Upon successful verification, the MCA issues the Certificate of Incorporation.