Startup India Scheme

Empowering entrepreneurs with benefits, tax exemptions, and easier compliance

What is a Startup under Startup India?

Official Definition

An entity incorporated as a private limited company, partnership firm or LLP in India, not older than 10 years with annual turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore in any preceding financial year.

Key Requirements

  • Working towards innovation/improvement of existing products/services
  • Scalable business model with high potential for employment generation
  • Not formed by splitting up or reconstruction of existing business

Eligibility for Self-Certification

Entity Type

Private Limited Company, LLP or Partnership Firm registered in India

Age Limit

Not more than 10 years from date of incorporation/registration

Turnover

Annual turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore in any preceding financial year

Innovation

Working towards innovation, development or improvement of products/processes

Labor Laws Self-Certification

Benefits of Self-Certification

Recognized startups can self-certify compliance under 6 labor and 3 environmental laws for up to 5 years from incorporation.

Labor Laws Applicable:

  • The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
  • The Trade Unions Act, 1926
  • The Building and Other Constructions Workers' Act, 1996
  • The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946
  • The Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979
  • The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972

Environmental Laws:

  • The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act
  • The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Cess Act
  • The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act

Startup India Registration Process

1

Incorporate Your Business

Register as a Private Limited Company, LLP or Partnership Firm

2

Register on Startup India Portal

Create profile on Startup India website and fill the registration form

3

Submit Documents

Upload required documents including Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, and other details

4

Self-Certification

Self-certify compliance with eligibility criteria and labor/environment laws

5

Recognition Number

Receive Startup India Recognition Number immediately upon submission

6

Approval

Get final approval after verification (typically within 2 days)

Documents Required for Registration

Business Documents

  • Certificate of Incorporation/Registration
  • PAN Card of the entity
  • Proof of concept (website link, pitch deck, patent details if any)

Founder Details

  • PAN and Aadhaar of all directors/partners
  • Email and mobile number of authorized representative
  • Brief profile of the startup

Additional Documents

  • Authorization letter of the authorized representative
  • Proof of funding if any (optional)
  • Details of patents/trademarks if any (optional)

Benefits from DPIIT Recognition

💸

Tax Exemptions

Tax holiday for 3 consecutive years out of first 10 years since incorporation

🛡️

Self-Certification

Self-certify compliance under 6 labor and 3 environmental laws

💰

IPR Benefits

80% rebate on patent filing fees and fast-track examination

🏛️

Easier Winding Up

Fast-track closure within 90 days under Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code

🤝

Government Contracts

Exemption from earnest money deposit and prior experience requirements

📈

Funding Support

Access to Fund of Funds with corpus of ₹10,000 crore

Self-Certification Process

1. Eligibility Check

Ensure your startup meets all eligibility criteria for self-certification

2. Prepare Documents

Gather all necessary documents and compliance proofs

3. Online Declaration

Submit self-declaration through Startup India portal

4. Maintain Records

Keep all supporting documents ready for inspection if required

5. Annual Renewal

Renew self-certification annually for continued benefits

Note: Self-certification is valid for 5 years from incorporation date. Startups must maintain compliance with all declared laws.

Start Your Startup India Registration

Get recognized by DPIIT in just 2-3 working days