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Common questions about starting a business in India

Quick answers to help you get started. Each links to a detailed guide.

Two ways, depending on how you like to work:

  • Do it yourself — follow our free step-by-step guides covering registrations, going digital, and government schemes. No login needed, just pick a topic and go.
  • Get it done for you — our CAs, lawyers, and tech team handle the paperwork, build your website, or sort out compliance on your behalf.

Most people start with the guides, then reach out for help where they need it.

The basics — enough to get started as a sole proprietor:

  • Aadhaar + PAN card
  • Bank account (current is better, but savings works initially)

Depending on what you're doing, you may also need:

  • GST registration — if turnover crosses Rs 40 lakh
  • FSSAI— if you're in the food business
  • MSME/Udyam — free, takes 5 minutes, unlocks govt benefits

Faster than you'd think:

  • PAN card — instant online
  • MSME/Udyam — instant online, under 15 minutes
  • GST — 3 to 7 working days
  • Pvt Ltd / LLP — 7 to 15 working days

The biggest delays usually come from not having the right documents ready. Our guides list exactly what you need before you start each process.

More than you'd expect:

  • MUDRA loans — up to Rs 10 lakh, no collateral needed
  • PMEGP — 15-35% subsidy on your project cost
  • Stand-Up India — Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs
  • State-level grants — vary by state, often stack on top of central schemes

The tricky part is figuring out which ones you're eligible for — that's what our Govt Schemes section is built for.

Not right away. What you do need is a way for customers to find you:

  • Google Business Profile — free, gets you on Maps and Search, drives walk-ins and calls
  • WhatsApp Business — lets customers message and order directly
  • Marketplace listings — Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy if you sell products

Plenty of businesses run entirely this way. A website helps later when you want your own brand and storefront.

It depends on your situation:

  • Mandatory — if your annual turnover crosses Rs 40 lakh (Rs 20 lakh for services in some states), or if you sell online or across state lines
  • Optional but recommended — even below the threshold, GST lets you claim input tax credit and looks more credible to bigger clients

If you're selling B2B, it's practically expected regardless of turnover.

Start with the highest-impact step first, then build from there:

  • Google Business Profile — free, takes 10 minutes, puts you on Google Maps so nearby customers find you
  • WhatsApp Business — lets people message and order directly
  • Marketplace listings — Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart

You don't need a website to start. That comes later when you want your own storefront.

The opportunity in India

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MSMEs in India
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