COI
What COI means, where you will meet it and what it means for your business.
DefinitionThe Certificate of Incorporation (COI) is the document issued by the Registrar of Companies that proves a company legally exists, showing its name, CIN, PAN, TAN and date of incorporation.
The COI is the birth certificate of your company. It arrives by email, digitally signed by the Registrar, once SPICe+ is approved, usually 3 to 5 working days after filing with complete documents. It carries the Corporate Identity Number (CIN), a 21-character code that identifies the company in every MCA filing, and since 2020 the PAN and TAN are printed on it as well. You will use the COI to open the bank account, apply for GST, sign vendor agreements and prove existence to investors and marketplaces. Two clocks start from its date: deposit the subscription money and file INC-20A within 180 days, and appoint the first auditor within 30 days. An LLP receives an equivalent certificate with an LLPIN.
Where you will meet this term
- Private Limited CompanyFounders who plan to raise money or hirefrom ₹3,999
- One Person CompanyFor a solo founder who wants limited liability and a company name without a co-founder.from ₹3,999
- Limited Liability PartnershipFor two or more partners running a services or professional firm who want limited liability with light compliance.from ₹3,999