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In India, an internet business is a business authorized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to offer internet services to the customers. Only businesses registered under Companies Act are eligible to get authorization from DoT.
In this article, we shall discuss the necessary licenses and certificates to start an internet business in India.
In today’s time, the internet has become more important than ever before. In the past, the internet was mostly a tool for communication and accessing information. But now, it has become a fundamental part of daily life of individuals, impacting education, work, healthcare, etc. Therefore, 2025 is the perfect time to start an internet business.
The following licenses and certificates are required to start internet business in India:
First and foremost, you need to register your business under the Companies Act as a private limited company or public limited company. This is a mandatory requirement set forth by the DoT for granting internet license. To register a company, you need to file a company registration application via the official MCA portal of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. For the application, you must use prescribed form SPICe+. Fill in all the details in the form, and attach all the necessary documents. Once done, you can go ahead and file the application by paying the prescribed application fee.
Once the Registrar of Companies (ROC) receives the application, it’ll verify all the details mentioned in the form as well as the documents you attached. If the application meets all the requirements, ROC will register the company and issue a certificate of incorporation. After this step, you can move ahead to the next step.
To register a company in India and secure a certificate of incorporation, you require the following documents:
Digital Signature Certificate
Memorandum of Association
Articles of Association
Director Identification Number
PAN of Indian directors
Aadhaar Card of Indian directors
Passport of the Foreign directors
Latest Utility Bills
Proof of Residence
NOC for the Registered Office Address
Passport-size Photographs
The internet license is granted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). This license is mandatory for providing internet services in India. It is important to note that there are 3 different types of internet licenses in India.
Class A type of license allows a business to provide internet services across the country. The Class B type of license allows the business license-holder to provide internet services at a state level or in a metro city. Class C license allows the business to provide services in secondary switching areas.
Depending on your requirements, you must choose the internet license type. After choosing, you can file an application with the Department of Telecommunications. Once DoT issues this license, it remains valid for a period for 20 years.
While filing the application, you will require the following documents. Make sure you prepare all documents carefully:
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum of Association
Articles of Association
Board Resolution for ISP Application
Power of Attorney
Demand Draft for Application Fee
List of Directors with Address and ID Proof
Company PAN Card
GST Registration Certificate
Network Diagram and Project Report
Financial Statements of Last 3 Years
Income Tax Returns
Shareholding Pattern
Details of Net Worth
Copy of Service Tax Registration, if applicable
No Objection Certificate from Building Owner (if premises not owned)
Undertaking for Compliance with License Terms
Digital Signature Certificate
Address Proof of Registered Office
Photograph of Authorized Signatory
Bank Solvency Certificate
To operate a business in India, it is essential to obtain a shop and establishment certificate. Every state/union territory in India has its own version of the Shop and Establishment Act.
Therefore, you must obtain the shop and establishment certificate in accordance with the Act applicable in your state/union territory. You must secure this certificate within 30 days of commencing your business.
To secure shop and establishment certificate, you will require the following documents while filing an application:
Utility Bills of the Establishment
Proof of Identity
Passport-size photographs
Rental Agreement (in case of rented premises)
Property Papers (in case you own the premises)
GST registration is a mandatory requirement for businesses whose annual turnover exceeds Rs. 40 lakhs and Rs. 20 lakhs for services. Therefore, if your internet business crosses these threshold limits, it’ll be mandatory to register for GST.
For registering, the process needs to be completed online via the official GST portal. Once registered, your business will receive a GST Registration Certificate. This certificate contains Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN).
To secure a GST registration certificate, you require the following documents:
Certificate of Incorporation
PAN Card of Company
Memorandum of Association
Articles of Association
Resolution signed by board members
Identity and address proof of directors
PAN of the signatory
Signatory's appointment proof
Signatory’s Aadhaar card
Bank details
Letter of Authorization authorizing the signatory
To provide internet services in India, you must register a private limited company or a public limited company under the Companies Act 2013. This is a mandatory requirement for securing an internet license from DoT. Individuals and sole proprietorships are not eligible to secure an internet license in India. Apart from registering your company and securing an internet license, you must also secure a shop and establishment certificate and GST registration certificate.
If you need assistance in setting up an internet business, connect with Registrationwala! We’ll help you file an application with DoT for securing ISP license for providing internet services!
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