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Startup India Registration in Kerala: A Complete Guide

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Renuka M
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3 min read

Kerala has emerged as a vibrant hub for startups, offering a favourable ecosystem for entrepreneurs. If you are interested in registering your startup under the Startup India initiative in Kerala, this guide will help you understand the process, benefits, and eligibility criteria.

What is Startup India?

The Startup India initiative, launched by the Government of India, aims to promote innovation, boost entrepreneurship, and simplify business processes for startups. Startups registered under this scheme can avail of various benefits, including tax exemptions, funding support, and reduced compliance burdens.

Eligibility for Startup India Registration

To qualify for Startup India registration in Kerala, a business must meet the following criteria:

  1. Company Type – Must be a Private Limited Company (PLC), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or a Registered Partnership Firm.

  2. Business Age – The entity should be less than 10 years old from its date of incorporation.

  3. Annual Turnover – Should not exceed ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation.

  4. Innovation & Scalability—The startup should innovate, develop, or improve products, services, or processes.

  5. Not Formed by Splitting an Existing Business—The business should not be a restructured entity of an existing company.

Steps for Startup India Registration in Kerala

  1. Incorporate Your Business

    • Register your company as a Private Limited Company (PLC), LLP, or Partnership Firm with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

    • Obtain PAN (Permanent Account Number) and other necessary registrations.

  2. Register on the Startup India Portal

    • Visit startupindia.gov.in and create an account.

    • Fill out the Startup Recognition Form with details about your business.

    • Upload supporting documents like a Certificate of Incorporation, business plan, and details of innovation.

  3. Get DPIIT Recognition

    • Apply for recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) through the portal.

    • Once approved, your startup will receive a Startup Recognition Certificate.

  4. Apply for Tax Benefits (Optional)

    • Eligible startups can apply for Income Tax Exemption (Section 80 IAC) and Angel Tax Exemption (Section 56 of the IT Act).

  5. Avail of Government Schemes & Funding

    • Kerala startups can explore funding options like Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) grants, SIDBI’s Fund of Funds, and other government schemes.

Benefits of Startup India Registration

✅ Tax Exemptions – Startups can get income tax exemptions for three consecutive years.
✅ Easier Compliance – Self-certification for labor laws and environmental regulations.
✅ Government Tenders – Registered startups can apply for government projects without prior experience.
✅ Funding & Mentorship – Access to startup incubators, government grants, and VC funding.
✅ IPR & Patent Support – Fast-track trademark and patent registrations at lower costs.

Kerala’s Startup Ecosystem & Support

Kerala is home to Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), which offers:

  • Incubation support

  • Seed funding assistance

  • Startup accelerator programs

  • Networking events & investor connect

Conclusion

Registering under Startup India in Kerala provides businesses with essential government support, funding opportunities, and a smooth regulatory framework. If you are planning to launch a startup in Kerala, completing the Startup India registration can give your business the competitive edge it needs to grow successfully.

startup india registration in kerala