Comprehensive Guide to Company Conversions
Below is a detailed guide to various company conversions, including eligibility requirements, step-by-step processes, documents required, and the benefits of each conversion.
1. Proprietorship to Private Limited Company
Overview:
The conversion process is similar to a regular private limited company registration, focusing on transferring the assets and liabilities of the proprietorship to the private limited company.
Process:
- File for Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) for the directors.
- Reserve the company name using RUN (Reserve Unique Name).
- File for incorporation using SPICe+ (INC-32)along with e-MOA and e-AOA.
- Transfer the assets and liabilities of the proprietorship to the private limited company.
Documents Required:
- PAN and Aadhaar of the proprietor.
- Proof of office address and NOC from the landlord.
2. Partnership to Private Limited Company
Overview:
The conversion process is similar to a regular private limited company registration, with the dissolution of the partnership firm and transfer of its assets and liabilities to the private limited company.
Process:
- File for DSC and DIN for proposed directors.
- Reserve the company name using RUN.
- File incorporation forms (SPICe+) along with MOA and AOA.
- Execute a partnership dissolution deed.
Documents Required:
- PAN of the firm.
- Partnership deed.
- Address proof of partners.
3. LLP to Private Limited Company
Eligibility Requirements:
- All partners of the LLP must consent to the conversion.
- The LLP must have complied with its annual filings and tax returns.
Step-wise Process:
- Pass a resolution for conversion in the LLP.
- Reserve the name of the private limited company using RUN.
- File Form URC-1with details of LLP partners, assets, and liabilities.
- File incorporation forms (SPICe+) along with MOA and AOA.
- Obtain a Certificate of Incorporation from the Registrar of Companies.
Documents Required:
- LLP Agreement and PAN.
- Consent of partners.
- Financial statements of the LLP.
- Proof of office address and NOC.
Benefits:
- Access to equity funding.
- Improved credibility as a private limited company.
Relevant Laws/Forms Used:
- RUN, URC-1, SPICe+, INC-22.
4. OPC to Private Limited Company
Eligibility Requirements:
- OPC’s paid-up capital exceeds ₹50 lakh or turnover exceeds ₹2 crores.
- A minimum of two shareholders and directors is required.
Step-wise Process:
- Pass a shareholder resolution for conversion.
- Appoint additional shareholders and directors.
- File Form INC-6with the required documents.
- Alter MOA and AOA to reflect the new structure.
- Obtain a Certificate of Incorporation.
Documents Required:
- PAN and Aadhaar of sole member and additional members.
- Financial statements and proof of registered office address.
Benefits:
- Facilitates business scaling.
- Allows for multiple shareholders and increased investment.
Relevant Laws/Forms Used:
- INC-6, MGT-14.
5. Public Limited to Private Limited Company
Eligibility Requirements:
- Approval from the board and shareholders through a special resolution.
- No outstanding liabilities.
Step-wise Process:
- Approve the conversion through a board resolution.
- Obtain shareholder approval through a general meeting.
- File MGT-14with details of the resolution.
- File INC-27for conversion with ROC.
- Alter MOA and AOA to reflect the private limited company structure.
Documents Required:
- Board and shareholder resolutions.
- MOA and AOA amendments.
Benefits:
- Simplified compliance requirements.
- Increased operational flexibility.
Relevant Laws/Forms Used:
- MGT-14, INC-27.
6. Proprietorship to LLP
Overview:
This conversion process is similar to registering a new LLP and involves transferring the proprietorship’s assets and liabilities to the LLP.
Process:
- File for DSC and DPIN for proposed partners.
- Reserve LLP name using RUN-LLP.
- File incorporation forms (FiLLiP) and execute an LLP agreement.
Documents Required:
- PAN and Aadhaar of the proprietor.
- Proof of office address and NOC from the landlord.
7. Partnership to LLP
Overview:
Similar to registering an LLP, with the addition of transferring the partnership’s assets and liabilities to the LLP.
Process:
- File for DSC for partners and reserve the LLP name using RUN-LLP.
- File incorporation forms (FiLLiP) and execute an LLP agreement.
Documents Required:
- PAN of the partnership firm.
- Partnership deed.
- Address proof of partners.
8. Private Limited to LLP
Eligibility Requirements:
- All shareholders and directors must consent to the conversion.
- No secured loans against the company.
Step-wise Process:
- Pass a board resolution for conversion.
- Reserve the LLP name using RUN-LLP.
- File incorporation forms (FiLLiP) and register the LLP agreement within 30 days.
Documents Required:
- MOA and AOA of the private limited company.
- Shareholder consent and financial records.
Benefits:
- Reduced compliance burden.
- Simplified operational structure.
Relevant Laws/Forms Used:
- RUN-LLP, FiLLiP, Form 3.
9. Private Limited to Public Limited Company
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum of 7 shareholders and 3 directors.
Step-wise Process:
- Pass a board resolution for conversion.
- Obtain shareholder approval through a general meeting.
- File MGT-14and INC-27 for conversion.
- Alter MOA and AOA to reflect the public limited company structure.
Documents Required:
- Board and shareholder resolutions.
- MOA and AOA amendments.
Benefits:
- Facilitates raising public capital.
- Enhances company credibility.
Relevant Laws/Forms Used:
- MGT-14, INC-27.
10. Private Limited to OPC
Eligibility Requirements:
- The company’s turnover must be less than ₹2 crores.
Step-wise Process:
- Pass a board resolution for conversion.
- File Form INC-6with required documents.
- Alter MOA and AOA to reflect OPC status.
Documents Required:
- MOA and AOA amendments.
- Shareholder consent.
Benefits:
- Simplifies compliance.
- Retains limited liability.
Relevant Laws/Forms Used:
- INC-6, MGT-14.
Comparison Table: Company Conversions
Conversion Type | Eligibility Requirements | Key Forms to Be Filed | Documents Required | Benefits |
Proprietorship to Pvt Ltd | Similar to Pvt Ltd registration | RUN, SPICe+ (INC-32), e-MOA, e-AOA | PAN, Aadhaar, proof of office address, NOC | Limited liability; access to funding |
Proprietorship to Pvt Ltd | Similar to Pvt Ltd registration | RUN, SPICe+ (INC-32), e-MOA, e-AOA | PAN, partnership deed, proof of address | Equity funding; operational flexibility |
LLP to Pvt Ltd | Partner consent; annual compliance | RUN, URC-1, INC-32, MOA, AOA | LLP agreement, financials, partner consent | Access to equity funding |
OPC to Pvt Ltd | Paid-up capital > ₹50 lakh or turnover > ₹2 cr | INC-6, MGT-14 | PAN, Aadhaar of members, financial records | Scale operations; attract investors |
Public Ltd to Pvt Ltd | Board and shareholder approval required | MGT-14, INC-27 | Resolutions, MOA, AOA amendments | Simplified compliance |
Proprietorship to LLP | Similar to LLP registration | RUN-LLP, FiLLiP | PAN, Aadhaar, proof of office address, NOC | Limited liability; operational flexibility |
Partnership to LLP | Similar to LLP registration | RUN-LLP, FiLLiP | PAN, partnership deed, address proof | Reduced compliance; easier management |
Pvt Ltd to LLP | Shareholder consent, no secured loans | RUN-LLP, FiLLiP | MOA, AOA, shareholder consent, financial records | Cost-effective; reduced compliance |
Pvt Ltd to Public Ltd | Minimum 7 shareholders, 3 directors | MGT-14, INC-27 | Board and shareholder resolutions, MOA, AOA amendments | Public funding; increased credibility |
Pvt Ltd to OPC | Turnover < ₹2 cr | INC-6, MGT-14 | MOA, AOA amendments, shareholder consent | Simplified compliance |