Quick summary
Most Bangalore business registrations do not require a lawyer at all. They require a CA or Company Secretary. Here's a clear breakdown of who does what, and when a lawyer is actually needed.
The most common confusion: lawyers vs Company Secretaries vs CAs
For most Bangalore business registrations, you don't need an advocate (lawyer) at all. Here's who handles what:
- Pvt Ltd incorporation: Company Secretary (CS) or CA. Filed on MCA21 portal
- LLP registration: CA or CS. Filed on MCA21
- Partnership firm: CA. Registered with the Registrar of Firms, Karnataka
- Sole proprietorship: no formal registration required; GST registration through CA
- Society / trust registration: Karnataka-specific process, often handled by a lawyer or CS
- One Person Company (OPC): CA or CS. MCA21
When a lawyer is actually needed for business registration
Lawyers (advocates) are needed when the registration process has a legal dimension beyond routine filing:
- Drafting a shareholders' agreement (SHA) between co-founders. Legal document that governs disputes, exits, vesting
- Joint venture agreements with foreign partners. FEMA compliance and contract law
- Society or public charitable trust registration. Stamp duty, deed drafting, charity commissioner filings
- Franchise agreements. Contract drafting and review
- IP assignment agreements when transferring IP from founders to the company
- Any business structure with regulatory approval requirements (NBFC, FMCG licence, etc.)
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Find a verified lawyer in BengaluruKarnataka-specific notes
Karnataka's state-level registrations (shops and establishment, professional tax, labour registrations) are typically handled by a CA or HR consultant, not a lawyer.
If you are registering a startup under Karnataka Startup Policy or DPIIT recognition, no lawyer is required. The CA handles the application.
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