Overview: Registered Office Address
A registered office address is a legal requirement for any company looking to register and operate officially in India. It is the official communication address that is recorded with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) and must be provided during the incorporation process. All government notices, legal documents, and tax-related communications are sent to this address.
Whether you’re setting up a private limited company, LLP, or public limited company, declaring a valid registered office address ensures regulatory compliance and business transparency. This address becomes part of the public record and acts as the central point of contact for authorities such as the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the Income Tax Department.
In this blog, we’ll explore the meaning, importance, legal requirements, and process for changing a registered office address in India.
What is a Registered Office Address?
A registered office address is the official location of a company that is recorded with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) during the incorporation process. It is the address where all legal documents, government notices, tax correspondence, and official communication are sent. This address becomes part of the public record and must be accessible during working hours for the delivery and inspection of documents.
According to the Companies Act, 2013, every company in India must have a registered office within 30 days of incorporation. It does not need to be the place of actual business operations—it can be a commercial property, residential space, or even a shared office, as long as it is capable of receiving official communication. Companies can later change their registered office address by following the legal procedures laid out by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Importance of a Registered Office Address for Company Registration
As per Section 12 of the Companies Act, 2013, every company must have a registered office that is capable of receiving and acknowledging all notices and official communications. So, it’s the official need for every company to file a registered office address to the Registrar of Companies in the month of its establishment.
When a company is getting established, it is necessary to announce the company’s registered office and hand over proof in the form of documents. Usually, these are the documents that should be submitted while filing a registered office of a firm during establishment:
- Water bill/ electricity bill/ property tax receipt
- Lease or rental agreement between the company and the landlord
- NOC, No-objection certificate from the landlord for registered office
It should be noted that the address and the name present on the water bill/ electricity bill/ property tax receipt completely match the landlord’s NOC certificate and the rental agreement statement. It should also be noted that a company’s registered office cannot remain vacant or be an under-construction building. But it is also not a hard and fast rule that the registered office should be an industrial or commercial property. It can also be a residential property.
If the firm hasn’t yet concluded which registered office to pick for the firm when filing for the establishment, the 2013’s Companies Act gives the choice for the firm to pick a temporary residence. Then, the company should declare the registered office by issuing INC 22 within 2 weeks of the establishment of the firm.
Additionally, the firms also must print their trade name, officially registered work address, and other needed information on the bills of exchange, letterheads, and other authorized publications. All in all, the need of a company’s registered office is to offer a place for the firm to get its important notices from the governing body.
Change in Registered Office Address
Once a company declares its registered office address by filing Form INC-22 with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), any subsequent change must also be reported to the RoC by submitting the relevant forms within the prescribed time frame.
Change within the same city, town, or village: If the registered office is shifting within the local limits of the same city, town, or village, the company must file Form INC-22 within 15 days of the change. No special resolution is required in this case.
Change outside the local limits but within the same state and RoC jurisdiction: If the office is shifting outside the local area but remains within the same state and jurisdiction of the RoC, the company must pass a special board resolution and file Form MGT-14 (for the resolution) along with INC-22.
Change from one RoC jurisdiction to another within the same state: This requires the approval of the Regional Director (RD) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The company must file Form INC-23 for RD approval, followed by INC-28 and INC-22 after the RD order.
Registered Office of an LLP
The requirement for a registered office in an LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) is similar to that of a company. An LLP must declare its registered office during incorporation and ensure it is capable of receiving official correspondence. Any changes to the LLP’s registered office must be updated by filing Form LLP Form 15 with the RoC within 30 days of the change, and if a change occurs across jurisdictions, similar approvals apply.
Conclusion
A registered office address is more than just a legal formality—it’s the foundation of a company’s official identity in the eyes of the government. It plays a crucial role in maintaining regulatory compliance, receiving important legal and tax-related communication, and establishing transparency for stakeholders. Whether you’re incorporating a private limited company or an LLP, selecting the right registered office and keeping its records updated with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) is essential to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operations.
From initial registration using Form INC-22 to handling changes across cities, states, or jurisdictions, every step must be handled in accordance with the Companies Act, 2013. As your business grows and evolves, staying compliant with registered office requirements helps build trust, avoid legal hurdles, and present a professional image to clients, partners, and government authorities.
For expert assistance in company registration or managing changes to your registered office address, consult with professionals from OnDemand International.
FAQ’s
No. A registered office address is primarily for official and legal correspondence, while a business address is where daily operations take place.
It depends on the jurisdiction. Some countries allow home addresses, while others require a commercial or virtual office.
Yes. Even if your business is online, most jurisdictions require an official registered office address for legal purposes.
Yes, but you must notify the relevant business registry and update legal documents accordingly.
