DPIIT Startup India recognition: who qualifies and what you get
Eligibility, the real benefits, from tax holidays to IP fee rebates, and how to apply for Startup India recognition.
Recognition by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is the gateway to most Startup India benefits. It is free and applied for online.
Who qualifies
- A private limited company, LLP or registered partnership firm.
- Up to 10 years from the date of incorporation or registration.
- Annual turnover has not crossed ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation.
- Working towards innovation or improvement of products, services or processes, or a scalable business model with potential for jobs or wealth creation.
- Not formed by splitting up or restructuring an existing business.
Key benefits
- Tax holiday under section 80-IAC: 100% deduction of profits for any 3 consecutive years out of the first 10, for eligible startups approved by the Inter-Ministerial Board.
- IP support: fast-tracked patent examination and rebates on patent and trademark filing fees.
- Self-certification under specified labour and environmental laws.
- Public procurement: relaxations on prior experience and turnover in government tenders.
- Access to the Fund of Funds and the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme through approved funds and incubators.
How to apply
- Register on the Startup India portal.
- Fill in company details, directors or partners, and a short write-up on your innovation.
- Upload the incorporation certificate and supporting documents.
- Recognition is usually granted within a few working days if the application is complete.
Eligibility rules and benefits change from time to time, check the current notifications or ask us before you apply. See also: Startup schemes.
This post is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change, speak to us about your situation.