According to the Companies Act of 2013 (the “Act”), every company must have a registered office within thirty days of its establishment. While it is in existence, a business must always have a registered office. The Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association both refer to the registered office (AOA).
A change in registered office address of a company happens occasionally for every business. A company must follow a specific approach to change the registered office of the company since it is a different legal entity from its owners, directors, and shareholders. In other words, shifting the registered office is another term for changing the company’s registration office.
The registered office must still register with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The location and place of the registered office are determined by the company’s promoters. Any changes to the company’s registered office after it has been declared by filing INC 22 must be reported to the ROC.
A company may need to change its registered office address for various reasons. Any such change must be communicated in advance, adhering to the guidelines set by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Below are the types of registered office address changes:
When your company moves from one place to another in the same local geographical area (the same city, town, or village). For instance, transferring from one office to another in the same corporate district or area.
Approval Required: Only Board resolution!
When your company is transferred to a different city or town, but stays under the same Registrar of Companies jurisdiction. For instance, moving from one city to another within the same state (where both cities are under the same ROC).
Approval Required: Board Resolution + Special Resolution (passed in a General Meeting).
Some states in India have multiple ROC offices serving different areas. For instance, Maharashtra has two ROC offices (Mumbai and Nagpur), and Karnataka has many ROC offices. The scenario of your company moving from one ROC jurisdiction to another in the same state belongs here.
Approval Required: Board Resolution + Special Resolution + Approval from the Regional Director.
This is the widest of all cases, where the registered office of your company has to be moved to a different state. This literally alters the jurisdiction of incorporation and control over the regulation of your company.
Approval Needed: Board Resolution + Special Resolution + Approval from the Regional Director (and sometimes even Central Government approval).
Registered companies can update their registered office address as needed, subject to compliance with regulatory requirements.
Below are common reasons why a company might choose to change its registered office address:
When the current office location or facilities can no longer accommodate the company’s growing operations.
If the lease agreement for the existing office space is nearing completion and the company plans to relocate to a new premises.
A company may move its office to a location that offers better opportunities for business growth and profitability.
When the existing lease ends, and the company decides to lease a new space instead.
A significant increase in the number of employees requiring more space and infrastructure.
Changes in ownership or acquisition by a third party may necessitate relocating the registered office.
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When changing a registered office address within the same city, village, or town, a corporation must comply with the following requirements: A Board meeting must be held to approve the change in the registered office address. The company must submit Form INC-22 to the ROC within 15 days of the Board resolution.
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When shifting a registered office to another city or town but within the same ROC jurisdiction, these steps apply:
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When changing the registered office address across ROC jurisdictions within the same state: Conduct an EGM to approve the relocation and submit Form MGT-14 within 30 days. File Form INC-23 with the Regional Director to request approval for the change.
File Form INC-22 with the ROC within 60 days of receiving approval from the Regional Director. |
When shifting a registered office from one state to another: Conduct an EGM to approve changes in the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and registered office address. Submit Form MGT-14 to the ROC within 30 days and Form INC-23 to the Regional Director for approval.
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Once ROC approval is granted and the office is relocated, ensure the following:
The primary location of the business is the registered office, which will also be the sole beneficiary of all official communications.
Yes, a company’s registered office may be changed from one location to another within the same state or to another state. It is a legal process that may be finished online. Getting stuck with how to change a registered office address? Feel free to connect with our experts.
The application form will typically be processed in 2-4 working days.
It is not necessary but advisable that whenever a company updates its terms, it ensures that the AOA & MOA that result from the modification follow the format specified by the Companies Act of 2013 (the “2013 Act”).
Each business segment has a primary location of business that symbolizes the essence of the thing and serves as its base of operations. If a company has a head office, it is known as the registered office, and if a partnership or other type of business entity exists, it is known as the head office.
Yes, a company can shift its registered office not more than necessary, considering that every shift is made following the required legal procedures and given the right time. Unusual-to-cease-and-desist-coming changes, however, may draw the ROC's attention.
Proof which is acceptable includes:
If your GST registration is affected by the address change (mainly if the principal place of business is shifted), you are required to submit Form REG-14 on the GST portal within 15 days. After that, the GST officer will verify and approve the change, usually in 15 days. Your GST records will then reflect the updated address. Be aware that your GSTIN remains the same; it is just the registered address that gets updated.
Not at all. Shareholder approval (Special Resolution) is necessary only in respect of:
Type 1 changes (same city) will require only a Board Resolution.
Each business segment has a primary location of business that symbolizes the essence of the thing and serves as its base of operations. If a company has a head office, it is known as the registered office, and if a partnership or other type of business entity exists, it is known as the head office.
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