Company Structure: What to Register Before You Launch
For most tech founders, a Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.) is the right structure. It limits personal liability, is required for receiving VC funding, and enables proper equity distribution to co-founders and employees via ESOPs. Registration takes 10–15 days via the MCA portal and costs ₹6,000–₹15,000 in professional fees. Alternatives: LLP (simpler, no equity instruments) or sole proprietorship (simplest, no liability protection). Avoid the "register later" trap — some payment gateways and app stores require a registered entity.
Data Privacy: Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023
India's DPDP Act requires apps that collect personal data to: display a clear privacy policy, obtain explicit user consent before collecting data, allow users to delete their data on request, and implement data security measures. For apps targeting children, parental consent is required. Non-compliance carries penalties up to ₹250 crore. Implementing this is not complex: a proper privacy policy, a consent checkbox on registration, an account deletion flow in the app, and encrypted storage for personal data covers most requirements.
GST Registration
If your digital product generates more than ₹20 lakh in revenue (₹10 lakh for some states), GST registration is mandatory. Digital services sold to consumers in India attract 18% GST. If you are selling internationally, export of services is zero-rated (no GST charged). Razorpay and other gateways can automatically generate GST-compliant invoices once you provide your GSTIN.
App Store Requirements
Both App Store (Apple) and Google Play require: a privacy policy URL, age rating (completed via questionnaire), category selection, app screenshots in specific dimensions, and App Store Connect / Play Console developer account (₹7,000/year for Apple, ₹2,100 one-time for Google). For apps handling payments in India, both stores have specific billing policy requirements. Contact hello@devxaitechnologies.com to navigate your launch checklist.