Nidhi company registration - done right
A Nidhi Company is a non-banking financial company (NBFC) that promotes thrift and savings among its members. Under Section 406 of the Companies Act, 2013, it requires a minimum of 200 members, 3-year net owned fund (NOF) track record, and specific compliance under the Nidhi Rules, 2014. We handle the complete registration and ongoing compliance.
Nidhi Company Registration
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The key facts, in one place
Everything a founder usually has to piece together from five different pages, in one place.
- Governing law
- Companies Act, 2013, Section 406Nidhi Rules, 2014
- Classification
- NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company)Classified by RBI
- Min. members
- 200Within the first FY of commencement
- Min. net owned fund
- ₹20 lakhNOF requirement
- Net owned fund ratio
- 1:20 (unsecured loans: NOF)Maximum borrowing limit
- Investment limit
- 10% of NOF in another body corporateSection 406(1)(viii)
- Lock-in period
- 3 yearsFor deposits accepted before commencement
- Incorporation time
- 15-25 working daysWith complete documents
What is a Nidhi Company?
A Nidhi Company is a class of non-banking financial company (NBFC) incorporated under Section 406 of the Companies Act, 2013. Its primary objective is to promote thrift and savings among its members, and to lend funds only to its members for their mutual benefit. Nidhi Companies operate as mutual benefit societies and are recognized by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Unlike chit funds or other NBFCs, Nidhi Companies can only accept deposits from and lend to their own members. They cannot raise funds from the general public or issue debentures. The Nidhi Rules, 2014 (notified by MCA) regulate their formation, operation, and compliance. While Nidhi Companies are classified as NBFCs by RBI, they are exempt from certain RBI regulations applicable to other NBFCs.
At Bizeneed, we have registered over 500 Nidhi Companies across India. Our CA/CS team handles the complete process - from checking eligibility, drafting MOA/AOA with Nidhi-specific clauses, to filing with ROC and post-registration compliance setup.
Nidhi Company vs other NBFC structures
Nidhi Company is one of several NBFC classifications. Here is how it compares.
| Aspect | Nidhi Company | Other NBFC types |
|---|---|---|
| Governing body | MCA (Companies Act, 2013) | RBI (RBI Act, 1934) |
| Classification | NBFC - Non-Systematically Important | Depends on asset size |
| Can accept public deposits | No - only member deposits | Some can (with RBI approval) |
| Can lend to public | No - only to members | Yes (with RBI approval) |
| Min. net owned fund | ₹20 lakh | ₹2 crore (for most NBFCs) |
| Min. members | 200 members within 1st FY | Not applicable |
| RBI registration | Exempt (MCA-regulated) | Mandatory |
| Lock-in period | 3 years for pre-commencement deposits | Varies |
| Best for | ✓ Community savings and lending among members | ✕ Financial services at scale |
Who should register a Nidhi Company?
Nidhi Companies are ideal for community-based savings and lending groups that want a formal legal structure.
- Community groups wanting to formalise savings and lending among members
- Co-operative societies looking to convert to a company structure
- Founders with a ready pool of 200+ members
- Organisations wanting to accept deposits from members without RBI approval
- Chit fund organisers looking for a compliant alternative structure
- Community-based microfinance groups seeking a formal legal identity
Documents required for Nidhi Company registration
Common to every entity
- PAN Card of all directors/shareholdersMandatory
- Aadhaar Card of all directors/shareholdersMandatory
- Passport size photos of all directorsMandatory
- Registered office address proof (electricity bill)Mandatory
- NOC from property owner (if rented)Mandatory
- Proposed Nidhi company name (2-3 alternatives)Mandatory
- List of proposed 200+ members (with details)Mandatory
- MOA with Nidhi-specific objects clauseMandatory
- AOA with Nidhi-specific governance clausesMandatory
Get the Nidhi Company checklist as a PDF
A one-page checklist for Nidhi Company registration under Section 406.
How Nidhi Company registration works
Nidhi registration follows the standard SPICe+ process but with specific MOA/AOA clauses and membership documentation.
Eligibility check
We verify that you have (or can gather) 200+ members and a plan to maintain ₹20 lakh NOF. We also confirm the Nidhi-specific requirements for MOA/AOA.
Our CA team
Name approval (RUN form)
We file the RUN form with 'Nidhi Limited' as a mandatory suffix (e.g., 'XYZ Nidhi Limited'). The name must reflect the Nidhi nature of the company.
Our team
MOA & AOA drafting
Our CA drafts the MOA with a specific objects clause mentioning thrift, savings, and lending among members. The AOA includes Nidhi-specific governance clauses.
Our CA team
SPICe+ filing
We file SPICe+ with all Nidhi-specific documents: MOA, AOA, member list (200+), director consent, registered office proof. The form is submitted to ROC for incorporation.
Our team
Incorporation certificate
ROC issues the Certificate of Incorporation. The company is now a Nidhi Company under Section 406.
ROC
Post-incorporation compliance setup
We set up the compliance calendar: first board meeting, auditor appointment, membership register, deposit acceptance norms, and annual Nidhi-specific filings.
Our team
The hardest part of Nidhi registration is NOT the incorporation - it is gathering 200+ members who are willing to be shareholders AND members. We recommend starting the membership drive at least 3 months before filing. The incorporation itself follows the standard SPICe+ process with Nidhi-specific clauses.
Nidhi Company registration timeline
From eligibility check to incorporation certificate.
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Eligibility verification (200+ members, ₹20L NOF) | 1-2 days |
| Name approval (RUN form with 'Nidhi Limited') | 1-2 days |
| DIN & DSC application | 1-2 days |
| MOA & AOA drafting with Nidhi clauses | 3-5 days |
| Member list preparation (200+ members) | 5-10 days |
| SPICe+ filing | 2-3 days |
| ROC processing and certificate | 5-7 days |
Total: 15-25 working days from receiving complete documents and confirmed membership list. The membership list (200+ members) is the biggest variable - start gathering members early.
Nidhi Company registration pricing
Government fees are the same as for regular companies. Our fee covers Nidhi-specific MOA/AOA drafting and compliance setup.
Nidhi Basic
Nidhi Company incorporation
- Name approval (RUN with 'Nidhi Limited')
- DIN + DSC
- Nidhi-specific MOA & AOA
- SPICe+ filing
- Incorporation Certificate
- Member list guidance
Nidhi Standard
Complete Nidhi setup with compliance
- Everything in Basic
- Bank account opening assistance
- Share certificates
- Statutory registers
- First board meeting minutes
- Nidhi Rules compliance setup
- 3 months compliance support
Nidhi Premium
Full Nidhi package with ongoing compliance
- Everything in Standard
- Dedicated CA (1 year)
- Annual ROC compliance (Nidhi-specific)
- Accounting setup
- Member management support
- Priority processing
Full fee breakdown
| Particulars | Government fee | Professional fee |
|---|---|---|
| SPICe+ form (incorporation + PAN + TAN) | Nil (up to ₹10L capital) | Included |
| DIN (per director) | ₹500 | Included |
| DSC (Class 3, 2 years) | ₹1,000-2,000 | Included |
| Professional fee - Nidhi Basic | Nil | ₹29,999 |
| Professional fee - Nidhi Standard | Nil | ₹49,999 |
| Professional fee - Nidhi Premium | Nil | ₹89,999 |
| Penalty for non-compliance with Nidhi Rules | ₹50,000-₹5 lakh | We help avoid this |
Not included in any tier:
- ✕ State-specific stamp duty
- ✕ Notary charges for any affidavits
- ✕ Ongoing membership management services
Which Nidhi registration plan suits you?
Answer three quick questions and we will recommend the right package.
Do you have 200+ members ready?
What level of post-registration support do you need?
Is your Net Owned Fund above ₹20 lakh?
Why register as a Nidhi Company?
No RBI approval needed
- Exempt from RBI registration as NBFC (unlike other NBFCs that need ₹2 crore NOF and RBI approval)(Nidhi Rules, 2014, Rule 2)
- MCA-regulated, not RBI-regulated - simpler compliance framework
- Can accept deposits from members without RBI permission
Structured lending
- Can lend only to members - creates a trusted, closed-loop system
- Lock-in period of 3 years ensures stable deposit base
- Net owned fund ratio limits borrowing to 1:20 - prevents over-leverage
Credibility
- Registered under Companies Act - MCA-verified legal entity
- 'Nidhi Limited' suffix builds trust with members
- Annual audited financials filed with ROC
Tax benefits
- Domestic company tax rate of 25%
- Deductions available under the Income Tax Act
- Eligible for MSME benefits and government schemes
The Nidhi Rules - what you need to know
- Nidhi Rules, 2014 are NOT the same as Companies Act compliance. A Nidhi Company must comply with BOTH the Companies Act, 2013 (for all companies) AND the Nidhi Rules, 2014 (specific to Nidhi Companies). The Nidhi Rules add extra requirements: 200+ members, specific disclosure norms in MOA/AOA, and restrictions on borrowing and lending.
- The 200-member rule is the biggest hurdle. You must have 200+ members within the FIRST financial year of commencement. If you cannot reach 200 members within one year, the ROC can direct you to stop accepting deposits or even wind up the company.
- Nidhi Companies cannot accept deposits from non-members. This is the fundamental restriction. A Nidhi Company can only accept deposits from its own members. Accepting deposits from the general public or non-members violates the Nidhi Rules and can result in penalties of up to ₹5 lakh and deregistration.
Common mistakes in Nidhi Company registration
Not having 200+ members ready
Start the membership drive 3-6 months before filing. Every member must provide PAN, Aadhaar, and a signed membership form.
Using a generic MOA without Nidhi-specific objects
The MOA must contain specific objects promoting thrift and savings among members. A standard company MOA will be rejected.
Not naming the company with 'Nidhi Limited'
The name MUST end with 'Nidhi Limited' (e.g., 'Savitri Nidhi Limited'). ROC rejects applications without this suffix.
Confusing Nidhi with a chit fund
Nidhi Companies are NOT chit funds. They operate under the Companies Act, not the Chit Funds Act. Do not mix the two structures - they have completely different regulations and penalties.
Ignoring the 3-year lock-in for pre-commencement deposits
Deposits accepted before the commencement of business have a mandatory 3-year lock-in. Members cannot withdraw these deposits before 3 years. This must be clearly communicated in the membership terms.
Every rejection above has a fix - most come down to how the innovation note is written, not the business itself. Most applicants don't know that until after the rejection.
If you have already been rejected, or want to make sure it does not happen, the 15-minute call below is the fastest path.
How Bizeneed handles Nidhi Company registration
Frequently asked questions
A Nidhi Company is a class of Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) incorporated under Section 406 of the Companies Act, 2013. Its primary objective is to promote thrift and savings among its members and to lend funds only to its members. It operates under the Nidhi Rules, 2014 and is MCA-regulated.
A Nidhi Company must have a minimum of 200 members within the first financial year of commencement of business. This is the most critical requirement. If the company cannot achieve 200 members within one year, the ROC can direct it to stop accepting deposits.
A Nidhi Company must maintain a minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF) of ₹20 lakh. NOF is calculated as: paid-up share capital + free reserves - accumulated losses - deferred expenditure. This is much lower than the ₹2 crore NOF required for most other NBFCs.
No. Nidhi Companies are exempt from RBI registration as NBFCs under the Nidhi Rules, 2014. They are regulated by MCA (not RBI). However, they must comply with the Nidhi Rules, 2014 and are classified as NBFC - Non-Systematically Important by RBI.
No. A Nidhi Company can ONLY accept deposits from its own members. Accepting deposits from non-members violates the Nidhi Rules, 2014 and can attract penalties of up to ₹5 lakh under Section 406(2) of the Companies Act, 2013.
Deposits accepted before the commencement of business have a mandatory lock-in period of 3 years. Members cannot withdraw these deposits before 3 years. Deposits accepted after commencement may have shorter lock-in periods as specified in the company's terms.
A Nidhi Company can ONLY lend to its own members. It cannot lend to non-members. The company's borrowing cannot exceed 20 times its Net Owned Fund (NOF). Investment in another body corporate cannot exceed 10% of NOF.
Nidhi Companies operate under the Companies Act, 2013 and Nidhi Rules, 2014. Chit funds operate under the Chit Funds Act, 1982. Nidhi Companies accept deposits and lend to members. Chit funds operate as rotating savings schemes. They are completely different structures with different regulations.
No. A Nidhi Company cannot issue any form of debentures or raise loans from non-members. It can only accept deposits from its members and borrow from banks/financial institutions subject to the 1:20 NOF borrowing limit.
Annual compliance includes: (1) AOC-4 (financial statements filed with ROC), (2) MGT-7 (annual return), (3) ADT-1 (auditor appointment), (4) DIR-3 KYC (director KYC), (5) Auditor's report with Nidhi-specific disclosures, (6) Nidhi compliance report, (7) Income tax return.
Yes. A Nidhi Company can convert to a regular NBFC by meeting the higher NOF requirements (₹2 crore) and obtaining RBI approval. The conversion process involves passing a special resolution, amending MOA/AOA, and applying to RBI for NBFC registration.
If a Nidhi Company fails to maintain 200 members within the first financial year, the ROC can direct the company to stop accepting deposits. If the company fails to comply with the ROC's direction, it may be wound up. The company can apply to ROC for an extension if it is actively working to increase membership.
Yes. A Nidhi Company can open branches within the same state after 3 years of operations. Branches in other states require prior approval from the ROC. The company must maintain a net worth of at least ₹10 lakh before opening branches.
A Nidhi Company is taxed at the domestic company rate: 25% on total income (if turnover is below ₹400 crore) or 30% (if above). Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) or withholding tax applies on dividends paid to members as per the Income Tax Act.
Yes. We offer annual compliance plans specifically designed for Nidhi Companies, covering all MCA filings (AOC-4, MGT-7, ADT-1), Nidhi-specific compliance reporting, and CA review. Our Premium plan includes a dedicated CA for year-round support.
Written by Sanjay Iyer, NBFC & Nidhi Compliance Specialist · Reviewed by CA Meena Krishnan, FCA, NBFC and Nidhi compliance specialist
Last updated 5 September 2026
Sources
Nidhi Rules, FDI policy, and statutory requirements on this page are verified periodically against the sources above. These rules can change; confirm specifics with our team or your CA before relying on them for a business decision.
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