Nidhi Company in Coimbatore

Nidhi Company Registration

Nidhi Companies in India play a crucial role in fostering the culture of thrift and savings among their members. These companies are authorized to borrow from and lend to their members, with funds sourced exclusively from shareholders. Although Nidhi Companies are relatively small compared to the banking sector, they serve to instill saving habits within a specific group of people. Below, we delve into the nuances of registering a Nidhi Company in India.

Nidhi Company Overview

Nidhi Companies, registered as limited companies, engage in deposit-taking and lending activities exclusively among their members. While their operations align with those of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) exempts Nidhi Companies from certain core provisions and regulations applicable to NBFCs.

Restrictions on Nidhi Company

Nidhi Companies, as per the Nidhi Rules, 2014, are subject to specific restrictions. They are prohibited from engaging in activities such as chit funds, hire purchase finance, leasing finance, insurance, or acquiring securities issued by any body corporate. Additionally, they cannot issue preference shares, debentures, or any other debt instruments. Further restrictions include limitations on business activities, acquisition of other companies, and advertisement for soliciting deposits.

Nidhi Company Registration

To initiate the establishment of a Nidhi Company in India, the primary step involves incorporating it as a Limited Company under the Companies Act, 2013. This process necessitates a minimum of three directors and seven shareholders. During incorporation, special attention must be given to ensure that the company's object, as outlined in the Memorandum of Association, aligns with cultivating thrift and savings habits among members.

Post-incorporation, within one year, the Nidhi Company must meet specific criteria, including having a minimum of two hundred members, Net Owned Funds (NOF) of ten lakh rupees or more, unencumbered term deposits, and a defined ratio of Net Owned Funds to deposits. "Net Owned Funds" comprise paid-up equity share capital, free reserves, and other factors.

If the Nidhi Company fulfills the criteria, it must file a return of statutory compliances in Form NDH-1 within ninety days from the close of the first financial year. If unable to meet the requirements at the end of the first financial year, the company may apply for an extension of time. Failure to comply after the second financial year results in restrictions on accepting further deposits until compliance is achieved.

Nidhi Amendment Rules, 2020

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, in a notification on February 3, 2020, introduced amendments to existing rules. Stakeholders are advised to use the revised and latest forms, including Form No. NDH-1 (Return of Statutory Compliances), Form No. NDH-2 (Application for extension of time), and Form No. NDH-3 (Return of Nidhi Company for the half-year ended).

Nidhi Company FAQ's

1. How many people are required to register a Nidhi Company?

   • A Nidhi company in India requires a minimum of 3 directors and 7 shareholders for registration.

2. What are the requirements to be a Director?

   • To be a Director, one needs to be over 18 years of age and must be a natural person.

3. Is an office required to start a Nidhi Company?

   • Yes, an address in India is necessary for the registered office of the Company. It can be a commercial/industrial/residential space where communication from the MCA will be received.

4. Do I have to be present in-person to incorporate a Nidhi Company?

   • No, physical presence is not mandatory for the incorporation of a Nidhi Company.

5. What is a Digital Signature Certificate?

   • A Digital Signature Certificate establishes the identity of the sender or signee electronically during the filing of documents through the Internet. Directors are required to sign some application documents using their Digital Signature, as mandated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

6. What are the documents required for Nidhi Company registration?

   • Mandatory documents for proposed Directors include identity proof, address proof, and PAN Card for Indian Nationals. Additionally, the landlord of the registered office premises needs to provide a No Objection Certificate, along with their identity proof and address proof.

7. How long will it take to incorporate a Nidhi Company?

   • Taxless.in typically completes Nidhi Company incorporation in 20-30 days. The duration depends on document submission by the client and the speed of Government Approvals.

8. How long is the registration of the Company valid?

   • A Nidhi Company remains active and in existence as long as annual compliances are regularly met. The company must have a minimum of 200 shareholders and comply with other criteria within one year of incorporation. Failure to comply with annual compliances can lead to the company being asked to refund deposits.

9. What is DIN?

   • Director Identification Number (DIN) is a unique identification number assigned to all existing and proposed Directors of a Company. Every present or proposed Director must have a DIN, and it never expires. A person can hold only one Director Identification Number.

10. Who regulates the Nidhi Companies?

    • The Ministry of Corporate Affairs regulates Nidhi Companies and is responsible for Nidhi Company Registration.

11. Can Nidhi Companies issue debt securities or preference shares?

    • No, Nidhi Companies are not allowed to issue debentures, preference shares, or any other forms of debt securities.

12. Can Nidhi Companies operate in another state?

    • No, Nidhi Companies are restricted from operating outside the boundaries of the state in which the registration has taken place.

13. Can Nidhi Companies issue unsecured loans?

    • Nidhi Companies cannot issue unsecured loans. However, they can issue secured loans to their members.