RBI / IRDAI / SEBI authorisation, or a regulated partner: documents, fees and how to apply online and offline
Lending, payment aggregation, insurance distribution and investment advice are regulated. Most startups start by partnering with a bank or NBFC (RBI's digital lending directions apply) or with a licensed insurer or broker.
How to apply online, step by step
- Decide the activity: lending service provider for a bank / NBFC, NBFC licence, payment aggregator, insurance broker or corporate agent, or SEBI investment adviser.
- RBI applications are made on the PRAVAAH portal; IRDAI and SEBI have their own online registration.
- Meet the capital rules (for example payment aggregators need net worth of Rs 15 crore when applying and Rs 25 crore by the end of the third year).
How to apply offline (in person)
- No paper route; regulators may call for meetings and inspections.
Documents required for RBI / IRDAI / SEBI authorisation, or a regulated partner, and how to get each
Constitution documents: incorporation certificate, MoA and AoA (company), LLP agreement, or partnership deed
Get it online
- Company: the Certificate of Incorporation, e-MoA and e-AoA come with SPICe+ on the MCA portal.
- LLP: the LLP agreement is filed in Form 3 on the MCA portal within 30 days of incorporation.
Get it in person
- Partnership: print the deed on stamp paper of the value the State prescribes, sign before witnesses, notarise, and register it with the State Registrar of Firms.
Fee: Stamp duty as per the State · Time: With incorporation · Official site
PAN card of each founder / director / partner
Get it online
- Instant e-PAN: on the Income Tax e-filing portal choose 'Instant e-PAN', enter Aadhaar and the OTP; the e-PAN PDF arrives in minutes, free.
- Or apply on Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL with Form 49A for a printed card.
Get it in person
- Fill Form 49A at a PAN centre (Protean / UTIITSL facilitation centre), attach ID, address and date of birth proof and a photo, pay the fee; the card is posted to you.
Fee: Instant e-PAN free; printed card about Rs 107 (Indian address) · Time: Minutes (e-PAN); about 2 weeks (printed card) · Official site
Board resolution or letter of authorisation for the person who signs applications
Get it online
- Draft on the letterhead, have it signed by the directors or partners and scan it as a PDF.
Get it in person
- Same, signed on paper; keep the original.
Fee: Free · Time: Same day
Questions people ask
How much does RBI / IRDAI / SEBI authorisation, or a regulated partner cost?
As set by the regulator
How long does RBI / IRDAI / SEBI authorisation, or a regulated partner take?
3 to 12 months or more
Who issues RBI / IRDAI / SEBI authorisation, or a regulated partner?
Reserve Bank of India, IRDAI or SEBI (as applicable)
Can I apply for RBI / IRDAI / SEBI authorisation, or a regulated partner without an agent?
Yes. Every step above can be done by the founder on the official portal or at the office; agents and consultants are optional.
Official source: https://www.rbi.org.in/. Rules and fees change; the official page is the authority. Checked October 2026.
Find out everything your startup needs
The Startup Evaluator lists the registrations and licences for your sector, State and team size, in the order to get them, with costs, schemes and a three-year cash plan. All licence guides.