If you want to start lending business in India, then you must register a NBFC along with taking license from RBI. A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013 and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). NBFCs offer various financial services like loans, asset financing, leasing, investment, and insurance—without holding a banking license. If you aim to enter India’s financial services sector without becoming a traditional bank, NBFC registration is the best route.
NBFCs play a critical role in financial inclusion by catering to underserved sectors, SMEs, and retail borrowers. However, since they deal with public money, registration with RBI is mandatory and highly regulated.
At StartupMancer, we specialize in end-to-end NBFC registration—from company formation and capital planning to RBI documentation and post-approval compliance. We help you set up a fully compliant financial services business, seamlessly.
Legal Authorization: Required to offer lending, leasing, and investment services legally
Wider Scope of Operations: Serve underserved markets, SMEs, and niche sectors
No Banking License Needed: Operate like a bank but without maintaining CRR or SLR
Investor Attraction: Institutional investors often prefer structured NBFCs for funding
Brand Recognition: An RBI-registered NBFC commands market credibility
Loan Company (LC)
Investment Company (IC)
Asset Finance Company (AFC)
Microfinance Institution (MFI)
Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC)
Housing Finance Company (HFC)
NBFC – Factor / Core Investment Company (CIC)
The choice depends on your intended business model and target clientele.
Incorporate a Company: Register as a Private or Public Ltd Company under Companies Act, 2013
Raise Minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF): At least ₹2 Crores in capital is mandatory
Open a Fixed Deposit Account: Deposit NOF in an RBI-compliant bank and obtain a certificate
Prepare RBI Application: Draft business plan, financial projections, policy frameworks, and internal controls
File Online Application on RBI Portal (COSMOS): Submit application and upload scanned documents
Submit Hard Copy to RBI Regional Office: Send physical set of documents for scrutiny
RBI Review & Approval: Upon verification and due diligence, RBI grants NBFC license
Note: The approval timeline ranges from 4 to 6 months, depending on documentation, financial health, and promoter profile.
Certificate of Incorporation and MOA & AOA
Board resolution for NBFC business
Net worth certificates from CA
Fixed Deposit proof and bank certificate
KYC documents of directors and shareholders
Detailed business plan for 3–5 years
Organizational structure and internal control policies
Credit & Risk Assessment policies
Income Tax Returns and audited financials
Declaration by directors (fit & proper criteria)
Minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF) of ₹2 Crore:
To apply for an NBFC license with the RBI, the applicant company must have a minimum Net Owned Fund of ₹2 crore. This is a mandatory financial threshold to ensure that the company has sufficient capital to carry out lending or investment activities responsibly.
At Least One Director with Finance Background:
The company must have at least one director who has relevant experience or background in finance, banking, or NBFC operations. This helps demonstrate that the company has the necessary expertise to manage financial services effectively.
No Criminal or Financial Default History of Promoters:
Promoters and directors must have a clean record. Any involvement in criminal cases, financial fraud, or defaults can lead to rejection of the application by the RBI. Maintaining transparency and integrity is crucial.
Clean CIBIL Reports and Proper KYC Compliance:
All directors and shareholders must have strong credit scores and clean CIBIL reports. Any record of bad loans or financial mismanagement can negatively impact the application. Additionally, complete and updated KYC documents (PAN, Aadhaar, Address proof) are essential.
Physical Office with Adequate Infrastructure:
A registered physical office space is required to conduct NBFC operations. It must be equipped with basic infrastructure, such as computers, internet connectivity, and staff, to handle day-to-day financial services.
NBFC registration in India is your gateway to entering the thriving financial services sector without becoming a bank. From offering microloans to managing large investments, NBFCs are a cornerstone of India’s credit ecosystem.
At StartupMancer, we simplify the complex regulatory maze—ensuring your NBFC meets RBI norms, builds investor confidence, and gets licensed without delay. From company setup to post-registration compliance, we’re your partner in launching a compliant and future-ready financial business.