How Many Partners Are Required for LLP Registration?
Short answer: An LLP needs at least two partners and at least two designated partners who are individuals, and at least one designated partner must be resident in India. There is no maximum number of partners. These rules come from sections 6 and 7 of the LLP Act, 2008.
Minimum and maximum partners at a glance
| Requirement | Rule | LLP Act, 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Partners | At least 2; no upper limit | Section 6 |
| Designated partners | At least 2, and they must be individuals | Section 7 |
| Resident designated partner | At least 1 designated partner resident in India | Section 7 |
| Company or LLP as a partner | Allowed; it acts through an individual nominee, who can be a designated partner | Sections 5 and 7 |
Who can be a partner?
Any individual or body corporate can be a partner, so a company or another LLP can join alongside individuals. Designated partners, however, must be individuals. When a body corporate is a partner, it nominates an individual to act for it, and that nominee can be one of the designated partners. Our guide to the LLP Act, 2008 explains each section.
What does “resident in India” mean for a designated partner?
A person who has stayed in India for at least 120 days during the financial year. The test was 182 days before the LLP Act was amended, so older articles that still quote 182 days are out of date. The other partners can live anywhere, so NRIs and foreign nationals can be partners as long as one designated partner meets the residence test.
What happens if the number of partners falls below two?
The LLP must bring the number back to at least two. Under section 6, if it carries on business with only one partner for more than six months, that remaining partner, if aware of the position, becomes personally liable for the LLP’s obligations incurred during that period. A vacancy in a designated-partner post should be filled within 30 days. Adding or removing a partner is filed with the MCA; see the partner change process and partner change problems and fixes.
Can one person form an LLP?
No. An LLP always needs at least two partners. A single founder who wants limited liability usually looks at a One Person Company instead; our LLP versus company guidance compares the options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum number of partners for an LLP?
Two partners, of whom at least two must be designated partners who are individuals.
Is there a maximum number of partners in an LLP?
No. The LLP Act sets no upper limit on the number of partners.
How many days must a designated partner stay in India to count as resident?
At least 120 days during the financial year. The older 182-day test no longer applies.
Can a company be a partner in an LLP?
Yes. A body corporate can be a partner and acts through an individual nominee, who can also be a designated partner.
Starting a new LLP? We handle LLP registration in Ahmedabad and LLP registration anywhere in Gujarat, fully online on the MCA portal. Start with the documents required for LLP registration.