Memorandum of Association

Also called MOA

Memorandum of association: the document that defines a company's name, registered office, objectives, and scope at incorporation. The other half of the constitution alongside the articles.

Why it matters

The MOA sets the boundaries of what a company is legally allowed to do. Founders touch it mainly at incorporation and when expanding into new activities, but it is foundational corporate paperwork worth understanding.

For example

At incorporation the memorandum of association states the company's name, registered office, and the business activities it is allowed to pursue.

Go deeper

Types of Businesses in India (Sole Prop, LLP, Pvt Ltd, OPC) Razorpay · guide A plain India-specific comparison of company structures that explains where Memorandum of Association fits and when to choose it. Open razorpay.com →

Related terms

Also in Starting Up

See how founders actually handle this on Co-founders, team and legal, part of the Starting Up hub.

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