Company Registration Cost in India: Government Fees, Stamp Duty & Professional Charges 2026
Table of Contents:-
The Company Registration Cost in India does not consist of one fixed Government fee. The total amount depends on several factors including the type of company, authorised share capital, State of the registered office, number of directors and subscribers, Digital Signature Certificate requirements, professional scope and whether foreign shareholders or additional registrations are involved.
One of the most common mistakes is to compare company-registration packages only by headline price. A proper cost estimate should separately identify MCA filing fees, stamp duty, DSC charges, professional fees and additional or post-incorporation costs.
Businesses planning incorporation can refer to our Company Registration Services in India for end-to-end support covering structure selection, name reservation, incorporation documents, SPICe+ filing and post-registration compliance.
Company Registration Cost in India – Quick Answer
For many small companies, the MCA incorporation filing fee may be relatively modest because SPICe+ provides a zero filing-fee concession for eligible companies having authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh. However, this does not mean that incorporation is completely free.
Stamp duty, PAN/TAN charges, DSC costs, professional fees and any additional documentation or registration expenses may still apply.
| Cost Component | How It Is Determined |
| MCA incorporation filing fee | Depends primarily on authorised capital and applicable SPICe+ fee provisions |
| Name reservation | ₹1,000 where SPICe+ Part A is filed separately for name reservation |
| Stamp duty | Varies according to State and authorised capital |
| Digital Signature Certificate | Depends on Certifying Authority and number of persons requiring DSC |
| PAN and TAN | Integrated with incorporation and included in the consolidated challan |
| Professional fees | Depends on complexity and agreed scope |
| Registered office | May be nil if own premises are available or additional where office arrangements are required |
| Foreign shareholder documentation | May include notarisation, apostille, translation and courier expenses |
Is There One Fixed Company Registration Fee?
No. There is no single all-inclusive statutory amount applicable to every company registration in India.
A company with two Indian promoters, ₹1 lakh authorised capital and its own registered office will have a very different cost profile from a company with higher capital, several directors, foreign shareholders or rented premises.
Why Do Online Company Registration Prices Differ So Much?
Different service providers may include different items in their advertised price. One quotation may include DSC, professional certification and stamp duty, while another may show only the professional service fee.
Promoters should therefore compare the scope and exclusions, not merely the headline amount.
Government Cost and Professional Cost Should Be Separated
A transparent quotation should separately identify statutory Government charges and professional service fees. This makes it easier to understand which amounts are fixed by law and which depend on the scope of assistance.
What Makes Up the Total Company Registration Cost?
Government and MCA Charges
Government charges may include applicable SPICe+ incorporation fees, name-reservation charges, PAN/TAN-related amounts and other statutory filing fees depending on the incorporation structure.
State Stamp Duty
Stamp duty is payable on incorporation documents such as the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association in accordance with the applicable State stamp-duty framework.
This is one of the main reasons the same company structure can cost different amounts in different States.
Professional and Third-Party Charges
Professional fees may cover structuring, documentation, name review, MOA/AOA drafting, SPICe+ filing, professional certification, coordination and post-incorporation assistance.
Third-party expenses may include DSC, notarisation, apostille, registered-office arrangements, translation and courier charges.
MCA Filing Fee for Company Registration in India
SPICe+ Is the Main Incorporation Form
Company incorporation is generally undertaken through SPICe+, the integrated incorporation framework administered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
The MCA SPICe+ Instruction Kit explains the applicable incorporation process and fee framework.
MCA Fees Depend on Authorised Capital
The applicable registration fee for a company having share capital is linked to its authorised or nominal share capital in accordance with the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules and the applicable SPICe+ concessions.
The detailed statutory fee schedule can be reviewed in the MCA Table of Fees.
Higher Capital Can Increase Incorporation Cost
Once authorised capital exceeds the threshold applicable for the zero filing-fee concession, additional MCA registration fees become relevant according to the statutory fee structure.
Promoters should therefore select authorised capital based on genuine business and funding requirements rather than choosing an unnecessarily high figure at incorporation.
Zero Filing Fee for Company Registration up to ₹15 Lakh Authorised Capital
What Does “Zero Filing Fee” Mean?
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ SPICe+ FAQs state that companies incorporated through SPICe+ with authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh continue to enjoy the zero filing-fee concession.
The official position can be reviewed in the MCA FAQs on Incorporation and Allied Matters.
Zero Filing Fee Does Not Mean Zero Registration Cost
Even where the MCA incorporation filing fee is nil, the company may still incur:
- State stamp duty;
- Digital Signature Certificate charges;
- PAN and TAN-related amounts;
- professional fees;
- registered-office costs;
- notarisation or certification expenses; and
- other optional or case-specific charges.
Should You Keep Authorised Capital Below ₹15 Lakh Just to Save Fees?
Not necessarily. Capital should be selected after considering the company’s proposed ownership, initial funding and likely near-term capital requirements.
Reducing capital solely to minimise incorporation cost may create the need for an authorised-capital increase shortly afterward, which itself involves additional corporate procedure and statutory fees.
Company Name Reservation Cost
SPICe+ Part A Name Reservation Fee
According to MCA’s SPICe+ FAQs, where the promoter first reserves the proposed company name by separately filing SPICe+ Part A, a fee of ₹1,000 is charged for name reservation.
Rejected Name Applications Can Increase Overall Cost
Inappropriate, conflicting or legally restricted proposed names can lead to delay or the need for a fresh application.
Before filing, promoters should check existing company names, trademarks, proposed objects and the naming rules applicable under the Companies Act and incorporation rules.
Stamp Duty on Company Registration in India
Stamp Duty Is State-Specific
Unlike central MCA fees, stamp duty on incorporation documents varies from State to State.
Therefore, two companies having the same authorised capital but different registered-office States may incur different total Government costs.
Stamp Duty May Depend on Authorised Capital
In many cases, the applicable stamp duty on the Memorandum and Articles is linked wholly or partly to the company’s authorised capital and the State in which the registered office is situated.
Registered Office State Should Not Be Selected Only for Lower Stamp Duty
Although stamp duty affects incorporation cost, the registered office determines the company’s legal location and ROC jurisdiction and should reflect a genuine and practical business arrangement.
Promoters considering shared or remote premises can read our guide on Virtual Office for Company Registration in India.
Cost of DSC, DIN, PAN and TAN
Digital Signature Certificate Cost
Digital Signature Certificates are required for the persons who need to digitally execute the incorporation forms and linked electronic documents.
DSCs are issued by authorised Certifying Authorities rather than by MCA itself, so the commercial price may vary according to provider, validity period and associated service charges.
Number of Directors and Subscribers Can Affect DSC Cost
The MCA incorporation FAQs explain that relevant subscribers and directors executing electronic MOA and AOA may need DSCs.
Accordingly, a company with several subscribers or directors may incur higher aggregate DSC costs than a simple two-promoter company.
DIN Through SPICe+
SPICe+ allows eligible proposed directors who do not already possess DIN to apply for DIN as part of incorporation.
The MCA framework permits DIN applications for up to three proposed directors through SPICe+ in the case of an ordinary company, subject to the applicable rules.
PAN and TAN Through Incorporation
PAN and TAN are integrated into the incorporation process and are reflected on the Certificate of Incorporation framework.
MCA’s incorporation FAQ notes PAN and TAN charges as part of the consolidated incorporation challan. These should therefore be distinguished from professional fees.
How Authorised Capital Affects Company Registration Cost
Authorised Capital Is Not the Same as Paid-Up Capital
Authorised capital is the maximum share capital that the company is authorised to issue under its constitutional documents.
Paid-up capital represents the amount actually subscribed and paid by shareholders.
There Is No General Minimum Paid-Up Capital for a Private Company
A private limited company is not generally required to maintain a statutory minimum paid-up capital merely for incorporation.
However, promoters should provide sufficient initial capital for practical business requirements.
Excessive Authorised Capital Can Create Unnecessary Initial Cost
Where promoters choose very high authorised capital without an immediate requirement, the company may incur higher statutory incorporation charges than necessary.
The better approach is to consider the short- and medium-term funding plan and select a commercially reasonable capital level.
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Speak With Our Registration ExpertsCompany Registration Cost by Type of Company
Private Limited Company Registration Cost
A Private Limited Company is one of the most common structures for startups, family businesses, professional groups and growth-oriented enterprises.
The final cost depends on authorised capital, number of promoters, State stamp duty, DSC requirements and professional scope.
For incorporation support, see our Private Limited Company Registration in India service.
One Person Company Registration Cost
An OPC has a different promoter and nominee structure from a conventional private limited company. Although the same broad SPICe+ framework applies, the required documentation and professional scope differ.
Public Limited Company Registration Cost
A Public Limited Company normally involves more directors, more subscribers and potentially higher authorised capital than a basic private company.
Its incorporation cost can therefore be higher depending on the proposed structure and documentation.
Entrepreneurs comparing structures can also read our guide on Different Types of Company Registration in India.
Does Company Registration Cost Differ by State?
MCA Fees Are Central but Stamp Duty Varies
The MCA incorporation framework applies nationally, but State stamp duty creates an important geographic variation in the total statutory cost.
Accordingly, a generic nationwide quotation should identify stamp duty separately rather than suggesting that Government cost is identical everywhere.
Registered Office Location Determines the Relevant State
The registered office identified during incorporation determines the State in which the company is registered and the applicable ROC jurisdiction.
Changing the registered office later may require further statutory procedures, so location should be chosen for genuine commercial reasons rather than only for initial cost savings.
Professional Fees for Company Registration in India
What Do Professional Fees Normally Cover?
Professional services may include:
- entity-structure consultation;
- review of shareholders and directors;
- name-availability review;
- drafting of business objects;
- preparation of MOA and AOA;
- review of registered-office documentation;
- SPICe+ and linked-form preparation;
- professional declaration and certification;
- resubmission handling, where included;
- PAN and TAN coordination; and
- initial post-incorporation guidance.
Why Very Low Headline Prices Should Be Examined Carefully
A low advertised amount may exclude Government fees, stamp duty, DSC, resubmission support, registered-office documents or post-incorporation work.
Promoters should ask for a written scope clearly stating inclusions, exclusions and third-party expenses.
Complex Incorporations Cost More Than Standard Incorporations
A straightforward two-promoter domestic company requires less work than an incorporation involving corporate shareholders, foreign subscribers, multiple directors, customised Articles, regulated activities or Government approvals.
Professional charges should therefore reflect the actual complexity rather than an artificial single price for every incorporation.
Additional and Hidden Costs of Company Registration
Registered Office Cost
If promoters already have suitable premises, there may be no separate office-service cost apart from documentation.
Where a virtual or serviced office is required, the provider’s annual or periodic fee should be budgeted separately.
Notarisation and Certification Costs
Certain documents may require notarisation, certification or other authentication depending upon the circumstances of the subscribers and directors.
Translation and Courier Expenses
Documents issued in languages other than English may require certified translation. Overseas document movement may also involve courier and administrative expenses.
Resubmission and Additional Professional Work
If the MCA application is marked for resubmission because of inconsistencies, name issues, documentation deficiencies or clarification requirements, additional professional time may be involved depending on the agreed engagement scope.
Following a well-planned incorporation process can reduce avoidable resubmission. Our older guide on the Company Registration Procedure through SPICe+ provides additional process context.
Company Registration Cost with Foreign Shareholders or Directors
Foreign Documents Increase the Cost Profile
Company registration involving foreign shareholders or directors may require notarisation, apostille or consular authentication of documents executed outside India.
The corresponding cost depends on the country of execution, type and number of documents and local authentication charges.
Foreign Investment and FEMA Compliance May Be Additional
Where a foreign shareholder invests in an Indian company, incorporation should be coordinated with the applicable FDI and FEMA framework.
Post-incorporation reporting such as FC-GPR may form a separate professional scope.
Foreign promoters can review our detailed guide on Company Registration in India with Foreign Shareholders and Directors.
Foreign-Owned Company Cost Should Be Quoted Separately
A foreign-owned company should not automatically be priced in the same way as a simple domestic private limited company.
Factors such as foreign corporate shareholder documents, investor country, beneficial ownership, apostille and FEMA assistance should be considered separately.
For a foreign-specific cost discussion, see our guide on Cost of Registering a Foreign-Owned Private Limited Company in India.
Registered Office and Virtual Office Cost
Own or Existing Premises
Where the promoters already have suitable premises and valid ownership, occupancy, consent and utility documents, a separate annual office-provider charge may not arise.
Virtual or Serviced Office
A startup or foreign promoter without permanent premises may use an appropriately documented registered-office solution where the legal requirements are satisfied.
The office-provider charge should be treated separately from MCA Government fees because it is a commercial premises cost rather than a statutory incorporation fee.
For details, see our guide on Virtual Office for Company Registration in India.
Post-Incorporation Costs to Budget After Company Registration
Banking, Subscription Money and Commencement Compliance
After incorporation, promoters should arrange the company’s bank account, deposit the agreed share subscription money and complete applicable commencement-of-business compliance.
These actions may involve professional support beyond the basic incorporation scope.
Accounting, Audit, Tax and ROC Compliance
A registered company has ongoing compliance responsibilities. Depending on applicability, annual costs can include:
- accounting and bookkeeping;
- statutory audit;
- income-tax return;
- annual ROC filings;
- GST compliance;
- TDS compliance;
- payroll compliance; and
- other regulatory filings.
Licences and Registrations Required for the Business
Company incorporation itself does not automatically provide every licence required to operate a business.
Depending on the activity, the company may require GST, IEC, FSSAI, Shops and Establishment, labour registrations, industry licences or other approvals.
Our Business Registrations & Licences in India service helps identify and implement applicable registrations.
Frequently Asked Questions on Company Registration Cost in India
Is Company Registration Free in India?
No. Although eligible companies with authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh may benefit from the MCA zero filing-fee concession under SPICe+, other costs such as stamp duty, DSC, PAN/TAN-related amounts, professional fees and premises or documentation costs may still apply.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Private Limited Company?
There is no single amount applicable to every private limited company. The cost depends on authorised capital, State stamp duty, number of directors and subscribers, DSC requirements, registered office and professional scope.
An exact quotation should therefore be prepared after confirming these inputs.
Does Higher Paid-Up Capital Increase Registration Fees?
The incorporation fee framework is primarily linked to authorised or nominal share capital rather than merely the amount actually paid up by shareholders.
The distinction between authorised and paid-up capital should therefore be understood before capital is finalised.
Is GST Registration Included in Company Registration Cost?
GST registration and company incorporation are separate matters. GST may be applied for through the integrated framework where appropriate, but its applicability and professional scope should be confirmed separately.
How EzyBiz India Assists with Company Registration Cost and Incorporation
Transparent Company Registration Quote
EzyBiz India Consulting LLP provides a structured incorporation quotation after understanding the proposed company, rather than relying solely on a generic package price.
The quotation can separately identify:
- professional fees;
- estimated Government fees;
- stamp duty;
- DSC requirements;
- registered-office requirements;
- foreign-document costs, where relevant;
- post-incorporation registrations; and
- ongoing compliance support.
Related Services
- Company Registration Services in India
- Private Limited Company Registration in India
- Foreign Company Registration in India
- Wholly Owned Subsidiary Registration in India
- Setting Up Business in India
- Business Registrations & Licences in India
Reviewed By
CA Anil Agrawal
Founder, EzyBiz India Consulting LLP, New Delhi
Chartered Accountant with 20+ years of professional experience in company incorporation, India market entry, FEMA, taxation, regulatory compliance and business advisory.
Last Updated: September 2026
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Company registration costs depend on the type of company, authorised capital, State of the registered office, number and status of directors and shareholders, applicable stamp duty, Digital Signature Certificate requirements, professional scope, regulatory approvals and other facts of each incorporation.
Government filing fees, stamp duty, MCA procedures and other statutory charges may be amended from time to time. Third-party charges such as DSC, notarisation, apostille, registered-office services, translation and courier expenses are determined independently by the relevant service providers.
Any amounts or fee principles discussed on this page should therefore be verified against the applicable MCA system, statutory fee schedule and State stamp-duty requirements at the time of filing. The information on this page should not be construed as legal, tax, accounting, investment or regulatory advice.