Plan your 2026 company registration budget. See MCA fees, stamp duty, DSC and professional fee components for Pvt Ltd, LLP and OPC.
Company Registration Fees in India — MCA Govt Charges and Total Cost 2025
In 2026, incorporating a Private Limited Company, LLP or OPC in India costs far less in MCA government fees than founders typically expect — but the total bill has four distinct components that stack up very differently depending on your state and authorised capital. MCA's zero-fee regime for companies with authorised capital up to Rs. 15 lakh has shrunk the headline government cost to near-zero. What remains is stamp duty (state-specific and unavoidable), DSC procurement, and professional fees. Nail these four buckets before you start — and you will not be blindsided by a revised invoice on the day of filing.
The Four Cost Buckets You Must Separate
Every incorporation bill is the sum of four distinct categories. Treating them as one lump sum is how founders get overcharged or underprepared.
- MCA government fees — Paid to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs via the SPICe+ or FiLLiP form on the MCA V3 portal. Scales with authorised share capital for companies; with total partner contribution for LLPs.
- Stamp duty — Levied by each state on the Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), and LLP Agreement. Collected digitally through the MCA portal at the time of filing, not at a physical stamp office.
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) fees — Paid to a Certifying Authority (CA) licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA). Required for every subscriber to the MOA/AOA and every proposed director before filing.
- Professional fees — Charged by a Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary or law firm for name search, drafting constitutional documents, filing and post-incorporation registrations. Market-driven and wildly variable.
Understanding which bucket a charge falls into lets you audit any quote instantly and ask the right questions.
MCA Government Fees: The SPICe+ Slab Structure (2026)
The SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus) form is a single integrated form that handles company name reservation, incorporation, PAN, TAN, GST, EPFO, ESIC and even a bank account opening through sub-forms Part A (name reservation) and Part B + AGILE-PRO-S.
Private Limited Company — Fee Slabs on Authorised Capital
Under the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014, as amended, the government filing fee for a company incorporated via SPICe+ is structured as follows:
| Authorised Share Capital | MCA Filing Fee (SPICe+) |
|---|---|
| Up to Rs. 15,00,000 | Nil |
| Rs. 15,00,001 to Rs. 25,00,000 | Rs. 2,000 |
| Rs. 25,00,001 to Rs. 1,00,00,000 | Rs. 2,000 + Rs. 200 per Rs. 10,000 (or part thereof) above Rs. 25 lakh |
| Above Rs. 1,00,00,000 | As per graduated slab (notified in Schedule X, fees rules) |
What this means in practice: If you incorporate with the standard Rs. 1 lakh authorised capital — which is the minimum and by far the most common choice — you pay zero MCA filing fee on SPICe+. PAN and TAN are issued free alongside the Certificate of Incorporation. Director Identification Numbers (DINs) for up to three proposed directors are allotted at nil cost within the form.
The only scenario where the MCA fee becomes material is when a promoter unnecessarily inflates authorised capital at incorporation — say, to Rs. 50 lakh — hoping to avoid future SH-7 (Notice of Increase of Share Capital) filings. That strategy backfires: the stamp duty and MCA fee on SH-7 for a future increase is typically lower than the upfront stamp duty cost of a large authorised capital at incorporation.
LLP — Fees Under FiLLiP
For a Limited Liability Partnership, incorporation happens through the FiLLiP (Form for Incorporation of Limited Liability Partnership) form, and fees are based on the total partner contribution declared at incorporation:
| Partner Contribution | FiLLiP Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to Rs. 1,00,000 | Rs. 500 |
| Rs. 1,00,001 to Rs. 5,00,000 | Rs. 2,000 |
| Rs. 5,00,001 to Rs. 10,00,000 | Rs. 4,000 |
| Above Rs. 10,00,000 | Rs. 5,000 |
Separately, the LLP Agreement is filed in Form 3 within 30 days of incorporation. The filing fee for Form 3 is Rs. 50. Missing this 30-day deadline triggers a late fee of Rs. 100 per day, capped at Rs. 5,000 under the LLP Act 2008 — a small but completely avoidable cost.
OPC — One Person Company
An OPC is a company under the Companies Act 2013 and uses SPICe+ for incorporation. The same capital-based slab structure applies. For an OPC with Rs. 1 lakh authorised capital, the MCA filing fee is nil. The nominee's consent in Form INC-3 is filed as an attachment to SPICe+ at no additional cost.
Stamp Duty: The Most Variable Line Item
Stamp duty is where your state of registered office has the biggest impact on your total incorporation cost. It is levied on the MOA, AOA (for companies) and the LLP Agreement (for LLPs) under the respective State Stamp Act or the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 (as applicable in Union Territories and certain central territories).
How it is collected: Since MCA V3 went live, stamp duty is paid online through the MCA portal itself at the time of SPICe+ submission. The portal detects your registered office state, calculates the applicable duty, and collects it alongside the MCA filing fee in a single payment. You do not need to visit a Sub-Registrar's office or buy physical stamp paper.
State-Wise Indicative Rates for Companies (Rs. 1 Lakh Authorised Capital)
| State | Stamp Duty on MOA | Stamp Duty on AOA | Approximate Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi (UT) | Rs. 200 | Rs. 200 | ~Rs. 400 |
| Haryana | Rs. 500 | Rs. 500 | ~Rs. 1,000 |
| Karnataka | Rs. 500 | Rs. 1,000 | ~Rs. 1,500 |
| Maharashtra | Rs. 500 | Rs. 1,000 | ~Rs. 1,500–2,000 |
| Tamil Nadu | Rs. 500 | Rs. 1,000 | ~Rs. 1,500 |
Note: These are indicative figures for the most common scenario (Rs. 1 lakh authorised capital, private company limited by shares). Actual duty is calculated per the current state schedule and can shift when states revise their stamp acts. Always verify on the MCA portal during filing.
For authorised capital above Rs. 1 lakh, stamp duty on the AOA scales roughly as a percentage of capital. Maharashtra, for example, charges stamp duty on the AOA at a rate that makes a Rs. 10 lakh authorised capital meaningfully more expensive than Rs. 1 lakh. This is another practical reason to start with Rs. 1 lakh and increase authorised capital later only when you actually need it.
Stamp Duty on LLP Agreements
Stamp duty on the LLP Agreement is typically a flat amount per the state schedule, ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1,500 depending on the state and the value of partner contribution. It is paid when filing Form 3. Some states treat LLP Agreements as a "partnership deed" for stamp duty purposes; others have a specific schedule entry.
DSC Fees: Class 3 Digital Signature Certificates
A Class 3 DSC is mandatory for every subscriber to the MOA/AOA and every proposed director whose DIN is being applied for through SPICe+. Class 2 DSCs were discontinued by the CCA with effect from 1 January 2021. Every DSC acquired for company registration must be Class 3.
What a DSC Costs in 2026
DSCs are issued by Certifying Authorities licensed by the CCA under the Information Technology Act, 2000. Pricing varies by authority (eMudhra, Sify, NSDL e-Gov, Capricorn, etc.) and by validity period:
| DSC Type | Validity | Approximate Cost (incl. USB token) |
|---|---|---|
| Class 3 Individual (signing only) | 1 year | Rs. 1,300 – Rs. 1,800 |
| Class 3 Individual (signing only) | 2 years | Rs. 1,800 – Rs. 2,500 |
| Class 3 Organisation (for companies) | 2 years | Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 3,000 |
Practical tip: If you are incorporating as a working director who will continue signing MCA filings, ROC returns and GST filings, always buy a 2-year DSC. The marginal cost over a 1-year DSC is Rs. 200–500, but it saves you the hassle and cost of renewal before your first annual return cycle is complete.
A typical incorporation with two directors and one subscriber (who is also a director) requires two Class 3 DSCs — total cost Rs. 3,000–5,000 depending on validity and authority.
If a subscriber is a body corporate (rare at inception), its authorised signatory needs a DSC in their individual name used in their organisational capacity.
Professional Fees: What the Market Charges in 2026
Professional fees are the most opaque component of incorporation cost because they are entirely market-driven and scope-driven. The range is wide:
- Budget / DIY-assist services: Rs. 3,000–6,000. Typically means you handle DIN applications and document drafting yourself; the service provider only files. High risk of MCA query if documents are thin.
- Standard end-to-end service: Rs. 8,000–18,000. Covers name search, MOA/AOA drafting, SPICe+ filing, PAN/TAN, GSTIN application and basic post-incorporation support (share certificate, first board resolution).
- Premium bundled service: Rs. 18,000–35,000+. Includes trademark availability search, bank account opening assistance, Director KYC (DIR-3 KYC), and 6–12 months of compliance support.
What to Look for in a Quote
Ask any service provider to break their quote into:
- Government fees (MCA + stamp duty)
- DSC procurement (per person)
- Professional fee (drafting + filing)
- Included post-incorporation services (list them out)
- What is excluded (GST on professional fee is the most common surprise at 18%)
Red flag: A "per form" pricing model. Once you are in the MCA system, the service provider can keep raising incremental invoices — one for DIN, one for SPICe+, one for Form 3, one for the LLP Agreement. A fixed all-in quote protects you.
GST on professional fees: The service provider charges 18% GST on their professional fee (not on government fees or DSC). This is input-tax-creditable if your company is GST-registered, but is a cash outflow at the time of incorporation regardless.
Post-Incorporation Registrations: What to Budget Beyond Day One
SPICe+ through AGILE-PRO-S integrates several post-incorporation registrations, but not all of them are automatic, and some have trigger-based costs you need to plan for.
Free / Zero-Cost Registrations Built Into SPICe+
- PAN and TAN: Issued by NSDL alongside the Certificate of Incorporation. No separate fee.
- GSTIN: Applied through AGILE-PRO-S at no government fee. Professional fee may apply if outsourced. Mandatory if turnover crosses Rs. 20 lakh (services) or Rs. 40 lakh (goods) in FY 2026-27, or on day one if you intend to make inter-state supplies.
- EPFO and ESIC registration numbers: Auto-allotted through AGILE-PRO-S. Compliance obligations are triggered only when you hire employees and cross the applicable headcount threshold (EPFO: 20 employees; ESIC: 10 employees).
- Bank account opening: Enabled through AGILE-PRO-S for participating banks. This is optional at incorporation and can be done separately.
Registrations That Cost Money Later
| Registration | Government Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trademark (1 class) | Rs. 4,500 (MSME/startup/individual), Rs. 9,000 (others) | Per class, per mark. File early — priority is by filing date. |
| FSSAI (Basic) | Rs. 100/year | Food businesses only |
| Import Export Code (IEC) | Rs. 500 | DGFT; required before first import/export |
| MSME Udyam Registration | Nil | Free; do this on Day 2 |
| Professional Tax registration | Varies by state | Maharashtra, Karnataka mandatory if employees present |
Statutory audit and accounting: This is the largest ongoing cost that founders underestimate. Every Private Limited Company and LLP above the threshold must get its accounts audited annually by a practicing Chartered Accountant. Budget a monthly equivalent of Rs. 3,000–8,000/month for bookkeeping + audit, starting from the first month of operations, even if you are pre-revenue. The statutory audit fee is separate and typically Rs. 5,000–15,000 per year for early-stage companies.
Worked Example: Complete Cost Breakdown Across Three Scenarios
These are representative estimates for FY 2026-27 to help you build an actual budget.
Scenario 1 — Delhi Pvt Ltd, Rs. 1 Lakh Authorised Capital, 2 Directors
| Line Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| MCA filing fee (SPICe+, authorised capital ≤ Rs. 15 lakh) | Rs. 0 |
| Stamp duty — MOA + AOA (Delhi) | Rs. 400 |
| 2 × Class 3 DSC (2-year, individual signing) | Rs. 4,000 |
| Professional fee (end-to-end SPICe+, incl. MOA/AOA drafting) | Rs. 10,000 |
| GST on professional fee @ 18% | Rs. 1,800 |
| Total | Rs. 16,200 |
Scenario 2 — Maharashtra Pvt Ltd, Rs. 5 Lakh Authorised Capital, 2 Directors
| Line Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| MCA filing fee | Rs. 0 |
| Stamp duty — MOA + AOA (Maharashtra, ~0.15% of authorised capital on AOA) | Rs. 1,500 |
| 2 × Class 3 DSC (2-year) | Rs. 4,000 |
| Professional fee | Rs. 12,000 |
| GST on professional fee @ 18% | Rs. 2,160 |
| Total | Rs. 19,660 |
Scenario 3 — LLP, Karnataka, Rs. 1 Lakh Partner Contribution, 2 Designated Partners
| Line Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| FiLLiP filing fee (contribution ≤ Rs. 1 lakh) | Rs. 500 |
| Form 3 filing fee (LLP Agreement) | Rs. 50 |
| Stamp duty — LLP Agreement (Karnataka) | Rs. 1,000 |
| 2 × Class 3 DSC (2-year) | Rs. 4,000 |
| Professional fee | Rs. 8,000 |
| GST on professional fee @ 18% | Rs. 1,440 |
| Total | Rs. 14,990 |
The key takeaway from these numbers: Government fees + stamp duty for a standard Rs. 1 lakh capital company are genuinely small — Rs. 400 to Rs. 2,000 depending on state. DSC and professional fees are the dominant variable. Shop on scope, not just on headline price.
Common Mistakes That Inflate Your Registration Bill
1. Over-Capitalising Authorised Capital at Inception
Founders sometimes incorporate with Rs. 10 lakh or Rs. 25 lakh authorised capital "for future flexibility." For amounts still under Rs. 15 lakh the MCA fee is nil, but stamp duty on the AOA — which scales with authorised capital in most states — increases your upfront cost with no corresponding benefit. Start with Rs. 1 lakh and pass a board + shareholder resolution to increase authorised capital (Form SH-7) when you actually need it.
2. Buying Class 2 DSCs from Old Resellers
Class 2 DSCs are invalid for MCA filings since January 2021. Some resellers still hold old stock or list outdated products. Always confirm you are buying a Class 3, IND (Individual) DSC with a USB token, valid for at least two years.
3. Missing the Form 3 Deadline for LLPs
The LLP Agreement (Form 3) must be filed within 30 days of incorporation. A late fee of Rs. 100 per day applies. For a 60-day delay with two designated partners: Rs. 100 × 60 days = Rs. 6,000 in additional fee. There is no waiver mechanism for this penalty — it is paid on the MCA portal before the form is accepted.
4. Choosing the Wrong Registered Office State
Stamp duty differences between states can be Rs. 1,000–5,000 for a Rs. 10 lakh authorised capital company. If you genuinely have a choice of registered office (e.g., you operate remotely), this is worth calculating upfront. However, the registered office should reflect your actual business location — the ROC sends physical letters and an inspector can visit.
5. Not Accounting for 18% GST on Professional Fees
A Rs. 10,000 professional fee quote that does not mention GST is actually an Rs. 11,800 outflow. Always ask: "Is this quote inclusive or exclusive of GST?" If your company will be GST-registered, you can claim this as input tax credit — but only after registration is active, not on pre-incorporation costs.
6. Paying for DIN Application Separately
Three proposed directors can be allotted a DIN through SPICe+ itself at zero cost. A service provider charging a separate "DIN fee" for directors who are being incorporated simultaneously is double-billing. DIN application through SPICe+ is free under the integrated form.
Key Takeaways
- For a Rs. 1 lakh authorised capital Pvt Ltd, the total MCA government fee is nil under the zero-fee regime. Your state's stamp duty (Rs. 400–2,000) is the only mandatory government outflow.
- Stamp duty is state-specific and unavoidable. It is collected digitally through MCA V3 at the time of SPICe+ filing — no stamp office visit required.
- Every subscriber and proposed director needs a Class 3 DSC. Budget Rs. 1,800–2,500 per person; buy 2-year validity to avoid renewal before your first ROC filing cycle.
- Professional fees are 60–70% of your total incorporation cost. Demand a fixed, all-in quote that lists inclusions, exclusions, and whether GST is included.
- LLP Form 3 (LLP Agreement) must be filed within 30 days of incorporation. A 60-day delay costs Rs. 6,000 in late fees — entirely avoidable.
- AGILE-PRO-S gives you GSTIN, EPFO, ESIC and bank account opening in one shot at no extra government fee. Use it at incorporation even if you do not need them immediately.
- The real ongoing cost begins after Day 1. Budget Rs. 3,000–8,000/month for accounting and compliance from the moment you incorporate, regardless of whether you have started revenue.
