By ComplyKart Expert Team · Reviewed by our company incorporation specialists · Last updated: October 2026

Private Limited Company Registration Cost in India (2026 Breakdown)

Registering a private limited company in India typically costs between ₹7,000 and ₹15,000 all-in for a standard two-director company with ₹1 lakh authorised capital. That figure covers government fees, stamp duty, digital signatures, and professional charges.

The exact number moves around depending on your state (stamp duty varies), how many directors you have (each needs a DSC), and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. Below is the full breakdown so you can see exactly where every rupee goes.

The Short Answer: What You'll Pay

1. MCA Filing Fee: Usually Zero

This surprises most founders. Since 2019, the MCA waived the incorporation filing fee for companies with authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh. Most startups incorporate with ₹1 lakh authorised capital, so the SPICe+ filing fee is nil.

If you opt for higher authorised capital (say ₹50 lakh because you plan a large fundraise), the fee slabs kick in — roughly ₹2,000–₹5,000 per additional slab. For 95% of new companies, this line item is zero.

2. Stamp Duty: The State Variable

Stamp duty on the Memorandum and Articles of Association is set by each state, and this is where costs diverge most:

These are indicative ranges — stamp duty tables get revised, and the exact amount depends on your authorised capital. Your professional will compute the precise figure for your state before filing.

3. Digital Signatures: ₹1,000–₹2,000 Per Director

Every proposed director needs a Class-3 DSC to sign the SPICe+ form electronically. A two-director company needs two DSCs; a three-director company needs three.

DSCs are issued by licensed certifying authorities for 1–2 year validity. If a director already holds a valid Class-3 DSC (from a previous directorship, for instance), you don't need a new one.

4. Professional Fees: ₹5,000–₹10,000

This is what you pay the CA, CS, or incorporation platform for doing the work: name reservation, document drafting (MOA/AOA), DIN allotment, SPICe+ filing, PAN/TAN application, and follow-ups with the ROC if queries come back.

Fees vary by city and firm. Be wary of quotes that seem too low — some advertise ₹4,999 and add "extra" charges for PAN, TAN, or GST later. Ask for a written breakup before you pay anything.

What's NOT Included in Registration Cost

Founders often confuse registration cost with first-year compliance cost. These are separate:

• Auditor appointment — mandatory within 30 days; audit fees are annual
• Annual ROC filings (AOC-4, MGT-7) — due every year
• Income tax return — annual
• GST registration — only if your turnover crosses the threshold or you need it for input credit
• Current account opening — free at most banks, but takes time

Budget another ₹15,000–₹30,000 for first-year compliance, depending on your transaction volume.

DIY vs Professional: Is It Worth Saving the Fee?

You can file SPICe+ yourself on the MCA portal. The government fee is nil either way. But the form rejects applications for small errors — a mismatched address proof, a wrong dropdown selection — and each resubmission costs you days. Professionals do this daily; they know which ROC offices raise which queries.

For most founders, the professional fee pays for itself in time saved and rejections avoided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any hidden government fee I'm missing?

No. For standard authorised capital (up to ₹15 lakh), the MCA charges nothing for SPICe+ filing. PAN and TAN are issued automatically with the Certificate of Incorporation at no extra charge. Anyone quoting a "government fee" of ₹5,000+ for a standard incorporation is padding the bill — ask what it's for.

Does the cost change if I have more directors?

Marginally. Each additional director needs a DSC (₹1,000–₹2,000) and a DIN (no separate fee — it's allotted through SPICe+). Professional fees may rise slightly for the extra paperwork.

Can I claim these expenses in the company's books?

Yes. Incorporation expenses are preliminary expenses and can be amortised in the company's books as per accounting standards. Keep all invoices.