Founders often ask for a single figure to register a company, but the real cost is a stack of components, some fixed and some that depend on your state and capital. Knowing the parts helps you budget honestly.
This guide breaks down what you actually pay to register a company in India, and the recurring costs that follow incorporation.
Quick answers
What makes up the cost?
Government fees, stamp duty, DSC, PAN/TAN and professional charges.
Are government fees fixed?
No. They depend on authorised capital and the state.
Does stamp duty vary?
Yes, stamp duty is state-specific.
How much is a DSC?
Roughly Rs 800 to Rs 1,500 per person.
Are there recurring costs?
Yes: annual ROC filings, audit and income tax compliance.
What does company registration cost include?
Company registration cost in India is the sum of MCA government filing fees, state-wise stamp duty on the MoA and AoA, Digital Signature Certificate charges, PAN and TAN fees, and professional charges. The government portion depends on the authorised capital and the state of registration, so there is no single fixed figure.
Why the cost varies
- Authorised capital drives MCA fees: many small-capital companies pay little or no government filing fee, while higher capital attracts higher fees.
- State stamp duty on the MoA and AoA differs across states, so the same company can cost more to register in one state than another.
- Number of directors affects DSC cost, since each director needs a separate Class 3 certificate.
Legal framework
- Governing law: Companies Act, 2013, the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014, and state Stamp Acts.
- Key sections / rules: Fee rules under the Companies Act; stamp duty under the relevant State Stamp Act.
- Regulatory authority: MCA for filing fees; State Governments for stamp duty.
Indicative cost components (2026)
| Component | Indicative amount | Depends on |
|---|---|---|
| Class 3 DSC (per director) | Rs 800 – Rs 1,500 | Validity, provider |
| MCA filing fee | Often nil to a few thousand | Authorised capital |
| Stamp duty (MoA/AoA) | Few hundred to several thousand | State, capital |
| PAN & TAN | ~Rs 130 | Fixed |
| Professional fee | Varies | Scope, advisor |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Budgeting only for incorporation. Registration is a one-time cost. Annual ROC filings, audit and income tax returns are recurring and often exceed the setup cost over time.
- Ignoring state stamp duty. Stamp duty varies widely by state. Comparing only the headline package price can mislead you.
- Choosing the cheapest structure blindly. An LLP may be cheaper to maintain than a company, but it cannot raise equity. Weigh cost against your funding plans.
Penalties and consequences
- Late filing of annual forms such as AOC-4 or MGT-7 attracts an additional fee of Rs 100 per day per form with no upper cap under the Companies Act, 2013, which can quietly become a large recurring cost.
- Failure to file INC-20A within 180 days attracts a penalty of Rs 50,000 on the company under Section 10A of the Companies Act, 2013.
How these provisions connect
- MCA filing fees are linked to authorised capital, so increasing authorised capital at incorporation raises both the filing fee and the stamp duty.
- Because stamp duty is charged under the State Stamp Act and filing fees under central rules, the total cost is a combination of central and state charges.
Indicative setup cost by structure
| Structure | Relative setup cost | Relative annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| LLP | Low | Low |
| OPC | Moderate | Moderate |
| Private Limited | Moderate | Moderate-High |
| Section 8 | Moderate | Moderate |
Key takeaways
- Company registration cost is a stack of government fees, stamp duty, DSC, PAN/TAN and professional charges.
- MCA fees depend on authorised capital, and stamp duty is state-specific, so there is no single fixed figure.
- Each director needs a Class 3 DSC, costing roughly Rs 800 to Rs 1,500.
- Budget for recurring annual compliance, which often exceeds the one-time setup cost over time.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to register a company in India?
The cost is a combination of DSC, MCA filing fees, state stamp duty, PAN/TAN and professional charges. The government portion depends on authorised capital and the state, so get a state-specific quote.
What are the government fees for company registration?
MCA filing fees depend on authorised capital under the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014. Many small-capital companies pay little or no filing fee.
Is stamp duty the same in every state?
No. Stamp duty on the MoA and AoA is levied under each State's Stamp Act and varies, so the same company can cost more in one state than another.
How much does a DSC cost?
A Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate typically costs between Rs 800 and Rs 1,500 per person, depending on validity and the certifying authority.
Are there recurring costs after registration?
Yes. A company must file annual ROC returns, get its accounts audited, and file income tax returns every year, which are recurring costs.
What is the cheapest company structure to maintain?
An LLP usually has the lowest setup and annual costs, but it cannot raise equity, so weigh cost against your funding needs.
Does authorised capital affect the cost?
Yes. Higher authorised capital generally increases both MCA filing fees and stamp duty, so set it at a level that suits your plans.
Are PAN and TAN charged separately?
PAN and TAN are issued with incorporation at a nominal cost of around Rs 130, so no separate large fee applies.
Need help with this?
Want a clear, state-specific cost estimate before you commit? Regikart's CA & CS team gives transparent quotes with government fees itemised. See our company registration service. You can also contact us, or call or WhatsApp Regikart on +91 70444 94804 (Mon–Sat, 9 am–7 pm IST).
About the author
Deepak
Senior Advisor at Regikart. Want to discuss this in the context of your business?
