What does company registration cost?
Private Limited Companies and OPCs are registered through the SPICe+ form. The government cost has three parts:
- MCA fee: nil when the authorised capital is up to ₹15 lakh.
- Stamp duty: on the e-form, MoA and AoA. It differs by state and often depends on the authorised capital.
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): needed for each director or subscriber. This is a market price, not a government fee.
FormulaTotal cost = MCA fee (₹0 up to ₹15 lakh capital) + stamp duty (e-form + MoA + AoA) + DSC × number of directors
State-wise stamp duty (approximate)
| State | ₹1 lakh capital | ₹10 lakh capital |
|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | ₹1,010 | ₹5,510 |
| Delhi | ₹360 | ₹1,710 |
| Maharashtra | ₹1,400 | ₹4,100 |
| Karnataka | ₹6,020 | ₹6,020 |
| Gujarat | ₹620 | ₹5,120 |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹1,010 | ₹1,010 |
| Haryana | ₹135 | ₹195 |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹720 | ₹720 |
| Telangana | ₹1,520 | ₹2,020 |
| West Bengal | ₹370 | ₹370 |
| Madhya Pradesh | ₹7,550 | ₹7,550 |
| Punjab | ₹10,025 | ₹15,025 |
| Kerala | ₹3,025 | ₹3,025 |
Please note: these figures are worked out from published state formulas and can change through state amendments. The stamp duty shown on the MCA portal at the time of filing is final.
How much authorised capital should you choose?
Most startups choose ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh of authorised capital, since the MCA fee is nil up to ₹15 lakh. In many states, stamp duty rises with capital, so choosing far more than you need increases the cost. You can increase the authorised capital later through Form SH-7, which attracts a fee and stamp duty at that time.
- If you expect investors soon, keeping a little more capital can make sense.
- There is no minimum paid-up capital — a company can be formed with as little as ₹1,000.
Frequently asked questions
What is the government cost of registering a Private Limited Company?
The MCA fee is nil for authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh. The main costs are state stamp duty (from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees) and DSCs.
Which state's stamp duty applies?
The stamp duty of the state where the company's registered office is located.
Can a company be registered with less than ₹1 lakh of capital?
Yes. There is no minimum paid-up capital. Authorised capital is usually kept at ₹1 lakh.
What do you get with SPICe+?
Company incorporation, DIN, PAN, TAN, EPFO and ESIC registration and a bank account — all through one form.
How much does a DSC cost?
A Class 3 DSC usually costs about ₹1,000 to ₹2,500, depending on the vendor and validity.
Is the cost different for an OPC and a Private Limited Company?
The government fee is about the same. An OPC has only one director and member, so fewer DSCs are needed.
What is the fee for authorised capital above ₹15 lakh?
Above ₹15 lakh, an MCA registration fee applies based on capital slabs. Ask an expert for the exact amount.
How long does company registration take?
Usually 7 to 15 working days if the documents are in order, depending on MCA processing.