Company registration costs have four parts: MCA filing fees (nil for authorised capital up to Rs 15 lakh), state stamp duty on the MoA and AoA, digital signature charges for each signatory, and professional fees. Stamp duty depends on your state and authorised capital. With complete documents, incorporation usually takes 7 to 15 working days.
What makes up the cost?
| Cost element | How it is calculated |
|---|---|
| MCA fees for SPICe+ | Nil for companies with authorised capital up to Rs 15 lakh; scale-based above that |
| Stamp duty on MoA and AoA | Set by the state of the registered office, often linked to authorised capital |
| Digital signatures | Charged per person by the certifying authority, depending on validity |
| Professional fees | For drafting, filing, certification and follow-up |
| Optional add-ons | Trademark filing, GST registration and compliance packages |
Factors that change your total
- State of registered office: stamp duty varies widely between states.
- Authorised capital: choosing more than Rs 15 lakh adds MCA fees and usually higher stamp duty. You can increase it later when needed.
- Number of directors and subscribers: each needs a DSC.
- Foreign directors: apostille and courier costs add to the budget.
- Name complexity: rejected names mean refiling and delay.
Stage-by-stage timeline
- DSC issuance: usually 1 to 2 working days after video and document verification.
- Name approval (SPICe+ Part A): commonly 2 to 4 working days.
- Drafting and filing Part B with linked forms: 1 to 3 days depending on how fast signatures are collected.
- ROC processing: typically 3 to 7 working days, longer if a resubmission is requested.
- PAN, TAN and certificate: issued together with incorporation.
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Get expert help →How to avoid delays and extra cost
- Keep authorised capital at Rs 15 lakh or below unless you need more at the start.
- Match names and addresses across PAN, Aadhaar and DSC before filing.
- Use a fresh utility bill and a signed NOC for the registered office.
- Pre-check names against both MCA and trademark databases.
Costs to plan for after incorporation
Budget for annual compliance from year one: statutory audit, ROC filings (AOC-4 and MGT-7 or MGT-7A), director KYC, income tax return, and GST returns if registered. Late ROC filings attract additional fees for each day of delay, so compliance costs are cheaper when planned than when penalties accumulate.
Frequently asked questions
Is company registration free in India?
The MCA filing fee under SPICe+ is nil for companies with authorised capital up to Rs 15 lakh, but it is not entirely free. You still pay state stamp duty on the MoA and AoA, digital signature charges, and professional fees if you use a consultant.
Why is stamp duty different in each state?
Stamp duty on the Memorandum and Articles of Association is levied under state stamp laws, so each state sets its own rates. Some states charge a fixed amount, while others link it to authorised capital. The duty is paid online through the MCA portal during filing.
Can I get my company registered in 3 days?
It is possible when DSCs are ready, the name is approved quickly and the ROC processes the application without queries, but it is not guaranteed. A realistic planning window is 7 to 15 working days from the time documents are complete.
Should I choose a higher authorised capital to look more credible?
Usually not. Higher authorised capital increases MCA fees and stamp duty without adding real credibility. Paid-up capital is what reflects actual investment. Authorised capital can be increased later by passing a resolution and filing SH-7 when funding arrives.
Does the professional fee include annual compliance?
It depends on the package. Many incorporation packages cover only registration, while others bundle the first year's compliance, GST registration or trademark filing. Check exactly what is included so you can budget for audit and ROC filings separately.
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