At Maalik Bano, we help entrepreneurs register their Private Limited Companies every day, and the most common question we get is how much does it cost?
The good news is that the government fees are actually quite affordable. Most people are surprised to find out that registering a company with minimum capital does not cost much at all. In this article, we will break down every government fee you need to pay step by step.
What is a Government Fee?
When you register a company in India, you pay two types of charges. One is the government fee, which goes to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). The other is the professional fee, which goes to the CA, CS, or consultant who helps you with the paperwork.
In this article, we are only covering government fees. These are fixed charges set by MCA, and you cannot avoid them.
Step 1: Name Reservation Fee – Rs. 1,000
Before you register your company, you need to get your company name approved by the MCA. This is done through a form called SPICe+ Part A or the RUN service on the MCA portal.
The fee for this is Rs. 1,000 per application. If your name gets rejected, you have to pay Rs. 1,000 again for a new application. So it is always a good idea to check name availability on the MCA portal before applying.
Step 2: Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) – Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,500 per director
Every director of the company needs a Digital Signature Certificate. This is used to sign all MCA forms online. Without a DSC, you cannot submit any documents on the MCA portal.
The cost of a DSC is usually between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 2,500 per director, depending on the certifying authority you choose. Popular options are eMudhra, Sify, and NSDL. If your company has two directors, you will need two DSCs.
Step 3: Director Identification Number (DIN) – Free via SPICe+
Every director needs a DIN, which is a unique number given to them by the MCA. If you apply for DIN through the SPICe+ form at the time of company registration, there is no separate fee. It is included in the registration process for up to three directors.
If a director already has a DIN from a previous company, they can simply use the same number.
Step 4: SPICe+ Form Filing Fee – Free for Capital up to Rs. 15 Lakh
The SPICe+ form is the main form used to register your company on the MCA portal. It covers everything, including company incorporation, PAN, TAN, GST registration, and more, all in one form.
If your authorised capital is up to Rs. 15 lakh, there is zero MCA filing fee for the SPICe+ form. Most new businesses start with Rs. 1 lakh authorised capital, which means this step costs you nothing.
If your authorised capital is higher than Rs. 15 lakh, then fees apply as per MCA slabs.
Step 5: MOA and AOA Filing Fee – Based on Capital
MOA stands for Memorandum of Association, and AOA stands for Articles of Association. These are the two most important documents of your company. The MOA defines what your company will do, and the AOA defines how your company will be managed.
For companies with authorised capital up to Rs. 1 lakh, the MOA and AOA filing fee is very minimal. It starts from around Rs. 200 and goes up based on your capital amount.
Step 6: Stamp Duty – Varies by State
Stamp duty is a charge paid to the state government on your MOA and AOA documents. This is the most variable part of the total fee because every state has its own rate.
Here is a rough idea of stamp duty across some major states for a company with Rs. 1 lakh authorised capital:
Maharashtra – approx. ₹2,000 to ₹3,500
Delhi – approx. ₹2,000 to ₹3,500
Karnataka – approx. ₹2,000 to ₹3,500
Punjab – approx. ₹100–₹200
Gujarat – ₹2,000 to ₹3,500
Rajasthan – approx. ₹2,000 to ₹3,500
Step 7: PAN and TAN Fee – Rs. 143
After your company is incorporated, it automatically gets a PAN and TAN through the SPICe+ form itself. The government fee for this is just Rs. 143.
Total Government Fee Summary
Here is a simple summary of all government fees for a Private Limited Company with Rs. 1 lakh authorised capital and two directors:
Name Reservation – Rs. 1,000
DSC for two directors – Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000
DIN – Free
SPICe+ Filing – Free
MOA and AOA Filing – Rs. 200 to Rs. 500
Stamp Duty – Rs. 500 to Rs. 3,000 depending on the state
PAN and TAN – Rs. 143
Total estimated government fee – Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 10,000, depending on your state and the number of directors.
Disclaimer: The fees mentioned above are approximate figures based on current MCA guidelines and are accurate to the best of our knowledge as of 2026. Actual fees may vary depending on your state, authorised capital, and the number of directors. Stamp duty, in particular, varies from state to state. We recommend checking the official MCA portal at mca.gov.in for the latest and most accurate fee structure before proceeding.
What Happens After Registration?
Once your company is registered, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation from the MCA. This certificate includes your Company Identification Number (CIN), which is the official proof that your company exists legally in India.
The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 working days if all documents are in order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a Private Limited Company in India in 2026?
The total government fee for registering a Private Limited Company in India is between Rs. 4,000 and Rs. 10,000, depending on your state and authorised capital. This does not include professional fees charged by a CA or CS.
Is there any government fee for SPICe+ form filing?
No. If your authorised capital is up to Rs. 15 lakh, there is zero government fee for filing the SPICe+ form. You only pay stamp duty and DSC charges.
What is the stamp duty for company registration?
Stamp duty varies by state. It can range from Rs. 500 in states like Delhi and Karnataka to Rs. 3,000 or more in states like Punjab and Gujarat.
What is the minimum authorised capital needed to register a Private Limited Company?
The minimum authorised capital for a Private Limited Company in India is Rs. 1 lakh. Starting with the minimum keeps your government fees low.
How long does company registration take in India?
If all your documents are correct, the process usually takes 10 to 15 working days from the date of SPICe+ submission.
Are government fees refundable if my application is rejected?
No. Government fees paid to MCA are non-refundable. This is why it is important to get all your documents and company name right before submitting.
