Startup Registration Cost in India (2026): Complete Fee Breakdown

By IYEC Editorial Team  |  Reviewed by [CA/CS name, credentials]  |  Last updated: 5 October 2026  |  11 min read

"How much will it cost to register my startup?" is one of the first questions every founder asks. And the answers online are confusing. Some websites say ₹999. Others say ₹25,000. Both can be "right" because they count different things.

This guide gives you an honest, simple breakdown of startup registration cost in India for 2026. You will see exactly what you pay to the government, what you pay a professional, what changes from state to state, and the yearly costs most founders forget to plan for.

Startup Registration Cost at a Glance

Here is a quick comparison of one-time registration costs for each business structure in India in 2026.

These are typical ranges, including government fees and common professional charges. Your actual cost depends on your state and who helps you file.

Private Limited Company Registration Cost

A private limited company usually costs ₹7,000 to ₹25,000 to register in 2026. It is the most popular choice for startups because investors can buy shares and the company can offer ESOPs to its team.

MCA fees if your authorized capital is above ₹15 lakh

Tip: Most early startups keep authorized capital at ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh. You can raise it later when you bring in investors. Higher capital means higher stamp duty today for no real benefit.

What Is Stamp Duty, and Why Does It Change the Cost?

Stamp duty is a tax your state government charges on your company's Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA). It is the biggest reason registration costs differ across India.

• Each state sets its own stamp duty rates.

• Some states charge a small fixed amount. Others charge a percentage of your authorized capital.

• For a small company with ₹1 lakh capital, stamp duty can be a few hundred rupees in some states and several thousand in others.

• You pay it online along with the SPICe+ form, based on the state of your registered office.

How to check your exact stamp duty: use the free fee calculator on the MCA portal (mca.gov.in). Enter your state and authorized capital to see the exact amount before you file.

LLP Registration Cost

An LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) usually costs about ₹9,000 to ₹23,000 to register, including professional fees. The government part is small. The cost mainly goes to DSCs, the LLP agreement, and professional help.

Good to know: An LLP does not need a statutory audit if its turnover is up to ₹40 lakh and partner contribution is up to ₹25 lakh. This makes its yearly cost much lower than a company's.

One Person Company (OPC) Registration Cost

An OPC usually costs about ₹9,000 to ₹23,000 to register. The cost items are almost the same as a private limited company, with one director and one shareholder, plus a nominee.

An OPC suits a solo founder who wants limited liability. But if you plan to raise money from investors, a private limited company is usually the better choice, because an OPC can have only one shareholder.

Partnership Firm and Sole Proprietorship Cost

Partnership firm

A registered partnership firm usually costs about ₹3,000 to ₹12,000 in total.

Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship has no formal registration of its own. You simply run the business under your personal PAN and get the licenses you need, like GST, Udyam, or a shop license. It is the cheapest option, but it gives no protection to your personal assets and cannot get DPIIT startup recognition.

Registrations With No Government Fee

Some useful registrations cost nothing from the government side. You only pay if you hire someone to file them for you.

Want to know what DPIIT recognition unlocks? Read our guide on government schemes for startups in India.

Other Costs to Budget For

Registration is only the first bill. Plan for these early costs too:

• Trademark filing: the official fee is ₹4,500 per class when a startup or small business files online. Professional help is extra.

• Company bank account: usually free to open, but some current accounts need a minimum balance.

• Domain and email: a .com or .in domain and business email cost a few hundred to a few thousand rupees a year.

• Founders' agreement: legal drafting fees vary. It is worth it. Read how to find a co-founder for what to include.

• Shops and Establishment license: if you have an office, fees depend on your state.

Yearly Compliance Cost After Registration

This is the cost most founders forget. A private limited company must file returns every year, even if it earns nothing. Missing deadlines leads to heavy penalties.

Private Limited Company: yearly costs

LLP: yearly costs

LLPs file Form 8 and Form 11 every year, plus an income tax return. These filings usually cost a few thousand rupees each with professional help. Since small LLPs do not need an audit, their yearly cost is much lower than a company's.

Good news for small companies: since December 2025, a company with paid-up capital up to ₹10 crore and turnover up to ₹100 crore is a "small company." Small companies get lighter compliance and lower penalties, which helps most early startups.

Example: First-Year Budget for a 2-Founder Startup

Here is a simple example for two founders registering a private limited company with ₹1 lakh authorized capital. Your numbers will be different, but this shows what to plan for.

The main lesson: budget for the whole first year, not just the registration day.

How to Save Money on Startup Registration

1. Keep authorized capital at ₹15 lakh or less. You pay no MCA filing fee and lower stamp duty.

2. Pick the right structure from day one. Converting later (for example, LLP to company) costs extra money and time.

3. Apply for DPIIT recognition yourself. There is no government fee, and the form is online.

4. Get Udyam registration for free on the official portal.

5. Do not register for GST too early unless you need it. GST brings monthly filing costs.

6. Keep clean books from month one. Messy accounts make audits and tax filings more expensive.

7. Compare service packages carefully. Ask if government fees, stamp duty and DSCs are included in the quoted price.

Do It Yourself or Hire a Professional?

You can file some steps yourself, but a Private Limited Company or LLP must be certified by a practising professional (CA, CS or Cost Accountant). So some professional fee is always part of the cost.

IYEC Service Prices for Registration and Compliance

IYEC lists clear, upfront prices for registration and compliance services on its Services page. Here are the main ones as listed on 5 October 2026:

[EDITOR NOTE: confirm with IYEC whether these prices include government fees and stamp duty, then replace this line with: "Prices include / do not include government fees and state stamp duty."]

Prices can change, so always check the latest on the IYEC Services page. IYEC members also get mentor support and access to the Find Funding tool once their company is registered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of startup registration in India?

In 2026, a Private Limited Company usually costs about ₹7,000 to ₹25,000 to register. An LLP or OPC usually costs about ₹9,000 to ₹23,000, and a partnership firm a few thousand rupees. The cost depends on your state's stamp duty, the number of directors and professional fees.

Is startup registration free in India?

Company or LLP registration is not fully free. You pay for digital signatures, name reservation, stamp duty and professional certification. But DPIIT startup recognition, Udyam registration and GST registration have no government fee.

What is the government fee to register a Private Limited Company?

The MCA filing fee is zero if your authorised capital is up to ₹15 lakh. You still pay ₹1,000 for name reservation, state stamp duty, and the cost of digital signatures.

Why is company registration cost different in each state?

Because stamp duty on the MoA and AoA is set by each state government. Some states charge a small fixed amount, while others charge more based on authorised capital.

Which is cheaper, an LLP or a Private Limited Company?

Registration costs are similar. But an LLP is usually cheaper to run each year, because small LLPs do not need a statutory audit. A Private Limited Company is better if you plan to raise funding.

How much does DPIIT startup recognition cost?

DPIIT recognition has no government fee. You can apply yourself on the National Single Window System, or pay a service provider to file it for you.

What is the yearly cost of running a Private Limited Company?

It depends on your size and transactions. Main yearly costs include ROC filings, statutory audit, income tax return, director KYC, and GST and TDS returns if they apply to you.

Startup registration me kitna kharcha aata hai?

2026 me Private Limited Company ka registration aam taur par ₹7,000 se ₹25,000 tak padta hai. LLP aur OPC ka lagbhag ₹9,000 se ₹23,000. Kharcha aapke state ki stamp duty, directors ki sankhya aur professional fees par depend karta hai. DPIIT recognition aur Udyam registration ki koi government fee nahi hai.

Final Thoughts

Registering a startup in India is not as expensive as many founders fear. For most startups, the one-time cost stays between ₹7,000 and ₹25,000. The real planning should go into choosing the right structure and budgeting for yearly compliance.

Ready to start the process? Follow our step-by-step guide on how to register a startup in India, or let the IYEC team handle it for you.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Fees, stamp duty and rules change from time to time and differ by state. Please confirm the latest amounts on the official portals or with a qualified CA or CS before you file.