Business Setup Cost Calculator (India)

For most startups the all-in cost of incorporation is a few thousand rupees plus your CA's fee. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs charges no government fee for authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh, so the real variables are your state's stamp duty, the digital signatures your directors need, and what your filing service charges.

State stamp duty

Set by each state's Stamp Act. The one component that changes from state to state — from nil in Sikkim to over ₹7,000 in Madhya Pradesh at ₹1 lakh capital.

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Each director or partner needs one to sign filings — roughly ₹1,500 each.

Professional / CA fee

What your CA or filing service charges to prepare and file the forms.

MCA government fee

Nil for authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh, which is why most startups register at ₹1 lakh.

Private Limited Company

The default for startups that will raise equity — separate legal entity, limited liability, the structure investors and most grants expect.

One Person Company (OPC)

For a solo founder who wants limited liability without a co-founder. One director, one member, lighter compliance. Convertible to a Private Limited later.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

For a services firm that wants limited liability and lighter annual compliance and isn't raising institutional equity.

• GST registration, if your business needs it.
• Trademark or other IP filings.
• Ongoing annual compliance — auditor fees, ROC filings, income-tax returns.
• Stamp duty on the LLP agreement, which varies by state and contribution (for LLPs).

Many early-stage government grants and incubator programs reimburse incorporation, IP and compliance costs — and most require you to be a registered company first. Once you've incorporated, it's worth checking which grants you now qualify for.

Browse startup grants from this page — registering your company is often the first box a grant asks you to tick.