Total OPC Registration Cost In India – Know Before You Apply

Starting a business as a solo founder in India is now easier than ever, thanks to the One Person Company (OPC) structure introduced under the Companies Act, 2013. OPCs offer a compelling combination of limited liability, a separate legal identity, and full managerial control, making them ideal for startups, freelancers, and solopreneurs who want to formalise their venture without diluting ownership or inviting unnecessary compliance burdens. However, while OPC registration appears straightforward, many new entrepreneurs are caught off guard by unclear or incomplete cost breakdowns.

Misleading package deals, variable state duties, and hidden compliance charges can turn a low-cost setup into an unplanned expense. Understanding the full picture, legal and financial, is essential before you incorporate. This blog offers a clear, current, and practical breakdown of OPC registration fees in India for 2025, so you can start smart, avoid hidden costs, and protect your resources from day one.

What this blog covers:

• What is an OPC, and why cost clarity matters?
• Components of OPC registration fees
• Factors influencing cost
• Capital-wise government fee structure
• Professional and platform-based charges
• State-wise stamp duty variations
• Additional charges like DSC, DIN, and admin fees
• Smart tips to reduce the overall registration cost

What Is An OPC & Why Registration Cost Matters?

A One Person Company (OPC) is a legally recognized business entity introduced under Section 2(62) of the Companies Act, 2013. It allows a single individual to incorporate a company with both limited liability and separate legal identity, functioning as both the sole shareholder and the sole director (with a mandatory nominee).

OPCs are tailored for solo entrepreneurs, freelancers, and early-stage founders who want to operate under a corporate structure without the complexity of multiple shareholders or partners.

Key Features of OPC:

• Requires only one shareholder and one director (the same individual may hold both roles).
• Offers a separate legal identity from the promoter.
• Limits liability to the extent of the subscribed share capital.
• Provides simplified compliance compared to Private Limited Companies.
• Can be converted into a Private Limited Company as the business scales.

Legal Provisions:

• Section 2(62), Companies Act, 2013
• Rule 3, Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014

Why Understanding Registration Cost Is Crucial?

For startups and solo founders, knowing the complete cost of OPC registration is essential not just for compliance but for strategic planning. Incorporation expenses impact early-stage cash flow and the ability to allocate funds across legal, operational, and marketing needs.

Key reasons to assess costs carefully:

• Budget accuracy: Helps founders with limited capital plan their initial outlay efficiently.
• Avoid hidden charges: Many platforms exclude mandatory items like stamp duty, DIN, or post-incorporation filings in their advertised rates.
• Cost–benefit analysis: Enables comparison of OPC with other structures such as sole proprietorship, partnership firm, or LLP.
• Legal compliance: Misunderstanding statutory fee components can result in delays, penalties, or incomplete registration.

Incorporating an OPC is not merely a procedural formality; it is a financial and legal decision that demands clarity on all associated costs.

What Does OPC Registration Fee Include?

The total cost of registering a One Person Company (OPC) in India comprises a combination of statutory government fees, professional service charges, and indirect administrative expenses. These charges vary based on the state of incorporation, authorised share capital, service provider, and optional add-ons like GST registration or compliance packages.

1. Government Fees

Payable to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and linked departments, these include:

• SPICe+ filing fee (Part B of the integrated incorporation form)
• Name reservation fee (via SPICe+ Part A or RUN service)
• MOA and AOA filing charges
• PAN and TAN allotment fees (usually bundled)
• Stamp duty, levied by state governments and varies by state and capital

Note: Government fees are largely based on the authorised capital, lower for ₹1 lakh and higher for ₹10 lakh or more.

2. Professional Fees

Charged by Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, lawyers, or incorporation platforms, this includes:

• Drafting of incorporation documents (MOA/AOA)
• MCA portal form filing and compliance support
• Advisory on DSC/DIN eligibility and legal structure
• Fees generally range from ₹2000 to ₹10,000+ based on expertise and services included

3. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

A Class 3 DSC is mandatory for each director.

• Cost: ₹500 to ₹1,500 per DSC
• Validity: 1 to 2 years
• Issued by licensed Certifying Authorities

4. Director Identification Number (DIN)

DIN is issued through the SPICe+ form during registration.

• No separate fee if applying for the first time
• Included in the incorporation process via MCA

5. Stamp Duty

State-imposed duty on the MOA and AOA, and other incorporation documents.

• Varies by state and authorised capital
• Approximate range: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000+

6. Administrative and Miscellaneous Costs

Other incidental charges may include:

• Notarisation, particularly for foreign directors or nominee declarations
• Courier and documentation handling
• GST (18%) on professional or platform service invoices
• PAN/TAN processing fee (₹200–₹300+ each)

Factors Affecting OPC Registration Cost

The total cost of registering a One Person Company (OPC) in India can vary based on multiple legal, procedural, and service-related variables. Understanding these costs is essential for accurate budgeting and informed decision-making.

1. Authorised Capital

Government filing fees and stamp duty are directly linked to the authorised share capital declared at the time of incorporation.

• Up to ₹1 lakh: Minimal fees apply.
• ₹10 lakh or more: Higher charges are levied for MOA, AOA, and MCA filings.

Note: Paid-up capital may be lower, but only authorised capital affects incorporation cost.

2. State of Incorporation

Stamp duty on incorporation documents varies across states.

• States like Maharashtra and Punjab impose higher rates.
• Delhi, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu typically levy moderate charges.

3. Number of Directors and DSCs

Although only one director is mandatory for OPCs, appointing additional directors increases cost due to the need for additional Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs).

4. Type of Service Provider

Professional fees differ based on whether you engage a CA, CS, legal expert, or an online platform.

Some platforms offer bundled services at discounted rates, but may exclude key compliance filings like INC-20A or post-incorporation support.

5. Documentation Complexity

Certain situations, such as foreign promoters, NRIs, or specific business activities, may require:

• Apostilled documents
• Translations
• Additional notarisation

These add to both cost and processing time.

6. Optional Add-On Services

Founders may choose to register for:

• GST, MSME, or trademark protection
• Virtual office or legal contract drafting

While optional, these services can increase overall costs based on business needs.

7. Name Reservation Re-submissions

If the company name is rejected and needs to be re-applied, an additional ₹1,000 is charged per submission.

Government Fees For OPC Registration

Under the Companies (Registration of Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014, modified by subsequent amendments, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) specifies government fees for OPC registration. These fees depend primarily on two variables:

• Authorised share capital
• State of registration (determines stamp duty)

Additional fixed fees apply for name reservation, PAN/TAN, and document registration.

1. SPICe+ Form Filing Fee (Part B)

The SPICe+ Part B form is the main incorporation form for OPCs. The MCA filing fee is based on the authorised capital declared at the time of registration:

2. MOA & AOA Filing Fees

Fees for the Memorandum of Association (MOA) are levied per ₹10,000 of capital, while Articles of Association (AOA) fees are flat fees based on capital brackets.

3. Name Reservation Fee

A fee is charged by MCA for reserving your company’s name through either the RUN service or SPICe+ Part A

• Fixed Fee: ₹1,000

4. PAN & TAN Processing Fee

The MCA integrates PAN and TAN allotment with incorporation. A nominal fee is charged and collected via the MCA portal.

Professional Fees For OPC Registration

Professional fees for incorporating a One Person Company (OPC) are not fixed and vary based on the service provider—whether it’s a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), legal advisor, or an online incorporation platform. These charges cover legal drafting, MCA filings, DSC procurement, and compliance support.

1. CA/CS/Lawyer Charges

Independent professionals or firms typically assist with end-to-end incorporation, including:

• Applying for Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)
• Name reservation via SPICe+ Part A
• Drafting of MOA and AOA
• Filing SPICe+ Part B, AGILE-PRO, and linked forms
• DIN application (if needed)
• MCA coordination and post-filing support

Typical Fee Range:

• ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 for basic incorporation services
• ₹10,000 – ₹15,000+ for reputed firms offering compliance add-ons

2. Online Platform Fees

Popular portals like VakilSearch, LegalRaasta, IndiaFilings, and ClearTax offer fixed-price packages. Pricing depends on:

• Whether government fees and stamp duty are included
• Bundled services (GST, MSME, trademark, etc.)
• Post-incorporation filings like INC-20A

Common Pricing Tiers (2025):

• Basic: MCA filing + DSC + PAN/TAN = ₹2,999 – ₹5,000
• Standard: Basic + GST + business commencement = ₹5,500 – ₹8,000
• Premium: Standard + MSME + trademark + templates = ₹8,000 – ₹12,000+

Note: Prices may be exclusive of GST (18%) or state-wise stamp duty. Always confirm the final invoice amount.

3. Other Applicable Fees

In addition to professional service charges, the following incidental costs may apply:

State-wise Stamp Duty And Extra Costs

Stamp duty is a mandatory fee levied under the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, and its state amendments. While company incorporation is centrally administered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), stamp duty on incorporation documents, specifically the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA), is regulated by the respective state governments.

The stamp duty payable depends on:

• The registered office address (state jurisdiction)
• The authorised share capital of the OPC
• The applicable rate structure (fixed amount or percentage)

Note: Refer to the official Stamp Duty Schedule PDF from MCA for full state-wise rates across capital ranges.

Additional State-Based Costs

• Notarisation & Affidavits: Required in specific cases (e.g., NRI promoters or declarations). Charges may range from ₹300 to ₹1,000, depending on the service provider.
• Stamp Paper or E-Stamping: States like Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Telangana may require e-stamped declarations, affidavits, or consent letters. This may add ₹100–₹500 per document.
• Municipal/Local Registration Fees: In rare cases, minor fees may apply based on local governing body requirements.

Key Considerations:

• If using an incorporation platform or consultant, confirm whether state-wise stamp duty is included in their quoted package.
• Choosing a registered office in a low-duty state (such as Delhi or Tamil Nadu for small capital OPCs) may significantly reduce incorporation costs.

Other Fees

In addition to statutory and professional charges, several mandatory procedural fees contribute to the overall cost of OPC registration. These charges are linked to technical compliance, identity verification, and document processing, applicable regardless of company capital or state.

1. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

A Class 3 DSC is compulsory for the director to digitally sign incorporation documents on the MCA portal.

• Applicable For: SPICe+, MOA, AOA, AGILE-PRO, and linked forms
• Cost: ₹500 to ₹1,500 per person
• Validity: Typically 2 years

Note: One DSC is sufficient if the OPC has only one director and shareholder.

2. Director Identification Number (DIN)

DIN is a unique number allotted to anyone intending to act as a company director.

• Integrated with SPICe+: Allotted automatically for first-time directors during incorporation
• Cost: Included in incorporation (no separate fee if applied via SPICe+); otherwise ~₹500
• Relevance: Mandatory for appointment as a director in any Indian company

3. Name Reservation Fee

Before incorporation, name approval must be obtained from the MCA.

• Fee: ₹1,000 per submission (via SPICe+ Part A or RUN service)
• Optional: If filing the entire SPICe+ form directly, pre-reservation isn’t mandatory, but highly advisable

Note: If rejected, each reapplication incurs an additional ₹1,000 fee

Also Read : List of Documents Required for OPC Registration In India

Tips To Reduce OPC Registration Cost

While several costs in OPC registration are fixed by law, others can be optimised through strategic planning. The following measures can help reduce total expenses without affecting compliance or incorporation quality:

1. Start with Minimum Authorised Capital: Begin with ₹1 lakh authorised capital to minimise MOA/AOA fees and stamp duty. Capital can be increased later through Form SH-7 if required.
2. Choose a Low-Duty State as Registered Office: Stamp duty varies by state. Incorporating in states like Delhi, Tamil Nadu, or Rajasthan typically reduces registration costs compared to Maharashtra or West Bengal.
3. Select Transparent Bundled Service Providers: Use platforms or professionals who disclose all charges (including GST and stamp duty) and offer bundled services like GST registration, MSME certification, or post-incorporation filings. Avoid packages that exclude mandatory filings such as INC-20A.
4. Reuse Existing DIN and DSC: If the proposed director already holds a valid DIN or DSC, these can be reused, eliminating the need for reissuance.
5. Avoid Re-application Fees for Name Reservation: Before applying, check name availability using the MCA portal and avoid restricted or trademarked terms. Each rejected name application costs ₹1,000.
6. Avail Input Tax Credit (ITC) if GST Registered: If your OPC is registered under GST, you may claim ITC on professional fees, DSC purchase, and filing services, provided you obtain valid GST invoices.
7. Leverage Government Startup Incentives: Certain states (e.g., Gujarat, Telangana) and DPIIT-recognised startups may be eligible for stamp duty waivers, registration subsidies, or reimbursements under local startup policies.

Conclusion

Registering a One Person Company (OPC) in India is a strategic step for solo founders seeking limited liability, a distinct legal identity, and business credibility. But the real advantage lies in being fully aware of the cost components, government fees, professional charges, state-wise stamp duty, and essential filings like DSC, DIN, and name reservation. This guide has walked you through each expense, offering actionable strategies to keep your registration cost-effective without compromising compliance. From choosing the right authorised capital to leveraging bundled services and startup incentives, every decision can impact your budget and long-term operations. For first-time entrepreneurs and self-funded founders, this clarity brings control. With informed planning, your OPC registration won’t just be a legal formality; it will be the first confident step in building something enduring.