Parent Company: Meaning, Types, & Examples

May 12, 2025
Private Limited Company vs. Limited Liability Partnerships

In today’s global economy, many of the world’s most successful businesses don’t operate as standalone entities. Instead, they function as parent companies, overseeing a network of subsidiaries that contribute to growth, stability, and strategic expansion.

A parent company plays an important role in controlling, supporting, and directing its subsidiary companies, whether for financial, operational, or strategic purposes.

In this blog, we’ll define a parent company, explore different types, compare it with holding companies, and examine its benefits and real-world examples, such as Alphabet, Tata Group, etc.

Table of Contents

What is a Parent Company?

A parent company is a business entity that owns and controls one or more subsidiary companies. This control is usually achieved by holding a majority share (over 50%) in the subsidiary’s stock. While the parent company exercises influence over key decisions, strategy, and financial management, the subsidiaries often continue to operate independently with their own management teams.

The relationship enables the parent company to consolidate resources, reduce risks, and gain access to new markets while maintaining a diversified business structure.

Parent Company vs Holding Company

Though often used interchangeably, parent companies and holding companies serve different purposes and levels of operational involvement.

Aspect Parent Company Holding Company
Operational role Actively manages and supports subsidiaries Primarily owns shares, with minimal direct involvement
Subsidiary control Often involved in daily operations Rarely involved in daily operations
Examples Tata Group Tata Sons

Examples of Parent Companies

Here are a few notable examples of parent companies and the subsidiaries they control:

  • Alphabet Inc.
    • Subsidiaries: Google, YouTube, Waymo, DeepMind
    • Overview: Acts as the parent for Google's core businesses and experimental ventures.
  • Unilever
    • Subsidiaries: Dove, Axe, Lipton, Ben & Jerry’s
      Overview: Owns and manages a diverse portfolio of consumer goods brands globally

  • Tata Group (India)
    • Subsidiaries: Google, YouTube, Waymo, DeepMind
    • Overview: Acts as the parent for Google's core businesses and experimental ventures.

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Types of Parent Company

Parent companies generally fall into two primary categories:

1. Holding Company

Key features of a holding company:

  • Owns majority shares in other companies.
  • Doesn’t directly engage in operations or sales.
  • Has control over its subsidiaries' major decisions.
  • Used for risk management, asset protection, and tax benefits.

Example: Tata Sons is the holding company of the Tata Group, which doesn't directly run these businesses but controls strategy and owns majority stakes.

2. Conglomerate

A conglomerate is a large business entity that owns and operates multiple companies across unrelated industries. Unlike a typical company that focuses on a single sector, a conglomerate diversifies its operations to spread risk, tap into different markets, and create multiple revenue streams.

Key Features of a Conglomerate:

  • Operates in diverse, unrelated sectors
  • Has a parent company that controls all subsidiaries
  • Subsidiaries often run independently, with strategic guidance from the parent company
  • Focuses on diversification, financial strength, and cross-industry synergies

Example: Tata Group operates in sectors from IT to steel to hospitality.

Benefits of the Parent Company

Establishing a parent company offers numerous strategic advantages:

  • Risk Diversification: Losses in one subsidiary don’t affect the entire business.
  • Financial Stability: Enables capital allocation and access to larger funding pools.
  • Tax Efficiency: Offers scope for tax optimisation across group entities.
  • Centralised Strategy: Unified direction and resource sharing improve efficiency.
  • Legal Protection: Limits liability and isolates financial risks.

These benefits make the parent-subsidiary model ideal for scaling operations across markets and industries.

How Do Parent Companies Work?

Parent companies function through a mix of ownership control and strategic management:

  • Ownership: Typically hold a majority stake in subsidiaries.
  • Oversight: Involved in major decisions, budgeting, reporting, and governance.
  • Independence: Subsidiaries retain autonomy for day-to-day operations.
  • Shared Services: Often provide HR, legal, and financial support to subsidiaries.

This model allows a parent company to guide subsidiaries while giving them room to innovate and grow.

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How to Become a Parent Company

Becoming a parent company typically involves gaining control over one or more other companies. This can be achieved through various methods, each offering different advantages and challenges. The most common routes include acquisitions, creating subsidiaries, or forming joint ventures.

  1. Acquiring a Company: One of the fastest ways to become a parent company is by acquiring an existing business.
  2. Creating a Subsidiary: Another way is by setting up a subsidiary company—a separate legal entity that is wholly owned and controlled by the parent. This allows the parent company to:
    • Enter new markets
    • Launch new products
    • Manage specific risks or intellectual property independently
  3. Forming a Joint Venture: A joint venture involves two or more companies collaborating to create a new business entity, sharing ownership, control, and profits.

Conclusion

By holding majority stakes in subsidiaries, a parent company can effectively manage risk, diversify its investments, and expand its reach across different industries or regions. This structure allows parent companies to leverage resources, streamline operations, and enter new markets without starting from scratch.

From acquisitions and mergers to joint ventures and subsidiary creation, becoming a parent company opens doors to new growth opportunities and market dominance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by the parent company?

A parent company is a business entity that owns and controls one or more subsidiary companies. It holds a majority stake in the subsidiary and has significant influence over the subsidiary's operations, decisions, and financial matters.

The parent company may also provide strategic direction, resources, and guidance, while the subsidiaries remain legally separate entities, often operating independently in their own markets or sectors.

How do I register a parent company?

To register a parent company, you’ll generally follow the same process as registering any company, with the added step of acquiring majority ownership in other companies or forming subsidiaries. Here’s a simplified process:

  • Choose the Business Structure: Decide if you want to set up a private limited company, a public limited company, or any other structure.
  • Obtain Necessary Approvals: If you plan on acquiring subsidiaries, ensure compliance with regulatory bodies (such as SEBI or RBI for foreign investments).
  • Register the Company: File the relevant documents with the Registrar of Companies and get the company incorporated.
  • Acquire Subsidiaries: Once your parent company is established, you can acquire controlling shares in other companies, making them your subsidiaries.

Depending on your business strategy, you may also establish a parent company by forming a joint venture, merger, or acquisition.

What qualifies as a parent company?

A parent company qualifies when it owns a majority stake (more than 50%) in one or more subsidiary companies. It must have the authority to control the operations and strategic decisions of the subsidiaries. The key characteristics of a parent company include:

  • Majority Ownership: Owns more than 50% of the voting shares in the subsidiary.
  • Control: Has the power to influence or direct the management and policies of the subsidiary.
  • Separate Legal Entity: While the parent company controls the subsidiary, both entities remain legally separate.

Is the parent company an owner?

Yes, a parent company is the owner of its subsidiaries. It owns a majority shareholding in the subsidiary companies, which gives it the authority to control its operations, direct its strategic goals, and influence its financial decisions.

While the subsidiaries operate as separate entities, the parent company effectively governs their overall direction, acting as the main stakeholder.

Nipun Jain

Nipun Jain is a seasoned startup leader with 13+ years of experience across zero-to-one journeys, leading enterprise sales, partnerships, and strategy at high-growth startups. He currently heads Razorpay Rize, where he's building India's most loved startup enablement program and launched Rize Incorporation to simplify company registration for founders.

Previously, he founded Natty Niños and scaled it before exiting in 2021, then led enterprise growth at Pickrr Technologies, contributing to its $200M acquisition by Shiprocket. A builder at heart, Nipun loves numbers, stories and simplifying complex processes.

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Small Company Definition in India - Razorpay Rize

Small Company Definition in India - Razorpay Rize

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has revised the definition of a "Small Company" in India through the Companies (Specification of Definitions Details) Amendment Rules, 2022, effective from 15 September 2022. This amendment aims to reduce compliance burdens for small companies and support their growth in India's economic landscape. The updated criteria focus on the paid-up capital and turnover limits, making it easier for businesses to qualify as small companies under the Companies Act 2013.

Small companies play a vital role in India's economy, generating profits and creating employment opportunities. The revised small company definition is expected to benefit a larger number of businesses, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation across various sectors. By understanding the new criteria and the benefits offered to small companies, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions while setting up or managing their ventures.

Table of Contents

What are Small Companies?

Small companies, as defined by the Companies Act 2013, are private limited businesses with lower annual revenue compared to regular-sized companies. They follow the same registration process as private limited companies but have distinct financial criteria. To be classified as a small company as per the Companies Act, a business must meet the revised thresholds for paid-up capital and turnover.

The significance of small companies in India's economy cannot be overstated. They contribute to profit generation and job creation, making them essential drivers of economic growth. By providing goods and services to local communities and niche markets, small companies help foster inclusive development across the country.

The New Definition of Small Company

A small company is now defined as a non-public entity as per the Companies (Specification of Definition details) Amendment Rules, 2022, effective from 15 September 2022, if it meets the following conditions:

  • Small company paid-up capital should not exceed ₹4 Crores, or such higher amount specified, which should not exceed ₹10 Crores.
  • Small company turnover limit should not exceed ₹40 Crores, or such higher amount specified, which should not exceed ₹100 Crores.

It is important to note that certain companies are excluded from being classified as small companies, even if they meet the above criteria. These include:

  • Public companies
  • Holding companies
  • Subsidiary companies
  • Companies registered under Section 8 (non-profit companies)
  • Companies governed by any special act

The 2022 amendment significantly broadened the scope for small companies, enhancing their eligibility for benefits and simplifying compliance requirements, thus fostering growth in the small business sector in India.

Earlier Definition of Small Companies 2021

Prior to the 2022 amendment, the definition of small companies underwent changes in 2021. The thresholds for paid-up capital and turnover were revised as follows:

Criteria Threshold
Paid-up capital Maximum: ₹2 crores
Turnover Maximum: ₹20 crores

Comparing Small Company New Definition with Old Definitions

The Companies (Specification of Definition details) Amendment Rules, 2022, have further expanded the scope of small companies by increasing the limits for paid-up share capital and turnover. Here's a comparison of the key changes between the old and new definitions:

H3 - Criteria H3 - Old Definition (before 2021) H3 - Old Definition (2021) H3 - New Definition (2022)
Paid-up share capital Maximum: ₹50 lakhs Maximum: ₹2 crores Maximum: ₹4 crores
Turnover Maximum: ₹2 crores Maximum: ₹20 crores Maximum: ₹40 crores

The increased thresholds allow more firms to be classified as small companies and avail of the benefits provided under the Companies Act 2013. This expansion is expected to reduce compliance burdens and facilitate ease of doing business for a larger number of small businesses in India.

Benefits of Revised Small Company Definition

Exemption from Preparing Cash Flow Statements

Small companies are not required to include cash flow statements in their financial reports, simplifying their accounting processes.

Simplified Annual Filings

They can prepare and file an abridged annual return, reducing administrative workload.

Fewer Board Meeting Requirements: 

Small companies are mandated to hold only two board meetings per year instead of four, which lessens operational demands.

Impact on Audit Processes

  1. Auditors are not required to report on the adequacy of internal financial controls.
  2. There is no compulsory rotation of auditors, which can reduce costs and administrative burdens.

Compliance Ease 

A director can sign annual returns in the absence of a company secretary, further streamlining operations.

Reduced Penalties for Non-Compliance: 

This encourages small companies to focus on growth rather than worrying excessively about penalties.

These exemptions and relaxations aim to ease the compliance burden on small companies, allowing them to focus on their core business activities and growth strategies.

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Characteristics of a Small Company in India

Small companies in India have distinct characteristics that set them apart from larger enterprises. Some of the key traits include:

Ownership Structure 

Typically, small companies are privately owned entities, often structured as private limited companies, partnerships, or sole proprietorships. This ownership model allows for greater control and flexibility in decision-making but limits access to larger capital investments.

Simplified Compliance 

One of the key advantages of being classified as a small company is the reduced compliance burden. They benefit from exemptions, such as not needing to prepare cash flow statements, simplified annual filings, and fewer requirements for board meetings—only two are mandated per year. These measures significantly alleviate administrative pressures, allowing owners to focus on core business activities.

Auditing Requirements 

Small companies face less stringent auditing requirements. For instance, they are not obligated to rotate auditors or report on the adequacy of internal financial controls, which reduces costs and simplifies financial oversight.

Limited Resources and Workforce

Small companies generally operate with limited resources and a smaller workforce. They often employ fewer staff members, sometimes relying on a single individual or a small team to manage operations. This can lead to agility in decision-making but may also pose challenges in scaling operations or managing increased demand.

Restricted Market Reach

The market reach of small companies is typically confined to local or regional areas. They often serve niche markets or specific community needs, such as convenience stores in rural areas. This limitation can hinder growth opportunities compared to larger firms with broader market access.

How to Register a Small Company as per the Companies Act 2013?

To register a business online as a small company under the Companies Act 2013, follow these steps:

  1. Obtain Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) for all proposed directors and subscribers
  2. Reserve the company name by submitting Part-A of the SPICe+ form
  3. File Part-B of the SPICe+ form along with required documents (Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), Professional Declaration, Affidavits, Identity and Address Proofs, and Correspondence Address)
  4. Pay prescribed fees and stamp duty for the SPICe+ form, MOA, and AOA
  5. Obtain the Certificate of Incorporation from the Registrar of Companies (ROC) upon successful review of submitted documents

Matters to be included in the Board's Report for small companies:

  • The web address for the Annual Return (if available)
  • Number of Board meetings held during the year
  • Directors' Responsibility Statement as per Section 134(5)
  • Details of any frauds reported by the auditor under Section 143(12), except those reportable to the Central Government
  • Explanations or comments on any qualifications, reservations, or adverse remarks in the auditor's report
  • Summary of the company's current affairs and business overview
  • Financial summary or highlights
  • Material changes in the nature of the business after the financial year-end and their impact on the company's financial position
  • Changes in directorship during the year
  • Significant legal or regulatory orders affecting the company's going concern status or future operations

Synopsis of MCA Notification on Companies (Specification of Definition details) Amendment Rules 2022

The MCA has issued the Companies (Specification of Definition details) Amendment Rules, 2022, effective from 15 September 2022. The key amendments include:

  1. Rule 2 has been amended by substituting a new clause 2(1)(t), which specifies the revised definition of small companies.
  2. The thresholds for paid-up capital and turnover have been increased in the definition of a small company under the Companies Act 2013.

These amendments aim to provide relief to a larger number of businesses by classifying them as small companies and offering them various benefits and exemptions under the Companies Act 2013.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a small company as per the Companies Act, 2013?

A small company, as per the Companies Act, 2013, is a private limited company that meets the revised criteria for paid-up capital (not exceeding ₹4 crores) and turnover (not exceeding ₹40 crores) as specified in the Companies (Specification of Definition details) Amendment Rules, 2022.

What is a small company's limit?

The small company limit, as per the latest amendment, is a paid-up capital not exceeding ₹4 crores and a turnover not exceeding ₹40 crores.

What are the small companies in India?

Small companies in India are private limited businesses that meet the revised criteria for paid-up capital and turnover as specified in the Companies Act 2013. They play a crucial role in the country's economic growth by generating profits, creating jobs, and fostering entrepreneurship.

What is the definition of a small company, as per SEBI?

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) defines a small company based on market capitalisation. Specifically, a small-cap company has a market capitalisation below ₹5,000 crores. This classification is distinct from the definition of a small company under the Companies Act 2013, which focuses on paid-up capital and turnover thresholds.

What is the size of a small-cap company?

As per SEBI's definition, a small-cap company has a market capitalisation below ₹5,000 crores. This classification is based on the company's market value and is different from the definition of a small company under the Companies Act 2013.

Power of Attorney (POA) in India: Meaning, Types & Process Explained

Power of Attorney (POA) in India: Meaning, Types & Process Explained

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legally recognised tool in India that allows you to delegate authority to another individual. Whether it’s managing property transactions, overseeing business operations, or making urgent healthcare decisions, having someone you trust act on your behalf becomes essential.

It ensures your affairs continue smoothly and lawfully, even when you are unable to manage them directly. 

In this guide, we’ll cover the definition of a Power of Attorney, its importance, types, and structure and provide insights on drafting, revoking, and using it effectively.

Table of Contents

What is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document in which one person, known as the Principal, authorises another person, called the Attorney-in-fact or Agent, to act on their behalf.

  • Purpose: To delegate decision-making powers for specific or broad tasks.
  • Scope: May cover financial, property, legal, or medical matters.
  • Duties of Attorney-in-Fact: The agent is expected to act in good faith, follow the instructions of the principal, and protect the principal's best interests.

In India, a POA is governed by the Indian Contract Act, 1872, and recognised under the Powers of Attorney Act, 1882.

Why is a Power of Attorney Important?

A Power of Attorney holds significance because:

  • Delegates responsibilities: Useful when you live abroad or are unavailable to handle tasks.
  • Ensures legal protection: Provides a valid legal framework, reducing the risk of fraud or disputes.
  • Offers flexibility: Can be broad or limited, depending on your needs.
  • Medical decision-making: Ensures someone you trust can make healthcare choices during emergencies.
  • Business continuity: Prevents disruption in financial and legal transactions.

Types of Power of Attorney Forms

In India, POAs can be categorised based on their scope and purpose:

  1. General Power of Attorney (GPA): Grants broad powers to the agent for financial, property, and legal affairs.

  2. Durable Power of Attorney: Remains valid even if the principal becomes mentally incapacitated.

  3. Special/Limited Power of Attorney (SPA): Authorises the agent to perform only specific tasks, such as selling a property.

  4. Medical Power of Attorney: Gives authority to make healthcare-related decisions if the principal cannot.

  5. Springing Power of Attorney: Becomes effective only upon a particular event, such as illness or absence.

Each type has its unique purpose, making it important to choose based on your specific requirement.

Structure of a Power of Attorney Document

A legally valid POA must include certain essential elements:

  • Identification of Parties: Full details of the Principal and Attorney.
  • Powers Granted: Clearly defined scope of authority.
  • Validity Duration: Period for which the POA remains effective.
  • Termination Conditions: Events that end the POA (e.g., completion of the task, revocation, or death).
  • Signatures and Witnesses: Both parties must sign, and witnesses should attest.
  • Notarisation/Registration: Depending on the type of POA, notarisation or registration with the sub-registrar may be required for enforceability.

Format of Power of Attorney

A standard POA format in India typically includes:

  1. Title: “Power of Attorney”
  2. Details of Principal and Agent: Names, addresses, and identification.
  3. Recitals: Background and reasons for creating the POA.
  4. Grant of Powers: Specific rights and authority granted.
  5. Validity Clause: Duration or conditions of applicability.
  6. Signature and Date: Signed by principal and agent.
  7. Witness Signatures: At least two witnesses.
  8. Notarisation/Stamping: To comply with legal requirements.

General Power of Attorney vs Special Power of Attorney

Aspect General Power of Attorney Special Power of Attorney
Scope Broad- covers multiple financial, legal, and property-related matters Limited- specific task only
Purpose Suitable for ongoing management of affairs Ideal for one-time transactions (e.g., property sale)
Convenience Offers flexibility and continuity Restricts misuse due to limited scope
Termination Can be revoked anytime by the principal or by death/incapacity Terminates automatically upon task completion

Choosing between GPA and SPA depends on whether you need long-term authority or task-specific delegation.

Key Considerations for a Power of Attorney

When creating a POA, keep the following in mind:

  • Select a trustworthy agent: Ensure the person is reliable and capable.
  • Define scope clearly: Avoid vague language that may lead to misuse.
  • Seek legal advice: Especially for property-related or durable POAs.
  • Register where necessary: For property transactions, registration with the sub-registrar is mandatory.
  • Know revocation rights: Understand how to cancel or modify your POA if required.

How to Revoke a Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney is not permanent; you can revoke it at any time as long as you are competent.

Steps to revoke a POA:

  1. Draft a revocation notice in writing, stating that the authority granted is withdrawn.
  2. Inform the attorney-in-fact directly about the revocation.
  3. Notify concerned parties (banks, registrars, institutions) to avoid unauthorised use.
  4. Register the revocation deed with the sub-registrar if the original POA was registered.
  5. Public announcements (in newspapers) are advisable to ensure wide awareness and prevent misuse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Power of Attorney created online legally valid in India?

Yes, a Power of Attorney (POA) drafted online is legally valid in India as long as it meets all legal requirements:

  • It must be appropriately drafted with precise details of the principal and agent.
  • It should be signed by the principal in the presence of at least two witnesses.
  • For certain transactions (like property matters), the POA must be notarised or registered with the Sub-Registrar to be enforceable.

When is a Power of Attorney required to be registered?

Registration of a POA is mandatory in specific cases, such as:

  • When the POA relates to the transfer of immovable property (sale, lease, mortgage, etc.).
  • If required under state laws (stamp duty and registration rules differ by state).
  • For durability and enforceability, registration is generally recommended even if not compulsory.

In other cases, notarisation alone may suffice.

What is the authentication process for Power of Attorney documents?

The authentication process includes:

  1. Drafting the POA clearly stating powers and scope.
  2. Stamping as per state laws (value varies across states).
  3. Execution (signing) by the principal in front of two witnesses.
  4. Notarisation before a notary public for legal credibility.
  5. Registration at the local Sub-Registrar’s office if it relates to property or long-term authority.

If the POA is executed abroad, it must be authenticated by the Indian Consulate/Embassy and then stamped/registered in India.

Is it safe to store my Power of Attorney document digitally?

Yes, it is safe if done carefully:

  • Store in secure cloud storage or encrypted drives.
  • Share only with trusted individuals (like your agent or lawyer).

A digital copy is helpful for reference, but the original stamped/notarised/registered document is usually required for official use.

Can I edit my Power of Attorney PDF after it has been created?

Technically, you can edit the text of a POA PDF using editing tools. However, once a POA has been executed (signed, stamped, or registered), you cannot legally alter it by editing the file.

Swagatika Mohapatra

Swagatika Mohapatra is a storyteller & content strategist. She currently leads content and community at Razorpay Rize, a founder-first initiative that supports early-stage & growth-stage startups in India across tech, D2C, and global export categories.

Over the last 4+ years, she’s built a stronghold in content strategy, UX writing, and startup storytelling. At Rize, she’s the mind behind everything from founder playbooks and company registration explainers to deep-dive blogs on brand-building, metrics, and product-market fit.

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How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in India in 2025?

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in India in 2025?

Starting a business in India involves several legal and regulatory steps, one of the most important being company registration under the Companies Act, 2013. While the process itself has been digitised through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal, the cost of registering a company in India can vary significantly.

It depends on the type of business you choose, your authorised capital, and even which state you’re in. Add in government fees, professional charges, and compliance costs, and the numbers can look very different for a tech startup versus a small consultancy.

This blog breaks down the different types of company registrations, their associated costs, and additional fees you should be aware of while planning your business launch.

Table of Contents

Types of Company Registrations in India

The choice of business structure impacts both compliance requirements and registration fees. Common options include:

Breakdown of Company Registration Fees

The cost of company registration includes government charges, professional fees, and incidental expenses. Below is an approximate breakdown (may vary by state and authorised capital):

  • Private Limited Company: ₹7,000 - ₹25,000

  • Public Limited Company: ₹15,000 - ₹30,000

  • Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): ₹6,000 - ₹12,000

  • One Person Company (OPC): ₹7,000 - ₹20,000

  • Section 8 Company: ₹10,000 - ₹15,000

Disclaimer: These are approximate ranges. The final cost depends on factors like authorized capital, the state of registration, and the service provider you choose.

A Detailed Breakdown of Company Registration Cost

To understand the price ranges above, it's essential to know what you're paying for. The total cost is a sum of three key components:

A. Government & Statutory Fees

These are mandatory fees paid to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and state governments.

  • SPICe+ Form Filing: This is the primary fee for incorporation. It varies based on the company's authorized share capital. For most small companies with capital up to ₹15 Lakhs, there is no filing fee, but other charges still apply.
  • Stamp Duty: This is the most significant variable. It is a state-levied tax on the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA). Stamp duty in states like Maharashtra or Delhi is different from Tamil Nadu or Karnataka, causing major price variations.
  • PAN and TAN Application: A fee of approximately ₹110 is charged for issuing the company's Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN).
  • Name Approval (RUN): While you can file the name within the SPICe+ form, a separate name reservation application costs ₹1,000.

B. Professional Fees

This is the fee paid to a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), or a law firm for their expertise.

  • What it covers: Drafting legal documents (MoA & AoA), filing the forms correctly, providing consultation, and ensuring the process is smooth and error-free.
  • Why it varies: Fees depend on the complexity of the registration, the professional's experience, and the city of operation. This fee is the primary reason for the wide cost range seen in the market.

C. Ancillary Costs

These are other necessary expenses incurred during the process.

  • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Required for all directors/partners to sign the electronic forms. A DSC for two directors typically costs between ₹1,000 - ₹2,000.
  • Registered Office Address: While not a fee, you must have proof of a registered office. If you don't own a property, costs for a rental agreement, NOC, or a virtual office service will apply.
  • Miscellaneous Expenses: Small costs for notarization, printing, and courier services.

Costs of Other Essential Registrations for Company Incorporation

Once your company is registered, you will need other licenses to operate legally. Here are the most common ones and their associated costs.

Registration Government Fee Typical Professional Fee (Approx.)
GST Registration ₹0 (Free) ₹1,500 - ₹3,000
MSME (Udyam) Registration ₹0 (Free) ₹1,000 - ₹2,500
Import Export Code (IEC) ₹500 ₹2,000 - ₹3,000
Trademark Registration ₹4,500 (for Small Enterprises/Individuals) ₹3,000 - ₹7,000
Professional Tax (State-specific) Varies by state (e.g., ₹2,500 annually in Tamil Nadu) ₹1,000 - ₹2,000

Factors Affecting Company Registration Fees

Several factors influence the overall cost of registration:

  1. Type of company: Pvt. Ltd., LLP, OPC, etc.
  2. Authorised share capital: Higher capital means higher government fees.
  3. State of incorporation: Stamp duty varies across states.
  4. Professional help: Costs increase if you hire legal or financial consultants.
  5. Compliance requirements: Annual filings, GST, and audits add to expenses.

Key Costs Involved in Company Registration

When budgeting for company registration in India, consider the following expenses:

  • Office Address Proof- Home, rented, or virtual office setup costs.
  • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
  • Director Identification Number (DIN)
  • Name Approval Fee
  • Stamp Duty – State-dependent
  • Registration Filing Fees- Depends on authorised capital.
  • Professional Fees
  • PAN & TAN Application
  • Miscellaneous Costs- Printing, notarisation, shipping, etc.

Tips to Reduce Company Registration Costs

  • Choose the right business structure: Avoid overcomplicating; pick a structure that fits your scale and goals.
  • Hire affordable professionals: Compare fees before finalising consultants.
  • Stay compliant: Timely filings prevent late fees and penalties.

Important update- Additional fees apply for the delay in filing forms

The MCA has tightened rules around compliance. Delayed filing of statutory forms now attracts additional fees, which can be significantly higher than the standard charges.

For example:

  • Delay of up to 30 days: 2x of normal fees
  • Delay of 30- 60 days: 4x of normal fees
  • Delay beyond 180 days: 12x of normal fees

This makes it important for companies to track deadlines, file forms on time, and seek professional assistance when needed to avoid heavy penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Register your Business at just 1,499 + Govt. Fee

Register your business
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Register your Private Limited Company in just 1,499 + Govt. Fee

Register your business
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Register your One Person Company in just 1,499 + Govt. Fee

Register your business
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Register your Business starting at just 1,499 + Govt. Fee

Register your business
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Register your Limited Liability Partnership in just 1,499 + Govt. Fee

Register your business

Private Limited Company
(Pvt. Ltd.)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Service-based businesses
  • Businesses looking to issue shares
  • Businesses seeking investment through equity-based funding


Limited Liability Partnership
(LLP)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Professional services 
  • Firms seeking any capital contribution from Partners
  • Firms sharing resources with limited liability 

One Person Company
(OPC)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Freelancers, Small-scale businesses
  • Businesses looking for minimal compliance
  • Businesses looking for single-ownership

Private Limited Company
(Pvt. Ltd.)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Service-based businesses
  • Businesses looking to issue shares
  • Businesses seeking investment through equity-based funding


One Person Company
(OPC)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Freelancers, Small-scale businesses
  • Businesses looking for minimal compliance
  • Businesses looking for single-ownership

Private Limited Company
(Pvt. Ltd.)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Service-based businesses
  • Businesses looking to issue shares
  • Businesses seeking investment through equity-based funding


Limited Liability Partnership
(LLP)

1,499 + Govt. Fee
BEST SUITED FOR
  • Professional services 
  • Firms seeking any capital contribution from Partners
  • Firms sharing resources with limited liability 

Frequently Asked Questions

How frequently are the registration fees and compliance costs updated?

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and respective state governments revise registration fees and compliance costs from time to time. Updates usually happen when:

  • There are amendments to the Companies Act, 2013 or the LLP Act.
  • Stamp duty rates change at the state level.
  • MCA introduces new rules for compliance, penalties, or late fees (for example, the recent hike in additional filing fees for delays).

What factors influence the cost of company registration in India?

The total cost of company registration depends on several factors:

  • Type of company
  • Authorised share capital 
  • State of incorporation & stamp duty
  • Number of directors & shareholders
  • Professional services
  • Compliance requirements

Is GST applicable to company registration fees?

  • Government fees (RoC charges, stamp duty, PAN/TAN, DIN, DSC, etc.) – No GST applies.
  • Professional or consultancy fees (CA, CS, or legal professional services) – 18% GST is applicable on the service charges.

So, while statutory fees don’t attract GST, you will pay GST on professional help.

What are the rules for the company registration of a charge?

A “charge” refers to any security interest created on a company’s assets (like a mortgage or hypothecation) to secure a loan. Under the Companies Act, 2013:

  • Every company creating a charge must register it with the RoC within 30 days of its creation using Form CHG-1 (for other than debentures) or Form CHG-9 (for debentures).
  • If not filed within 30 days, registration can still be done up to 300 days with additional fees.

If the charge is not registered, it becomes void against creditors and liquidators, though still valid between the company and lender.

Mukesh Goyal

Mukesh Goyal is a startup enthusiast and problem-solver, currently leading the Rize Company Registration Charter at Razorpay, where he’s helping simplify the way early-stage founders start and scale their businesses. With a deep understanding of the regulatory and operational hurdles that startups face, Mukesh is at the forefront of building founder-first experiences within India’s growing startup ecosystem.

An alumnus of FMS Delhi, Mukesh cracked CAT 2016 with a perfect 100 percentile- a milestone that opened new doors and laid the foundation for a career rooted in impact, scale, and community.

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shopeg.in
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Dhaval Trivedi
TBS Magazine
Hey, Guys!
We just got incorporated yesterday.
Thanks to Rize team for all the Support.
It was a wonderful experience.
CHEERS 🥂
#entrepreneur #tbsmagazine #rize #razorpay #feedback
Dhaval Trivedi
Nayan Mishra
https://zillout.com/
Smooth onboarding, seamless incorporation and a wonderful community. Thanks to the #razorpayrize team! #rizeincorporation
Dhaval Trivedi
Basanth Verma
shopeg.in
Exciting news! Incorporation of our company, FoxSell, with Razorpay Rize was extremely smooth and straightforward. We highly recommend them. Thank you Razorpay Rize for making it easy to set up our business in India.
@foxsellapp
#razorpayrize #rizeincorporation
Dhaval Trivedi
Prakhar Shrivastava
foxsell.app
We would recommend Razorpay Rize incorporation services to any founder without a second doubt. The process was beyond efficient and show's razorpay founder's commitment and vision to truly help entrepreneur's and early stage startups to get them incorporated with ease. If you wanna get incorporated, pick them. Thanks for the help Razorpay.

#entrepreneur #tbsmagazine #rize #razorpay #feedback
Dhaval Trivedi
TBS Magazine
Hey, Guys!
We just got incorporated yesterday.
Thanks to Rize team for all the Support.
It was a wonderful experience.
CHEERS 🥂
#entrepreneur #tbsmagazine #rize #razorpay #feedback
Dhaval Trivedi
Nayan Mishra
https://zillout.com/