DPIIT Registration Fees in India: A Complete Guide

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) plays a vital role in supporting startups and MSMEs across India. DPIIT registration helps businesses gain official recognition and unlock valuable government incentives such as tax exemptions, easier patent filing, and funding access. For startups looking to grow rapidly, this recognition is a smart move. One major advantage is that DPIIT registration fees are free of cost. This makes the entire process simple, cost-effective, and highly beneficial. In this blog, you will learn all about DPIIT registration fees in India.

What is DPIIT Registration?

DPIIT stands for the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. It offers a special recognition known as DPIIT Registration. This certification is part of the Startup India initiative and is given to eligible startups in India. It is a government-approved certificate. This helps startups enjoy various benefits like tax exemptions, easier compliance, quicker IP registrations, and better access to public tenders and funding support.

Who Should Apply for DPIIT Registration?

Below are the entities that are applying for DPIIT registration in India:

1. Type of Business Entity

Only certain business types qualify for DPIIT recognition. A startup must be:

• A Private Limited Company registered under the Companies Act, 2013
• A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is a business structure governed by the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008
• A Partnership Firm registered under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932

These structures ensure legal compliance, accountability, and operational transparency.

2. Age of the Startup

The entity must not be older than 10 years from the date of incorporation or registration. This condition helps identify new and early-stage ventures that need government support to grow.

3. Annual Turnover Limit

The business must maintain an annual turnover not exceeding Rs. 100 crore in any financial year since incorporation. This criterion ensures that only small or medium-sized startups benefit from the scheme, not large or established companies.

4. Focus on Innovation or Scalability

The startup must work on a product, service, or process that involves:

• Development of a new product
• Improvement of an existing product
• Creation of a unique business model with the potential for mass adoption

The business must solve real-world problems or address market gaps with innovative solutions.

5. Potential for Wealth Creation or Job Generation

The startup must show evidence or clear potential to:

• Generate employment opportunities in India
• Create economic value in its sector

This ensures that recognized startups contribute to national growth and development.

6. No Reconstitution from Existing Business

The startup must not be formed through the split or reconstruction of an existing business. It must operate independently with a fresh idea or business purpose. This prevents misuse of the recognition for tax or legal benefits.

DPIIT Registration Fees in India

Here is a detailed explanation of DPIIT registration fees in India:

1. No Government Fee for DPIIT Registration

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) does not charge any fee for startup recognition. Startups do not pay to apply for DPIIT registration. The government provides this service free to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across India. You do not pay any money to receive the DPIIT certificate.

2. Free Access to the Startup India Portal

The official Startup India portal allows startups to register online without any fee. There is no cost to create a user account, fill out the application, or upload the required documents. The portal does not charge for access, verification, or digital certificate issuance.

3. No Payment for Certificates

After approval, DPIIT issues two documents:

• A Certificate of Recognition
• A Certificate of Eligibility (for tax exemption under Section 80-IAC)

These documents are provided free of cost. Startups do not pay any fee to download or use these certificates from the official website.

4. No Processing or Service Charges from DPIIT

The DPIIT does not ask for any processing charge, stamp duty, or administrative cost. The registration process is fully digital, so there is no physical paperwork or payment to government officers. This policy reduces the financial burden for early-stage businesses.

5. Optional Consultant or Legal Support Costs

While DPIIT registration is free, some startups choose to hire private consultants, chartered accountants, or legal advisors to help with the process. These professionals may charge for their services. These charges are not related to the government and vary from one provider to another. You can also apply on your own without hiring anyone.

6. No Cost for Using National Single Window System (NSWS)

Startups can also apply through the National Single Window System (NSWS) without paying any fee. This portal provides the same DPIIT registration process as Startup India. Both portals offer the application facility free of cost.

Documents Required For DPIIT Registration

Here are the documents required for DPIIT registration:

1. Certificate of Incorporation / Registration

• For Private Limited and LLP: Certificate issued by the Registrar of Companies.
• For Partnership Firm: Partnership registration certificate or partnership deed.

2. Entity PAN Card

 PAN card issued in the name of the startup entity (company/LLP/partnership firm).

3. Founders’ KYC Documents

For each director, partner, or authorized signatory: PAN card, Aadhaar card, and passport-size photograph.

4. Registered Office Address Proof

Any recent utility bill (electricity, water), rent agreement, or NOC from the property owner (not older than 60 days).

5. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Class 3 DSC in the name of the authorized signatory for secure online submission.

6. Business Brief or Pitch Document

A short description or pitch deck that outlines business innovation, scalability, and job/employment potential.

7. Evidence of Innovation or Product (if available)

Supporting proof such as product demo links, prototype images, website/app links, or IPR certificates (patent/trademark).

8. Optional Supporting Documents

MSME, GST certificates, investor recommendation letters, annual financials or bank statements, ITRs, awards, or recognitions.

DPIIT Registration Process in India

Below is a step-by-step DPIIT registration process in India:

Step 1: Incorporate Your Business

You must first register your business under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). It must be either:

• A Private Limited Company under the Companies Act, 2013
• A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is formed in accordance with the provisions of the LLP Act, 2008.
• A Registered Partnership Firm under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932

Only these three types qualify for DPIIT recognition. An unregistered entity or a sole proprietorship does not meet the eligibility conditions.

Step 2: Register on the Startup India Portal

Go to the official Startup India portal. Click ‘Register’ and enter your name, phone number, email ID, and startup name. After OTP verification, create your account. This account helps you access your recognition dashboard and startup resources.

You get a unique Startup India Profile ID, which links your application and documents on the platform.

Step 3: Create an Account on the NSWS Portal

Visit the official NSWS portal and sign up as a Startup applicant. This is the National Single Window System, where you submit your application for DPIIT approval. NSWS connects with all major regulatory bodies and makes your recognition process smoother.

Use the same business information that you enter on the Startup India portal to avoid mismatch.

Step 4: Add “Registration as a Startup” Approval on NSWS

Once you log in to NSWS, go to the ‘Add Approvals’ section. Under ‘Central Approvals’, select ‘Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)’. Choose ‘Registration as a Startup’.

This approval is essential to receive your official DPIIT recognition. Without this step, your application remains incomplete.

Step 5: Fill Out the DPIIT Recognition Form

You must provide the following details accurately:

• Name of entity, incorporation number (CIN/LLPIN/Firm Reg. No.)
• Date of registration
• Business structure
• Industry sector and subsector
• Problem your startup solves
• Description of your product or service
• Explain how your solution stands out from the existing alternatives
• Revenue generation model
• Market size and customer segment
• Current funding, if any
• Founding team and their qualifications
• Future growth plan

You must also tick checkboxes that confirm your compliance with startup eligibility rules.

Step 6: Upload Required Documents

Attach scanned copies of the following:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• PAN of the company and Aadhaar/PAN of the authorized signatory
• Authorization letter, signed by other directors/partners
• Pitch deck, product demo, or website URL that shows your business model
• IPR documents, if any (patent/trademark certificates)
• Proof of funding, if applicable (Term Sheet or investment confirmation)

The platform accepts PDF or image files. Each file must follow the size limit and format specified on the portal.

Step 7: Submit Your Application

Once you complete the form and upload the documents, click ‘Submit’ on the NSWS portal. The application goes to the DPIIT for review.

There is no government fee for DPIIT registration. The government offers this recognition at zero cost to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.

Step 8: Track Application Status and Respond to Queries

After submission, DPIIT usually takes 2 to 7 working days to process the application. You can log in to NSWS or Startup India to check the application status.

If DPIIT raises any query or asks for clarification, respond through the same portal. You must reply within the given timeline to avoid delay or rejection.

Step 9: Download the DPIIT Recognition Certificate

Once DPIIT approves your application, you receive the Startup Recognition Certificate. You can download it from:

• Startup India portal under ‘Recognition Details’
• NSWS portal under ‘My Approvals’
• DigiLocker, linked with your registered email and entity name

The certificate mentions your startup’s name, CIN, and DPIIT recognition number. This document is essential to claim benefits under the Startup India scheme.

Conclusion

DPIIT registration is a completely free process designed to support genuine startups in India. It does not involve any application fees, service charges, or hidden costs. This makes it easily accessible to early-stage businesses. Startups that meet the eligibility criteria should take full advantage of this opportunity to access tax exemptions, legal benefits, and government support. If you want to register your startup, contact Online Legal India to get assistance.