
Foreign Company Registration in India
India is a prime destination for foreign companies and foreign individuals looking to establish or invest in businesses. With a liberalized FDI policy, 100% foreign ownership in multiple sectors, and attractive tax incentives, India offers excellent opportunities for global investors.
Whether you’re a foreign company expanding operations or a foreign individual looking to start a business in India, We can help you!
Company Registration in India for Foreign Companies
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01
Wholly-Owned Subsidiary
✔ 100% foreign ownership allowed in most sectors.
✔ Operates as an independent legal entity with limited liability.
✔ Ideal for companies looking to expand operations in India.
✔ Must comply with Indian tax laws, FEMA & RBI regulations.
02
Branch Office (BO)
✔ A foreign company can establish a Branch Office for export/import, R&D, consultancy, and professional services.
✔ No manufacturing or retail activities allowed.
✔ Requires prior approval from RBI (Reserve Bank of India).
✔ All expenses must be covered through remittances from the parent company.
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03
Liaison Office (LO) / Representative Office
✔ Set up for market research, promotional activities & liaisoning.
✔ Cannot engage in commercial or revenue-generating activities.
✔ Approval required from RBI & Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
04
Project Office
✔ Set up for specific projects awarded to a foreign company.
✔ Used for infrastructure, construction, and engineering projects.
✔ Requires approval only if funding is from outside India.
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Company Registration in India for
Foreign Individuals

1
Private Limited Company
✔ 100% foreign ownership allowed in most sectors.
✔ Limited liability protection for investors.
✔ Requires minimum two directors (one must be an Indian resident).
✔ Highly scalable and tax-efficient.
2
Limited Liability Partnership
✔ Suitable for foreign professionals and consultants.
✔ Requires one designated Indian resident partner.
✔ Lower compliance burden than a private limited company.
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3
JV with an Indian Partner
✔ Ideal for industries with FDI restrictions.
✔ Equity is shared based on the agreement.
✔ Allows access to local market expertise & resources.
Step-by-Step Process for Foreign Company & Individual Registration in India

Step 1: Choose the Business Structure
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Foreign companies can register a subsidiary, branch office, liaison office, or project office.
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Foreign individuals can register a private limited company, LLP, or joint venture.
Step 2: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) & Director Identification Number (DIN)
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Required for directors/shareholders in private limited companies and LLPs.
Step 3: Name Approval from MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs)
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Submit two name choices for approval via the MCA RUN (Reserve Unique Name) portal.
Step 4: Draft & File Incorporation Documents
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Prepare Memorandum of Association (MoA) & Articles of Association (AoA).
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Submit SPICe+ form for company registration.
Step 5: Certificate of Incorporation (CoI) Issued
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The Registrar of Companies (RoC) verifies & approves the application.
Step 6: Post-Incorporation Compliance
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Apply for PAN, TAN & GST registration.
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Open a corporate bank account in India.
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File FDI compliance reports with RBI.
Timeline for Foreign Company & Individual Registration in India
Process | Estimated Timeframe |
---|---|
Digital Signature & DIN | 1-2 days |
Name Approval | 2-3 days |
Document Preparation & Submission | 3-5 days |
Certificate of Incorporation (CoI) | 7-10 days |
PAN, TAN & Bank Account Opening | 5-7 days |
Documents Required for Foreign Company & Individual Registration in India
For Foreign Directors/Shareholders
✔ Passport (Notarized & Apostilled)
✔ Address proof (Utility bill/Bank statement)
✔ Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
✔ Photographs
For Business Entity
✔ Proposed company name & business activity details
✔ Memorandum of Association (MoA) & Articles of Association (AoA)
✔ Registered office address proof

Tax Exemptions & Incentives
1. Startup Tax Holiday
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Eligible startups enjoy a 3-year tax holiday under Startup India.
2. Lower Corporate Tax Rates
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New manufacturing units (before March 31, 2024) pay only 15% corporate tax.
3. Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)
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Prevents double taxation for companies in 85+ countries.
4. SEZ (Special Economic Zones) Benefits
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100% tax exemption on profits for 5 years.