Business setup
Foreign Company Registration and Setup in India
Foreign investors can enter India through a wholly owned subsidiary, a branch office, a liaison office, a project office or a joint venture. We advise on the right route, incorporate the entity and manage the FEMA and ROC filings.
- Chartered Accountant led
- Written scope and fee before we start
- Delhi NCR, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh
How can a foreign company set up in India?
A foreign company can set up a wholly owned subsidiary or a joint venture company, or open a branch, liaison or project office. Subsidiaries are incorporated with the MCA under the foreign investment rules. Branch and liaison offices need RBI authorisation through an authorised dealer bank.
Guide
Foreign Company Setup in India: what you should know
Ways to enter India
A foreign business can set up a wholly owned subsidiary (a private limited company), a joint venture, an LLP in permitted sectors, or a liaison, branch or project office with RBI approval. A subsidiary is the most common because it is a separate Indian legal entity.
FEMA and FDI checks
Check whether the sector allows 100 percent foreign investment through the automatic route or needs government approval. Remit capital through banking channels, report it to the RBI through the authorised dealer bank, and file the required FC-GPR within the prescribed time.
Practical points
At least one director must be resident in India. Foreign directors need DIN and DSC. Documents from abroad may need notarisation or apostille. Plan for transfer pricing, GST and tax residency from the start.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing FC-GPR filing after receiving funds
- Using the wrong FDI route for the sector
- Not apostilling foreign documents
- Ignoring transfer pricing on related-party dealings
Who it is for
Who needs Foreign Company Setup in India?
Overseas companies entering the Indian market
Foreign founders who want an Indian subsidiary
Groups that need a liaison or project office for a contract
Indian companies receiving foreign investment
Documents required for Foreign Company Setup in India
- Incorporation documents of the parent, notarised and apostilled
- Passport and address proof of foreign directors, apostilled
- Board resolution of the parent authorising the investment
- Proof of Indian registered office
- Bank certificates and KYC of the foreign investor
Timeline and fees
Subsidiary in about 2 to 4 weeks with apostilled documents; branch and liaison offices take longer.
The fee depends on the scope, the volume of work and the timeline. We share a written scope and fee before we start, and there are no hidden charges.
Our process
How we handle Foreign Company Setup in India
Every step is handled by our team, with updates at each stage.
- 1
Choose the route
Subsidiary, branch, liaison, project office or JV based on your activity.
- 2
Check sectoral limits
Automatic route or government approval under the FDI policy.
- 3
Incorporate or apply
MCA incorporation, or RBI application for a branch or liaison office.
- 4
Receive funds and report
Inward remittance and FEMA reporting on time.
- 5
Ongoing compliance
ROC, income tax, GST and the annual FLA return.
FAQ
Foreign Company Setup in India: frequently asked questions
Can a foreign company own 100 percent of an Indian subsidiary?
In many sectors yes, under the automatic route. Some sectors have caps or need government approval under the FDI policy.
What is the difference between a branch office and a liaison office?
A branch office can carry on specified commercial activity. A liaison office only represents the parent and cannot earn income in India.
What FEMA filings follow an investment?
The Indian company reports the receipt of funds and the allotment of shares to the RBI, within the prescribed time. It also files an annual FLA return.
Does a foreign-owned company need a resident director?
Yes. At least one director of an Indian company must be resident in India.
Can a foreign company own 100 percent of an Indian company?
Often yes, in sectors under the automatic route. Some sectors have caps or need approval.
Is a resident director mandatory?
Yes, at least one director must be resident in India.
How long does subsidiary setup take?
Timelines depend on document readiness, including notarisation and apostille.
Where we work
Foreign Company Setup in India across Delhi NCR, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh
Our offices are in Sector 62, Noida and Sector 67, Gurugram. We serve clients in these cities in person and online.
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Learn moreGet in touch
Talk to a Chartered Accountant about Foreign Company Setup in India
Share a few details and we will reply within one working day with the scope, timeline and fee.
- Phone+91-9278813303
- Emailinfo@cadeoassociates.com
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