India Business Entry: Set-up, Structuring and Compliance
What we do
Entity selection and structuring
Comparison of a private limited company, LLP, wholly owned subsidiary, branch, liaison or project office against your sector, funding, tax and exit plans.
Incorporation and registrations
Name approval, incorporation, PAN and TAN, GST, bank account opening, and registrations specific to your activity.
FDI structuring and reporting
Sector and entry-route checks, pricing compliance, share issue and the RBI reporting that follows.
Startup India recognition
Eligibility review and DPIIT recognition application for qualifying startups.
Tax and transfer pricing set-up
Understanding how the Indian entity will be taxed, intercompany agreements and documentation where related-party transactions arise.
Accounting, payroll and compliance
Opening books, first auditor appointment, payroll registrations and the annual ROC and tax calendar.
Banking and funding support
Introductions and documentation for bank accounts, foreign inward remittance and capital infusion.
Exit and restructuring support
Share transfers, mergers, closure or conversion, with the FEMA and tax steps they involve.
Who this is for
- Foreign companies setting up a subsidiary or branch in India
- NRIs and returning founders starting a business
- Startups bringing in foreign investors
- Exporters and service companies setting up an Indian delivery centre
- Joint ventures between Indian and foreign partners
Key facts
| Topic | Position |
|---|---|
| Private limited company | Minimum two directors and two shareholders, with at least one director resident in India |
| LLP | Minimum two partners, with at least one designated partner resident in India |
| Branch or liaison office | Requires approval through an authorised dealer bank or RBI, with restricted activities |
| Wholly owned subsidiary | A private limited company held by the foreign parent, where the sector permits 100% FDI |
How it works
Plan
Entity, funding route and timeline agreed against your goals.
Incorporate
Documents, filings and registrations completed in sequence.
Report
Foreign investment reported within the prescribed window.
Operate
First-year calendar covering auditor, accounts, tax, GST and ROC filings.
Frequently asked questions
Which entity should a foreign company choose in India?
Most foreign investors use a private limited company, usually a wholly owned subsidiary, because it is straightforward for investment and exit. An LLP suits some professional and service businesses, while branch and liaison offices need approvals and have limited permitted activities. The right choice depends on the sector, funding and tax position.
Is a resident director mandatory?
Yes. A company must have at least one director who has stayed in India for at least 182 days during the year, as the Companies Act specifies, and an LLP must have at least one designated partner resident in India.
How long does incorporation take?
Incorporation itself can be quick when documents are ready. Overall timelines depend on name approval, apostille or notarisation of foreign documents, and bank account opening, so we plan the whole sequence with you.
What must be reported to RBI after receiving foreign investment?
The allotment of shares to the foreign investor is reported through RBI's portal, typically within 30 days of allotment, and the company later files an annual return on foreign liabilities and assets. We handle both.
Can an NRI or foreign national start a company in India?
Yes, subject to the sector rules and the FDI policy. Foreign nationals can be directors or shareholders, and we help with documents, the resident director requirement and registrations.
This page is general information and not professional advice for any specific situation. Rules and due dates change; we confirm the current position before acting. Last reviewed 2026-10-17.