Foreign Company Registration in India
Establish Your Global Business Footprint in India — Fast, Compliant & Professional Support
Seamless Foreign Company Entry in India — From ROC Registration to RBI & FEMA Compliance
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Overview of Foreign Company Registration
With India emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, it is now a top destination for international companies seeking new markets and business opportunities. A foreign company means any corporate entity incorporated outside India that establishes a place of business in India to carry out operations directly or through an agent.
Whether you want to open a subsidiary, branch office, liaison office, or project office, understanding India’s regulatory landscape — including the Companies Act, 2013, FEMA regulations and RBI approvals — is essential. At Taxhit Consultancy, we provide end-to-end foreign company registration services, ensuring your business is compliant with all statutory requirements.
What Is a Foreign Company?
A foreign company under Indian law is defined as a company incorporated outside India which:
Has a place of business in India (physically or through electronic mode), and
Conducts business activities in India in any manner.
This includes subsidiaries of foreign corporates, liaison offices, branch offices, and project offices.
Why Register Your Foreign Company in India?
🇮🇳 Access One of the World’s Fastest-Growing Markets
💼 Establish a Local Business Presence
📈 Enable Domestic Transactions & Contracts
🏦 Open Bank Accounts & Operate Efficiently
📊 Comply with Tax, ROC, RBI & GST Requirements
Registering legally also enhances credibility with Indian partners, investors, and customers.
Documents Required for LLP Registration
Two Colour Photographs of Promoters/Individuals/ Company/ Director
PAN Card of each Shareholders and directors
Identity Proof (Voter ID / Driving License/ Passport)
Address Proof (Bank Statement / Electricity, Mobile, Telephone Bill)
Proof of Registered Office
Utility Bill as proof must be Latest
Eligibility Criteria
- The foreign parent company must be legally incorporated in its home jurisdiction.
- A place of business in India must be established.
- Specific structures like liaison or branch offices may have profit or net worth minimums as per RBI norms.
Advantages of Foreign Company Registration in India
- Legal business presence & national credibility
- Ability to enter contracts & raise funds locally
- Access to India’s large consumer base
- Opportunity to participate in FDI and strategic collaborations
Why Choose Taxhit Consultancy for Foreign Company Registration?
Expert guidance on MCA, RBI & FEMA compliance
End-to-end documentation & ROC filing support
Assistance with DSC, DIN, PAN/TAN, GST & bank account setup
Post-registration compliance & advisory
Types of Foreign Business Setups in India
1. Wholly Owned Subsidiary
A separate legal entity incorporated in India with shareholding from the foreign parent company.
2. Branch Office
Conducts business activities in India on behalf of the parent company; requires RBI approval.
3. Liaison Office (Representative Office)
Acts as a communication channel between the parent company and Indian stakeholders; cannot carry out revenue-generating business.
4. Project Office
Operates in India to execute specific projects; typically linked to a contract or project requirement.
Step-by-Step Foreign Company Registration Process
1. Evaluate Business Structure & FDI Policy
Choose the structure (subsidiary, branch, liaison, project) based on your business plan, sector-wise FDI policy, and RBI permissions where applicable.
2. Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
A DSC is required for all authorized signatories to authenticate online MCA filings.
3. Obtain Director Identification Number (DIN)
Each director must obtain a DIN from the MCA. Foreign nationals must provide passport and address proof from their home country, notarised or apostilled as required.
4. Reserve Company Name (if incorporating subsidiary)
Reserve a unique company name using the MCA’s RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service.
5. Register with Registrar of Companies (ROC)
Foreign companies must file Form FC-1 with the ROC within 30 days of establishing a place of business in India.
Documents required include:
Certified copy of charter/MOA/AOA (with English translation if needed)
Full address of registered office overseas
List of directors & key personnel
Power of Attorney for authorised representatives
Upon successful filing, the ROC issues a Certificate of Registration (also referred to as a Foreign Company Registration Number or FCRN).
6. Obtain PAN & TAN
Apply for Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) from the Income-Tax Department.
7. Open Corporate Bank Account
A bank account in the company’s name must be opened in India to handle finances and transactions.
8. Register for GST (if applicable)
If the company engages in taxable activities, it must obtain GSTIN and comply with GST filing requirements.
Timeline & Government Fees
ROC Registration: 2–4 weeks (depends on form correctness & approvals)
PAN/TAN & GST: Typically 10–20 working days
RBI Approvals: Liaison/Branch may take longer depending on sector and documentation
Compliance Requirements After Registration
Foreign companies must follow statutory compliance under the Companies Act, FEMA, RBI and tax laws including:
Annual return and financial statements (Form FC-4 & FC-3 for MCA) GST returns (if applicable) Income-tax returns & audit requirements RBI and FEMA reporting obligations (if FDI or inward remittances involved)
Non-compliance can attract penalties and legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What qualifies as a foreign company in India?
A foreign company is one incorporated outside India which has a business presence in India and conducts activities either physically or electronically.
What is Form FC-1?
Form FC-1 is the statutory form filed with the ROC to register a foreign company within 30 days of establishing a place of business in India.
Do I need RBI approval to register?
RBI approvals are required for liaison, branch or project offices depending on sector rules.
Can foreign directors be appointed?
Yes, foreign directors can be appointed but each must obtain a DIN and at least one Indian resident director is typically required if locally incorporated.
Is GST registration mandatory?
GST registration is mandatory if the company undertakes taxable supplies in India.