Start Your Business in India with Global Collaboration
India is one of the most preferred destinations for foreign entrepreneurs and investors to set up a company due to its vast market, business opportunities, and startup ecosystem. A foreign national can legally become a director, shareholder, or even sole owner (in certain sectors) in an Indian company by complying with the Companies Act, 2013 and FEMA guidelines.
Key Highlights:
- A foreigner can register a Private Limited Company in India
- Requires at least one Indian resident director
- Can be a wholly owned subsidiary of a foreign company
- FDI is permitted under automatic and approval routes
- PAN & digital signatures (DSC) mandatory for all directors
Types of Business Structures Available:
- Private Limited Company
- Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS)
- Joint Venture Company
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) (only with resident Indian partner)
- Branch/Project/Liaison Office (with RBI approval)
Steps to Register a Company with Foreign Participation:
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for all directors
- Director Identification Number (DIN) application
- Reserve Company Name (SPICe+ Part A)
- File Incorporation Forms with required KYC & capital details
- Apply for PAN, TAN, and GST (if required)
- Filing for FDI reporting (if foreign shareholding involved)
- Opening a Bank Account and inward remittance of share capital
Documents Required:
For Foreign Nationals:
- Passport (notarized and apostilled)
- Address Proof (utility bill, driving license, etc.)
- Passport-size photograph
- Email ID and mobile number
- Business visa (if in India during incorporation)
For Indian Resident Director:
- PAN Card
- Aadhar Card
- Address Proof
- Photograph
For Registered Office:
- Rent Agreement/Ownership Proof
- Utility Bill (not older than 2 months)
- NOC from the property owner