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DIN Security Clearance – Expertvuw
Director Appointments

Security Clearance for Directors from Land-Border Countries

Last updated: 2 October 2026

A national of a country that shares a land border with India needs security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs before being appointed as a director of an Indian company. Our team prepares the application and coordinates the DIN and appointment once clearance is granted.

Overview

Why security clearance is needed

From 1 June 2022, the rules on appointment of directors were amended. A person who is a national of a country sharing a land border with India must obtain security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) before:

  • applying for a Director Identification Number (DIN), and
  • being appointed as a director of an Indian company.

The director’s consent to act must include a copy of the security clearance. The requirement sits alongside the foreign investment rules under Press Note 3 (2020), which require government approval where an investor or beneficial owner is from a land-border country.

The clearance process involves the ministry’s review of the person and the proposed role, so it should be started early — before any board decision depends on the appointment.

Based on the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 as amended from 1 June 2022. Last updated: 27 September 2026.

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What This Service Covers

What our security clearance service covers

1

Checking whether the requirement applies to the proposed director

2

Preparing the security clearance application and supporting documents

3

Follow-up on queries during the review

4

DIN application once clearance is granted

5

Director appointment, consents and DIR-12 filing

Key facts at a glance

1 June 2022

Date the requirement took effect

MHA

Ministry that grants security clearance

Land-border countries

Nationals of these countries need clearance

DIN

Cannot be issued without clearance

DIR-2

Consent must include the clearance

Press Note 3

Separate approval route for investment

Common Issues

Where these appointments commonly get delayed

The clearance is often discovered late in the process.

Started too late

The appointment is planned for a board meeting before clearance is in hand.

Documents incomplete

Missing background or company details slow the review.

Investment approval missed

Press Note 3 approval for the investment is not considered alongside.

Related Services

Related services

Related director and foreign investment services.

Director Changes

Appointment and filings.

DIR-3 KYC

Director KYC.

India Entry Options

Press Note 3 and routes.

FC-GPR & FDI Compliance

Reporting foreign investment.

Documents Required

Documents we need from you

Director Documents

Company Documents

Our Process

How we handle security clearance

1

Applicability

We confirm whether clearance is needed.

2

Documents

Director and company documents collected.

3

Application

Security clearance application prepared and filed.

4

Follow-up

Queries answered during the review.

5

DIN

DIN applied for once clearance is granted.

6

Appointment

Consents, resolutions and DIR-12 filed.

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After Clearance

After clearance is granted

Complete the appointment and keep the records.

DIN

DIN issued on application.

Consent

DIR-2 with the clearance attached.

DIR-12

Appointment filed within 30 days.

Records

Clearance kept with company records.

Get in Touch

Share your query and our team will reply during business hours.






    FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who needs security clearance to become a director in India?

    Nationals of countries sharing a land border with India.

    From 1 June 2022.

    No. The clearance is needed before a DIN application for such a person.

    No. Press Note 3 covers investment; security clearance covers the appointment of directors. Both may apply.

    It depends on the ministry’s review; start early so it does not hold up board decisions.

    About Expertvuw

    Who handles your case

    CS Chetna Shoor, Company Secretary and Director, Expertvuw

    CS Chetna Shoor

    ACS – Director, Expertvuw Management Pvt Ltd

    This work is handled by Expertvuw’s team, with filings made on the MCA portal. Certifications and audits required by law are issued by independent practising professionals engaged for your case.

    Expertvuw Management Pvt Ltd