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Home / NRI & Global Services / India Entry for Foreign Companies
Last updated: 2 October 2026
Planning to set up in India? The structure you choose — a subsidiary, an LLP, or a liaison, branch or project office — decides what you can do in India, how you are taxed and what you must report. Our team helps you choose, set up and stay compliant.
Liaison, branch and project offices are set up with approval through an Authorised Dealer Category-I bank under FEMA, subject to eligibility conditions. Investment in a company or LLP follows India’s FDI policy: most sectors are under the automatic route, some need government approval, and sectoral caps apply. Investment involving an entity or beneficial owner from a country sharing a land border with India needs government approval under Press Note 3 (2020), as amended.
Based on the Companies Act, 2013, FEMA rules and the Consolidated FDI Policy. RBI has issued draft changes to the office regulations — we check the rules in force when you apply. Last updated: 27 September 2026.
A company needs two directors, one of them resident in India for 182 days
Most sectors need no prior approval; reporting follows the investment
Investment linked to land-border countries needs government approval
To report share allotment to a foreign investor (FC-GPR)
A liaison office cannot earn income in India
Yearly FLA return deadline for companies with foreign investment
Most issues come from the structure chosen at the start.
A liaison office used for revenue-earning work, or a subsidiary set up where an office would do.
Caps, conditions or approval needs for the sector found after money is sent.
FC-GPR filed late after share allotment, leading to late submission fees.
Setting up in India links to company registration and ongoing FDI compliance.
Reporting foreign investment to RBI.
Company incorporation in India.
Registering an LLP in India.
Discuss your India entry plan.
We compare subsidiary, LLP and office options for your activity.
We check the route, caps and approvals for your sector.
Company or LLP incorporation, or office application through an AD bank.
Bank account opening and receipt of capital with KYC.
FC-GPR filed within 30 days of share allotment.
GST, ROC filings, the FLA return and annual certificates.
An Indian entity with foreign investment has yearly filings under company law, tax law and FEMA.
Annual financial statements and annual return with the Registrar of Companies.
Foreign liabilities and assets return filed with RBI by 15 July.
Liaison and branch offices file an annual activity certificate through the AD bank.
Income tax returns, TDS and GST filings as applicable.
Share your query and our team will reply during business hours.
Most foreign companies set up a wholly owned subsidiary, which can carry on business fully. A liaison office suits representation only; a branch or project office suits specific permitted activities.
Yes. At least one director must have stayed in India for 182 days or more in the previous calendar year.
Not in automatic-route sectors — the investment is reported after the event. Some sectors, and investments linked to land-border countries, need government approval.
No. A liaison office can only represent the parent company and cannot carry out business or earn income in India.
ROC filings, income tax and GST returns, and the FLA return with RBI by 15 July.
ACS – Director, Expertvuw Management Pvt Ltd
India entry projects are handled by Expertvuw’s team. Filings are made with MCA, RBI through the authorised dealer bank, and the tax authorities; any certificate required by law is issued by an independent qualified professional.