Foreign Company Registration Services

Get your Foreign Company registered with complete legal structuring, accurate documentation, and MCA-compliant filings handled by experienced professionals who understand foreign business models beyond basic incorporation.

What is a Foreign Company?

As per Section 2(42) of the Companies Act, 2013, a Foreign Company is any company or body corporate incorporated outside India which has a place of business in India (whether by itself or through an agent, physically or electronically) and conducts any business activity in India. Expanding into the Indian market requires navigating complex FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) regulations and RBI guidelines to ensure a compliant and sustainable entry.

Which Businesses Should Choose Foreign Company Registration?

Establishing a foreign place of business in India is ideal for international entities looking to tap into the Indian market without necessarily moving their entire headquarters.

  • Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
  • Global Trading Houses
  • Foreign Service Providers
  • International Brands
  • Tech Startups & Global Enterprises
  • Foreign Investors

Legal Definition & Applicability

Key governing laws:

  • Companies Act, 2013: Compliance with Chapter XXII regarding Foreign Companies.
  • FEMA Regulations: Governing the inflow of foreign capital and repatriation of profits.
  • RBI Master Directions: Regular reporting for Liaison and Branch offices.

Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Company Registration

ParticularsBranch/Liaison OfficeWholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS)
Net Worth$50,000 to $100,000 (Last 3–5 years)No specific minimum net worth
Track Record3 to 5 years of profitabilityNo prior track record required
Local Representative1 Resident Authorized RepresentativeMinimum 1 Resident Director
Digital SignatureRequired for Indian RepRequired for all Directors

Documents Required for Foreign Company Registration

For the Foreign Parent Company

  • Certificate of Incorporation (Apostilled/Notarized)
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association (Charter Documents)
  • Board Resolution authorizing the Indian setup
  • Audited Financial Statements of the last 3–5 years

For the Indian Representatives / Directors

  • Passport (for Foreign Nationals) and PAN/Aadhar (for Indians)
  • Passport-size Photographs
  • NOC from the property owner

For the Registered Office in India

  • Rent Agreement and NOC from the owner
  • Utility Bill (Electricity/Water) of the Indian premises

Step-by-Step Process of Foreign Company Registration

1. Selection of Entry Strategy
2. Digital Signature (DSC) & DIN
3. Name Approval (For WOS)
4. RBI/AD Bank Approval
5. Filing with ROC
6. Post-Registration Formalities

CA’s Insights

For foreign investors, the biggest hurdle isn’t the registration—it’s the FDI Reporting. Missing the deadline for filing the FC-GPR (for equity allocation) or the Annual Return on Foreign Assets & Liabilities (FLA) can lead to heavy compounding penalties by the RBI. It must be ensured that the capital infusion is reported accurately and on time to keep theIndian operations 100% clean.

Post-Incorporation Compliance Requirements

Foreign entities face stricter reporting norms to monitor international transactions.

ComplianceRequirement / Due Date
Form FC-GPRWithin 30 days of issuing shares (for WOS)
Annual Return (Form FC-3)Within 6 months of the close of the financial year
FLA ReturnEvery year by 15th July
Statutory AuditMandatory annual audit by an Indian CA firm.

How we support in Foreign Company Registration?

Comprehensive Company Registration solutions handled by experienced Chartered Accountants.

CA-Led Compliance

Entire registration process is prepared and reviewed by qualified Chartered Accountants, ensuring professional-grade accuracy.

100% Accuracy Guarantee

Our multi-level verification process ensures error-free registration, protecting you from notices and penalties.

Timely Reminders

Proactive deadline tracking and reminders ensure you never miss a due date. On-time, every time.

Dedicated Support

A dedicated compliance manager for all your queries, notices, and year-round TDS support needs.

Get Transparent Pricing for Foreign Company Registration

No hidden charges. Clear pricing based on your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Does a foreign director need to travel to India for registration?

    No. The entire process, including obtaining Digital Signatures and filing forms with the MCA/RBI, can be handled digitally with apostilled documents.

  2. Can 100% profit be sent back to the parent company?

    Yes. Profits earned by a Wholly Owned Subsidiary can be repatriated as dividends, and Branch Office profits can be remitted after paying applicable taxes and meeting RBI guidelines.

  3. How long does it take to register a Foreign Company?

    A Wholly Owned Subsidiary usually takes 15–25 days. A Branch or Liaison Office may take 4–8 weeks as it involves bank and RBI coordination.

  4. What is the minimum capital for a Subsidiary?

    While there is no legal minimum, we recommend sufficient capital to cover initial setup and operating costs, as subsequent funding involves FEMA reporting.

Still got some questions?

Speak with a MCA expert and get clarity on your compliance needs.