Can a foreign citizen register company in India?
Asked by: Fermin Terry | Last update: July 28, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (3 votes)
NRIs or foreign nationals can register a company and make investments in India subject to the Foreign Direct Investment Policy and Guidelines issued by the RBI. The only condition as per Incorporation rules is that a person of Indian Nationality should be appointed on Board of Director of the company.
Can a US citizen start a business in India?
I am a US Passport holder; can I own a company in India? Yes, you can very well own a company in India (partly or even wholly) or set up your own company in India. Setting up or owning a company in India can broadly be achieved with the following options: Buying shares in an existing business.
Can OCI be a director in India?
Yes, a foreign national or foreign citizen or Non-Resident Indians residing abroad can be appointed as a Director on the Board of Indian companies whether public listed or unlisted or private. He may be appointed as Whole Time Director (Executive director) or Non – Whole Time Director (Non – Executive Director).
Can I register company myself in India?
Yes, a single person can register a One Person Company (OPC) in India. An OPC is a type of private limited company with a single member and offers limited liability protection to the owner.
How much does it cost to register a foreign company in India?
Starts at INR 33000. NOTE: DSC procurement cost and any government fees are billed based on actual costs. * Prices are higher for Private Limited Company Registration in Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab on account of higher stamp duty.
Whether a foreign citizen can become a Director in an Indian company #CompanyRegistrationInindia
How can a foreigner register a company in India?
Any foreign company can establish its place of business in India by filing eForm FC-1 (Information to be filed by foreign company). Note: The eForm needs to be digitally signed by authorized representative of the foreign company. There is no need to apply and obtain DIN for Directors of a foreign company.
Can OCI register a company in India?
Yes foreign companies, foreign national, NRI or OCI can register a company in India. The registration of foreign company in India is completely online and foreign nationals do not need to visit India for the same. Foreign company registration in India can be completed in 10 days.
Do I need a CA to register a company in India?
To register a company, you need to use the MCA Portal. However, if you are not a Chartered Accountant or a legal expert, you will require the assistance of a legal expert to complete the registration process. This is because many documents need to be verified by a Practicing Chartered Accountant.
How much money is required to register a company in India?
The cost typically starts from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 30,000, depending on the authorised capital. Additional fees may be required for obtaining a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and professional services like Chartered Accountants or Company Secretaries.
Can a foreign company operate in India without registration?
Foreign companies can establish branch offices in India to undertake specified activities, subject to approval from the RBI. Branch offices are extensions of the foreign company and do not have a separate legal identity from the parent company.
How long can a US citizen stay in India with OCI?
An OCI card holder can stay in India for life time. It is important for an OCI card holder to ensure that they hold valid passports from their home country. In case the passport needs to be renewed then the OCI card holders have to get it renewed visiting their home country embassy in India.
Can NRI register a company in India?
The NRIs and foreign nationals can register a private limited company, public limited company or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in India. The private or public limited company allows FDI into India under the automatic route in most sectors.
Is India going to allow dual citizenship?
The short answer is no—India does not permit dual citizenship under its Constitution and laws.
Can a foreigner be a director of an Indian company?
Answer: Yes, a foreign individual can be a director in both private and public Indian companies. The Companies Act allows for foreign individuals to serve as directors in both types of companies, subject to compliance with the relevant provisions and regulations.
Can a US citizen get a business visa for India?
If you don't mind visiting the Indian embassy, you can apply for a regular business visa. India's regular visa allows a holder to stay in the country for 180 days for business purposes, such as: Attending seminars and conferences.
Which business is most profitable in 2025 in India?
- Wedding Planner.
- Online Grocery Business.
- Pickle-Making Business.
- Dropshipping.
- Handmade Clothes/Accessories Business.
- Pet Care Services.
- Digital Marketing Services.
- Online Tutoring.
How much tax do I have to pay if I sell my company in India?
* Long-term capital gains tax: The current tax rate for long-term capital gains on sale of business assets (other than residential property) is 20% with indexation benefit. Indexation adjusts the purchase price for inflation, reducing the taxable capital gain.
Can one person register a company in India?
According to Section 2(62) of the Companies Act 2013, a company can be formed with just one director and one member, and interestingly, these roles can be held by the same individual. Simply, OPC Company registration allows a single person to set up a limited liability company in India.
Is CA in India valid in USA?
Chartered Accountant CPA Reciprocity
But still, the US currently does not have a similar agreement with India. Therefore, an Indian CA wishing to work as a professional certified public accountant in the US must apply for the credential.
How many days does it take to register a company in India?
Overall, the timeline for registering a private limited company in India can take around 12-18 days, depending on the time taken to complete each step and the workload of the government office processing the application.
What documents are required to start a company in India?
- Business Plan.
- Core Elements of a Business Plan:
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
- Director Identification Number (DIN)
- Permanent Account Number (PAN),
- Certificate of Incorporation.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST) Registration Certificate.
What can OCI not do in India?
- to vote;
- to be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of the Parliament of India;
- to hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court etc.;
Can I open a company in India as a foreigner?
NRIs or foreign nationals can register a company and make investments in India subject to the Foreign Direct Investment Policy and Guidelines issued by the RBI. The only condition as per Incorporation rules is that a person of Indian Nationality should be appointed on Board of Director of the company.
Can OCI buy property in India?
Both NRIs and OCI have the permission to buy both commercial and residential property in India. You do not need to submit any intimation or send any communication to the Central Bank for the purchase of a property. NRIs cannot buy agricultural land, plantation or farmhouses in India.