Can foreign companies set up in India?

Asked by: Marilyne Carroll IV  |  Last update: October 1, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (35 votes)

A foreign national can establish a foreign company as a private limited company in India. Establishing a private limited company is the fastest way to set up a company in India. FDI of up to 100% into a private limited company is permitted under the FDI policy under the automatic route.

Can a foreign company own a company in India?

Wholly Owned Subsidiary Company: wholly owned subsidiary is a company in which a foreign entity makes 100 percent FDI in India through automatic route. This is considered as the easiest and the preferred route by the foreign entities for establishment of their business in India.

Can a foreigner set up a business in India?

India is considered as a preferred destination to start business by Foreigners and NRIs due its liberal and progressive FDI policy. Any non-resident can incorporate company in India in form of Private Limited Company, Public Limited Company or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).

Can a foreign company open an account in India?

A foreign entity which is incorporated outside India and having presence in India as LO/BO/PO or other place of business can open LO/BO/PO accounts.

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.

How Can Foreign Companies Set Up Their Businesses in India?

20 related questions found

Can I register a company in India from USA?

the great news is that you simply can plow ahead and do this easily because the Companies act 2013 allows foreign residents to start out a corporation in India if they suits all the Indian laws.

Can a foreign company open office in India?

A foreign company can open a liaison office in India with the prior approval of RBI. The process is as follows: The foreign company must have a profit-making record during the prior three financial years in the home country. Its net value should not be less than USD 50,000 to set up a liaison office in India.

Can a foreign company have a branch in India?

A foreign company's branch office can start full-fledged operations in India after obtaining permission from the RBI and registration with the ROC. Setindiabiz offers expertise in establishing a Branch Office, Tax Filings, and payroll.

Can a US citizen open a bank account in India?

Answer: An NRO (current/ savings) account can be opened by a foreign national of non-Indian origin visiting India, with funds remitted from outside India through banking channel or by sale of foreign exchange brought by him to India.

Can a foreign company register under startup India hub?

6 Can a foreign company register under Startup India hub? Any entity having at least one registered office in India is welcome to register on the hub, as location preferences, for the time being, are only created for Indian states.

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.

Can foreign companies own land in India?

A foreign company which has established a Branch Office or other place of business in India, in accordance with FERA / FEMA regulations, can acquire any immovable property in India, which is necessary for or incidental to carrying on such activity.

How can I start international business in India?

Below we have outlined seven steps to do just that:
  1. Ask if your business is ready. ...
  2. Determine your target market. ...
  3. Don't skip market research. ...
  4. Choose your route to market. ...
  5. Understand the legal and tax issues. ...
  6. Start marketing. ...
  7. Anticipate logistical challenges.

Can Americans start a business in India?

Companies Act 2013 allows a Foreign National, Foreign Resident, Non Resident Indian`s (NRI), Person of Indian Origin (PIO) or their business entities overseas to own 100% equity in their business set up in India.

Do foreign companies pay corporate tax in India?

Under the regular taxation regime, the standard corporate income tax rate is 30% for domestic companies and, as from 1 April 2024, 35% (reduced from 40%) for foreign companies and branches of foreign companies.

What are the advantages of foreign companies set up in India?

Benefits of Starting a Business in India for Foreign Investors.
  • Huge Population. With a population of more than 1.3 billion, India is one of the world's largest consumer markets. ...
  • Low Operational Cost. ...
  • Simple Tax System. ...
  • India's Financial System. ...
  • Business Friendly Laws. ...
  • Conclusion.

Can I keep my US bank account if I move to India?

As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), you can continue to hold your international bank accounts, which you had opened overseas when you were an NRI. However, you may need to ascertain whether the regulations of the country, where you hold the account allows you to continue maintaining these accounts.

Can OCI have a bank account in India?

Further, an OCI can open all types of accounts allowed to a Resident customer. A joint account with Resident Indian (RI) who is a close relative can also be opened subject to following conditions: Mode of operation permitted is 'Former (NRI) or Survivor' only.

Can a foreigner set up 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.

Can a foreign company be a resident in India?

Place of effective management (PoEM)

Presently, a foreign company is considered resident in India if the control and management of its affairs is situated wholly in India. To bring to tax those companies that are incorporated outside India but controlled from India, the condition of PoEM has been introduced.

Is it legal to work for US company from India?

The answer is yes, and this is made possible through the concept of an Employer of Record (EOR). This article will delve into what an EOR is, its role in such scenarios, how it can assist individual contractors, and how it can manage the immigration process if you need to visit a client's site.

Can a foreign company open a branch in India?

Eligibility: A foreign company can establish a branch office in India if it has a profitable track record for the previous five years and a net worth of at least USD 100,000. The company must also have a business interest in India.

Can a foreign company own assets in India?

Let's dissect the nuances: Foreign companies can own property in India if it serves as a liaison office, branch office, or project office. However, this comes with the caveat of obtaining the necessary approvals from the RBI and adhering to specific conditions.

Can a foreign company have employees in India?

Foreign companies can hire employees in India by partnering with local Employer of Record (EOR) services, which act as legal employers on their behalf.