Can I open a company in India as a foreigner?
Asked by: Mr. Vaughn Kautzer | Last update: September 28, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (22 votes)
Yes, foreigners can start a company in India. They can register a Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or open a Branch Office, Liaison Office, or Project Office, depending on their business needs.
Can a US citizen open 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 non-resident form a company in India?
A Private Limited Company can be set up with minimum two shareholders. The shareholders can be a combination of foreign nationals, non-residents individuals or other entities. There is no condition regarding the residential status for shareholders. The directors can also be the shareholders of the company.
Can a foreigner open one-person company in India?
Other Conditions to Form OPC
As mentioned above, Only a natural person who is an Indian citizen and resident of India can form an OPC. Non-residents and foreign nationals are not eligible to form an OPC.
How can a foreign company start business 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.
NRI Opening Company In India- Registration, Work from foreign
Can overseas citizen of India start 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.
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.
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 single person start a company in India?
The Companies Act, 2013 introduced the new concept of One Person Company (OPC). As the name suggests, an OPC is a company established by a single person. A single individual establishes and manages the company.
Can a NRI start a sole proprietorship in India?
A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) may invest in a sole proprietorship concern (except those engaged in agricultural/ plantation activities or real estate businesses or print media) with repatriation benefits only with the prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
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.
Can a company be not ordinary resident in India?
in every case except where during that year the control and management of its affairs is situated wholly outside India. (3) A company is said to be resident in India in any previous year, if (a) it is an Indian company; or (b) during that year, the control and management of its affairs is situated wholly in India.
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.
Is it easy to start a company in India?
Starting a company in India can be intimidating, with various legal and financial requirements to meet. However, if you plan and are willing to put in the effort, it is possible to start a successful company in India.
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 a NRI be a partner in India?
Can a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) be a partner in an Indian partnership firm, and what are the legal provisions governing this? Yes, an NRI can be a partner in an Indian partnership firm. Legal provisions, including the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), regulate the involvement of NRIs in partnerships.
How much money is required to open a company in India?
To start a private limited company, you need to maintain a minimum paid-up capital of Rs. 1 lakh. However, the Companies Amendment Act, 2015 relaxed the minimum requirement for paid-up capital. Therefore, there is now no requirement for any minimum capital to be invested to start a private limited company.
What is a disadvantage of OPC?
Cons of an OPC in the Philippines:
Increased Complexity: OPCs require more administrative tasks compared to sole proprietorships. Foreign Ownership Restrictions: Foreign nationals cannot form an OPC in industries listed on the Foreign Investments Negative List.
Can a foreigner own a company in India?
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 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.
Can a company be a citizen of India?
Company is not a citizen:
A company can act only through natural persons. Nevertheless, it is to be noted that certain fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution for protection of “person”, e.g., right to equality (Article 14) etc. are also available to company.
Can a foreign resident be a director?
A director must be at least 18 years old. A person must consent to become a director. Non-Australian residents can be directors.
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.
Do foreign companies pay taxes in India?
A resident company is taxed on its worldwide income. A non-resident company is taxed only on income that is received in India, or that accrues or arises, or is deemed to accrue or arise, in India. * Effective tax rates include surcharge and health and education cess.
What is the cost of LLC license in India?
₹20,000 to ₹30,000. Similar to other company types, with additional costs for obtaining a license.