FAQ: India Company Setup
Answers on India market entry, FDI, GCC setup, tax, and compliance.
Company Registration Services in India for Foreign Companies
How long does it take to incorporate an India subsidiary and open its bank account?
A straightforward wholly-owned subsidiary can be incorporated in 3-6 weeks; opening the corporate bank account typically adds another 1-3 weeks depending on the bank's KYC process for foreign-owned entities. Read full answer →
Wholly-owned subsidiary vs. joint venture vs. liaison office — which should a foreign company choose in India?
A wholly-owned subsidiary gives full control and can undertake commercial activity; a joint venture shares control and risk with an Indian partner; a liaison office can only represent the parent and cannot invoice or earn revenue in India. The right choice depends on control, capital commitment, and whether you need to transact commercially from day one. Read full answer →
What is the fastest way for a foreign company to incorporate in India?
Using a Power of Attorney (PoA) from the foreign promoters to a locally authorised representative in India, incorporation can typically be completed in under 40 days — far faster than a process requiring every document to be signed, notarised, and apostilled abroad. Read full answer →
Can a foreign director sign India incorporation documents remotely?
Yes — foreign directors and promoters do not need to be physically present in India. Documents can be executed abroad and apostilled, or a Power of Attorney can authorise a locally based representative to sign on their behalf, which is usually faster. Read full answer →
GCC BOT model vs. direct incorporation — which is better for setting up an India capability centre?
A Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) GCC lets an operating partner set up and run the centre first, with ownership transferring to the foreign company later — useful when speed and reduced upfront risk matter more than immediate full ownership. Direct incorporation gives full control and ownership from day one but requires the foreign company to build the operational capability itself. Read full answer →
What compliance starts immediately after incorporating an India company?
FEMA reporting of the foreign investment (Form FC-GPR) within 30 days of share allotment, GST registration if applicable, statutory auditor appointment, and commencement-of-business filing are among the obligations that begin immediately — not after the first year. Read full answer →
What does it actually cost to set up an India subsidiary?
Government fees for incorporating a private limited company are relatively small (typically a few thousand rupees in stamp duty and filing fees, scaling with authorised capital); professional fees for structuring, drafting, and compliance advice make up the larger share of total cost and vary by complexity. Read full answer →