Indian Subsidiary

Incorporation of company as Indian subsidiary of foreign company including Incorporation kit and share certificates.

Registration of Branch Office, Liaison Office or Project Office

Registration of Branch Office, Liaison Office or Project Office requires RBI and/or Government approval. Therefore, the cost and time taken for registration of branch office, liaison office or project office for a foreign company is higher than incorporation of a private limited company. Further, foreign nationals cannot open branch office, liaison office or project office. Hence, this is only suitable as an India entry strategy for foreign companies.

FDI in Private Limited Company

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into an Indian Private Limited Company is allowed up to 100% in most sectors. Only a few sectors require prior Central Government approval. These include:

• Petroleum sector (except for private sector oil refining), Natural gas / LNG pipelines
• Infrastructure companies
• Defence and strategic industries
• Atomic minerals
• Print Media & Broadcasting
• Postal & Courier Services
• Satellite operations
• Integrated township development
• Tea Sector

Incorporation of a Limited Liability Partnership

An LLP is allowed 100% FDI and is suitable for investment vehicles. However, LLPs cannot have shareholders, only partners.

Through Proprietorship Firms or Partnership Firms

These are basic forms used by small businesses. Foreign investment usually requires RBI approval and is not suitable for foreign companies.