Expert assistance for foreign companies setting up operations in India. From foreign subsidiary and branch office setup to RBI approval and FEMA compliance, FastLegal provides end-to-end support for international businesses entering the Indian market.
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Select the right structure for your foreign company based on your business objectives and operational requirements.
100% foreign-owned private limited company with independent legal entity status
Extension of foreign company for export/import, R&D, consultancy, and professional services
Representative office for market research, promotion, and communication (no commercial activities)
Temporary office for executing specific projects in infrastructure and construction
Comprehensive support services for foreign companies operating in India.
Appoint a resident director to meet compliance requirements
Compliant employment solutions for foreign companies hiring in India
Foreign Exchange Management Act compliance and reporting
Annual compliance, tax filing, and regulatory reporting
Partner with FastLegal for expert guidance and seamless execution of your foreign company registration in India.
Experienced CAs, CS professionals, and legal experts specializing in foreign company setup and FEMA compliance.
Complete assistance with RBI approvals for branch offices, liaison offices, and project offices.
Efficient handling of documentation and filing for quick approvals and company incorporation.
Expert guidance on Foreign Exchange Management Act compliance and reporting requirements.
Strategic advice to help you choose the right business structure and maximize operational efficiency.
Successful history of assisting international companies in establishing operations in India.
A foreign subsidiary is a separate legal entity (100% foreign-owned private limited company) with limited liability and can conduct all business activities. A branch office is an extension of the foreign company, requires RBI approval, and has restrictions on activities (mainly export/import, R&D, consultancy).
RBI approval is required for branch offices, liaison offices, and project offices. Foreign subsidiaries can be set up under the automatic route without prior RBI approval in most sectors, but post-investment reporting to RBI is mandatory.
There is no minimum capital requirement for a foreign subsidiary. However, the company must have a minimum paid-up capital of ₹1 lakh (though this need not be deposited upfront). The actual capital depends on business requirements and sector-specific regulations.
Yes, in most sectors, foreign companies can have 100% ownership through a wholly-owned subsidiary. However, certain sectors like defense, media, insurance, and banking have sectoral caps and require government approval.
FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) compliance involves reporting foreign investments, remittances, and foreign exchange transactions to RBI. Foreign companies must file FC-GPR (for share issuance), FC-TRS (for share transfers), and annual returns with RBI.
Yes, a private limited company in India requires at least one director who is a resident of India (stayed in India for at least 182 days in the previous calendar year). This is mandatory under the Companies Act, 2013.
A foreign subsidiary can be incorporated in 15-20 working days. Branch offices and liaison offices require RBI approval, which takes 4-6 weeks. Project offices typically take 3-4 weeks for approval and setup.
Foreign subsidiaries are taxed as Indian companies (25-30% corporate tax). Branch offices are taxed at 40% plus surcharge. Liaison offices have minimal tax implications as they cannot conduct commercial activities. DTAA benefits may apply based on the country of origin.
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