Step-by-Step Registration Guide

Indian Company RegistrationProcess for Foreigners

Complete guide to Indian company registration process for foreigners. Step-by-step procedure, required documents, compliance requirements, and expert assistance for foreign nationals setting up companies in India.

15-20 Days
Registration Time
Step-by-Step
Process
Expert
Support

Get Free Consultation

Fill in your details for personalized guidance

Company Registration Process

Follow these steps to register your company in India as a foreigner

Step 1

Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Get DSC for all directors from authorized agencies. Foreign directors can obtain DSC online or through authorized agents. DSC is required for filing documents with MCA.

Step 2

Get Director Identification Number (DIN)

Apply for DIN for all directors through MCA portal. Foreign directors need to provide passport copy, address proof, and other KYC documents. DIN is mandatory for all directors.

Step 3

Reserve Company Name

File name reservation application (RUN form) with MCA. Choose a unique name that complies with naming guidelines. Name approval typically takes 1-2 days. You can apply for up to 2 names.

Step 4

Prepare Incorporation Documents

Prepare Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA). Get documents notarized and apostilled if required. MOA defines company objectives and AOA defines internal rules.

Step 5

File SPICe+ Form

File SPICe+ form (INC-32) with MCA along with MOA, AOA, and other required documents. This integrated form handles incorporation, PAN, TAN, and other registrations.

Step 6

Receive Certificate of Incorporation

ROC issues Certificate of Incorporation after verification. This typically takes 7-10 working days after filing. Company is legally formed upon receiving this certificate.

Step 7

Obtain PAN and TAN

PAN and TAN are automatically issued during incorporation process. These are essential for tax compliance and opening bank accounts. No separate application needed if filed through SPICe+.

Step 8

Open Corporate Bank Account

Open bank account with an Indian bank. Provide Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, MOA, AOA, and board resolution. Some banks may require physical presence of directors.

Step 9

Register for GST

Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if your business requires it. GST registration is mandatory for businesses with turnover above ₹20 lakhs (₹10 lakhs for special states).

Step 10

File FC-GPR with RBI

File Foreign Currency-Gross Provisional Return (FC-GPR) with RBI within 30 days of share issuance. This is mandatory for reporting foreign investment to RBI.

Required Documents

Passport copy of all foreign directors (notarized and apostilled)
Address proof of all directors (utility bill, bank statement)
Parent company incorporation certificate (if applicable)
Board resolution authorizing Indian company setup
Financial statements of parent company (last 2-3 years)
KYC documents of all directors
Indian resident director documents (PAN, Aadhaar, address proof)
Registered office address proof (rent agreement or ownership)
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from owner if rented office
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Articles of Association (AOA)
Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) for all directors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the company registration process for foreigners in India?

The process involves: obtaining DSC and DIN, name reservation, preparing incorporation documents (MOA, AOA), filing SPICe+ form with MCA, receiving Certificate of Incorporation, applying for PAN/TAN, opening bank account, and registering for GST.

How long does company registration take for foreigners?

Company registration typically takes 15-20 working days for foreigners, subject to document verification and MCA processing. This includes name approval, incorporation filing, and receiving the Certificate of Incorporation.

What documents are required for company registration?

Required documents include: Passport copy, address proof, parent company incorporation certificate (if applicable), board resolution, financial statements, KYC documents, and documents for Indian resident director.

Do foreigners need an Indian resident director?

Yes, a private limited company 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.

Can foreigners get DSC and DIN online?

Yes, foreign directors can obtain DSC and DIN online. DSC can be obtained from authorized agencies, and DIN can be applied online through MCA portal with required documents.

What is the minimum capital requirement?

There is no minimum capital requirement. 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.

Do I need RBI approval for company registration?

For private limited companies, most sectors allow 100% FDI under automatic route without prior RBI approval. However, post-investment reporting to RBI through FC-GPR is mandatory within 30 days of share issuance.

What happens after company registration?

After registration, you need to: open a bank account, register for GST (if applicable), file FC-GPR with RBI, obtain necessary licenses, and set up compliance framework for ongoing requirements.

Get Your Free Consultation

Fill in the form below and our expert team will contact you within 24 hours

Get Expert Business Help

Professional business services and expert guidance for your company needs

Access Free Tools

Use our business calculators and comparison tools

Explore Tools

Explore Services

Browse all our business services and find what you need

Explore Services

View Dashboard

Access your account and manage services

Go to Dashboard

Contact Us

Get in touch for immediate assistance

WhatsApp Now

Phone Support

+91 9782280098

+91 9664146595

WhatsApp

+91 9782280098

Start Chat

Email Support

support@fastlegal.in

Send Email