Company Registration

UNLOCK OPPORTUNITIES IN INDIA’S FAST-GROWING MARKET

Why Register a
Company in India?

India is a booming economy with a fast-growing market, making it an attractive destination for foreign companies looking to expand. Whether you’re setting up a new business or expanding an existing one, establishing a legal entity in India provides access to one of the largest and most dynamic consumer markets in the world.

By registering a company in India, foreign businesses can benefit from 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in many sectors, ensuring full ownership. The country also offers a large talent pool of skilled professionals, along with government incentives under initiatives like “Make in India.”

100% Foreign Investment

in many sectors, offering full ownership.

Large Talent Pool

of skilled professionals and labor.

government incentives

Access to Benefits under schemes like “Make in India.”

Step-by-Step Guide to
Company Registration

Let’s walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right business structure to getting your company up and running legally in India.

Step 1: Choose the Right Business Structure

Selecting the appropriate business structure is the foundation of your company registration in India. Foreign companies have options such as Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Branch Office, and Wholly Owned Subsidiary. Each structure offers different benefits: Private Limited Companies allow 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and offer limited liability, making it the most popular choice. LLPs are ideal for those seeking flexibility with reduced compliance, while Branch Offices let you establish a direct presence for market research or product export. For complete ownership, a Wholly Owned Subsidiary offers full control.

Step 2: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN)

Every director of your company, whether local or foreign, needs a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and a Director Identification Number (DIN). These are essential for filing documents electronically on the MCA portal. The DSC can be obtained from certified agencies within 1-2 days, while the DIN is applied for via Form DIR-3 and usually gets approved within a day. Make sure to have a notarized passport, address proof, and recent photograph ready for a smooth application process.

Step 3: Reserve Your Company Name

Once your DSC and DIN are in place, the next step is choosing and reserving a unique company name. Use the SPICe+ Form to submit two potential names for approval by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). To speed up the process, use the MCA’s Name Availability Tool to ensure your proposed names are not already taken. If the first name is rejected, having a backup option ensures you don’t face delays in moving forward with the registration process.

Step 4: Prepare and File Incorporation Documents

With your company name approved, you need to file the required incorporation documents online through the SPICe+ Form. These include the Memorandum of Association (MOA), which defines the company’s objectives, and the Articles of Association (AOA), which details its internal management. Additionally, you must submit proof of the registered office and notarized identification documents for directors. Once submitted, the MCA processes the application, and it typically takes 5-7 business days to issue the incorporation certificate.

Step 5: Get PAN, TAN, and GST Registration

Post-incorporation, your company needs to obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN), Tax Account Number (TAN), and, if applicable, GST registration. The PAN and TAN are automatically processed during SPICe+ filing and are issued within 7 days. GST registration becomes mandatory if your company’s turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh for goods or ₹20 lakh for services. Even if your business doesn’t cross these thresholds, voluntarily registering for GST can be beneficial for claiming tax credits.

Step 6: Open a Bank Account and Capital Investment

Once your company is registered, opening a corporate bank account in India is crucial for conducting business. You’ll need your incorporation certificate, PAN, and other company documents to complete the process. After opening the account, foreign investors can remit capital into India, ensuring your company is financially operational and compliant with local investment regulations.

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Understanding Compliance
Requirements

Company registration is just the first step. Once the company is operational, it must comply with ongoing legal and financial obligations. Here are the key compliance requirements:

Annual Filings with MCA

Every registered company in India must file annual financial statements and returns with the MCA. The due date for filing is usually within 30 days of the annual general meeting (AGM).

Income Tax Filing

Companies must file income tax returns annually based on their earnings in India. Tax rates depend on the company structure and annual turnover.

Statutory Audits

Foreign companies operating in India must conduct annual statutory audits of their financial records. This ensures that all financial statements comply with Indian standards.

GST Filing

If your company is GST-registered, you must file monthly, quarterly, or annual GST returns, depending on your turnover.

REGISTERING A COMPANY IN INDIA

FAQ

How long does it take to register a company in India?

On average, it takes 10-15 business days to register a company in India, provided all documents are correctly submitted.

Can a foreigner be a director of an Indian company?

Yes, foreigners can be directors, but at least one director must be an Indian resident.

Is there a minimum capital requirement for company registration?

No, there is no minimum capital requirement for registering a Private Limited Company or LLP in India. However, specific industries may have their own requirements.

Do I need a physical office in India to register my company?

Yes, you must provide a registered office address in India. This can be a temporary address initially.

Is GST registration mandatory for all foreign companies in India?

GST registration is mandatory if your company’s turnover exceeds the prescribed threshold. Even below the threshold, some companies opt for voluntary registration to claim input tax credits.

What sectors require government approval for FDI?

Sectors like defense, telecom, and insurance have specific FDI restrictions and require government approval. Most other sectors allow 100% FDI under the automatic route.

START YOUR BUSINESS IN INDIA WITH CONFIDENCEReady to Make it Happen?

Registering a company in India as a foreign business can seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, the process becomes much simpler. At [Your Company Name], we provide end-to-end support to ensure that your company is registered quickly, efficiently, and in full compliance with Indian laws.