India is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, with over USD 71 billion in foreign direct investment in FY 2024. For overseas companies, the decision to enter India is rarely just about incorporation — it is about choosing the right legal vehicle, navigating sector-specific FDI rules, satisfying parallel filings under the Companies Act, FEMA and the Income Tax Act, and building a long-term compliance posture from day one. Jain Anurag & Associates, a Mumbai-based chartered accountancy firm, partners with foreign companies across all four common entry routes — Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Liaison Office, Branch Office and Project Office — and stays on as the single point of contact for audit, tax, and RBI/MCA reporting after incorporation.
This page is the pillar guide. It covers the entry options, the FDI rulebook, the regulatory bodies you will deal with, and the compliance lifecycle. Each market-entry option also has its own dedicated page with the documents, timeline, and ongoing filings specific to that vehicle.
A separate Indian legal entity, 100% owned by the foreign parent. Most common entry vehicle. Can undertake any activity permitted under the FDI policy, contracts in its own name, and is taxed at domestic Indian corporate rates (22% concessional, or 15% for new manufacturing under Section 115BAB). Ideal for long-term operations and revenue generation.
A non-revenue presence used for market research, brand promotion, and acting as a communication channel between the foreign parent and Indian customers / partners. Cannot undertake commercial activity or invoice in India. Requires RBI approval, valid for an initial 3 years, and the parent must meet net-worth and track-record thresholds.
An extension of the foreign parent (not a separate legal entity), permitted to undertake specific listed activities — export/import of goods, professional and consultancy services, R&D, technical or financial collaborations, representing the parent as a buying/selling agent. Taxed at the foreign-company rate of 40% plus surcharge and cess. Useful when the parent wants direct operational presence without forming an Indian company.
A site-specific office for executing a particular project in India after securing a contract from an Indian company. RBI grants general permission if the project is funded by inward remittance, an international funding agency, an Indian PFI loan or has appropriate government clearance. The PO is closed and surplus repatriated after project completion.
Foreign investment is allowed without prior approval of the Government of India or RBI. Only post-investment reporting through Form FC-GPR (within 30 days of share allotment) and the FLA Annual Return is required. Most sectors — IT, manufacturing, e-commerce marketplace, professional services, hospitality — fall fully or partially under the Automatic route.
Prior approval from the relevant administrative ministry is required before investment. Investors from countries sharing a land border with India must use the Government route regardless of sector. Defence beyond 74%, broadcasting content services, multi-brand retail, and certain print media remain under Government route. We file the FIFP (Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal) application and shepherd it through inter-ministerial consultation.
The current FDI policy is consolidated by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and updated through press notes. Sector caps and conditions change — for example, the 2020 amendment requiring prior approval for investments from neighbouring countries, or the 2024 increase in space-sector caps. We monitor changes and advise on the correct route at the time of investment.
Foreign-owned Indian companies carry a heavier compliance burden than domestic counterparts because RBI/FEMA reporting runs in parallel with Companies Act and tax filings. A typical year includes:
Missed deadlines attract late filing fees, FEMA compounding proceedings, and in extreme cases, director disqualification. We maintain a per-client compliance calendar with proactive reminders so nothing slips.
Speak to us before you incorporate. The right entity choice, FDI route and inter-company structuring decided up-front prevents expensive restructuring later. If you already operate in India and want a second opinion on your compliance posture or repatriation strategy, book a no-obligation review.