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Company and business registration in India.

Our company registration services make it easy for foreign-established businesses and investors to set up and manage their business in India and other emerging markets in Asia-Pacific.

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Company & business registration in China

Set up your business in India with confidence.

Expert guidance

We will seamlessly guide you through the government requirements, removing the confusion and providing clarity for what can be an otherwise drawn-out process for starting a business.

Fast processing

We listen carefully to your needs and will work with you to devise a process and timeline that meets your requirements without cutting corners and sacrificing utmost compliance.

Respectful collaboration

Acclime’s professionals work with you to establish and maintain a relationship built on trust and mutual respect. We specialise in being a trusted partner while working at distance.

Company registration options

Select the best structure for your India business.

We can reliably help you navigate the process of registering a new company in India, whether you are expanding from overseas or are already in India. You can choose from several structures. The most popular are:

Representative / Liaison office.

Ideal for foreign companies seeking to research the market and build/maintain networking.
Trading is prohibited.

  • Net worth equal to or greater than USD 50,000
  • Liabilities incurred by parent company
  • Not subject to taxation
  • Single, nominated office head, foreign or local

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Wholly owned subsidiary company.

Ideal for foreign companies wanting to set up a private limited company in sectors where 100% FDI is permitted.

  • No minimum capital requirement
  • Liabilities limited to subsidiary
  • Effective tax rate of 25.17% for domestic companies
  • Two subscribers required, foreign or local

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Branch
office.

Ideal for foreign companies wanting to trade in India as the parent company.

  • Net worth greater or equal to USD 100,000
  • Liabilities incurred by parent company
  • Taxed at a sliding rate from 41.60% to 42.43%
  • Can appoint anyone to run the branch

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International structuring.

Beyond setting up an entity in India, we can also assist with incorporation in other markets in Asia, Australia and the USA.

Unsure about which structure is right for you?

Start your India business on the right foot by scheduling a free 30-minute consultation about registering your company in India. We can advise you on the optimal business structure, capital investment, full foreign ownership options, shareholder requirements, and more.

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Foreign business ownership

Own and control 100% of your company as a foreign entity.

A Wholly owned subsidiary (WOS) company, with 100% FDI, is not only allowed, it also makes perfect sense for a foreign enterprise establishing itself to trade in India. Our experts will see to understand your context and then recommend the best approach.

Complete company registration & admin services

Everything you need to set up and manage your company in India.

Acclime provides a full suite of flexible company services, including company incorporation, virtual office facilities, statutory compliance and document filing with the appropriate authorities. We also provide resident directors and supervisors if needed. They will be backed by legal documents to guarantee you retain full ownership and control of your business.

Essential company services.

  • Company incorporation

    We will register your selected business structure with all the relevant authorities, including preparing the memorandum and articles of association and, where applicable, the prospectus. We can also support conversion of an existing proprietorship or partnership into a limited company, taking into account tax and stamp duty considerations.

  • Corporate compliance & custodial services

    We handle all your routine and day-to-day company matters, including custodial services, maintaining statutory books, safeguarding of company stamps, filing of documents, and more.

  • Bank account opening

    We can assist you with opening of a corporate bank account with one of the Indian banks.

  • Legal representative

    We can act as your resident director and/or your virtual CFO if you want to build the business from your home base.

  • Registered office

    A company in India is required to register a legal address. If you do not have a physical office, we can also provide a virtual office.

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Additional compliance services.

We provide both consultations and ongoing services to keep your business compliant with all the current government requirements.

  • Business licenses

    We assist you in obtaining and updating special types of permits and licenses that might be necessary depending on your planned scope of business in India.

  • Bookkeeping & accounting compliance

    We assist with all of your bookkeeping and prepare monthly or annual accounting reports in English following India govt. requirements, and can prepare reports in line with your internal format requirements.

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  • Tax registration & compliance

    We offer monthly, quarterly and annual tax filing to help you stay compliant with the local tax laws.

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  • HR & payroll services

    Our comprehensive HR and payroll services include payroll, payslips, PIT calculations and HR admin services.

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FAQ

Common questions.

What types of business structures can I register in India?

In India, businesses can choose from several types of structures based on their specific needs and goals. The common structures include

  • Representative/liaison office: This is suitable for companies looking to establish a presence in India without engaging in commercial activities. It is primarily used for market research, promoting the parent company’s business and coordinating activities between the parent company and Indian businesses.
  • Wholly owned subsidiary company: This structure allows foreign companies to establish a separate legal entity in India with 100% foreign direct investment (FDI). It provides greater operational control and flexibility in conducting business activities.
  • Branch office: Ideal for foreign companies that want to conduct business activities such as trading, consultancy, or professional services directly in India. Unlike a liaison office, a branch office can engage in commercial activities and generate revenue.
What are the requirements for setting up a representative/liaison office in India?

To establish a representative/liaison office in India, a foreign company must meet the following requirements:

  • Net worth: The parent company must have a net worth of at least USD 50,000.
  • Activities: The office is restricted to non-commercial activities such as market research, promotion and liaison work. Trading or manufacturing activities are not allowed.
  • Taxation: A representative/liaison office is not subject to Indian taxation as it does not generate income within India.
  • Liabilities: All liabilities incurred by the representative/liaison office are borne by the parent company.
What is the process for establishing a wholly-owned subsidiary company?

The steps to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary company in India include:

  • Capital requirement: There is no minimum capital requirement for setting up a Wholly Owned Subsidiary.
  • Foreign direct investment: This structure allows 100% FDI, making it possible for the foreign entity to own and control the subsidiary entirely.
  • Subscribers: At least two subscribers (shareholders) are required, who can be either foreign or local entities or individuals.
  • Taxation: The effective tax rate for domestic companies, including wholly owned subsidiaries, is 25.17%.
What is required to set up a branch office in India?

Setting up a branch office involves meeting specific requirements and conditions, such as:

  • Net worth: The parent company must have a minimum net worth of USD 100,000.
  • Approval: Requires approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • Activities: A branch office can engage in activities like export/import of goods, providing professional or consultancy services, and research work, among others.
  • Taxation: branch offices are taxed at a higher rate of 41.60% to 42.43%, reflecting the income generated from their business operations in India.
Can a foreign entity own and control 100% of a company in India?
Yes, foreign entities can own and control 100% of a company in India through a wholly owned subsidiary (WOS). This structure allows full foreign ownership and provides the flexibility to operate independently, enabling the parent company to implement its business strategies effectively.
Ready to get started?

Join the hundreds of foreign entrepreneurs and businesses who have already set up their companies in India.

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Schedule a free 30-minute discovery call to discuss starting & operating your company in India.

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