Start your India companythe right way round.
Structure first, paperwork second. We take you from the first conversation to a registered, banked, compliant company, and tell you what each step involves before you sign anything.
Overview
Setting up in India isn't hard once you know the order of operations. Getting the order wrong is what costs people months: a bank account opened before the right registrations, a structure that can't take foreign investment, a hiring plan stalled by a missing PF registration.
We start with what you're building, then recommend the structure, then do the work in a sensible sequence. You get a written plan with steps, costs and timeline before anything is filed.
Choosing a structure
Private Limited Company
The usual choice for startups and growing businesses, especially if you plan to raise investment or issue shares to employees.
Wholly owned subsidiary
A Private Limited Company held entirely by a foreign parent. Right when you want full control and a proper Indian operating base.
LLP
Lighter on compliance and common for professional services. Less suited to outside investment.
Branch or liaison office
For foreign companies with a limited scope of activity. These need specific approvals, so we check eligibility first.
Not sure? We'll compare the two likeliest options for you in writing, covering tax, compliance load, hiring and exit.
What we handle
- Structure advice and a written recommendation
- Name checks and approval
- Incorporation with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, including constitutional documents
- Director identification numbers and digital signatures
- PAN, TAN and the registered office address
- GST, Shops and Establishment, and PF, ESI and Professional Tax registrations where they apply
- Bank account opening support
- Share capital and FEMA reporting for foreign-owned companies
- A handover pack and a compliance calendar for your first year
Documents you'll need
The list depends on the structure. Typically
- For each director and shareholder: identity proof, address proof, passport-size photo and PAN, if held
- For overseas directors or shareholders: passport and address proof, notarised and apostilled or legalised in your home country. We tell you exactly which documents and how.
- For the registered office: proof of address, such as a rent agreement or ownership document, a recent utility bill and the owner's consent
- Two or three proposed company names, in order of preference
Overseas companies opening an Indian subsidiary, founders starting a company in India, and existing businesses adding a new entity. If you only need to hire a few people, read about our Employer of Record service first. It may get you started faster.
6 steps, start to finish.
From the first call to done, with one team and one point of contact.
- 01
We talk
A free call about what you're building, who owns it and how many people you'll hire.
- 02
We recommend
A written plan with structure, steps, costs and timeline.
- 03
We collect documents
One checklist, with guidance on notarisation for overseas signatories.
- 04
We incorporate
Name approval, filing and the certificate of incorporation.
- 05
We register and bank
PAN, TAN, tax and labour registrations, then the bank account and share capital reporting.
- 06
We hand over
A complete pack, plus a compliance calendar. Many clients stay with us for ongoing compliance.
Often paired with
Questions we hear
Which structure is best for a foreign company?
Usually a wholly owned subsidiary, if you want full control and plan to hire. If you're only testing the market, an Employer of Record can come first. We compare the options for you in writing.
Do we need an office before we register?
You need a registered office address on record. We can help you arrange one, including through our Managed Workspace.
Will anyone need to travel to India?
Most of the process runs remotely. Banks sometimes have their own verification steps, and we tell you what to expect before you start.
What documents do overseas directors need to provide?
Identity and address proof, usually notarised and apostilled in your home country. We give you one checklist so you only do it once.
What do we receive when it's done?
Your incorporation documents, registrations, bank account details, and a handover pack with a compliance calendar for the first year.
How long does it take?
Usually a few weeks from the point we have all your documents. Foreign-owned companies tend to take longer, mostly because of bank account opening and KYC on overseas directors. You'll get a realistic timeline in the proposal.
How many directors do I need?
A Private Limited Company needs at least two directors and two shareholders, and at least one director must be resident in India. We can suggest options if you don't have a resident director yet.
Is there a minimum capital requirement?
Not for a Private Limited Company. We'll still advise on a sensible amount, because banks, visas and credibility all depend on it.
Can a foreign company own 100%?
In many sectors, yes. Some sectors have caps or need approval, so we check the rules for your business first.
What happens after incorporation?
Registrations, bank account, hiring and the first compliance cycle. We can stay on for compliance, administration, payroll and workspace.