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India Business Setup
Yes, fully foreign-owned companies are permitted in most sectors under the Automatic Route. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) govern foreign direct investment (FDI) enabling international entities to operate 100% owned subsidiaries. Learn more about business setup in India.
Yes, 100% foreign ownership is allowed under the Automatic Route in most sectors including IT, manufacturing, and services, following ongoing economic liberalization under India's FDI policy.
With the MCA's SPICe+ streamlined process, company incorporation can be completed in 1-2 weeks. Subsequent post-licensing steps like GST registration and bank account opening may take an additional 2-4 weeks.
Yes, a registered office address in India is mandatory under the Companies Act for receiving official communications and opening bank accounts. Co-working spaces are generally accepted.
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Accounting & Auditing
Yes, all companies must maintain proper books of accounts. Visit our Accounting Services page for more details.
Yes, annual audited financial statements must be submitted to the General Tax Authority (GTA). India tax and compliance depends on accurate auditing.
Companies in India follow Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS), which are largely converged with IFRS.
Financial statements are typically prepared annually, but quarterly reporting may be required for tax purposes or internal governance.
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Regulatory Authorities
Invest India (Investment Promotion Agency India) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) are the primary entities facilitating Foreign Direct Investment. See our India regulatory authorities overview.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) issues the Certificate of Incorporation (CoI).
The Income Tax Department handles direct taxes, and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) manages GST.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment governs federal labor laws, EPF, and ESI compliance.
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Business Licenses
Common entry structures include Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Branch Office, and Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS).
Yes, a Private Limited Company can conduct multiple activities, provided they are explicitly stated in the Main Objects clause of its Memorandum of Association (MoA).
Unlike some jurisdictions, an Indian company does not need to renew its incorporation certificate annually. However, annual statutory filings (returns and financial statements) with the MCA are mandatory.
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Business Sectors
Most sectors are open, including construction, retail, IT, healthcare, and tourism. A market feasibility study can help identify the best opportunities.
Certain sectors like gambling, atomic energy, and specific retail sectors are prohibited or highly restricted. Others like defence and telecom have caps or require government approval.
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Startup Support
Yes, the 'Startup India' initiative offers various incentives, tax exemptions, and fast-tracked patent applications for recognized startups.
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Vendor Registration
Vendor registration is the process of registering your company with large entities (like India Energy, Ashghal, Ooredoo) to be eligible for their tenders.
Yes, you generally need a valid Certificate of Incorporation, GST Registration, and PAN to complete vendor qualification for major Indian projects.
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PRO & GRO Services
In India, corporate compliance professionals handle liaison tasks for visas (FRRO), provident fund registrations, and ongoing statutory filings. See our PRO services in India page.
While outsourcing isn't legally mandatory, having designated representatives to navigate complex portals (MCA, GSTN, e-Shram) is operationally essential for compliance.
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Legal Services
Drafting the MoA/AoA and ensuring compliance with the Companies Act 2013 requires professional certification from a Company Secretary (CS) or Chartered Accountant (CA).
Contract review, employment disputes, and intellectual property protection are common areas requiring legal support.