Indian Subsidiary
Company Registration
for Foreign Businesses
Expand your global business into India — the world's fastest-growing major economy. Set up a Wholly Owned Subsidiary or Subsidiary Company with full RBI/FEMA compliance. 100% online, CA & CS assisted.
Trusted by businesses across India & the world
How TaxClue Registers Your Indian Subsidiary
A transparent, step-by-step journey from first call to fully compliant Indian company — typically completed in 10–15 working days.
Free Consultation Call
Our CA/CS expert understands your business, parent company structure, sector, and FDI route eligibility. We advise on WOS vs Subsidiary and any restricted-sector approvals needed.
Day 1Document Collection
We share a personalised checklist for all foreign directors, Indian resident directors, and the parent company. Documents for apostille/notarisation are clearly flagged with instructions.
Day 1–3DSC & DIN for All Directors
Digital Signature Certificates (Class-3) and Director Identification Numbers arranged for all proposed directors — including the mandatory Indian resident director.
Day 2–4Name Reservation (SPICe+)
We run a thorough MCA availability check + trademark screening before applying via RUN or SPICe+ Part A to avoid rejections. Name must include "Private Limited".
Day 3–5MOA, AOA & SPICe+ Part B
We draft the Memorandum and Articles of Association reflecting the parent company's shareholding structure, and file all incorporation forms with ROC via the MCA portal.
Day 5–8Certificate of Incorporation
MCA issues the COI with your company's CIN. Simultaneously, PAN, TAN, ESIC, EPFO, and GST registration are applied via AGILE-PRO-S — all in one filing.
Day 8–12Bank Account & Capital Remittance
We guide you in opening the company's Indian bank account and remitting the initial share capital from the parent company via SWIFT/wire transfer as per FEMA guidelines.
Day 10–14RBI / FEMA Filing (FC-GPR)
After share allotment, we file the mandatory Form FC-GPR with RBI within 30 days. We also advise on annual FLA return, transfer pricing, and ongoing FEMA reporting obligations.
✅ Done!What is an Indian Subsidiary Company?
An Indian Subsidiary Company is a company incorporated in India where more than 50% of the share capital is held by a foreign parent company. It is registered under the Companies Act, 2013 and can be structured as:
Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS)
100% shares held by the foreign parent company. Full ownership and operational control. Most popular structure for MNCs entering India.
Partly Owned Subsidiary
Foreign parent holds more than 50% but less than 100% of shares. Indian partners or investors hold the remaining stake.
The Indian subsidiary operates as a completely independent legal entity — separate from the parent company. It can own property, hire employees, enter contracts, raise local debt, and repatriate profits to the parent under FEMA regulations.
Why India? Why now?
India is the world's 5th largest economy and growing at 7%+ annually. With 1.4 billion+ consumers, a young English-speaking workforce, and 100% FDI permitted in most sectors under the automatic route — India has never been easier or more attractive for global business expansion.
Who is an Indian Subsidiary Ideal For?
Foreign Corporations
Expanding into India's fast-growing domestic market for products or services.
Overseas IT & SaaS Companies
Establishing Indian development centers, delivery teams, or customer support operations.
Manufacturing & Industrial Companies
Setting up Indian production units under Make in India or PLI scheme benefits.
Healthcare, Fintech & EdTech
Foreign investors entering India's booming regulated sectors with high-growth potential.
E-Commerce & D2C Brands
International brands looking to sell directly to Indian consumers via their own entity.
MNCs & Consulting Firms
Seeking local India presence for client servicing, regulatory compliance, and government tenders.
Advantages & Disadvantages
✅ Advantages
- 🌍100% Foreign Ownership — Permitted under automatic route in most sectors
- 🛡️Limited Liability — Parent's liability limited to its shareholding in the subsidiary
- 🏢Separate Legal Identity — Operates independently from the parent company
- 💸Profit Repatriation — Dividends can be legally remitted to parent under FEMA
- 📜DTAA Benefits — Tax treaties with 90+ countries reduce withholding tax on dividends
- 🏆Market Access — Direct entry to 1.4 billion+ consumers and government procurement
⚠️ Limitations
- 📋Higher Compliance — Both MCA and FEMA/RBI obligations apply annually
- 👤Indian Resident Director Mandatory — At least one must stay in India 182+ days/year
- 📊RBI Filings Required — FC-GPR, FLA return, and transfer pricing documentation
- 🔐Restricted Sectors — Some sectors need prior government approval before FDI
- 🔄Apostilled Documents — Parent company documents must be apostilled/notarised abroad
- 🏦Transfer Pricing Rules — Related-party transactions require arm's-length documentation
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Here is the detailed legal process for registering an Indian Subsidiary — handled end-to-end by TaxClue.
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1
Parent Company Board Resolution & Apostille
The foreign parent company passes a Board Resolution authorising the formation of an Indian subsidiary, specifying investment amount and authorised signatories. All parent company documents (Certificate of Incorporation, MOA/AOA) must be apostilled or notarised as per the Hague Convention.
Foreign Country -
2
DSC & DIN for All Directors
Class-3 DSC and DIN obtained for all proposed directors — including at least one Indian resident director. Foreign directors require apostilled KYC documents.
MCA Portal -
3
FDI Route & Sector Check
TaxClue verifies your sector's FDI policy — automatic route (no approval needed) or approval route (government/RBI approval required). Restricted sectors such as Defence, Multi-brand retail, or Broadcasting require prior FIPB clearance.
DPIIT / RBI -
4
Company Name Reservation (SPICe+ Part A)
Name availability and trademark screening done before filing. Name must include "Private Limited" suffix. TaxClue recommends 2–3 name options to avoid delays.
MCA Portal -
5
Filing SPICe+ Part B, e-MOA, e-AOA & AGILE-PRO-S
Full incorporation details filed with ROC including parent company's shareholding, registered office, business objectives, and director details. AGILE-PRO-S simultaneously registers for PAN, TAN, GST, ESIC, and EPFO.
MCA Portal -
6
Certificate of Incorporation Issued ✅
MCA issues the COI with CIN. Company is now a legal entity. Indian bank account can be opened, business operations can commence.
Day 8–12 -
7
Foreign Capital Inflow & Share Allotment
Parent company remits initial share capital to the Indian subsidiary's bank account via SWIFT. TaxClue prepares the share allotment resolution and Board Minutes, and allots shares to the parent company.
Bank / RBI -
8
RBI / FEMA Reporting — Form FC-GPR
Within 30 days of share allotment, Form FC-GPR must be filed with RBI via the FIRMS portal to report the foreign investment. TaxClue handles this filing along with all supporting documents, FIRC, and KYC forms.
RBI FIRMS Portal
What You Get with TaxClue Registration
Certificate of Incorporation
MCA-issued COI with your company's CIN and full legal standing.
Company PAN & TAN
Applied via AGILE-PRO-S — no separate applications needed.
MOA & AOA Documents
Reflecting the foreign parent's shareholding and Indian business objectives.
DSC for All Directors
Class-3 DSCs for all Indian and foreign directors, valid 2 years.
ESIC & EPF Registration
Statutory employee registrations done via AGILE-PRO-S filing.
FC-GPR Filing (RBI)
Mandatory FEMA reporting of foreign investment to RBI within 30 days of allotment.
Share Allotment & Capital Setup
Professional guidance on share structure, share certificates, and capital deposits.
Free Compliance Advisory
Bonus: GST, ROC, FEMA annual obligations explained free post-incorporation.
Documents Needed for Indian Subsidiary Registration
For Indian Directors & Shareholders
PAN Card
Mandatory for all Indian resident directors.
Aadhaar Card
Identity proof linked to active mobile number.
Address Proof
Bank statement or utility bill (max 2 months old).
Passport-size Photo
Recent colour photo on white background.
Rent Agreement & NOC
For the registered Indian office address.
Utility Bill
Electricity or gas bill of the office premises.
For Foreign Parent Company
Certificate of Incorporation
Apostilled or notarised as per the Hague Convention by competent authority.
MOA & AOA (Attested)
Memorandum and Articles of Association of the parent company, apostilled.
Board Resolution
Authorising the formation of an Indian subsidiary and specifying investment amount.
KYC of Authorised Signatory
Passport, address proof, and photo of the parent company's authorised representative.
Apostille Note
For countries not part of the Hague Convention, documents must be notarised by the Indian Embassy.
Foreign Director Passport
Valid passport as identity proof for all foreign directors joining the board.
Automatic Route vs Approval Route Sectors
India's FDI policy under DPIIT governs which sectors allow 100% foreign investment without prior approval (Automatic Route) and which require Government or RBI clearance (Approval Route).
IT & Software
100% FDI automatic — most popular for foreign tech companies entering India.
Manufacturing
100% FDI automatic — eligible for PLI scheme and Make in India incentives.
Healthcare & Pharma
100% automatic for greenfield. Brownfield requires approval above 74%.
E-Commerce (B2B)
100% FDI automatic for marketplace-model e-commerce platforms.
EdTech & Education
100% FDI automatic in private educational institutions.
Construction & Infrastructure
100% FDI automatic for townships, commercial, residential development.
Defence Manufacturing
100% FDI — up to 74% automatic, beyond 74% requires government approval.
Media & Broadcasting
News media and broadcasting require prior government approval for FDI.
Multi-Brand Retail
Requires government approval. Single-brand retail allows 100% FDI automatic.
Not sure about your sector's FDI eligibility?
TaxClue's legal experts will assess your exact sector, ownership structure, and applicable FEMA regulations before you proceed. We ensure you enter India through the right route — without delays or compliance issues. Get a free assessment →
Post-Registration Compliance Requirements
An Indian Subsidiary must comply with both Companies Act, 2013 (MCA) and FEMA regulations (RBI) annually. TaxClue handles all of this for you.
TaxClue Annual Compliance for Indian Subsidiaries
Our all-inclusive package covers MCA filings, FEMA/RBI reporting, transfer pricing documentation, GST returns, and statutory audit coordination. One team, one point of contact, complete compliance. Get a quote →
Why Choose TaxClue for Indian Subsidiary Registration?
India Entry Specialists
Dedicated team with expertise in foreign company incorporation, FDI routes, and FEMA compliance — not just ROC filings.
Full FEMA / RBI Compliance
FC-GPR filing, FLA return, transfer pricing documentation — all handled by our regulatory compliance team.
Cross-Border Document Assistance
We guide you on apostille requirements, notarisation formats, and Embassy attestation for your country.
Transparent Fixed Pricing
One all-inclusive quote covering government fees, professional charges, and FEMA filings. No surprise add-ons.
Dedicated CA/CS Manager
A qualified CA/CS assigned to your subsidiary project — single point of contact from first call to full compliance.
100% Remote & Online
The entire process is handled remotely. No physical visits to India required from the foreign team.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is an Indian Subsidiary Company?+An Indian Subsidiary Company is a company incorporated in India where more than 50% of the share capital is owned by a foreign company. It is a completely separate legal entity from the parent company — it can own assets, hire employees, enter contracts, and operate as an independent Indian company. The parent's liability is limited to its shareholding investment.
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What are the minimum requirements to register an Indian Subsidiary?+
- Minimum 2 Directors (at least 1 must be an Indian resident)
- Minimum 2 Shareholders — can be individuals or corporate entities
- A registered office address in India
- DSC and DIN for all proposed directors
- Foreign parent company documents — apostilled Certificate of Incorporation, MOA/AOA, and Board Resolution authorising the Indian subsidiary
- No minimum capital — though a realistic amount is advisable for operations and banking
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Can a foreign company own 100% of an Indian company?+Yes. 100% FDI is permitted under the automatic route in most sectors including IT, manufacturing, healthcare, e-commerce, and consulting. This means no prior RBI or government approval is needed. However, sectors like defence (above 74%), multi-brand retail, media, and banking require prior government approval. TaxClue will verify your specific sector's FDI limit before proceeding.
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What is the difference between Automatic Route and Approval Route?+Automatic Route: Foreign investment is permitted without any prior approval from the Government or RBI. The investor only needs to file Form FC-GPR with RBI within 30 days after share allotment. This covers most sectors in India.
Approval Route: Foreign investment requires prior approval from the relevant Ministry or from RBI before investment can be made. Applicable to sensitive sectors like defence, media, multi-brand retail, and banking. TaxClue's legal team assesses your sector and handles approval applications if required. -
What is Form FC-GPR and when must it be filed?+Form FC-GPR (Foreign Currency — Gross Provisional Return) is a mandatory RBI filing to report the receipt of foreign investment into an Indian company. It must be filed through the FIRMS portal within 30 days of allotment of shares to the foreign investor. The filing includes details of the investment amount, Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC), KYC of the investor, and valuation certificate. Non-compliance attracts significant FEMA penalties. TaxClue handles this filing end-to-end.
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Can profits be repatriated back to the parent company?+Yes. An Indian Subsidiary can legally repatriate profits to the foreign parent company in the form of dividends, subject to Indian income tax (typically 20% withholding tax, reducible under applicable DTAA). India has Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) with over 90 countries, which significantly reduce withholding tax rates. TaxClue advises on optimal dividend and profit repatriation strategies under FEMA and applicable tax treaties.
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How long does it take to register an Indian Subsidiary?+With complete documents from both Indian directors and the foreign parent company, TaxClue typically completes registration in 10–15 working days. The timeline includes DSC/DIN (1–2 days), name reservation (2–3 days), incorporation filing (3–5 days), and COI issuance (2–4 days). The subsequent FC-GPR filing and bank account opening may take an additional 7–15 days. Apostillation of foreign documents by the parent company is typically the longest variable in the timeline.
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Does the foreign director need to visit India?+No. The entire registration process can be completed remotely. Foreign directors are not required to visit India for incorporation. All documents can be signed digitally (using their home country's notarised/apostilled signatures) and submitted electronically. TaxClue coordinates all document requirements and filings remotely. The Indian resident director handles any in-person requirements locally.
What Our Clients Say
From solo founders to foreign corporations — 5,000+ businesses trust TaxClue for registrations, FEMA compliance, and growth in India.
We were a Singapore-based SaaS company trying to set up an Indian subsidiary for our sales team. TaxClue handled everything remotely — from apostille guidance to the FC-GPR filing with RBI. Their FEMA expertise is genuinely rare. We were fully operational in India within 3 weeks.
TaxClue made my OPC registration completely stress-free. I got my Certificate of Incorporation in under 8 working days. Their CA was available on WhatsApp throughout and explained every compliance requirement clearly. Best decision I made for my consulting business.
We registered our LLP and they drafted our LLP Agreement very thoughtfully — protecting both partners' interests clearly. Three years later, they still handle all our annual compliance, and not once have we received a notice or penalty. Truly worry-free compliance.
As a UAE-based investor, I needed to set up a subsidiary for our real estate consulting business in India. TaxClue navigated the FDI eligibility check, got us the right structure, and filed all the FEMA paperwork. Professional, reliable, and excellent value for money.
We needed a Private Limited Company and FSSAI State License together for our food import business. TaxClue coordinated both applications simultaneously and saved us weeks of back-and-forth. The pricing was transparent from day one — exactly what they quoted. Zero surprises.
Our US company had been wanting to enter India for two years but was put off by the complexity. TaxClue's team explained the entire process in a single 30-minute call, identified the right FDI route, and completed the full subsidiary registration in 12 days. Highly recommend.
Your Indian Subsidiary is One Step Away
Join 5,000+ businesses — from global MNCs to ambitious startups — who chose TaxClue for their India entry. CA/CS-assisted, 100% online, fully FEMA compliant.
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