APLITE ADVISORS
FOREIGN COMPANY REGISTRATION IN INDIA A practical guide to business setup, incorporation and compliance
BUSINESS SETUP & ADVISORY
India market entry Structure • Registration • Compliance
www.apliteadvisors.com | +91-9015036021
01 / OPPORTUNITY
Why consider doing business in India? A large, diverse market can offer opportunities—but entry decisions should be aligned with your business model.
MARKET ACCESS
BUSINESS ECOSYSTEM
LONG-TERM PRESENCE
Reach customers and partners across multiple sectors and regions.
Explore opportunities in technology, services, manufacturing, trade and more.
Build an operating structure suited to your commercial plans and growth goals.
The right structure depends on ownership, activities, sector rules and the intended scope of operations.
APLITE ADVISORS | www.apliteadvisors.com
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02 / CHOOSING A STRUCTURE
Common routes for foreign businesses The appropriate route depends on the purpose of the Indian presence and the permissions available.
01
INDIAN SUBSIDIARY
A locally incorporated company, often used for ongoing commercial operations.
Consider when: local contracting, hiring and business activity are planned.
02
BRANCH OFFICE
A permitted extension of the foreign parent for approved activities.
Consider when: the parent company needs a defined operating presence.
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LIAISON OFFICE
A representative office for permitted liaison activities; commercial activity is restricted.
Consider when: the goal is limited representation or communication.
Other structures or permissions may apply depending on sector, activity and applicable law. APLITE ADVISORS | www.apliteadvisors.com
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03 / PROCESS
A structured approach to registration Plan the entry route first, then coordinate documentation, approvals and post-registration setup.
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Define the plan
Clarify activities, ownership, funding and operating goals.
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Complete filings
Submit the required applications and obtain relevant approvals or registrations.
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Select the structure
Assess incorporation or other permitted entry routes.
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Prepare documents
Compile identity, address, corporate and authorisation documents as applicable.
Set up compliance
Plan tax, accounting, payroll and ongoing statutory obligations.
Exact procedures and timelines vary by structure, documentation and approval requirements.
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04 / PREPARATION
Documents and details to plan for The final checklist is structure-specific. Start by identifying the parent entity, proposed ownership and authorised signatories.
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CORPORATE RECORDS
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Certificate of incorporation, constitutional documents and board authorisations, as applicable.
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BUSINESS INFORMATION Proposed activities, registered address details, ownership and capital information.
IDENTITY & ADDRESS Identity and address evidence for directors, authorised representatives or other relevant parties.
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CERTIFICATION Notarisation, apostille or consular formalities and translations, where required.
Avoid preparing a one-size-fits-all file: confirm current requirements before submission.
APLITE ADVISORS | www.apliteadvisors.com
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05 / AFTER REGISTRATION
Registration is the beginning—not the finish line. A sound compliance framework helps the business operate with clarity and confidence.
TAX & GST
ACCOUNTING
Assess income tax, GST and withholding requirements relevant to the business.
Maintain books, records and financial reporting processes.
CORPORATE FILINGS
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Track applicable annual returns, event-based filings and statutory records.
Review relevant foreign investment and reporting requirements where applicable.
Applicable duties depend on the entity type, activities, turnover, ownership and current law.
APLITE ADVISORS | www.apliteadvisors.com
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06 / ADVISORY SUPPORT
How Aplite Advisors can help Coordinated guidance across setup and ongoing finance and compliance needs.
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Business structure and incorporation guidance
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Documentation and registration coordination
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PAN, TAN and GST-related support, where applicable
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Taxation, accounting and financial reporting
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Corporate and statutory compliance support
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Ongoing advisory based on business requirements
Support can be tailored to the proposed structure, sector and scope of engagement.
APLITE ADVISORS | www.apliteadvisors.com
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APLITE ADVISORS
Planning to establish your business in India? Get professional guidance on foreign company registration, incorporation, taxation and compliance.
LET'S DISCUSS YOUR PLANS
www.apliteadvisors.com +91-9015036021 Business Setup • Taxation • Compliance