| You are… | Options open to you | Key condition |
|---|---|---|
| Indian resident founder(s) | Private Limited Company · LLP · One Person Company · Partnership firm · Sole proprietorship | Pvt Ltd needs 2+ directors and 2+ shareholders |
| NRI / OCI founder | Private Limited Company · LLP · One Person Company (Indian citizens only) | One director must be resident in India; investment follows FEMA rules |
| Foreign national founder | Private Limited Company · LLP (in eligible sectors) | Needs a resident Indian director or designated partner |
| Foreign company | Wholly owned subsidiary · Joint venture · LLP · Branch office · Liaison office · Project office | Subsidiary/JV under FDI rules; branch, liaison and project offices need RBI approval through your bank |
| Investor from a country sharing a land border with India | Any of the above | Prior Government of India approval needed for any investment |
Not sure which row you're in, or which option is right? Answer a few questions in the form below and we'll tell you.
The default for businesses that plan to grow, hire or raise funding. Minimum 2 directors and 2 shareholders; at least one director must have stayed in India for 182 days or more. Foreign shareholding up to 100% in most sectors under the automatic route.
Best for: startups, funded businesses, foreign subsidiaries.
Limited liability with lighter compliance than a company. Minimum 2 designated partners, at least one resident in India. Foreign investment allowed only in sectors open to 100% automatic-route FDI with no performance conditions.
Best for: professional firms, consultancies, family businesses.
A company with a single owner. Open to Indian citizens, whether resident in India or NRI. Not available to foreign nationals. Can convert to a Private Limited Company at any time.
Best for: solo founders and consultants.
Quick to start, but no limited liability and not open to foreign investment.
Best for: small resident-owned businesses testing an idea.
An Indian Private Limited Company owned fully or partly by a foreign parent. Can do everything an Indian company can, within FDI sector rules. Share issue reported to RBI.
Best for: foreign companies building a long-term India operation or delivery centre.
An extension of the foreign company, allowed only for specified activities such as export/import, consultancy, research and IT services. Needs RBI approval through your bank.
Best for: foreign companies that want to trade or provide services without a separate company.
A representative office that can only promote and liaise. It cannot earn income in India. Needs RBI approval through your bank.
Best for: testing the Indian market.
Set up to carry out a specific contract won in India, closed when the project ends.
Best for: foreign contractors on Indian projects.
| Founder type | Identity | Address | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian resident | PAN, Aadhaar | Recent bank statement or utility bill | Photo, email, mobile |
| NRI / OCI | Passport (PAN if held) | Overseas address proof | Notarised or apostilled copies |
| Foreign national | Passport | Overseas address proof | Apostilled or consularised copies |
| Foreign company | Certificate of incorporation, constitutional documents | Registered address proof | Board resolution, authorised signatory, apostilled |
| For the office (all) | — | Rent agreement or ownership proof, recent utility bill | Owner's NOC |
A Private Limited Company or LLP is typically incorporated in 2–3 weeks once documents are ready. Foreign documents (apostille) and RBI approvals for branch or liaison offices take longer; we'll give you a timeline for your case.
| When | What | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Within 30 days | Appoint first auditor | Companies |
| Within 30 days | File LLP agreement | LLPs |
| Within 30 days of share allotment | FC-GPR reporting to RBI | Companies with foreign investment |
| Within 180 days | Commencement of business declaration (INC-20A) | Companies |
| Monthly / quarterly | GST returns, TDS, PF and ESIC | All registered entities |
| By 15 July each year | Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) return | Entities with foreign investment |
| After year-end | Audit, annual return, financial statements, income-tax return | All |
Missed deadlines mean penalties. Our compliance calendar flags every due date before it arrives.
Questions we hear
Yes. NRIs can own a Private Limited Company, LLP or OPC. The company still needs one director who lives in India; we can help you find one.
In most sectors, yes, under the automatic route with no prior approval. Some sectors have caps or need government approval, and investors from countries sharing a land border with India always need approval.
Choose a company if you plan to raise equity funding or give ESOPs. Choose an LLP for lower compliance in a professional or family business.
You need a registered address. It can be a rented office, a co-working space or a residential address with the owner's consent.
Yes. Bank, GST, payroll and RBI reporting are part of the setup.
Tell us a little about your business and we will get back to you shortly.