Business Setup in India

Global economic growth has already started its journey of shifting towards developing nations. Being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India offers plenty of opportunity to businesses looking to expand their operations in India. For a smooth business setup in India, you may need a physical presence to break into India’s developing business sector. However, only the right kind of presence can make it into the tough business scenario in India.

With a huge market of 1.3 billion people, India is a place of business interest for many across the globe. Registering your business in India as a foreign country and that too in a developing nation like India requires the right professional support. From starting the Liaison Office to branch office and Project office, at VJM GLOBAL you are going to get the right assistance to thrive your business in India.

Our Associations

Branch Office

From export and import of goods to offering professional or consultancy services, setting up a business in India and opening a branch office associated with a foreign company is allowed to perform some of the basic operations in India. But one needs approval from the RBI and proceed through the provisions described under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 to start a branch office in India.

BRANCH OFFICE IN INDIA

The branch office has to have the same name as the parent company abroad.
The parent company looking to set up its branch office in India should have a profitable financial track record for the last 5 years.
The foreign parent company needs to fulfill the financial obligations of the branch office if it doesn’t generate any revenue from its business operations in the country.
As per the latest audited balance sheet of the parent company, the company needs to have a total paid-up capital or net worth value of USD 100,000 or more.

ACTIVITIES BRANCH OFFICE CAN DO

Can offer professional or consultancy service
Can export or import goods from or to India
Allowed to carry research work in the sectors where the parent company is engaged
A branch office can represent the parent company in India and act as a buying or selling agent for the company
Branch offices can offer services in IT and Software development operations in India
Can offer technical assistance for the parent company product

Liaison Office

The primary objective of a Liaison Office of a company in India is to explore the market and investment climate while taking care of the business in a particular zone. Starting a business in India for foreigners including building of Liaison Offices can involve in-depth research for finding out possible market opportunities, source of supply while offering details regarding the parent company to the Indian authority and customer base.

LIAISON OFFICE IN INDIA

A Liaison office is not allowed to execute any commercial operations in India
A Liaison office is not allowed to borrow or lend money
All expenses of a Liaison office has to be meet via inward remittances from the parent company through the associated bank
Liaison Offices are not subject to taxation in India

ATIVITIES LIAISON OFFICE CAN DO

Can act as a representative of the Parent Company or Group of Companies
Promote export or import business in India
Can develop financial or technical collaborations between the Parent company and Indian companies
Act as a communication channel

Project Office

Starting a project office registration in India is the most ideal way for businesses to have a strong presence in India only for a limited time. For project office setup in India along the lines of a project office, the foreign company needs approval from the Reserve Bank of India and register themselves under RoC. Team VJM Global can help set up a Project Office in India for Foreign Companies. After completion of certain formalities under the Companies Act, 2013 you can consider setting up the project office in India.

CONDITION FOR PROJECT OFFICE

The project needs to be directly funded from abroad through inward remittance
A multilateral or bilateral financing agency can also fund the project
In certain cases the project can also be cleared by a proper authority
An Indian company or entity is awarding the contract and grant a Term Loan through a Public Financial Institution or an Indian bank

ACTIVITIES PROJECT OFFICE CAN DO

The project needs to be directly funded from abroad through inward remittance
A multilateral or bilateral financing agency can also fund the project
In certain cases the project can also be cleared by a proper authority
An Indian company or entity is awarding the contract and grant a Term Loan through a Public Financial Institution or an Indian bank

Industries We Serve

Countries We Serve

Automotive & Transportation

Retail & Wholesale

Insurance

Hospitality

Manufacturing

Law

And more…

Healthcare

Banking & Finance

India

United States

United Kingdom

South Africa

Switzerland

Nigeria

Germany

Italy

Algeria

UAE

Japan

China

And more…

Argentina

Ukraine

Singapore

Malaysia

France

Ethiopia

Industries We Serve

Automotive & Transportation

Retail & Wholesale

Insurance

Hospitality

Manufacturing

Law

Healthcare

Banking & Finance

And more…

Countries We Serve

India

United States

United Kingdom

South Africa

Switzerland

Nigeria

Germany

Italy

Germany

Italy

Algeria

UAE

Japan

China

Argentina

Ukraine

Singapore

Malaysia

France

Ethiopia

Testimonials

What our clients say about us

Frequently asked Questions

Why India?

According to a recent report from the World Bank, the ease of doing business in India has improved quite a lot after a series of reforms. Things are much more comfortable for companies to pay taxes, get construction permits, and proceed with cross border transactions. As per the “Doing Business 2019” report, India features in the list of top 10 most improved economies. From automotive, infrastructure, chemical to pharmaceuticals, textiles and others with a population of 1.36 billion India can offer the most prominent market to perform business proceedings for foreign entities.

How can foreign companies open Liaison Office or Branch Office in India?

Foreign entities looking to set up Liaison Office or Branch Office in India need to apply through Form FNC along with the required documents to the General Manager of Foreign Exchange Department under the Central Office Cell of RBI. However, the application should be processed via an Authorised Dealer Bank.

Is there any limit or minimum requirement in the net worth value of a foreign company willing to establish BO or LO in India?

A foreign company willing to set up a LO in India should have reported a net worth of minimum USD 100,000 or its equivalent as per their latest Audited Balance Sheet. In the case of the Liaison Office, the value should be a minimum of USD 50,000 or equivalent.

Can Liaison Office or Branch Office have more than one bank account in India?

The answer is no! If a Liaison Office or a Branch Office needs to have more than one account, they need to get permission from the Reserve Bank of India through its AD Category I bank while maintaining the reason clearly.

Is it possible for Liaison Office, Branch Office, or Project Office to acquire property in India for their operations?

While Liaison Offices can’t acquire property, Branch Offices and Project Offices can have a property for their own use. They can proceed with incidental or permitted activities but can’t offer rent or lease on their property.

Does a Liaison Office come under the taxation policy of India?

A Liaison Office does not ensure or assure any income in India since they don’t have the permission to conduct commercial/ industrial or trading activity directly or indirectly. Hence, a company that only has a Liaison Office is not subjected to taxation in India.

Is it possible to upgrade a LO into a BO with the same PAN and Bank account?

Yes, Liaison Offices can upgrade as a Branch Office, all they need to do is re-designate the account as a Branch Office account.

Is it possible for a Liaison Office to trigger a permanent establishment status in India?

If a foreign company establishes a direct business connection with the Liaison Office, then it can trigger permanent establishment status in India.

Is it possible for an AD to approve the transfer of assets of a Liaison Office/ Branch Office or Project Office to a third party who is a resident?

Yes, an AD bank can offer approval for the transfer of assets.

Can an Indian subsidiary company abroad get approval for opening a BO in India within the automatic route?

No, an Indian subsidiary company abroad can’t open a BO in India within the automatic route.

Do AD banks require to get a UIN form Reserve Bank for Project Office?

No, AD banks don’t need the UIN form RBI. They have the authority to offer UIN form for Project Office.

Services for Foreign Companies

Know more about our complete portfolio of services for foreign companies in India

Transfer Pricing

Transfer pricing is all about determining the nature, treatment and taxability of intra-group transactions across several geographies. The transaction is put to test by the determination of arm’s length price of the transaction as per the prescribed transfer pricing methodologies.

FEMA Advisiory

If you are looking for a trustworthy partner or a reliable FEMA advisor, we will be the right fit for you. We keep a world-class pool of professional FEMA consultants to provide you with a complete solution, covering almost all areas of FEMA, bookkeeping and accounting tasks, GST returns etc.

Taxation of Expatriates

We are the market leaders to deliver a higher-quality accounting and reporting solution to our clients more quickly and efficiently in an environment of technological change, digital demonstration, could computing, online bookkeeping and GST filing, and increased regulatory changes and scrutinizes.

Why Choose Us

Client Centric Approach

Client is the key driver of our service offerings. Our approach to service offerings is based on a client centric and customized approach. Our specialized teams are a mix of technical and industry experience in order to serve clientele for their specific needs.

Quick Turnaround

We always endeavour for a quick turnaround time to serve our clientele. We are supported by an experienced and client focussed support teams to offer timely services to our clientele. In case of any business exigencies and time sensitive service requirements, you can always count on us.

Team Work

We have built high performing teams supported by strong work ethic. Our team is a mix of experts, professionals and support staff from technical and varied academic, cultural, social and ethnic backgrounds. We believe that this diversification plays a vital role in motivating the team into High Performing Teams.

Open Communications

We believe that open communication is the core principle in order to demonstrate trust, build long lasting and valuable relationships with clientele. We are committed to ensuring transparency in communication, service offerings and delivery.

Driving quality in delivery

Our service offerings are driven by quality and reviews at every level. We strive to provide a qualitative and value-added delivery to our clientele. At all times, we endeavour to provide exceptional client service by meeting client expectations and driving client satisfaction.

Blogs and Articles

Company Law

RoC Imposed Huge Penalties for Failure to Furnish Copy of Resolution with the RoC in form MGT-14

The Company was incorporated in 2016 and was a Nidhi Company. The Company failed to file the Board Resolution passed for approval of Financial with

18/03/2025

Direct Taxation

ITAT Analysis Principal Purpose Test (PPT) and Allowed the Benefit of the India-Luxembourg Tax Treaty

In the matter of SC Lowy P.I. (LUX) S.A.R.L., Luxembourg Vs ACIT, International Taxation (ITA No.3568/DEL/2023 ) Summary M/s S C Lowy P.I. (LUX)

18/03/2025

Points to be taken care of before end of Financial Year 2024-25, i.e., 31st March, 2025| Part-2

Goods and Service Tax

Points to be taken care of before the end of Financial Year 2024-25, i.e., 31st March 2025| Part-2

With the approach of March 31, 2025, it is essential for businesses to address various compliance requirements to facilitate a seamless transition into the new

18/03/2025