India is one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, offering a massive consumer market, deep talent pool, and improving ease of doing business. For foreign companies looking to enter or scale in India, setting up an Indian Subsidiary — typically a Private Limited Company with majority foreign shareholding — is the most preferred and investor-friendly route.
An Indian Subsidiary is a separate legal entity incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, with up to 100% foreign ownership allowed under the automatic route for most sectors. It provides limited liability, credibility with Indian customers and banks, and full operational control for the foreign parent — while remaining compliant with RBI, FEMA, and FDI regulations.
We offer end-to-end support for foreign companies setting up in India — from structuring, name approval, MCA incorporation, FEMA and FDI reporting, tax registrations, to banking, GST, and ongoing compliance — ensuring a smooth, fully compliant, and audit-ready India entry.
100%
FDI allowed in most sectors
15-25
Working days for setup
2
Directors & shareholders needed
1
Indian resident director required
Laws & Regulations We Comply With
Companies Act, 2013
FEMA, 1999
FDI Policy
RBI Regulations
Income Tax Act
GST Law
Transfer Pricing
DTAA
FAQs on Indian Subsidiary Setup
What is an Indian Subsidiary?
An Indian Subsidiary is a Private Limited Company incorporated in India where the majority of shares (more than 50%) are held by a foreign parent company. It is a separate legal entity from its parent, registered under the Companies Act, 2013, and regulated by MCA, RBI, and tax authorities.
Can a foreign company own 100% of an Indian subsidiary?
Yes, in most sectors 100% FDI is permitted under the automatic route. A few sectors have sectoral caps or require government approval under the approval route. We assess your business activity against the latest FDI Policy before finalizing the structure.
How long does it take to set up an Indian subsidiary?
Typically 15 to 25 working days, depending on how quickly apostilled documents are received from the parent company. Post-incorporation activities like opening a bank account, receiving FDI, and filing FC-GPR add another 2 to 4 weeks.
Do I need an Indian resident director?
Yes. Under Section 149 of the Companies Act, at least one director on the board must have stayed in India for at least 182 days during the financial year. This is a mandatory requirement and cannot be waived.
What is FC-GPR and why is it important?
Form FC-GPR (Foreign Currency – Gross Provisional Return) is a mandatory RBI filing when an Indian company issues shares to a foreign investor against inward remittance. It must be filed within 30 days of share allotment. Non-filing attracts penalties under FEMA.
How is an Indian subsidiary taxed?
Indian subsidiaries are taxed as domestic companies at the applicable corporate tax rate (currently 25.17% for most new companies opting under Section 115BAA, plus surcharge and cess). Transactions with the foreign parent are subject to transfer pricing regulations and must be at arm’s length.
Can profits be repatriated to the parent company?
Yes. Profits can be repatriated through dividends, royalty, interest, or service fees, subject to applicable taxes, withholding tax, and compliance with FEMA and RBI regulations. Many transactions also benefit from lower rates under the relevant Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
What are the key ongoing compliances?
Key compliances include MCA annual filings (AOC-4, MGT-7), board and AGM meetings, statutory audit, FC-GPR and annual FLA return to RBI, transfer pricing (Form 3CEB), income tax, TDS, and GST. We provide end-to-end compliance support to keep the subsidiary fully aligned with Indian law.