For foreign founders & companies
Setting Up a Company in India? See the Cost and Timeline First
Answer seven questions and get an itemised estimate of government fees, a week-by-week timeline, the documents you need and the RBI filings that follow — for a Private Limited subsidiary or an LLP.
- ✓ Resident director and FDI route checked for you
- ✓ Costs in rupees and US dollars
- ✓ Built on the rules as they stand in October 2026
India Company Setup Estimator
Cost, timeline and documents for foreign founders — free, no sign-up.
Who This Is For
- Foreign companies opening an Indian subsidiary for a development or support team
- Founders from the USA, UK, UAE, Europe or Singapore starting a business in India
- Overseas firms that want to invoice Indian clients through a local entity
- OCI card holders and foreign nationals living in India who want their own company
Which Structure Fits You?
Private Limited Company (subsidiary)
The usual choice. 100% foreign ownership is allowed in most sectors, it can issue shares and ESOPs, and banks and clients trust it. Needs 2 directors (one resident in India) and 2 shareholders.
LLP
Lighter compliance and no dividend tax at the LLP level, but foreign investment is allowed only in sectors open 100% under the automatic route with no conditions. Cannot issue shares or ESOPs.
Branch or Liaison Office
For a foreign company that wants a presence without forming a new entity. Needs approval through an Indian bank under RBI rules, and a liaison office cannot earn income. Ask us if this fits you better.
The Rules in Plain Words
As they stand in October 2026.
One director must live in India
Every Indian company needs at least one director who stayed in India for 182 days or more in the financial year (Section 149(3), Companies Act 2013). For an LLP, one designated partner must have stayed 120 days or more. The person can be Indian or a foreigner living in India.
Automatic route for most sectors
IT, software, consulting, most services, manufacturing and wholesale trading allow 100% foreign ownership without prior approval. E-commerce, retail and regulated sectors have conditions, caps or need approval.
Land-border countries need approval
Investment by a citizen or entity of China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar or Afghanistan — or with such a beneficial owner — needs government approval under Press Note 2 (2026). Non-controlling ownership up to 10% may use the automatic route.
Apostilled documents from abroad
Passports and address proofs of foreign directors, and the parent company's documents, must be apostilled (or attested by the Indian consulate in non-Hague countries) before filing.
Report the money to RBI
When the foreign shareholder's money comes in and shares are allotted, Form FC-GPR is filed on RBI's FIRMS portal within 30 days of allotment. For an LLP, FDI-LLP(I) is filed within 30 days of receiving the contribution. Late filing needs compounding.
No minimum capital
There is no legal minimum share capital for a Private Limited company. The government incorporation fee is nil up to ₹15 lakh authorised capital; stamp duty depends on the state.
How We Set It Up — Fully Online
Free call
Tell us your activity, owners and timeline. We confirm the route and send a fixed quote.
Documents
We send a checklist. You get documents apostilled in your country and courier or upload them.
Incorporation
DSC, name approval and SPICe+ / FiLLiP filing. PAN and TAN come with the certificate.
Bank & RBI
Bank account, capital remittance, share allotment and FC-GPR filing — then you can start.
More reading: Private Limited registration guide · LLP vs Pvt Ltd · Annual ROC compliance · Company registration service
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in India?
Yes, in most sectors. IT, software, services, manufacturing and wholesale trading allow 100% foreign ownership under the automatic route. Some sectors have caps or need government approval, and investors from countries sharing a land border with India need approval.
Do I need an Indian director?
You need at least one director who stays in India for 182 days or more in the financial year. It does not have to be an Indian citizen — a foreigner living in India also qualifies. If you don't have anyone, we can talk about options.
How long does it take to register a company in India as a foreigner?
Usually 4 to 10 weeks under the automatic route, from apostilling documents to having a bank account with capital received and reported to RBI. Incorporation alone is often 2 to 3 weeks once documents are in order. Government approval cases take several months.
Do I need to visit India?
Usually no. Documents are apostilled in your country, digital signatures are issued after online video verification, and filings are online. Some banks may ask for a video call or an in-person visit to open the account.
What is the minimum capital?
There is no legal minimum. Many subsidiaries start with ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh and add capital as they grow. The capital you bring in must come through banking channels and be reported to RBI.
Does the estimate include your fee?
No. The estimator shows government fees and typical third-party costs. Our professional fee depends on the structure and the number of people, and we confirm it in writing before we start.
Indian living abroad? See our NRI tax services.
Get in Touch
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Contact Information
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Reach us by phone, WhatsApp, email or visit our office for professional tax, accounting and compliance assistance.
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+91 93549 53603
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info@rajputlalitassociates.in
Office Address
1805, Sector-9,
Ambala City, Haryana - 134003
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Sunday: Closed
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