Start a Private Limited Company in India as a Foreigner
Foreign individuals and entities can own a private limited company in India, in most sectors without prior approval. We handle the resident-director requirement, the paperwork and the incorporation filing.
|800+ businesses served since 2020
Full ownership, an Indian legal identity
A foreign individual or entity can incorporate and own a private limited company in India, in most sectors under the automatic route, without needing prior government approval. The company itself is an Indian entity — taxed here, regulated by the Companies Act, and free to operate, hire and contract like any domestic company.
Certain sectors carry additional conditions, investment caps or approval requirements under India’s FDI policy, and these are reviewed periodically — we check the current position for your specific sector before you incorporate.
- At least one director who is a resident of India
- Notarised and apostilled identity documents for foreign directors and shareholders
- A registered office address in India
- Compliance with the FDI conditions your sector carries, if any
Foreign founders and companies entering India
Building an India-based operation solo or with partners
Individuals abroad who want full or majority ownership of an Indian operating company, rather than routing through a subsidiary structure.
Entering the Indian market directly
Founders who want to sell, hire and contract in India under an Indian legal entity from day one.
A lighter alternative to a subsidiary
Where a full subsidiary of an existing foreign parent isn’t needed yet, direct personal ownership of an Indian private limited company can be the simpler route.
FDI review to incorporation and after
Sector and route check
Confirming whether your sector sits on the automatic FDI route or needs government approval, before you file anything.
Resident director arrangement
Advising on and helping arrange the India-resident director every foreign-owned company needs.
Document notarisation and apostille
Guiding foreign directors and shareholders through getting their documents notarised and apostilled correctly.
Incorporation filing
Name reservation, MOA, AOA and the incorporation form filed with the ROC.
PAN, TAN and banking
Tax registrations issued alongside incorporation, then support opening a local bank account.
Ongoing FEMA and ROC compliance
Annual filings, FDI reporting and other continuing obligations that come with foreign ownership.
Four steps to an operating company
We check the FDI route
Confirm your sector’s current approval requirement, if any.
We arrange documentation
Resident director, notarised papers and incorporation drafts.
We file for incorporation
Submitted to the ROC for approval.
You operate in India
Bank account open, FEMA and ROC filings running.
Questions companies ask first.
Can a foreigner own 100% of an Indian private limited company?
In sectors on the automatic FDI route, yes. Some sectors carry investment caps or need prior government approval, and these conditions are reviewed periodically, so we confirm the current position for your sector first.
Is a resident director mandatory?
Yes. Every company incorporated in India, including one fully owned by foreign shareholders, must have at least one director who is a resident of India.
How is this different from setting up a branch or liaison office?
A private limited company is a separate Indian legal entity that can trade and operate freely. A branch or liaison office is an extension of the foreign parent with restricted activities and no independent legal identity — each suits a different stage of entering India.
Tell us what you need.
A short call to understand where you stand and how we would run this for you. No obligation.
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