Entry Pathways

Pick the right structure before you file anything.

How you enter India determines your tax exposure, repatriation rights, liability, and how fast you can operate.

Structure Options

Five ways European companies enter India

Most EU manufacturers choose a wholly owned subsidiary. Professional services firms often prefer an LLP. Joint ventures suit sectors with FDI caps.

Most common for EU

Wholly Owned Subsidiary

A private limited company under the Companies Act 2013. Full control, liability ring-fencing, and access to all government incentives.

Setup time4–8 weeks
Min. capitalNo minimum
Can earn revenueYes
RepatriationAllowed under FEMA
Incentive eligibilityFull access

Branch Office

An extension of the foreign parent. Allowed in specific sectors. Profits taxed at a higher rate than a subsidiary.

Setup time8–12 weeks (RBI approval)
Can earn revenueYes (restricted sectors)
RepatriationWith RBI approval
Tax rateHigher than subsidiary
Incentive eligibilityLimited

LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)

Suited to professional services and consulting. Fewer compliance requirements than a private limited company.

Setup time3–6 weeks
Can earn revenueYes
Audit requirementOnly if turnover above ₹40L
FDI allowedYes (automatic route)
Incentive eligibilityPartial access

Joint Venture

Required in sectors with FDI caps (defence, insurance, media). Shared risk, shared control with an Indian partner.

Setup time8–16 weeks
Can earn revenueYes
ControlShared with partner
RiskPartner due diligence critical
Incentive eligibilityFull access
How we help

From structure decision to operating entity

01

Structure advisory

We assess your sector, FDI rules, tax position and timeline to recommend the right entity type.

02

Incorporation

Company name reservation, MCA filing, PAN, TAN and certificate of incorporation.

03

RBI & FEMA compliance

Foreign investment reporting, share allotment filings, and repatriation structure setup.

04

Operational setup

GST registration, bank account, statutory auditor appointment and first-year compliance calendar.

Not sure which structure fits?

We’ll tell you in 30 minutes.

Sector, investment size, timeline — that’s all we need.

Book a Free Advisory Call
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