ComplyKart Services
Branch Office by Foreign National
Package inclusions:
1. Drafting of the incorporation Documents
2. Approval from RBI & follow up
3. Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation
4. Registration with Local police.
5. Opening of Bank Account
6. Account Maintenance and Payroll Services
CA/CS-guided review
Your documents and structure are checked before anything is filed.
Written scope first
Inclusions and payable charges are explained before work begins.
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Fees
Fees and packages for Branch Office by Foreign National
Every requirement is a little different, so we quote after a short discussion — the consultation itself is free.
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Branch Office by Foreign National
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Overview
Overview
The branch offices are the special offices of the company, which are based in different locations to carry out the company’s activities in that area. The branch office can execute many activities including the expansion of business. The ways of branch office establishment can be different as it depends on the business objective and the mission for which the foreign company is coming to India. India being a country with a high population and the huge potential of the business is a favorite destination for many foreign companies.
If the intention is the study of the Indian market and business then, it would be better for you to set up a liaison or representative office of the foreign company. Meanwhile, if you are planning to take orders but, the item or products will be delivered from the main office then, a branch office of the foreign company would be best. However, the tax on the profit of foreign companies is 40% in comparison to the Indian companies, where it is 30% only.
If you are planning for a branch office of your company in India then, you should get yourself acquainted with the complete process. You can establish a Branch office in India by obtaining a prior approval of RBI or Reserve Bank of India. A branch can be established for various purposes, and there are some terms and conditions to be followed for starting a branch office in India.
Requirements for establishing a branch office in India:
-
Minimum two Directors.
As per Companies Act, 2013 there must be at least 2 Directors in a Private Limited company therefore the 1 st concern is to have 2 Directors in the Subsidiary Company -
Net Worth:
The net worth of the company should not be less than USD 100,000 or its equivalent. -
Similar Name:
The name of the company in India should be the same as the foreign parent company. -
Expenses:
All the expenses of Branch Office are met by the parent Company or by the income accrued from India.
Benefits
Advantages of Having a Branch Office:
Open each benefit to see what it means for you.
For most business owners and directors, Branch Office can be an easy transition for managing cash flow.
Documents
What documents are required to open a branch office in India?
Clear, current documents matter more than a long checklist. Names, dates of birth and addresses should match across every record — that's what the MCA checks first. Tick what you already have below.
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Foreign parent company documents
Verified against MCA requirements
India establishment documents
Verified against MCA requirements
What is a CIN?
Every Private Limited Company gets a unique 21-character Corporate Identification Number from the MCA. It's proof your company legally exists. You'll need it for bank accounts, tax filings, and contracts. We handle the entire application — you just provide the documents above.
Not sure if your documents are ready?
Send us what you have. A ComplyKart expert will review them for free and tell you exactly what's missing — no obligation.
Get Free Document ReviewQuestions Founders ask us about documents
What if my address proof is old?
Utility bills and bank statements must be less than 2 months old. If yours are older, get a fresh copy — the MCA rejects stale proofs.
Do I need original documents?
No. Clear scans or photos work for the entire process. We never ask you to courier originals.
What if directors live in different cities?
That's normal. Each director uploads their own documents separately. Our system keeps everything organised.
I'm outside India. Can I still register a company?
Yes. India allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, and the entire process happens online. You need one Indian resident director, and your passport + address proof must be apostilled — we'll guide you through both. NRI founders and foreign investors do this with us regularly.
Check if you're eligible →How long does registration actually take?
7 to 10 working days from the day your documents are verified. Name approval takes 2-3 days, MCA incorporation another 5-7. We track every stage and update you.
Can I start if I'm missing one document?
Yes. Start now with what you have — we begin name reservation and DSC while you arrange the rest. Most founders are missing one proof; it rarely blocks the timeline.
Process
Branch office approval process — step by step
You’ll see each stage, what’s pending and what we need from you — so filings don’t bounce back.
Step 1 of 7
Confirm a branch office is the right vehicle
A branch office can carry on commercial activity in India, unlike a liaison office which is limited to representational work. But a branch cannot undertake manufacturing (except in SEZs) or retail trading. We confirm the fit before you apply.
Check eligibility and the approval route
The foreign parent needs an established track record and financial standing. Branch office applications go through an Authorised Dealer Category-I bank to the RBI under FEMA regulations.
Prepare the parent's documents
We get the incorporation certificate, board resolution, charter documents, and audited financials apostilled or consularised and translated into English where needed.
File the application through the AD bank
The application for establishing the branch office is filed with the designated AD Category-I bank, which forwards it to RBI with its recommendation and the supporting documents.
Respond to RBI queries
RBI examines the parent's standing, the proposed activities, and the funding plan, and may seek clarifications. We prepare complete responses to avoid delays.
Receive approval and register with the ROC
On RBI approval, the branch office registers with the Registrar of Companies and obtains its establishment approvals. Approval is typically granted for three years and is renewable.
Meet ongoing branch office compliance
The branch must file annual activity certificates, meet FEMA reporting through its AD bank, file Indian tax returns, and renew its approval on expiry. We manage the full compliance calendar.
For NRI founders & foreign investors
If a founder or investor is outside India
You don't need to fly down. Most of our foreign-founder incorporations are completed without the founder ever visiting India — 100% foreign ownership is allowed in most sectors, and the entire process happens online.
Before you start
- 100% foreign ownership is allowed in most sectors — no Indian partner needed
- One Indian resident director is required by law — we help you find a compliant way forward
- Check whether your sector permits automatic-route foreign investment
- Your passport + address proof need an apostille, not an embassy visit
- Map ownership, beneficial ownership and pricing early
After incorporation
- Receive funds through permitted banking channels
- Complete RBI/FEMA reporting (FC-GPR, FLA) and keep the bank evidence
- Coordinate tax and ongoing compliance advice early
Free 15-minute eligibility call. No obligation.
What clients say about working with us
Real stories from businesses we've worked with.
Our Trademark was applied in all the classes with a short span of time by Complykart Trademark Experts and I can say the level of expertise and commitment they carry is remarkable. It's an A+ from my side. We are now sticking to ComplyKart only.
I found the professionalism of the staff at complykart.com, a pleasure to work with. As a foreigner to India, they took the time to explain the documentation and assisted in every question I raised. I was pleased that complykart.com made it easy for my Business.
Trust, Commitment, Dedication and responsiveness are the best things with ComplyKart. Thanks for handling our Merger assignment with so much care. After my business disputes, complykart handles all things with own sense of understanding.
Learning center
Guides on Branch Office by Foreign National
Deeper reading from our articles — the same rules, explained in plain words.
Trust & transparency
Sources & how we keep this page accurate
Primary sources we refer to:
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
- GST Portal
- Income Tax Department
- IP India (Trademark / Patent / Copyright)
Last verified: 6 October 2026
Compliance rules change. If something on this page looks outdated, tell us on WhatsApp and we'll fix it — and your filing will always follow the current rules, not just what's written here.
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