What are the options for a foreign company to enter India?

Name: Vijay R Singh & Co.
Address: Office No. 4, Vishal CHSL, D Wing, Sir Mathuradas Vasanji Road, Azad Nagar, Opp. Andheri Gymkhana, Andheri East, Maharashtra, 400069, IN
Telephone: +91 98607 23959

CA Vijay R Singh, FCA
Chartered Accountant · ICAI M.No. 153926 · FRN 136869W

Short answerA foreign company can enter as a wholly-owned subsidiary or joint-venture company (most common, full operations), or as a branch, liaison or project office (limited scope, RBI-approved). A subsidiary is a separate Indian company; the office routes are extensions of the foreign company.

Subsidiary/JV vs office routes

Subsidiary/JV company for real business; branch/liaison/project office for limited, specific activities.

Which to choose

Most investors pick a subsidiary for flexibility and lower tax. See subsidiary vs branch.

NRI Taxation

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This answer is general information for NRIs, not tax advice. Tax rates, thresholds and forms change with each Finance Act — please confirm the current position for your own facts, or speak to us, before acting.