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Register your Indian Subsidiary Company seamlessly with FOXTAX.
- End-to-end Indian subsidiary company registration support
- Affordable & transparent pricing
- Expert CA & compliance team
- Online process | PAN-India service
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What is an Indian Subsidiary Company?
An Indian Subsidiary Company is a corporate structure that allows a foreign parent organization to establish a permanent, legal home in India. Governed by the Companies Act, 2013, this entity acts as the local “arm” of the global business. If the parent company owns more than 50% of the voting power, it is a subsidiary; if it owns 100%, it is classified as a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary (WOS).
As a separate legal entity, the subsidiary stands on its own feet. It can sign Indian contracts, buy property, and hire employees under its own name. Crucially, it creates a “corporate veil”—a protective layer that limits the parent company’s financial risk to the capital invested in India, shielding the global headquarters from local liabilities.
Why Businesses Choose This Structure
This setup is the “gold standard” for international expansion because it offers the perfect balance of local identity and global control.
Operational Control: The foreign parent maintains full authority over the board of directors and strategic decision-making.
Tax Efficiency:By operating as a domestic Indian company, the subsidiary can often access lower tax rates—particularly through timely GST Registration—and benefit from Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) when sending profits back home.
Market Trust: Most subsidiaries are registered as Private Limited Companies, a format that carries significant weight with Indian banks, vendors, and customers who prefer dealing with a locally incorporated business.
Indian Subsidiary vs Branch Office vs Liaison Office
Before registering, it’s important to choose the right business structure. Here is a quick comparison of the three most common ways a foreign company can operate in India:
| Feature | Subsidiary | Branch Office | Liaison Office |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Entity | Separate entity | Extension of parent | Non-profit entity |
| Registration | Required with ROC | Registration required | Simple registration |
| Liability | Limited | Unlimited | No commercial activity |
| Capital | Required | Optional | Not required |
| Tax Status | Separate taxation | Pass-through | Exempt |
| Operations | Full business scope | Full business scope | Info/coordination only |
| Compliance | Stringent | Moderate | Minimal |
Cost & Timeline for Indian Subsidiary Registration
Cost Breakdown:
- Registration Fees: ₹500-2,000
- Legal & Compliance: ₹30,000-75,000
- Bank Account Setup: ₹2,000-5,000
- Other Approvals: ₹10,000-20,000
- Total Estimated Cost: ₹50,000-1,00,000+
Timeline:
- DIN/DSC Acquisition: 3-5 days
- Company Registration: 7-10 days
- PAN/TAN: 3-5 days
- Bank Account: 7-10 days
- Tax Compliance: 5-7 days
- Total Duration: 4-6 weeks
Indian Subsidiary Registration for Foreign Companies: Country-Wise Guide
Indian Subsidiary Registration by Country
FOXTAX assists foreign companies from across the globe to register their Indian Subsidiary. Here’s what you need to know based on your home country:
Document Apostille Requirements by Country
United States Companies
The USA is a member of the Hague Convention. All parent company documents must be properly authenticated:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Board Resolution
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA/AoA)
Process: Apostille by the relevant US State authority before submission to MCA India.
United Kingdom Companies
Post-Brexit, UK document requirements remain consistent.
Required Action: Companies House certificates must be apostilled by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Singapore Companies
Singapore is a Hague Convention member with streamlined processes.
Required Action: ACRA-issued documents must be apostilled by the Singapore Academy of Law.
UAE Companies
The UAE joined the Hague Convention in 2021.
Required Action:
- Attest documents by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Obtain apostille following attestation
German Companies
Germany is a Hague Convention member with regional authorities.
Required Action: Documents must be apostilled by the relevant German regional authority (Landgericht or Oberlandesgericht).
Other Countries
For any country not listed above, contact FOXTAX. Our team will guide you on the specific apostille and notarization requirements for your jurisdiction.
Indian Resident Director Requirement
Mandatory: At least one director of the Indian Subsidiary must be an Indian Resident.
FOXTAX Solution: We can assist in appointing a qualified Resident Director as part of our comprehensive registration service.
Indian Subsidiary Company Registration Packages
Choose a plan that best fits your business needs. All packages include expert support and a seamless online registration process.
Starter
Packages starting from
₹ 19,999 +Govt. Fee
(All Inclusive)
- 2 Digital Signature Certificates
- 2 Director Identification Numbers
- Name Approval
- Stamp duty on INR 1 Lakh Authorized Capital
- Company Incorporation using SPICe+
- Copy of e-MOA & e-AOA
- e-PAN
- e-TAN
- ESIC Registration through SPICe Plus
- PF Registration through SPICe Plus
- Bank Account opening (feature) through SPICe Plus
Advanced
Packages starting from
₹ 44,999 +Govt. Fee
(All Inclusive)
- 2 Digital Signature Certificates
- 2 Director Identification Numbers
- Name Approval
- Stamp duty on INR 1 Lakh Authorized Capital
- Company Incorporation using SPICe+
- Copy of e-MOA & e-AOA
- e-PAN
- e-TAN
- ESIC Registration through SPICe Plus
- PF Registration through SPICe Plus
- Bank Account opening (feature) through SPICe Plus
- MSME Registration
- GST Registration
- INC 20A
- Filing of Foreign Currency – Gross Provisional Return
- Legal Entity Identifier Code (Excluding Government Fees)
Premium
Packages starting from
₹ 69,999 +Govt. Fee
(All Inclusive)
- 2 Digital Signature Certificates
- 2 Director Identification Numbers
- Name Approval
- Stamp duty on INR 1 Lakh Authorized Capital
- Company Incorporation using SPICe+
- Drafting Of Memorandum
- Drafting Of Bye-Laws
- Copy of e-MOA & e-AOA
- e-PAN
- e-TAN
- ESIC Registration through SPICe Plus
- PF Registration through SPICe Plus
- Bank Account opening (feature) through SPICe Plus
- 1st Income Tax filing upto turnover of Rs. 20 Lakhs
- 1 Year TDS Filing upto 50 entries
- 1st Annual Filing upto turnover of Rs. 20 Lakhs
- MSME Registration
- GST Registration
- INC 20A
- Form ADT 1 (Auditor Appointment in AGM)
- Form AOC -4 (Form for filing financial statement and other documents with the Registrar)
- Form MGT -7 (Form for filing annual return by a company)
- 2 DIR 3 e-KYC of 2 Directors
- Filing of Foreign Currency – Gross Provisional Return
- Legal Entity Identifier Code (Excluding Government Fees)
- Start Up Recognition Certificate
Documents Required for Indian Subsidiary Company Registration
For Directors & Shareholders
- Passport (mandatory for foreign nationals / NRIs, if applicable)
- Latest address proof (bank statement or utility bill)
- Passport-size photograph
- Notarized & Apostilled all documents
For Registered Office
- Utility bill (not older than 2 months)
- Rent agreement or ownership proof
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from owner
Eligibility & Basic Requirements
- Minimum 2 Directors
- Minimum 2 Shareholders
- Minimum paid-up share capital as prescribed by law
- Registered office address in India
Benefits of Indian Subsidiary Company Registration
Separate Legal Entity
The subsidiary is a distinct legal person. This ensures the parent company's assets are safe, as it is not personally liable for the subsidiary’s debts or legal disputes in India.
Full Business Scope
Unlike a liaison office, a subsidiary can engage in all commercial activities, including manufacturing, trading, and providing services, while also being able to own property in India.
100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Under the "Automatic Route," foreign entities can own 100% of the equity in most sectors without prior government approval, allowing for full operational control and decision-making.
Local Funding Access
Being a registered Indian company makes it easier to raise capital from local banks, venture capitalists, and private equity, which is often restricted for foreign branch offices.
Better Tax Efficiency
As a domestic entity, a subsidiary pays lower corporate tax (approx. 22-25%) compared to a branch office (40%). It also benefits from India’s extensive Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements.
Global Credibility
A local presence enhances trust among Indian customers, vendors, and employees. It demonstrates a long-term commitment to the market, which is vital for winning large-scale government tenders.
How to Register an Indian Subsidiary Company: Step-by-Step Process
FOXTAX follows a structured and compliant registration process:
Business Consultation & Planning
We assess your business goals, capital structure, and compliance requirements.
Document Collection & Verification
Required documents of directors, shareholders, and registered office are collected and verified.
Name Approval
Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) and Director Identification Numbers (DIN) are obtained.
DSC & DIN Registration
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN) are obtained.
Incorporation Filing
MOA, AOA, and incorporation forms are prepared and filed with the MCA.
Certificate of Incorporation & PAN/TAN
Upon approval, MCA issues the Certificate of Incorporation along with PAN and TAN.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
are treated similarly to foreign nationals for this purpose. They must provide a copy
of their passport, overseas address proof, and PAN card (if available). Documents
signed outside India must be notarized and apostilled.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) through the FIRMS portal within 30 days of allotting shares
to the foreign parent company. Failure to file on time may result in penalties under FEMA.
and foreign nationals. An Indian Subsidiary is specifically a Private Limited Company
where a foreign parent entity holds more than 50% (or 100% for WOS) of the shareholding.
All Indian Subsidiaries are Private Limited Companies, but not all Private Limited
Companies are subsidiaries.
and its foreign parent company (e.g., for services, goods, IP licensing). The Income Tax
Act requires these transactions to be at "arm's length" prices — i.e., the same price
that would be charged to an unrelated party. Indian subsidiaries with international
transactions must file Form 3CEB and comply with transfer pricing regulations.
It can be a rented office, co-working space, or residential address (with NOC from
the owner). You must provide a utility bill (not older than 2 months) and a rent
agreement or NOC as proof of registered office.
180 days of incorporation. Without this filing, the company cannot legally commence
business operations or borrow money. It confirms that the paid-up share capital
has been deposited in the company's bank account.
Planning to register a Indian Subsidiary Company?
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