Company setup and compliance in India
Our home market. The same chartered accountants handle incorporation, audit, tax and ROC compliance in India, and the FDI and ODI filings that link India to your other entities.
- Tax authority
- Income Tax Department and GST authorities
- Company registry
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
- Currency
- Indian rupee (INR)
- Financial year
- 1 April to 31 March
Choose the right structure
| Entity type | Best suited to | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Private limited company | Wholly owned subsidiaries and growing businesses | Minimum two directors and two shareholders. At least one director must be resident in India, meaning present for 182 days or more in the year. |
| Limited liability partnership (LLP) | Professional firms and smaller ventures | Minimum two partners, with at least two designated partners, one of whom is resident in India. |
| Branch, liaison or project office | Foreign companies not forming a subsidiary | Requires approval under the foreign exchange rules, with activities limited to those approved. |
What setting up involves
The usual sequence. Order and requirements depend on the entity type and your ownership.
- Obtain digital signatures and DIN for directors
- Apply for name approval and file the SPICe+ incorporation form with the MoA and AoA
- Obtain PAN and TAN, and register for GST where applicable
- Receive foreign investment into the company's bank account and report it under the FEMA rules
- File the FC-GPR within 30 days of allotting shares to the foreign investor
- Appoint the first auditor within 30 days of incorporation
- File the declaration of commencement of business within 180 days
Recurring obligations after set-up
| Filing or obligation | Frequency | Typical due date |
|---|---|---|
| TDS payment | Monthly | 7th of the following month |
| GSTR-3B | Monthly | 20th of the following month; varies by turnover and scheme |
| Advance tax | Quarterly | 15 June, 15 September, 15 December and 15 March (cumulative) |
| PF and ESIC | Monthly | 15th of the following month |
| Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) return | Annual | 15 July |
| Annual general meeting | Annual | Within 6 months of the financial year end, i.e. by 30 September |
| Financial statements with the ROC (AOC-4) | Annual | Within 30 days of the AGM |
| Annual return with the ROC (MGT-7) | Annual | Within 60 days of the AGM |
| Tax audit report | Annual | 30 September for audit cases |
| Income tax return | Annual | 31 July for most non-audit cases; 31 October for audit cases |
| ODI annual performance report | Annual | 31 December |
General guide only. Rules, thresholds and due dates change by notification and differ by entity type and industry. We confirm the position for your company at scoping.
Our role in India
- Incorporation and FEMA reporting for foreign investors and subsidiaries
- FDI and ODI filings for groups expanding in either direction
- GST, income tax, TDS, PF and ESIC compliance on one calendar
- Statutory audit and tax audit, subject to independence rules and engagement acceptance
- Alignment of Indian and overseas compliance calendars for cross-border groups
Where local law requires a locally licensed professional, such as a registered agent, company secretary or statutory auditor, we coordinate that role with a licensed provider.
Questions about India
Can a foreign company own 100% of an Indian subsidiary?
In most sectors, yes, under the automatic route. Some sectors have caps or need prior approval. We confirm the sector position before you file.
Do you handle inbound and outbound investment?
Yes. We prepare FEMA, FDI and ODI reporting, annual performance reports and the related compliance documentation.
Can you act as statutory auditor?
Yes, subject to independence rules and engagement acceptance. We also carry out tax audits under the Income Tax Act.
Other countries: United States United Kingdom Canada Australia United Arab Emirates Singapore
Ready to set up in India?
Share your plans and we will reply within one business day with next steps.