Let a foreign company operate directly in India.
A Branch Office allows a foreign company to conduct specific business activities directly in India without forming a separate Indian company. Permitted activities include export/import of goods, professional or consultancy services, research, technical support for the parent's products, and acting as a buying or selling agent. A Branch Office cannot carry out manufacturing directly (except in Special Economic Zones) or retail trading. Approval is granted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) through an AD Category-I bank under FEMA regulations, and the foreign parent must generally have a profitable track record and a healthy net worth to qualify.
Established foreign companies wanting to trade, service or support customers directly in India.
Timelines and government fees are indicative and subject to processing by the relevant authority. Approval and its timing are decided by the authority and cannot be guaranteed.
No, except within a Special Economic Zone. Manufacturing generally requires a subsidiary.
Yes, branch office set-up is subject to RBI approval via an AD bank under FEMA.
Yes, net profits can be remitted after tax, subject to RBI/FEMA documentation.
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