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Register a Company in India from USA, UK or Abroad — NRI & Foreign Founder Specialists
Built specifically for NRIs, foreign nationals, and overseas founders. We handle every step — from incorporation under the Companies Act 2013 to FEMA compliance, post-incorporation filings, and ongoing secretarial — entirely remotely.
Choose Your Package
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Government fees & stamp duty are additional.
Basic
For Indian founders with own address & director
One-time · Govt. fees extra
Professional
For NRIs & foreign founders — FEMA & GST registration
One-time · Govt. fees extra
Enterprise
For foreign companies — WOS or Branch — Company Secretary (1 year) package
Annual · Govt. fees extra
All prices are estimates. GST applicable. Government fees and stamp duty are additional.
How It Works
From discovery call to a fully operational Indian company in 30 days.
Day 1 · Free
Free Discovery Call & Entity Selection
Deliverables
FEMA & RBI Compliance
Critical compliance requirements for companies with foreign investment.
FC-GPR — Foreign Currency Gross Provisional Return
Deadline: Within 30 days of share allotment
FC-GPR is the primary form for reporting foreign direct investment (FDI) to the Reserve Bank of India. Every Indian company that issues shares to a foreign investor must file FC-GPR through their Authorized Dealer (AD) bank within 30 days of share allotment.
Penalty
Up to 3× the transaction value under FEMA compounding. Additional $60/day for continuing default.
Required Documents
Process for Company Incorporation in India
A comprehensive approach to Indian company formation and compliance setup
Choose Entity & Name
Finalize the business structure and check name availability.
Obtain DIN & DSC
Get Director Identification Number and Digital Signature Certificate.
Draft Incorporation Documents
Prepare MOA & AOA with professional guidance.
File SPICe+ Form Online
Submit details through the MCA portal for approval.
Receive Certificate of Incorporation (CIN)
Your company becomes legally registered.
Apply for PAN, TAN & GST
Set up your business for tax and operational readiness.
Why Choose Accorp for Indian Incorporation
We simplify every step—from entity selection to post-incorporation setup—so your business becomes operational quickly and seamlessly.
End-to-End Digital Process
Incorporate your company completely online — from DIN & DSC to SPICe+ filing — with zero need for physical visits.
Expert Guidance on Entity Selection
Our consultants help you choose the ideal structure — Private Limited, LLP, OPC, or Foreign Subsidiary — aligned with your goals and tax strategy.
Comprehensive Compliance Handling
We manage all statutory filings, documentation, and liaison with MCA and tax authorities to ensure your entity stays fully compliant.
Fast Turnaround & Transparent Process
Your company can be incorporated in as little as 7–10 working days, with real-time status updates at every stage.
Specialized Support for NRIs & Foreign Investors
Our team assists in end-to-end documentation, notarization, and compliance for NRIs, including foreign ownership under the automatic route.
Post-Incorporation Assistance
Beyond registration, we help with PAN, TAN, GST, bank account setup, and accounting readiness to make your business fully operational.
Complete Compliance Guide for NRI & Foreign Founders
Everything you need to know about incorporating and running a compliant Indian Private Limited Company from abroad — resident director, registered office, company secretary, apostille, and remote governance.
The Law (Section 149(3), Companies Act 2013)
Every company incorporated in India must have at least one director who has stayed in India for not less than 182 days in the previous calendar year. This is mandatory — there are no exceptions for NRI or foreign-owned companies. This rule exists so India always has a locally accountable person who can receive regulatory notices, sign MCA filings, and represent the company before the Registrar of Companies (ROC). It has nothing to do with ownership — a resident director can hold zero shares in the company. As an NRI or foreign national, you retain 100% shareholding and full operational control.
If you skip this requirement
Failure to appoint a resident director has serious consequences:
- Incorporation application rejected at MCA portal
- Company cannot be legally registered under Companies Act
- No workarounds accepted by ROC or CRC
- Risk of MCA penalty and legal exposure
Your two practical options
You have two legitimate routes to satisfy the Section 149(3) requirement:
- Appoint a trusted family member or colleague resident in India
- Use a professional nominee resident director service
- Transition to your own director once you hire locally
What a nominee resident director actually does
A nominee director signs MCA filings, board resolutions, and annual returns on your behalf. They do not manage your operations, finances, or business decisions. Full business control stays with you at all times. Their role is purely administrative and regulatory — to satisfy the Section 149(3) requirement.
Protected by a formal nominee agreement
Our nominee director signs a nominee agreement before appointment. This documents their limited role, excludes personal liability for your business decisions, and allows immediate resignation any time you appoint your own resident director. The agreement is notarised and legally binding.
Easy to replace once you hire locally in India
Once you hire an employee in India or are ready to appoint your own resident director, the transition takes 3–5 business days via a DIR-12 filing with MCA. There is zero disruption to the company's operations, bank accounts, or compliance standing. Many foreign founders use a nominee for the first 6–12 months, then transition naturally.
Annual DIR-3 KYC mandatory for every director
Every director holding a DIN (Director Identification Number) must file DIR-3 KYC with MCA by September 30 each year. Miss this deadline and the DIN is deactivated — the director cannot sign any MCA filings until it is restored with a ₹5,000 penalty fee. We track this for all directors in your company.
Register a Company in India from Abroad
Detailed requirements, apostille processes, FEMA obligations, and tax treaties for NRIs and foreign founders in each key market.
United Kingdom
A complete guide for UK-based NRIs and British Indians forming an India Pvt Ltd
How to Register a Company in India from the UK — NRI & British Indian Guide
If you are an NRI living in the United Kingdom — whether on a work visa, as a British citizen of Indian origin, or as an OCI card holder — you can register a Private Limited Company in India entirely online without travelling to India. The process is FEMA-compliant, 100% remote, and typically completed in 10–15 working days from the UK.
Who This Applies To
- Indian nationals on UK Tier 2 / Skilled Worker visas (holding Indian passport)
- NRIs with OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards living in the UK
- British citizens of Indian origin looking to invest or operate in India
- UK-based Indian entrepreneurs launching India-facing businesses remotely
UK-Specific Document Requirements for India Incorporation
Documents issued in the UK must be apostilled before MCA India will accept them. The UK is a signatory to the Hague Convention, which means apostille is straightforward — but you need to know the correct route.
- Passport copy — apostille via the FCDO Legalisation Office (London or Milton Keynes)
- Proof of address — UK utility bills, bank statements, or HMRC letters; apostilled if used as primary ID
- No Objection Certificate if employed full-time in the UK (company discretion — not legally mandatory but often requested by MCA)
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) — UK-based directors use Class 3 DSC issued by Indian certifying authorities; requires original apostilled passport copy
FCDO Apostille Turnaround (2025)
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Legalisation Office processes apostille requests in 2–3 working days (postal) or same day (counter appointment in Milton Keynes). Current fee: £30 per document. Accorp coordinates this on your behalf as part of the NRI incorporation package.
FEMA Compliance for UK-Based Investors
When you invest share capital into your Indian Pvt Ltd from your UK bank account, the funds are treated as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under FEMA. The following steps are mandatory and time-sensitive:
- Receive FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) from your Indian bank within 15 days of receipt
- File FC-GPR with the RBI via your AD (Authorised Dealer) bank within 30 days of share allotment
- Obtain a valuation certificate from a SEBI-registered Merchant Banker or Chartered Accountant
- Annual FLA (Foreign Liabilities and Assets) Return filed with RBI every July 15
India-UK DTAA — Tax Implications for UK NRI Business Owners
The India-UK Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement ensures you are not taxed twice on the same income. Key provisions relevant to NRI company owners:
- Dividends paid by your India Pvt Ltd to you in the UK: taxed at a maximum of 15% in India (withholding tax), with credit available in the UK
- Director's remuneration from India entity: taxable in India if the company is Indian-resident
- Capital gains on sale of shares: generally taxable in India for Indian company shares
- If you remain UK tax-resident, UK HMRC may also assess your global income — consult a dual-qualified accountant
Best Structure for UK NRIs
Most UK-based NRIs use a simple two-entity structure: India Pvt Ltd for India operations and revenue, with profits periodically repatriated as dividends under the India-UK DTAA. If you are building a product business, a Singapore or UK holding entity above the India Pvt Ltd can provide capital gains and IP structuring flexibility.
Ready to register your Indian company from United Kingdom?
Book a Free Discovery CallUnited States
A step-by-step guide for H-1B holders, Green Card holders, and US Citizens of Indian origin
How to Register a Company in India from the USA — Complete NRI Guide
Tens of thousands of Indians living in the United States — on H-1B visas, Green Cards, or as naturalised US citizens — own or plan to start businesses in India. Setting up a Private Limited Company in India from the USA is fully legal, entirely remote, and can be completed in 10–15 working days.
US-Specific Considerations Before You Incorporate
Before you proceed, there are a few US-specific factors to confirm:
- H-1B visa holders: your visa does not restrict you from owning an Indian company or being a director — you are not 'working' in the US for your Indian entity. Confirm with your immigration attorney if you have any concerns about your specific visa terms.
- Green Card holders and US citizens of Indian origin: treated as 'foreign nationals' under FEMA for investment purposes — the same FDI rules apply as for any foreign investor.
- OCI card holders in the USA: can invest in India under the automatic FDI route in most sectors, on par with NRIs.
- FBAR & FATCA: if your Indian company account balance exceeds $10,000 at any point, you may have US FBAR filing obligations — consult a US CPA alongside your India incorporation.
Document Apostille Process for US-Based NRIs
The USA is a signatory to the Hague Convention (since 1981). Documents issued in the US must be apostilled at the Secretary of State level for the state where the document was issued — not federally.
- Passport: apostille from your state's Secretary of State office (e.g., California SOS, New York SOS)
- Bank statements and utility bills for address proof: notarised by a US Notary Public + apostille from Secretary of State
- Typical turnaround: 5–15 business days depending on state (California is slower; Delaware and Wyoming are faster)
- Expedited apostille services are available in most states for an additional fee of $25–$75 per document
- Accorp coordinates apostille requirements and pre-checks all documents before MCA submission
FEMA and FDI Rules for US-Based NRI Investors
When you wire share capital from your US bank account to the Indian company's account, this constitutes Foreign Direct Investment and triggers FEMA obligations:
- Transfer funds via wire transfer (SWIFT) — do not use Zelle, Venmo, or informal hawala channels
- Obtain FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) from the Indian receiving bank within 15 days
- File FC-GPR with RBI within 30 days of share allotment — penalty up to 3× transaction value for non-filing
- Valuation certificate from CA/Merchant Banker required — even for nominal share capital
- Annual FLA return with RBI due every July 15 as long as foreign investment exists in the company
Important: FBAR Filing for US Persons
If you are a US person (citizen, Green Card holder, or H-1B with US tax residency) and have signatory authority over an Indian bank account with aggregate value exceeding $10,000 at any point during the year, you must file FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) with the US Treasury by April 15 (extended to October 15). Failure to file carries penalties up to $10,000 per violation. Accorp can refer you to a dual-qualified India-US CPA for FBAR and FATCA compliance.
India-USA DTAA — What US NRIs Need to Know
India and the United States have a comprehensive Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. Key provisions for NRI business owners:
- Dividend withholding: India withholds tax at 25% on dividends to US residents under the treaty (or lower if applicable)
- Director fees: taxable in India if the company is based in India
- Royalties and technical fees: taxed at 15% under the DTAA
- The US taxes its citizens and Green Card holders on worldwide income — your Indian company profits may need to be reported under PFIC or Subpart F rules if you are a majority shareholder. Consult a US tax professional before incorporating.
Popular Use Cases: Why US NRIs Incorporate in India
| Use Case | Entity Type | FDI Route | FEMA Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outsourcing / GCC setup | Pvt Ltd (WOS) | Automatic | Moderate |
| India D2C / e-commerce brand | Pvt Ltd | Automatic | Moderate |
| Real estate holding (restricted) | LLP (conditional) | Approval Route | High |
| IT services / consulting | Pvt Ltd | Automatic | Low–Moderate |
| Startup with Indian VC funding | Pvt Ltd | Automatic | Moderate |
Ready to register your Indian company from United States?
Book a Free Discovery CallSingapore
For Singapore-based NRIs, Indian expatriates, and PEP/EP holders forming India entities
How to Register a Company in India from Singapore — Guide for Singapore-Based NRIs
Singapore is home to a large and growing Indian professional and entrepreneurial community — from PMET (Professionals, Managers, Executives, Technicians) on Employment Passes to Indian founders who have set up Singapore holding companies. If you are based in Singapore and want to register a Private Limited Company in India, the process is fully remote and typically completed in 10–14 working days.
Who This Applies To
- Indian nationals in Singapore on Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, or Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
- Singapore Permanent Residents of Indian origin
- Indian entrepreneurs who have incorporated in Singapore and now want an India subsidiary or sister company
- OCI card holders resident in Singapore
Document Requirements — Singapore to India
Singapore is a signatory to the Hague Convention. Apostille is available through the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) and typically takes 3–5 working days.
- Passport: apostilled at Singapore Academy of Law — fee SGD 20–30 per document
- Singapore utility bills or bank statements (DBS, OCBC, UOB): notarised + apostilled for address proof
- Employment Pass holders: copy of EP card as additional identity proof (not apostille-required, but often requested by MCA)
- If you hold a Singapore company and want to register an India subsidiary: Certificate of Incorporation of the Singapore company must be apostilled and accompanied by a Board Resolution authorising India incorporation
India-Singapore Two-Entity Structure — The Most Popular NRI Setup
Many NRIs and Indian entrepreneurs based in Singapore use a two-entity structure: Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Holdco) holds IP, receives international revenue, and benefits from Singapore's 17% tax rate and extensive DTAA network. India Pvt Ltd (Opco) employs the India team, contracts with Indian clients, and receives FDI from the Singapore holdco. Intercompany arrangements are governed by India's Transfer Pricing regulations — proper TP documentation is essential.
India-Singapore DTAA — Post-2016 Position
Following the 2016 amendment, capital gains on sale of Indian company shares are now taxable in India (not Singapore) for shares acquired after April 1, 2017. However, the treaty still provides benefits on:
- Dividends: 10–15% withholding tax under the DTAA
- Royalties: 10% withholding tax
- Technical services: 10% withholding tax
- For new structures, IP holding in Singapore with royalty flows to India remains an effective and OECD-compliant arrangement if properly documented
FEMA Compliance When FDI Comes from Singapore
The FEMA process is the same as for any foreign investor, with corporate KYC requirements when the Singapore entity (rather than you personally) is the shareholder:
- Wire transfer from Singapore bank (DBS, OCBC, HSBC Singapore) to India company account — maintain SWIFT confirmation
- FIRC from Indian AD bank within 15 days of receipt
- FC-GPR within 30 days of share allotment — filed in the name of the Singapore entity if the Pte. Ltd. is the shareholder
- Corporate KYC of the Singapore company required for FC-GPR in entity-shareholder cases
- Annual FLA return by July 15 each year
Common Sectors Singapore-India NRIs Incorporate In
- Technology and SaaS: Singapore for international contracts and fundraising; India for engineering team
- Financial services: India NBFC or fintech entity under RBI regulations, with Singapore holding structure
- Export-import and trading: India entity for GST, customs, and vendor relationships; Singapore entity for trade finance and international contracts
- Consulting and professional services: India Pvt Ltd for India billings; Singapore entity for rest-of-world billings
Ready to register your Indian company from Singapore?
Book a Free Discovery CallJapan
For Japan-based NRIs, Indian IT professionals, and Indo-Japanese joint ventures
How to Register a Company in India from Japan — Guide for Japan-Based NRIs
Japan's Indian community — concentrated in technology, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and trading — is growing rapidly. If you are an Indian national or NRI based in Japan and want to register a Private Limited Company in India, the process is 100% remote and follows the same FEMA framework as any other overseas NRI incorporation.
Who This Applies To
- Indian IT professionals in Japan on Engineer/Specialist in Humanities visas (技術・人文知識・国際業務)
- Indian nationals on Business Manager visas operating Indo-Japanese trade ventures
- NRIs in Japan who have received Japan Permanent Residency
- Japanese companies or Japan-resident Indians seeking to establish India subsidiaries or joint ventures
Document Apostille — Japan to India
Japan is a signatory to the Hague Convention (since October 2023 — Japan acceded in October 2023, making apostille significantly easier than prior to that date). Documents issued in Japan are apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA).
- Passport: apostille from MOFA Japan — fee approximately JPY 4,000; turnaround 2–5 working days in Tokyo
- Japanese residence certificate (住民票, Juuminhyou): apostilled at MOFA — confirms Japan address for MCA purposes
- For Japanese-issued bank statements: notarisation by a Japanese notary (公証人) + MOFA apostille
- Documents in Japanese must be translated into English by a certified translator — Accorp coordinates this as part of the Japan NRI package
Japan Apostille — Post-October 2023
Japan's accession to the Hague Apostille Convention in October 2023 dramatically simplified document legalisation for Japan-based NRIs. Documents that previously required authentication through the Indian Embassy in Tokyo can now be apostilled directly at MOFA Japan. This reduced apostille turnaround from 2–4 weeks to 2–5 working days.
India-Japan DTAA and CEPA — Business Advantages
India and Japan have both a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), making the corridor uniquely attractive for bilateral business:
- Dividends: 10% withholding tax under India-Japan DTAA (vs 20% standard rate without treaty)
- Royalties and technical fees: 10% under the DTAA
- India-Japan CEPA: tariff reductions on Indian exports to Japan in IT, engineering, chemicals, and textiles — your India Pvt Ltd can benefit from preferential tariff treatment when exporting to Japan
- Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) actively supports Indo-Japanese joint ventures — Accorp has assisted multiple JETRO-referred clients with India incorporation
Indo-Japanese Joint Ventures — FDI and Structure
If your Japan-based entity or Japanese partner is co-investing in the India company, there are additional structuring considerations:
- Japanese company as co-shareholder: treated as foreign investor under FEMA — automatic route applies in most sectors
- Joint venture agreement in English required — Japanese-language agreements need certified translation before Indian authorities will recognise them
- Transfer pricing documentation between India Pvt Ltd and Japanese entity is mandatory under Indian IT Act Section 92 if related-party transactions exceed ₹1 crore
- Japan's Intercompany Pricing (移転価格税制) rules also apply on the Japan side — bilateral APA (Advance Pricing Agreement) possible for large ventures
Common Use Cases: Japan-Based NRIs Incorporating in India
- IT services companies targeting Japanese MNC clients with India delivery centres — India Pvt Ltd for engineering, Japan entity for client-facing operations
- Auto-component and manufacturing: India Pvt Ltd as supplier to Japanese OEMs under CEPA preferential terms
- Pharmaceutical and medical device companies: India subsidiary for CDSCO registration and India market access
- Interpreter, translation, and localisation firms: India Pvt Ltd for India content team, billing Japanese clients through Japan entity
Ready to register your Indian company from Japan?
Book a Free Discovery CallWhere Should NRIs Incorporate?
India vs UK vs USA vs Dubai vs Singapore — side-by-side across the five parameters that matter most to overseas founders.
| Parameter | 🇮🇳 India | 🇬🇧 UK | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇸🇬 Singapore |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incorporation Cost | $180–$960 | $50–$200 | $50–$500 | $2,000–$5,000 | $800–$2,500 |
| Typical Timeline | 7–15 days | 1–3 days | 1–5 days | 3–7 days | 1–3 days |
| Corporate Tax Rate | 22% (base) | 25% | 21% (Federal) | 0% (Free Zone) | 17% |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% (FDI routes) | 100% | 100% | 100% (Free Zone) | 100% |
| Ease of Remittance | Moderate (FEMA) | Easy | Easy | Very Easy | Very Easy |
| Min. Paid-up Capital | ₹1 (no minimum) | £1 | $1 (most states) | AED 1,000–50,000 | S$1 |
| Resident Director? | Yes (1 Indian) | No | No | No | Yes (1 local) |
| Compliance Burden | High | Low–Medium | Medium | Low | Low–Medium |
| Access to India Market | Direct | Via subsidiary | Via subsidiary | Via subsidiary | Via subsidiary |
| Tax Treaty with India? | N/A | Yes (DTAA) | Yes (DTAA) | Yes (DTAA) | Yes (DTAA) |
| Best For NRIs? | India operations | Global SaaS / UK market | US fundraising / VC | Tax efficiency / Trade | Asia HQ / IP holding |
Tax rates reflect standard corporate rates as of 2025–26. India's 22% rate applies under the concessional regime (Section 115BAA); effective rate including surcharge and cess is approximately 25.17%. Dubai Free Zone 0% rate applies to qualifying income.
Real Results from Real Clients
Smooth & Hassle-Free Company Incorporation!
Accorp made our company registration in India seamless and stress-free. Their team guided us through every step, handled all compliance requirements efficiently, and ensured a smooth setup. Highly professional and reliable.
Seamless India Market Entry
Accorp made our India incorporation smooth and stress-free. Their clear guidance, efficient execution, and deep compliance expertise gave us confidence throughout the process.
Structured, Clear, and Well-Handled
What stood out was how organized everything felt. Every step was explained in advance, documents were managed smoothly, and we always knew what was happening next. A very reassuring experience overall.
Expert Support on FEMA Matters
Accorp simplified complex FEMA regulations for us. Their clear advice, timely updates, and compliance expertise ensured we stayed fully compliant while expanding into India.
Consistent and Dependable Support
After incorporation, their team continued to manage our compliance without us needing to chase updates. Deadlines were met, and everything stayed in order, which made operations much smoother for us.
Smooth and Well-Coordinated Process
What could have been a time-consuming documentation process was handled with impressive coordination. Every step was clearly outlined, responses were quick, and the entire experience felt structured without any confusion or repeated follow-ups.
Case Studies
Russian Entrepreneur
India IncorporationA Russian entrepreneur approached us to establish a fully foreign-owned private limited company in India. All documents were in Russian, causing significant delays as multiple vendors failed to delive...
Key Results:
• Successful incorporation within 18 days
• Zero MCA/ROC queries
• ~40% cost savings by avoiding repeated vendor attempts
Foreign Company
India IncorporationA foreign client sought to incorporate a wholly owned subsidiary in India but faced a major regulatory challenge: Indian law requires at least one Resident Director who has stayed in India for a minim...
Key Results:
• The company was successfully incorporated without delays
• A qualified Resident Director was placed within 7 days
• Zero compliance issues or notices from Indian authorities
1–2 of 5 case studies