Foreign Branch Setup your foreign company's presence in India, established correctly.
End-to-end foreign branch office setup in Mumbai and across India — RBI approval under FEMA, FC-1 ROC registration, PAN, GST, annual FNC and FC-3 reporting, and advisory on branch vs liaison vs subsidiary for foreign companies entering India.
A Branch Office is an extension of a foreign company in India, permitted to carry out the same activities as the parent. Unlike an Indian subsidiary, a branch office is legally part of the foreign parent — not separately incorporated. Foreign companies can open a Branch Office after obtaining RBI approval under the FEMA (Establishment in India of a Branch, Liaison or Project Office) Regulations, 2016.
A Branch Office can carry out export-import, professional and consultancy services, R&D, technical collaboration promotion, software development, and buying/selling agency activities. It cannot carry out manufacturing or retail trading. Profits can be repatriated to the parent after paying applicable Indian taxes.
Our branch office setup covers eligibility assessment, RBI application with business plan and parent documents, ROC registration in Form FC-1, PAN, GST, bank account opening, annual FNC through the AD bank, FC-3 with the ROC, and FEMA compliance advisory for remittances between the branch and parent.
Our Branch Office Setup Services
Structure Advisory
Branch vs liaison vs project office vs subsidiary — choosing the right structure.
RBI Application
Preparation and filing through AD bank with business plan and parent company documents.
Foreign Document Apostille
Apostille of incorporation certificate, MOA, and audited accounts.
ROC Registration — FC-1
FC-1 registration with the ROC within 30 days of establishment.
PAN & GST Registration
PAN and GST registration based on branch activity.
Bank Account Opening
Current account with an Authorised Dealer bank.
Annual RBI Reporting (FNC)
Annual Activity Certificate from AD bank certifying permissible activities.
Annual ROC Filing — FC-3
Annual FC-3 with audited accounts of branch and parent.
Our Branch Office Setup Workflow
Structure Assessment
Determine whether Branch, Liaison, or Subsidiary best suits the business.
Document Preparation
Apostille parent documents and prepare RBI application.
RBI Approval
Submit through AD bank and follow up — typically 4 to 8 weeks.
ROC & Tax Registration
File FC-1, apply for PAN and GST, open bank account.
Annual Compliance
Set up FNC, FC-3, income tax, and GST return schedule.
Benefits of a Branch Office in India
Frequently Asked Questions
Branch Office can carry income-generating activities and repatriate profits. Liaison Office can only carry out liaison activities and cannot earn income in India.
RBI approval through an Authorised Dealer bank. Application with audited accounts, business plan, and banker's report. Typically processed in 4 to 8 weeks.
Export-import, professional and consultancy services, R&D, software development, and buying/selling agency. Cannot manufacture or retail trade.
Annual Activity Certificate (FNC) with RBI through AD bank, FC-3 with ROC with audited accounts, and income tax return as a foreign company.
At the foreign company rate of 40% on India income plus surcharge and cess. DTAAs may reduce effective tax on specific income streams.
Set Up Your Foreign Branch Office
From RBI application to FC-1 and ongoing FEMA compliance, our team manages your complete Branch Office setup in India.
Set Up My Branch Office or call +91 9819 000 511