Subsidiary Company · India Registration
Register Your Indian
Subsidiary in 15–25 Days.
100% foreign ownership · No India visit · Full FDI compliance from day one.
From entity structuring and MCA incorporation to RBI/FEMA filing, corporate bank account, and ongoing compliance — Mercurius manages your complete India subsidiary setup, remotely.
100% FDI Permitted
Automatic Route
No India Visit Required
₹0 Minimum Capital
United States
United Kingdom
UAE
Singapore
Canada
Australia
Germany
Japan
France
Netherlands
+ 60 countries
100%
FDI Permitted
15–25d
Incorporation
₹0
Min. Capital
60+
Countries Served
Incorporation Speed
15–25days
Certificate of Incorporation
Foreign Ownership
100%
Automatic FDI Route
15–25 Day Incorporation
100% FDI Permitted
Automatic FDI Route
FC-GPR Filing Included
No India Visit Required
₹0 Minimum Capital
CA-Led End-to-End
Fixed Transparent Pricing
60+ Countries Served
WOS & Shared Ownership
15–25 Day Incorporation
100% FDI Permitted
Automatic FDI Route
FC-GPR Filing Included
No India Visit Required
₹0 Minimum Capital
CA-Led End-to-End
Fixed Transparent Pricing
60+ Countries Served
WOS & Shared Ownership
Overview
What Is a Subsidiary Company in India?
A subsidiary is an Indian company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, where a foreign company (the parent) holds more than 50% of shares. It operates as a separate legal entity in India — with its own bank account, contracts, employees, and tax identity — while remaining under the strategic and financial control of the parent company abroad.
Key Characteristics
✓
Separate legal entity under Indian law — distinct from the foreign parent
Its own PAN, TAN, GST, bank account, and contracts in India
✓
Parent company holds >50% of shares — majority control retained abroad
Most foreign investors opt for 100% ownership (Wholly Owned Subsidiary)
✓
Full operational freedom — hire, invoice, own IP, enter contracts in India
Unlike a Branch or Liaison Office, no activity restrictions apply
✓
Taxed as a domestic Indian company — 22% corporate tax rate
vs 40% for a Branch Office — significant tax efficiency advantage
✓
Profit repatriation via FEMA-compliant dividend payments to parent
DTAA treaties reduce withholding tax on dividends, royalties, and interest
✓
Investor-ready structure — fundable, ESOP-capable, and acquisition-friendly
The structure VCs, PE firms, and strategic partners expect
Feature
Subsidiary ✦
WOS (100%)
Parent Ownership
>50% shares
100% shares
Indian Co-investor
Possible
Not Required
Full Control
✓ Majority
✓ Complete
Earn Revenue
✓ Yes
✓ Yes
Tax Rate
22%
22%
Raise Investment
✓ Yes
✓ Yes
RBI Prior Approval
Not needed
Not needed
Setup Time
15–25 days
15–25 days
Which Should You Choose?
In most sectors, a Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) is recommended — it gives your foreign parent 100% ownership, full operational control, and complete profit repatriation rights. A shared-ownership subsidiary is better suited for sectors with FDI caps (defence, telecom, media) or where a local partner adds strategic value. Mercurius advises on the right structure in your free first call.
Not sure whether to go with WOS or a shared subsidiary?
Book Free Consultation →
We assess your sector, FDI classification, and goals in a free 30-minute call — and recommend the right structure.
Types of Subsidiaries
Two Types You Can Register in India
Foreign investors can choose from two structures based on ownership intent and sector FDI rules. Both are incorporated as a Private Limited or Public Limited Company under the Companies Act, 2013.
01
Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS)
100% Foreign Ownership
The foreign parent company holds 100% of shares. Full operational and management control. The most preferred structure for foreign businesses entering India — available wherever 100% FDI is permitted under the Automatic Route.
Best Suited For
IT, tech, consulting, and manufacturing companies
Businesses in sectors permitting 100% FDI
Foreign companies wanting full brand, financial and operational control
Multinationals expanding GCC, R&D, or sales operations to India
02
Subsidiary with Shared Ownership
>50% — <100% Foreign Ownership
The foreign parent holds more than 50% but less than 100% of shares. Remaining shares are held by Indian partners, investors, or individuals. The foreign parent retains majority control and decisive voting rights.
Best Suited For
Sectors with FDI caps below 100% (e.g. defence, telecom, media)
Joint ventures requiring Indian market knowledge or local licences
Strategic alliances where a local partner adds distribution or regulatory value
Companies planning phased equity acquisition over time
Legal Structure Options for a Subsidiary
| Structure | Best For | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | Most foreign investors — WOS or joint venture | Fastest to set up; fewer compliances; limited to 200 shareholders |
| Public Limited Company | Large businesses planning future IPO or public capital raise | Can list on BSE/NSE; raise capital from Indian public markets |
| LLP | Professional services, advisory, and service businesses | Lower compliance burden; FDI requires prior RBI approval |
Not sure which type or structure fits your business?
Get Free Structure Advice →
Mercurius advises on the right structure for your sector, FDI classification, and long-term goals — free, in your first call.
Our Services
What’s Included
Mercurius delivers a fully managed subsidiary registration. You send us your documents — we handle every step, remotely. One dedicated CA manages your setup from first call to Certificate of Incorporation.
Phase 01
Pre-Incorporation
✓
Structure advisory — WOS or shared subsidiary✓
FDI route confirmation for your sector✓
Company name check & reservation via MCA RUN✓
DIN & DSC for all proposed directors✓
Document checklist & apostille guidancePhase 02
Incorporation
✓
MoA & AoA drafting under Companies Act, 2013✓
SPICe+ filing — incorporation, PAN, TAN, GST✓
Certificate of Incorporation (CIN) obtained✓
Corporate bank account opening — remote✓
Share certificates issued to parent companyPhase 03
Post-Incorporation
✓
FC-GPR filing with RBI within 30 days✓
INC-20A — commencement of business declaration✓
Statutory auditor appointment✓
FEMA compliance for foreign capital received✓
Resident Director service if requiredAlso Available — Post-Incorporation Services
Annual MCA & ROC Compliance
MGT-7, AOC-4, Board meetings
RBI & FEMA Reporting
FLA return, FC-GPR, FEMA filings
GST Registration & Filing
Monthly / quarterly as applicable
Statutory Audit & Tax Filing
By certified Chartered Accountants
Transfer Pricing Advisory
For inter-company transactions
Virtual CFO & Payroll
Accounting outsourcing & PF/ESI
Ready to get started with a fully managed subsidiary setup?
Book Free Consultation →
Fixed fee. No hourly billing. One CA from incorporation to annual compliance.
Requirements
Eligibility to Register a Subsidiary in India
These are the minimum requirements under the Companies Act, 2013. No prior knowledge of Indian law needed — Mercurius walks you through every step.
01
Directors
Minimum 2 directors required (individuals only). At least 1 must be an Indian resident (182+ days/year in India). Foreign nationals can be directors — documents must be notarised & apostilled. Mercurius provides a Resident Director if required.
Resident Director Available
02
Shareholders
Minimum 2 shareholders (individuals or companies). Parent company can hold 100% of shares — no Indian partner required. No residential status condition on shareholders.
100% Foreign Ownership
03
Share Capital
No minimum paid-up capital required. Can start with any nominal amount and increase over time. Capital can be increased after incorporation via rights issue or fresh allotment.
₹0 Minimum Capital
04
Registered Office
A valid address in India is required. Virtual office address is accepted. Rental agreement, utility bill (max 2 months old), and NOC from property owner needed.
Virtual Office Accepted
← Swipe to see all requirements →
All foreign documents must be notarised by a Public Notary in your home country and apostilled (or consularised if your country is not a Hague Convention member). Mercurius provides a complete document checklist and apostille guidance for 60+ countries.
Not sure if your company qualifies?
We confirm your eligibility, FDI route, and required documents in a free 30-minute call.
Check Your Eligibility →
We confirm your eligibility, FDI route, and required documents in a free 30-minute call.
Documents you need to prepare
Documents Required
What You Need to Provide
All foreign documents must be notarised and apostilled. We send you a complete checklist after your first call.
Foreign Directors & Shareholders
Foreign Parent Company
India Registered Office
For each foreign individual director or shareholder — notarised + apostilled
Valid passport — colour copy
Notarised + apostilled in home country
Address proof
Bank statement or utility bill — not older than 2 months — apostilled
Passport-size photograph
Recent, against white background
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
We assist with obtaining via email + video KYC
Director Identification Number (DIN)
We file on your behalf — no India visit required
If the foreign parent company is the investing shareholder — all documents notarised + apostilled
Certificate of Incorporation
Of the foreign parent company — apostilled
Board Resolution authorising India investment
Naming the authorised signatory and approved investment amount
Articles of Association / Charter Documents
Apostilled copy of the parent company’s constitutional documents
Address proof of parent company
Utility bill or bank statement — not older than 2 months
For the registered office address in India — virtual office is accepted
Rental agreement or ownership proof
For the office premises — virtual office agreement accepted
Utility bill — not older than 2 months
Electricity, water, gas, or internet bill for the premises
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from property owner
Required if premises are not owned by the company
Apostille Guide
All foreign documents must be notarised by a Public Notary in your home country
Then apostilled if your country is a Hague Convention member (USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, UAE, Singapore and 120+ others)
If your country is not a Hague member, documents must be consularised at the Indian Embassy
Start the apostille process on Day 1 — it typically takes 2–4 weeks
Need help? Mercurius provides a country-specific apostille guide and helps you avoid common documentation delays.
Get Document Checklist →
Registration Process
How to Register a Subsidiary Step by Step
⏱ 15–25 Working Days
1
Day 1
Choose the Right Structure
Mercurius confirms optimal structure — Private Limited, Public Limited, or LLP — based on your sector and FDI classification.
2
Day 1–2
Reserve Company Name with MCA
We check name availability and reserve it via MCA’s RUN portal. Your foreign brand name can be used — typically with ‘India’ added. Reserved for 60 days.
3
Day 2–5
DIN & DSC for All Directors
All proposed directors obtain Director Identification Number (DIN) and Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Foreign nationals submit notarised & apostilled identity proofs.
4
Day 5–8
Draft MoA & AoA, File SPICe+
Memorandum and Articles of Association drafted. SPICe+ form filed with ROC — covering incorporation, PAN, TAN, and GST registration simultaneously.
5
Day 8–15
Receive Certificate of Incorporation
ROC issues Certificate of Incorporation (CIN). PAN and TAN issued automatically. Subsidiary is now a registered legal entity in India — can hire, contract, and operate.
6
Day 15–20
Open Corporate Bank Account
Corporate bank account opened in India — mandatory for receiving share capital. Completable remotely. Internet banking credentials provided once account is live.
7
Within 30–180 Days
RBI Reporting & Commencement
FC-GPR filed with RBI within 30 days of share allotment. INC-20A (commencement of business) filed within 180 days. Subsidiary is fully operational and compliant.
✓
Complete
Your Subsidiary is Live
Fully incorporated, RBI-compliant, bank account active. Ready to invoice, hire, and operate in India — managed entirely by your dedicated CA at Mercurius.
Ready to start your subsidiary registration?
Average timeline: 15–25 working days from document submission to Certificate of Incorporation. 100% remote.
FDI Policy
FDI in India — Sector-Wise Limits
India permits 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in most sectors under the Automatic Route — no prior government approval required. Certain regulated sectors require DPIIT approval.
Automatic Route
No prior approval from RBI or DPIIT required. Most sectors qualify. Fastest path to investment.
Government Approval Route
Prior approval from DPIIT required. Applies to regulated sectors — defence, banking, broadcasting, and others.
| Sector | FDI Limit | Route |
|---|---|---|
| IT, Software & Technology Services | 100% | Automatic Route |
| Manufacturing & Industrial | 100% | Automatic Route |
| Professional & Management Consulting | 100% | Automatic Route |
| Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals | 100% | Automatic Route |
| E-Commerce (B2B) | 100% | Automatic Route |
| Logistics & Warehousing | 100% | Automatic Route |
| Education & EdTech | 100% | Automatic Route |
| Food Processing | 100% | Automatic Route |
| Defence & Aerospace | 74% Auto / 100% with Approval | Government Approval |
| Broadcasting & Digital Media | 49% Auto / up to 74% with Approval | Government Approval |
| Banking — Private Sector | 74% (Automatic up to 49%) | Government Approval |
Source: DPIIT Consolidated FDI Policy. Limits subject to change — Mercurius confirms your sector’s current FDI cap before proceeding.
Not sure which FDI route applies to your sector?
Check FDI Eligibility →
We confirm your sector’s current FDI limit and route in your free first call — before you commit to any structure.
Why Mercurius
Your India Operations Partner
Setting up a company in India is exciting — but once incorporation is done, the real work begins. From compliance deadlines and tax filings to payroll and regulatory reporting, Mercurius helps you manage everything so you can focus on growing your business in India.
OUR CREDENTIALS
CA-Registered. Globally Trusted.
Mercurius is not a filing portal. We’re Chartered Accountants registered with ICAI — with PCAOB (USA), CPAB (Canada), and ISO 9001:2015 certifications. Trusted by MNCs, UHNWIs, and institutional investors across 60+ countries.
CA Registered — ICAI India’s apex accounting body
PCAOB Registered USA-recognised audit standard
CPAB Registered Canadian Public Accountability Board
ISO 9001:2015 Certified Quality-managed across every engagement
TIAG Member 290+ firms across 110 countries
New Delhi · Noida · Gurugram · Dubai · Tokyo · USA
One Dedicated CA — Start to Finish
You work with one qualified CA from the first call to Certificate of Incorporation — and through annual compliance. No handoffs, no junior staff, no surprises.
Zero RBI Rejections
200+ company setups with zero MCA or RBI rejections. Our documentation checklist eliminates avoidable errors before filing — not after.
100% Remote — No India Visit
Incorporation, KYC, bank account, all filings — completed digitally from your desk anywhere in the world. We’ve done it for clients in 60+ countries.
Fixed Transparent Pricing
No hourly billing. No surprise add-ons. One fixed fee covers your full subsidiary registration — you know the cost before you commit.
400+
Professionals
2000+
Clients Served
60+
Countries
0
RBI Rejections
Services After Incorporation
Annual MCA, ROC & Income Tax Compliance
GST Registration & Return Filing
RBI / FEMA Reporting — FC-GPR & FLA
Statutory Audit by Chartered Accountants
Transfer Pricing Advisory
Payroll Processing, PF & ESI Compliance
Virtual CFO & Accounting Outsourcing
Corporate Tax & Expatriate Tax Advisory
Trademark & IP Registration in India
Ready to work with a CA firm that actually stays with you?
Book Free Consultation →
Free 30-minute call — structure, timeline, and a fixed quote. No obligation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything foreign founders, CFOs, and legal teams ask about registering a subsidiary in India — answered by our CA team.
Still have a question?
Our CA responds within 24 hours — no sales pitch, just straight answers.
Ask a CA Directly →
✦ FC-GPR Deadline
RBI reporting within 30 days of share allotment is mandatory. Most providers miss this — we never do.
Can I set up an Indian subsidiary without visiting India?
Yes. The entire registration process — including MCA filing, DIN/DSC, bank account opening, and RBI reporting — can be completed remotely. Foreign documents must be notarised and apostilled in your home country. Mercurius provides a complete remote process guide.
Do I need an Indian co-founder or business partner?
No. In most sectors, 100% FDI is permitted under the Automatic Route. Your foreign company can own 100% of the Indian subsidiary with no Indian partner required. A shared-ownership structure is only necessary in sectors with FDI caps (defence, telecom, media).
Is there a minimum capital investment required?
No. There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement for a Private Limited Company in India. You can incorporate with any nominal amount and increase it as the business grows. The share capital is typically transferred from the foreign parent after incorporation.
What is the corporate tax rate for a subsidiary in India?
Your Indian subsidiary is treated as a domestic company — taxed at 25% on profits (for turnover up to INR 400 crore). New manufacturing subsidiaries may qualify for a 15% concessional rate under Section 115BAB. DTAA treaties between India and your home country further reduce withholding tax on dividends, royalties, and interest.
Can the Indian subsidiary use our parent company’s brand name?
Yes. You can register the subsidiary under your foreign parent company’s brand name — typically with ‘India’ added (e.g., ABC Corp India Private Limited), subject to MCA naming guidelines. The name is reserved for up to 60 days through the MCA’s RUN portal.
Want to check if your brand name is available in India?
We run a free MCA name availability check.
Check Name →
We run a free MCA name availability check.
How long does the incorporation process take?
15–25 working days on average, subject to document readiness and MCA processing time. The timeline begins from the date all notarised and apostilled documents are submitted. Mercurius tracks the application at every stage and keeps you updated throughout.
What annual compliances must the subsidiary maintain?
Your subsidiary must file: Annual Return (MGT-7), Financial Statements (AOC-4), Statutory CA Audit, RBI FLA Return by 15 July, Quarterly TDS Returns, GST Returns, and hold a minimum of 4 Board Meetings per year. Mercurius manages all of this on a fixed-fee annual retainer — one bill, zero missed deadlines.
Free Discovery Call
Ready to Register Your
India Subsidiary?
One call. We map your structure, confirm your FDI route, and give you a fixed quote. No obligations, no surprises.
CA speaks to you directly — not a sales rep
FDI route & sector cap confirmed in 24 hrs
Fixed transparent pricing — agreed upfront
15–25 days to Certificate of Incorporation
FC-GPR & RBI filings included — always
100% remote — no India visit required
We serve clients from
USA
United Kingdom
UAE
Singapore
Canada
Australia
Germany
Japan
France
Netherlands
+ 60 countries
Get in Touch
Book Your Free Consultation
We respond within 24 hours — our CA team, not a salesperson.
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