Japan
→
India
For Japanese Companies & Founders · 100% Remote

Expand Your Japan
Business to India.

From Tokyo to New Delhi, set up your Indian Private Limited Company, Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Branch Office, or Liaison Office with complete compliance support. We help Japanese businesses register remotely in India within 4–8 weeks, with filing, RBI, tax, and post-incorporation support include.

📅 Book Free Consultation Explore Structures ↓
60+
Countries Served
200+
Clients Worldwide
17+
Years Experience
Japan
Japan
✈️
4–8 weeks
India
India

Register a Japanese company in India

Japanese companies and founders can register a fully compliant Indian Private Limited, Wholly Owned Subsidiary, or Liaison Office remotely in 4 to 8 weeks, with filing and support included and zero RBI rejections, supported by a dedicated Tokyo office.

Japan
Why India · For Japanese Companies

Why Japanese Businesses Are
Registering a Company in India

For Japanese Businesses, India is becoming a smart and cost-effective place to grow. Business operating costs in India can be around 30% to 60% lower than Japan, especially for labour, office space, back-office work, and support teams.

India also gives easy access to skilled people, engineers, finance teams, IT talent, and manufacturing resources. Many sectors allow 100% foreign ownership, so Japanese businesses can set up in India with better control and confidence.

With strong India–Japan business relations under CEPA and support from our Japan office, the company formation process becomes easier, smoother, and more practical for Japanese companies.

01
Can a Japanese company own 100% of an Indian subsidiary?
Yes. Under India’s Automatic FDI Route, a Japanese company can hold 100% ownership of its Indian subsidiary in most sectors, with no prior government approval required.
Source: RBI Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)
100%
Foreign Ownership
02
Does a trade agreement exist between India and Japan?
Yes. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Japan reduces tariffs, simplifies trade, and provides preferential treatment for Japanese investors.
Source: India-Japan CEPA
CEPA
Trade Agreement
03
Does India offer manufacturing incentives to Japanese investors?
Yes. India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes offer direct cash incentives across 14 key sectors, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automotive — where Japanese investment is growing.
Source: Government of India PLI scheme
14
PLI Sectors
04
Does India have demand in sectors where Japan leads?
Yes. A young, rapidly growing middle class of 1.4 billion people drives strong demand for electronics, automotive, healthcare, and IT — sectors where Japanese companies already lead globally.
Source: World Bank population data
1.4B
Population
05
How much lower are operating costs in India versus Japan?
Up to 60% lower for labour, office space, and manufacturing — allowing Japanese companies to scale operations, R&D, and GCC functions cost-effectively.
Source: Industry cost benchmarks, 2026
60%
Lower Cost vs Japan
  • Can a Japanese company own 100% of an Indian subsidiary? Yes. Under India’s Automatic FDI Route, a Japanese company can hold 100% ownership of its Indian subsidiary in most sectors with no prior government approval required.
  • Does a trade agreement exist between India and Japan? Yes. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Japan reduces tariffs and simplifies trade.
  • Does India offer manufacturing incentives to Japanese investors? Yes. India’s Production-Linked Incentive schemes offer direct cash incentives across 14 key sectors including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automotive.
  • Does India have demand in sectors where Japan leads? Yes. A young, rapidly growing middle class of 1.4 billion people drives strong demand for electronics, automotive, healthcare, and IT.
  • How much lower are operating costs in India versus Japan? Up to 60% lower for labour, office space, and manufacturing costs.
📅 Book Free Consultation →
Japan
Best Structure · For Japanese Companies

Which Entity Should a Japanese
Company Register in India?

Most Japanese companies entering India choose one of these five structures. Select below — we explain what it means, what it costs, and how long it takes.

Private Limited Company ★ Most Popular
Wholly Owned Subsidiary For Corporations
Liaison Office Market Entry
Branch Office Trading
Project Office Projects
★ Most Popular for Japanese Founders
Private Limited Company

The #1 choice for Japanese companies registering a company in India — from startups to mid-size enterprises. Fully foreign-owned, fundable, and eligible for FDI under the Automatic Route.

✓
100% foreign ownership — automatic FDI route
No government approval needed in most sectors
✓
Limited liability — your Japan assets are protected
Indian entity is legally separate from Japanese parent
✓
Hire, invoice, own IP and assets in India
Full operational freedom — no activity restrictions
✓
Taxed at 22% — significantly lower than Branch Office (40%)
CEPA treaty reduces withholding tax on dividends to Japan
✓
Eligible for PLI incentives and government schemes
Manufacturing, electronics, pharma, and 11 more sectors
📅 Set Up a Pvt Ltd → Ask a Question
Quick Facts
Setup Time
4–8 weeks
Min. Directors
2 (1 India resident)
Min. Shareholders
2
Min. Capital
No minimum
Tax Rate
22%
RBI Approval
Not required
Best For
Most Japanese companies — startups to mid-size
Ideal for Japanese Corporations
Wholly Owned Subsidiary

A Private Limited where your Japanese parent company holds 100% of the shares. Full operational control, clear governance, and profit repatriation covered under the India-Japan CEPA.

✓
Japanese parent holds 100% — full control from Japan HQ
No Indian partner or co-investor required
✓
Japanese parent fully protected from Indian liabilities
Separate legal entity — ring-fenced from parent balance sheet
✓
Profits repatriated as dividends to Japan
CEPA and India-Japan DTAA reduce withholding tax
✓
Eligible for PLI schemes and manufacturing incentives
Particularly relevant for Japanese automotive and electronics firms
📅 Set Up a WOS → Ask a Question
Quick Facts
Setup Time
4–8 weeks
Ownership
100% Japanese parent
Min. Directors
2 (1 India resident)
Tax Rate
22%
RBI Approval
Not required
Best For
Japanese corporations expanding operations to India
Low-Commitment Market Entry
Liaison / Representative Office

A low-commitment entry point for market research, sourcing, and communication. Cannot conduct commercial activity or earn revenue in India.

✓
Market research and feasibility studies
Understand India operations before full commitment
✓
Promote parent company products and services
Act as a communication channel — no revenue generation
✓
Sourcing and quality inspection for Japanese manufacturers
Widely used by Japanese manufacturing and trading companies
✗
Cannot earn revenue or conduct commercial activity
All expenses funded by Japanese parent — requires RBI approval
📅 Set Up a Liaison Office → Ask a Question
Quick Facts
Setup Time
6–8 weeks
RBI Approval
Required
Revenue
Not permitted
Validity
3 years (renewable)
Tax Rate
No Indian tax (no income)
Best For
Companies testing India before full commitment
For Trading & Service Companies
Branch Office

Allows limited commercial activities such as import/export and consulting. Taxed at a higher rate than a subsidiary. Requires prior RBI approval.

✓
Conduct import/export and trading operations
More operational than a Liaison Office
✓
Provide professional and consulting services
Commonly used by Japanese IT and service companies
✓
Profits can be repatriated after RBI compliance
Subject to FEMA regulations and RBI reporting
📅 Set Up a Branch Office → Ask a Question
Quick Facts
Setup Time
6–10 weeks
RBI Approval
Required
Tax Rate
40% (foreign company)
Revenue
Permitted (restricted)
Best For
Trading and service companies with limited India activities
For Project-Based Assignments
Project Office

Ideal for Japanese companies executing a specific contract or project in India — particularly in infrastructure, engineering, or construction — for the duration of the project only.

✓
Operate in India for a specific project duration
No permanent entity needed — winds down after project completion
✓
Suitable for infrastructure, engineering, and EPC contracts
Common for Japanese construction and engineering companies
✓
Receive project payments and repatriate funds
Subject to RBI and FEMA compliance during project period
✗
RBI approval may be required in certain cases
Existence tied to project — not suitable for ongoing operations
📅 Set Up a Project Office → Ask a Question
Quick Facts
Duration
For project period only
RBI Approval
May be required
Tax Rate
40% (foreign company)
Revenue
Project income only
Best For
Japanese companies on short-term or project-based assignments
Comparing All 5 Entity Structures
Factor Pvt Ltd WOS Liaison Office Branch Office Project Office
Setup Time 4–8 weeks 4–8 weeks 6–8 weeks 6–10 weeks Project period
Tax Rate 22% 22% No Indian tax 40% 40%
Can Earn Revenue Yes Yes No Yes (restricted) Project income only
Best For Startups to mid-size Corporations Market testing Trading & services Short-term projects
Not sure which structure fits your Japanese business?
Free 30-min call — honest recommendation, no upsell.
📅 Get Free Advice →

Private Limited Company

The number one choice for Japanese companies registering a company in India, from startups to mid-size enterprises. Fully foreign-owned with 100% ownership permitted under the automatic FDI route, no government approval needed in most sectors, limited liability protecting Japan assets, and taxed at 22%, significantly lower than the 40% rate for a Branch Office. Eligible for PLI incentives across 15 sectors. Setup time is 4 to 8 weeks.

Wholly Owned Subsidiary

A Private Limited Company where the Japanese parent company holds 100% of the shares, with full operational control and profit repatriation as dividends covered under the India-Japan CEPA and DTAA. Setup time is 4 to 8 weeks, taxed at 22%, no RBI approval required.

Liaison or Representative Office

A low-commitment entry point for market research, sourcing, and communication. Cannot earn revenue or conduct commercial activity in India. Requires RBI approval, valid for 3 years and renewable. Setup time is 6 to 8 weeks.

Branch Office

Allows limited commercial activities such as import and export and consulting. Requires prior RBI approval and is taxed at 40% as a foreign company. Setup time is 6 to 10 weeks.

Project Office

For Japanese companies executing a specific contract or project in India, particularly infrastructure, engineering, or construction. Exists only for the project duration and may require RBI approval. Taxed at 40% as a foreign company.

Japan
The Process · Japan to India

Japan to India Company Setup,
Managed Step by Step-

⏱ 4–8 Weeks End-to-End
1
Week 1
Entity Selection & Advisory
We assess your business model, sector, and FDI eligibility — then recommend Pvt Ltd, WOS, Liaison, Branch, or Project Office.
2
Week 1–2
DIN & Digital Signature Certificate
Mandatory for all directors including Japanese nationals. We handle the full application and authentication process remotely.
3
Week 2
Company Name Reservation
We file your preferred name with MCA via the RUN portal. Your Japanese brand name can be used — reserved for 60 days.
4
Week 2–3
MoA & AoA Drafting
Memorandum and Articles of Association drafted. Japanese documents are apostilled or notarised as required — we send a full guide.
5
Week 3–4
SPICe+ Filing with RoC
All incorporation documents submitted digitally — integrating company registration, PAN, TAN, and GST in one single filing.
6
Week 4–6
Certificate of Incorporation
RoC approves and issues your Certificate of Incorporation (CIN). Your Indian company is now a legally registered entity.
7
Week 6–8
Bank Account, GST & Other
Corporate bank account opened remotely. GST registered. INC-20A filed within 180 days. FC-GPR filed with RBI within 30 days of share allotment.
✓
Complete
Your Indian Company is Live
Fully incorporated, RBI-compliant, bank account active. Ready to hire, invoice, and operate in India — supported by your dedicated professional.
Want a day-by-day timeline for your Japan entity setup?
We send a personalised roadmap — including apostille steps for Japan — no surprises.
📅 Get My Timeline →
Japan
OUR SERVICES · JAPAN TO INDIA

Everything We Handle
for Japanese Companies

Incorporation is only the beginning. We stay with you through every stage of your India business journey — from your first call to annual compliance, year after year.

🏢
Company Registeration In India
Private Limited, WOS, LLP, Branch Office, Liaison Office, and Project Office registration under the Companies Act 2013. Full MCA filing — 100% remote.
SPICe+ FilingMoA & AoACIN & PAN
📋
FDI & RBI Compliance
Foreign Direct Investment filings, FEMA compliance, and Reserve Bank of India reporting for all inbound capital from Japan. FC-GPR filed within 30 days — always.
FC-GPRFLA ReturnFEMA
💰
Tax & GST Registration
PAN, TAN, GST registration, advance tax planning, and transfer pricing documentation for Japan–India intercompany transactions under CEPA.
GST FilingTransfer PricingCEPA Advisory
📊
Accounting & Virtual CFO
Monthly bookkeeping, financial reporting under Indian GAAP, and Virtual CFO services tailored for Japanese parent companies — with Japan-aligned reporting formats.
Indian GAAPMonthly MISVirtual CFO
👥
HR, Payroll & PEO
Local hiring support, payroll processing, PF/ESI compliance, and Professional Employer Organisation (PEO) services — hire in India without a registered entity.
PayrollPF & ESIPEOEOR
⚖️
Ongoing Regulatory Compliance
Annual ROC filings, board meeting compliance, statutory audit, and corporate secretarial services — zero missed deadlines on a fixed annual retainer.
MGT-7AOC-4Statutory Audit
Everything Your India Business Needs, in One Place
From company incorporation to RBI filings, tax, accounting, audit, payroll, and annual compliance — managed by one expert team for Japanese companies expanding to India. Button: Get a Quote
📅 Get a Quote →
Japan
JAPAN TO INDIA · DOCUMENT SUPPORT

What Japanese Companies Need to
Register in India

We send a personalised checklist after the first call. All Japanese documents must be apostilled — Japan is a Hague Convention member, so no embassy attestation is needed.

Japanese Directors & Shareholders
Japanese Parent Company
For each Japanese director or shareholder — all documents notarised + apostilled
Valid passport — colour copy
Notarised + apostilled by a Japanese Notary Public
Address proof
Japanese 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 — no India visit required
Director Identification Number (DIN)
We file on your behalf — no India visit required
Email address and mobile number
For MCA portal registration — standard KYC requirement
If the Japanese parent company is the investing shareholder — all documents notarised + apostilled
Certificate of Incorporation of Japanese company
Apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外務省) of Japan
Board Resolution authorising India investment
Naming the authorised signatory and approved investment amount — apostilled
Articles of Incorporation / Constitutional Documents
Apostilled copy of the Japanese parent's constitutional documents
Address proof of Japanese parent company
Utility bill or bank statement — not older than 2 months — apostilled
Apostille Guide — Japan
All documents must be notarised by a Japanese Notary Public (公証人) first
Then apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外務省) — Japan is a Hague Convention member
Apostille takes approximately 1–2 weeks — start on Day 1 of engagement
No embassy attestation needed — Hague Convention eliminates this step for Japan
Need help? Mercurius sends a complete Japan-specific apostille guide on Day 1 — including where to go and what format is accepted.
Get Document Checklist →
Want your personalised Japan document checklist?
Tailored to your entity type and directors — sent after first call.
📋 Get My Checklist →

Documents required to register a Japanese company in India

For each Japanese director or shareholder: a notarised and apostilled valid passport; address proof such as a Japanese bank statement or utility bill not older than 2 months, apostilled; a recent passport-size photograph; a Digital Signature Certificate obtained via email and video KYC with no India visit required; a Director Identification Number filed on their behalf; and email address and mobile number for MCA portal registration.

If the Japanese parent company is the investing shareholder: a Certificate of Incorporation apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; a Board Resolution authorising the India investment, apostilled; Articles of Incorporation or constitutional documents, apostilled; and address proof of the Japanese parent company, apostilled.

Apostille guide: documents must first be notarised by a Japanese Notary Public, then apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, since Japan is a Hague Convention member. Apostille takes approximately 1 to 2 weeks and should start on day 1. No embassy attestation is needed.

Japan
Our Tokyo Presence · You Are Not Alone

We Have a
Tokyo Office.

Our Tokyo-based team works with Japanese businesses directly — in your time zone, with an understanding of how Japanese companies operate. We bridge the gap between Japanese corporate culture and the Indian regulatory environment so nothing gets lost in translation.

✓
Does Mercurius offer Japan time zone support?
Yes. Our Tokyo team responds during JST business hours. Only a 3.5–4.5 hour difference with India — same-day responses guaranteed.
✓
Does Mercurius understand Japanese business culture?
Yes. We understand how Japanese corporates operate — structured approvals, documentation standards, and reporting expectations aligned with Japanese parent requirements.
✓
Is Mercurius part of a global advisory network?
Yes. As a TIAG member firm, Mercurius connects you to 290+ accounting firms across 110 countries — including Japan — for seamless cross-border advisory.
✓
Are Mercurius processes quality-certified?
Yes. Every engagement follows ISO 9001:2015 certified, documented, quality-managed processes — consistent and traceable, the way Japanese companies expect it.
📅 Book Free Consultation ✉️ Email Our Team
Japan Representative Office
🗼 Mercurius — Tokyo
MT-O Jinbocho 3F
1-14-3 Kanda Jinbocho
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051
Japan
+1 307 223 4197
+91 11 4559 6689
info@mercuriusteam.com
Our Credentials
ICAI Registered
Indian Accounting Body
2000+
Clients Served
ISO 9001:2015
Certified
TIAG Member
110 Countries
17+ Years
Experience
400+
Professionals

Mercurius Tokyo office for Japanese companies registering in India

Mercurius has a dedicated Tokyo representative office providing Japan time zone support during JST business hours with same-day responses, an understanding of Japanese business culture including structured approvals and documentation standards, membership in the TIAG global network of 290 plus accounting firms across 110 countries, and ISO 9001:2015 certified quality-managed processes. The firm is registered with the Indian accounting body ICAI, PCAOB registered in the USA, has over 17 years of experience and over 400 professionals.

Japan
FAQ · Japanese Companies

Register a Japanese
Company in
India: FAQs

The most common questions we get from Japanese companies before registering in India — answered plainly.

Still have a question?
Our Tokyo team responds within 24 hours — no sales pitch, just straight answers.
📅 Book a Call → ✉️ Email Us
✦ Tokyo Office
Our Japan representative office works in JST — same-day responses during business hours.
Do I need to travel to India to register a company?
+
No. The entire SPICe+ incorporation process is digital. You can complete company registration in India from Japan without travelling there — as long as all documents are properly apostilled and submitted electronically. You will, however, need at least one Indian resident director. Mercurius can help you identify one if needed.
Is an Indian resident director mandatory?
+
Yes. Under the Companies Act 2013, at least one director must have resided in India for a minimum of 182 days in the previous financial year. Mercurius can provide a qualified nominee resident director immediately — at no delay to your incorporation timeline.
Can a Japanese company own 100% of the Indian subsidiary?
+
Yes. In most sectors, 100% foreign direct investment is permitted under the Automatic Route — no prior government approval needed. Certain sectors (defence, media, insurance) have different caps. The India-Japan CEPA further facilitates investment by reducing tariffs and administrative barriers. We advise sector-specific FDI limits as part of our onboarding.
How long does company incorporation take?
+
The SPICe+ registration itself takes 7–10 business days. Including document preparation, apostille (1–2 weeks in Japan), name approval, and post-incorporation registrations (PAN, GST, bank account), the full process typically takes 4–8 weeks from when all documents are submitted.
Want a detailed week-by-week timeline? We send one after your first call.
Get Timeline →
What is the minimum capital required?
+
There is no statutory minimum paid-up capital requirement for a Private Limited Company in India. However, authorised capital of ₹1 lakh (approx. ¥180,000) is standard at incorporation. The actual capital depends on your business model and FDI plan. Capital can be increased after incorporation.
What is the corporate tax rate for a Japanese subsidiary in India?
+
Your Indian subsidiary is treated as a domestic company — taxed at 22–25% on profits, significantly lower than the 40% rate for a Branch Office. The India-Japan DTAA (covered under CEPA) reduces withholding tax on dividends, royalties, and interest paid back to Japan. New manufacturing subsidiaries may qualify for a 15% concessional rate under Section 115BAB.
What is the difference between a Liaison Office and a Wholly Owned Subsidiary?
+
A Liaison Office can only conduct market research, promotion, and communication — it cannot earn revenue or conduct commercial activity. It's suitable for Japanese companies testing India before committing. A Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) is a fully operational Indian company — it can hire, invoice, own assets, and operate commercially. Most Japanese companies that are serious about India choose the WOS structure.
Not sure which fits your business? We advise in a free first call.
Get Advice →
Doing business in India
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