Set up your Indian company from the US with complete expert support — from incorporation and documentation to filings, tax, compliance, and bank account assistance. No India visit required. Clear pricing. Smooth approvals.
A US company can register a business in India with 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, under the automatic FDI route — no government approval needed. Here’s what makes India a strategic choice for US founders.
Most US clients pick one of three structures. Select below — we explain what it means, what it costs, and how long it takes.
| Factor | Private Limited | Wholly Owned Subsidiary | LLP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | 12–15 working days | 12–15 working days | 12–15 working days |
| Foreign Ownership | Up to 100% | 100% by US parent | Up to 100% |
| Minimum Capital | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum |
| Can Raise Funding / Equity | Yes | Yes, from US parent | No |
| Annual Audit | Mandatory | Mandatory | Only above ₹40L turnover |
| RBI / FEMA Filing | Standard FDI reporting | FC-GPR within 30 days | Standard FDI reporting |
| Best For | SaaS, tech, startups | US corporations, parent-owned entities | Consulting, agencies, services |
| India Visit Required | No | No | No |
For US companies that want to enter India without setting up a separate subsidiary, a Branch Office, Liaison Office, or Project Office can be a suitable option. These structures help foreign companies test the Indian market, coordinate with local partners, or execute a specific project in India.
The number one choice for US founders, SaaS companies, and SMEs registering a company in India. Fully foreign-owned, fundable, and straightforward to operate. Features: 100% foreign ownership under the automatic FDI route with no government approval needed in most sectors; limited liability protecting US assets since the Indian entity is legally separate; ability to raise funding or issue ESOPs later; minimum 2 directors with at least 1 India-resident director, which Mercurius can provide as a nominee if needed. Setup time is 12 to 15 working days. Minimum capital required: none. Annual audit is mandatory. No India visit required, fully remote. Best for SaaS, tech, e-commerce, and startups planning to scale in India.
A Private Limited Company where the US company holds 100% of the shares, ideal for US Inc., LLC, and Corp structures. Ring-fenced from the parent company, with profits flowing back as dividends. Features: US parent holds 100% with full control from US headquarters and no individual shareholders required; the US company is fully protected from Indian liabilities through a legal firewall between parent and subsidiary; profits are repatriated as dividends to the USA, covered under the India-USA DTAA with no double taxation; FC-GPR must be filed with the RBI within 30 days of share allotment, which Mercurius handles to avoid penalties. Setup time is 12 to 15 working days. Owned 100% by the US parent company. No India visit required, fully remote. Best for US corporations wanting a clean Indian subsidiary under their corporate structure.
Partnership-style flexibility with limited liability, with a lower compliance burden than a Private Limited Company. Good for consulting, agencies, and professional services. Features: no mandatory audit below 40 lakh rupees turnover, significantly lowering early compliance cost; flexible profit distribution to partners with no restrictions on timing; only 2 ROC filings per year, much simpler than a Private Limited Company; cannot issue ESOPs or raise equity, so businesses switch to Private Limited if funding becomes a priority. Setup time is 12 to 15 working days. Foreign ownership up to 100%. Mandatory audit only above 40 lakh rupees turnover. No India visit required, fully remote. Best for consulting, IT services, and agencies, especially in early stages with lower compliance needs.
For US companies that want to enter India without setting up a separate subsidiary, a Branch Office, Liaison Office, or Project Office can be a suitable option. Branch Office is useful for permitted business activities. Liaison Office is ideal for market research and communication support. Project Office works best for companies executing a specific contract in India. Best for US companies looking for a limited, controlled, or project-based presence in India. Mercurius can help you choose the right structure, complete approvals, and manage compliance in India.
8 steps. 12–15 working days. No India visit. Swipe through the full process below — we handle every single step.
We send a personalised checklist after the first call. All US documents must be apostilled — the USA is a Hague Convention member, so no embassy attestation needed.
For the US company: a Certificate of Incorporation apostilled by the state's Secretary of State; a Board Resolution authorising the Indian subsidiary, apostilled; and Company Address Proof such as a utility bill or bank statement, apostilled.
For each US director or shareholder: a notarised and apostilled passport copy; Address Proof such as a driver's licence or bank statement, apostilled; and a passport photo plus email and phone for standard KYC, which does not need notarisation.
Apostille tip: start the apostille process on day 1, since it takes 2 to 3 weeks depending on the state. The USA is a Hague Convention member, so no embassy attestation is needed, only an apostille.
The most common questions we get from US companies before registering in India — answered plainly.
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