Effortlessly incorporate and manage your company in India with Vepapu—offering all-in-one services from registration to compliance, banking, and visa support.
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Unlock Growth Opportunities in an Emerging Market
Reduced operational costs, including labour, rent, & overheads.
Simplified compliance requirements and regulatory processes.
A large and young population provides a dynamic workforce.
Allows for foreign shareholding up to 100% in the company.
Everything You Need for Seamless Company Formation
Experience seamless company formation from anywhere with Vepapu. Our digital incorporation services ensure you can register your company online without the need to travel or submit paperwork in person.
We guide you through each step of the process, ensuring compliance with local regulations and providing support for any incorporation-related queries.
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Meet the local requirements online with Vepapu. Having a local registered office address is mandatory for your company's registration and we will help you meet this requirement. We will receive, scan, and email you if any mail is received from the authorities at your address.
You can also build a physical presence in the country by opting for our nominee director services, who will act as your company's director while you retain total control over your company.
You can capitalise on our strong banking relationships with traditional banks as well as digital-first banking providers.
You would need to physically visit the bank's location if you opt for a traditional brick-and-mortar bank, while modern digital banking providers welcome you with an online onboarding process.
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Leverage Vepapu’s expertise to navigate the visa application process for your business needs. Whether you require work visas for your team or investor visas to secure your investment rights, we facilitate the entire process.
Our services include comprehensive guidance on meeting eligibility criteria, preparing necessary documentation, and submitting applications efficiently to minimize wait times and complications.
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Mandatory documents and information required for your company formation
A certified true copy (scanned version) of the passport (valid for at least 6 months)
A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (C.V.), Resumé, or Linkedin profile.
One of the scanned copies of a bank reference, bank statement, Utility bill, or Driver license.
It should clearly show the holder's full name along with a physical address written in English (P.O. Box addresses are not accepted).
It must be the most recent version and dated within the last 3 months.
Please provide us with certified true copy (scanned version) of the following company documents:
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum and Articles of Association / Constitution
Register of Director
Register of Shareholder / UBO
Extract of the company’s details from the Registrar of Companies, which can include any of the following: Business Profile / Certificate of Incumbency / Certificate of Good standing (valid for within 6 months if any).
All members of the corporation, including Directors, Shareholders, Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs), and Contact persons, must provide identity and address proofs as mentioned above.
From Paperwork to Approval: Making Company Formation Fast and Straightforward
Click here and fill out the short form to let us know your requirements.
Afterwards, our team will get in touch with you to guide you through the process.
Begin the company incorporation process by sharing the requested documents, as listed here. This enables us to begin the mandatory KYC and due diligence procedures to comply with local and international laws.
During the process of due diligence, our team might request additional information, documents, or clarification as needed.
If you ever feel lost while organising the documents, please contact us, as your dedicated manager from Vepapu will guide you through it.
Our team will now have the required information and documentation in hand to proceed with completing the required paperwork involved in incorporating your company.
We will complete one or multiple application forms as required and coordinate with the registry to submit them for their official approval.
We will do timely follow-ups with the registry and actively work with them if they require any further clarification or documentation before their approval.
If there are any other registrations with different government departments that are generally required before commencement of any business, required for your specific business industry, or that you have chosen voluntarily, we will promptly complete them.
As Vepapu strongly believes that company incorporation is just the first step in any business journey, we will accompany you throughout your business's life cycle by keeping it in good standing with local rules and regulations.
We will take care of monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, or annual reports and return filings with the authorities. We will timely inform you of the upcoming compliance deadlines, such as conducting an annual general meeting, for your prompt action.
Get in touch and ask us anything. We'd love to help.
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A Private Limited Company (PLC) is one of the most popular business entities in India, particularly for startups and small businesses. It requires a minimum of two directors and shareholders, with the shareholders' liability limited to their shareholding. The company must adhere to strict regulatory compliance, including annual filings and audits, but it offers the benefit of limited liability and easier access to capital through equity financing.
An LLP combines the benefits of both a partnership and a company, providing flexibility in management and limited liability protection to its partners. It requires at least two designated partners, and there is no requirement for minimum capital. LLPs are often preferred by professionals and service-based businesses due to their simpler compliance requirements compared to a PLC.
A Branch Office is an extension of a foreign company in India, established to conduct business activities such as exporting, importing, and providing technical support. It is not allowed to engage in manufacturing or retail activities. The parent company bears the liability for the operations of the Branch Office, and it must comply with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations.
A Liaison Office, also known as a Representative Office, is established by a foreign company to facilitate communication between its head office and Indian customers or suppliers. It cannot engage in any commercial or revenue-generating activities and is primarily used for market research, promotion, and coordination purposes. The office is fully funded by the parent company, and its operations are limited to representational activities.
A Project Office is set up by a foreign company in India to execute specific projects, usually related to turnkey or infrastructure projects. It is a temporary establishment that is allowed to carry out activities only related to the project it was set up for. Like a Branch Office, it is governed by FEMA regulations, and the parent company is responsible for its liabilities.
A Sole Proprietorship is the simplest form of business entity in India, where a single individual owns and operates the business. There is no legal distinction between the owner and the business, making the owner personally liable for all debts and obligations. While it requires minimal compliance, it does not provide the benefits of limited liability or separate legal status.
A Partnership Firm is an entity where two or more individuals come together to run a business and share profits and losses. It can be either registered or unregistered, though registration offers additional legal protection. Partners have unlimited liability, meaning they are personally responsible for the firm’s debts, and the entity has relatively simple compliance requirements compared to corporations.
Yes, foreigners can incorporate a company in India, and one of the most common structures for this purpose is the Private Limited Company (PLC). Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is permitted in most sectors under two routes: the Automatic Route and the Government Approval Route. Under the Automatic Route, foreign investors do not need prior government approval, and they can own up to 100% equity in a Private Limited Company, depending on the sector. The Government Approval Route applies to sectors where FDI limits exceed certain thresholds or in specific sensitive sectors such as defense or media. The FDI policy has been progressively liberalized to attract foreign investment, with recent reforms easing entry barriers and increasing sectoral caps, thereby making India a more favorable destination for global investors.
Foreign shareholders are treated equally to Indian shareholders, and the liability of shareholders is limited to their shareholding. Recent reforms in FDI policy have simplified procedures, allowing for easier access to capital and technology, and have encouraged foreign investors to establish operations in India. The ease of doing business in India has also improved significantly, with the government implementing measures such as online company registration, simplified tax procedures, and enhanced protection for minority investors. These changes, along with India’s large market and growing economy, make it an attractive destination for foreign investment.
There is no prescribed minimum share capital for a Pvt. Ltd. company in India. The capital can be determined based on the business requirements and can be in any convertible foreign currency. The company can issue equity shares, preference shares, and debentures. Shares can be fully paid-up or partly paid-up.
A company secretary is not mandatory for a Pvt. Ltd. company unless it has a paid-up share capital of INR 10 crore or more. However, having a company secretary can be beneficial for ensuring compliance with various regulatory requirements. The company secretary ensures that the company adheres to corporate laws and maintains proper records of board meetings, shareholder meetings, and other statutory registers.
A Pvt. Ltd. company must have a registered office in India. This is the official address of the company where all legal documents and notices are sent. The office space can be owned or leased, and it must be a physical location (not a P.O. box). The address of the registered office must be provided during incorporation and should be maintained as per the Companies Act, 2013.
To incorporate a company in India, you need to prepare and submit various documents. These documents are essential to comply with Indian regulations and ensure your business operates legally. The documents will be used in KYC due diligence procedures, application preparation, and document submission to the authorities.
ncorporating a Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.) in India as a foreign business or individual involves a systematic process that ensures compliance with Indian laws and regulations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the incorporation process:
The first step in incorporating a Pvt. Ltd. company is to obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN) and a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for the proposed directors of the company. At least one director must be an Indian resident, while other directors can be foreign nationals. The DSC is used for electronically signing documents submitted to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). To obtain these, the directors need to provide identification documents such as a passport, proof of address, and passport-sized photographs.
The name must be unique and comply with the naming guidelines prescribed by the MCA. It should not be identical or similar to the name of an existing company, and it should reflect the nature of the business. Once a name is chosen, it can be reserved through the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service on the MCA portal. It is advisable to propose at least two names in order of preference, as the availability of the desired name is subject to MCA approval. The reserved name is valid for 20 days, within which the incorporation process must be completed.
Once the company name is approved, the next step involves drafting the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA), which define the company’s objectives and the rules governing its operations. These documents must be signed by the subscribers (shareholders) and witnessed. The MoA and AoA, along with other required forms like SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically Plus), are submitted to the MCA. The SPICe+ form integrates multiple services like PAN (Permanent Account Number) and TAN (Tax Account Number) registration, along with the incorporation application. The application should also include proof of identity and address for the registered office, as well as a declaration by the directors and subscribers.
After submitting the incorporation documents, the MCA will review the application. If all documents are in order, the MCA will issue a Certificate of Incorporation (CoI). The CoI is a legal document that confirms the formation of the company and includes a Corporate Identification Number (CIN), which serves as a unique identifier for the company. The CoI also includes details like the company’s name, registered office address, and date of incorporation. Upon receiving the CoI, the company is officially recognized as a Pvt. Ltd. company in India and can commence its business operations.
Once the company is incorporated, the next step is to open a corporate bank account in India. The directors need to submit the CoI, PAN, MoA, AoA, and KYC documents of the directors to the bank. After the bank account is opened, the shareholders must infuse the initial share capital as per the MoA. The capital can be transferred from abroad if the shareholders are foreign entities or individuals. This step is essential as the company must adhere to the FDI norms under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and report the capital infusion to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) through the Form FC-GPR within 30 days of allotment of shares.
After incorporation, several post-incorporation compliance steps must be completed. These include obtaining a Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration, registering for the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), and obtaining professional tax registration if applicable. The company must also maintain statutory registers, issue share certificates to the shareholders, and hold the first board meeting within 30 days of incorporation.
When incorporating a Private Limited Company in India, foreign businesses and individuals must adhere to a comprehensive set of post-incorporation compliance requirements. These regulations ensure the company operates within the legal framework established by Indian authorities. Here’s a breakdown of the key compliance steps:
Within 30 days of incorporation, a Pvt. Ltd. company must appoint its first statutory auditor. The appointment is made at the first board meeting, and the details must be filed with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) using Form ADT-1. The auditor's role is to audit the financial statements and ensure their accuracy and compliance with statutory obligations. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for financial transparency and accountability within the company.
The company must hold its first board meeting within 30 days of incorporation. Following this, it is required to conduct a minimum of four board meetings each year, with at least one meeting in every quarter. Accurate minutes of these meetings must be maintained as per the legal standards. These meetings are essential for making key decisions, reviewing the company’s performance, and ensuring that the management is aligned with the company's objectives.
The company is required to file its Annual Return (Form MGT-7) within 60 days of the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The return includes details such as the company’s registered office, principal business activities, shareholding pattern, and any changes in directorship. Additionally, the financial statements, including the balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and directors’ report, must be filed using Form AOC-4 within 30 days of the AGM. These filings are critical as they provide regulatory authorities and stakeholders with insights into the company’s financial health and governance.
Maintaining statutory registers, such as the Register of Members, Register of Directors and Key Managerial Personnel, and Register of Charges, is mandatory. These registers must be kept at the registered office and regularly updated. Additionally, companies must ensure that they affix a board outside their registered office with their name, address, Corporate Identification Number (CIN), and other relevant details. Proper maintenance of these records is necessary to comply with legal requirements and for operational transparency.
If the company receives foreign direct investment, it must comply with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) by submitting Form FC-GPR within 30 days of share allotment. The company must also file the Annual Return on Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) by July 15th each year. Moreover, companies earning revenue from goods or services in India must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) and comply with income tax regulations, including Transfer Pricing laws if applicable. These steps ensure the company meets its financial and regulatory obligations under Indian law.
Other critical compliance steps include issuing share certificates to subscribers within 60 days of allotment, filing a declaration of commencement of business using Form INC-20A within 180 days of incorporation, and obtaining necessary registrations such as MSME, if eligible. The company must also maintain proper corporate stationery, including minutes books for board meetings, statutory registers, and KYC details for directors. Adherence to these requirements helps foreign investors establish a legally compliant and operationally efficient business in India.
The Business Visa is suitable for foreign nationals looking to engage in various business activities in India, such as exploring investment opportunities, establishing ventures, attending meetings, or serving as company directors. It is typically granted for up to five years with multiple entries and can be extended if the business achieves an annual turnover of at least INR 10 million within two years. Essential documents include a valid passport, invitation letters from Indian and foreign business entities, and proof of financial standing. Dependents can obtain a visa with the same validity as the principal visa, and businesspersons from SAARC countries may receive an India Business Card for easier entry.
The Employment Visa is designed for highly skilled foreign nationals hired by Indian companies or foreign subsidiaries for specialized roles. It requires a minimum annual salary of INR 1.625 million, with certain exceptions. The visa is initially granted for up to two years or the term of the contract and can be extended up to five years. Registration with the FRRO is mandatory for stays longer than 180 days. Required documents include the employment contract, proof of qualifications, and justification for hiring a foreign national over an Indian.
The Investor Visa is for foreign nationals making significant investments in India under the FDI route. It requires a minimum investment of INR 10 million within 18 months or INR 250 million within 36 months, and the investment must generate employment for at least 20 Indian residents annually. The visa is generally issued for three years, with the possibility of extension. Successful investors may also qualify for Permanent Residency Status (PRS), which offers multiple entry privileges for ten years, extendable by another ten years.
The Project Visa is intended for highly skilled foreign nationals involved in large-scale industrial projects in India, particularly in the power and steel sectors. It is granted for the duration of the project or one year, whichever is shorter, with the possibility of a one-year extension. The visa is limited to essential personnel, and registration with the FRRO is required for stays exceeding 180 days. This visa is specifically tailored to meet the needs of project-based work, ensuring that foreign expertise can be effectively utilized in key sectors.
Wholly owned foreign companies in India, structured as Private Limited Companies (Pvt. Ltd.), must register for GST if their annual turnover exceeds INR 40 lakhs for goods or INR 20 lakhs for services. GST registration is also mandatory for companies involved in inter-state supply of goods or services, regardless of turnover. These companies can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on GST paid for business purchases, which helps reduce the overall tax liability on sales. However, claiming ITC requires that suppliers file their GST returns accurately and on time. Companies are required to file monthly returns, including GSTR-1 for outward supplies and GSTR-3B for a summary return, as well as an annual return using GSTR-9. Failure to comply with these filing requirements can result in penalties and interest charges.
For wholly owned foreign Pvt. Ltd. companies in India, the corporate income tax rate is set at 22%, plus applicable surcharge and cess, provided no special exemptions or incentives are claimed. If a company takes advantage of certain tax deductions or incentives, it may be subject to a higher tax rate. Additionally, Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) applies to companies that significantly reduce their taxable income through exemptions, ensuring that they still pay a minimum tax based on their book profits.
Wholly owned foreign companies in India must withhold tax at source (TDS) on various payments, including salaries, interest, and royalties. The withholding tax rates vary depending on the nature of the payment and the tax residency of the recipient. These companies can benefit from the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) that India has with various countries, which can reduce the tax liability on cross-border transactions. To claim these benefits, companies must maintain proper documentation, including a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) from the recipient's home country, to prove eligibility for reduced tax rates under the relevant DTAA.
