Business Setup · Panaji, Goa
End-to-end branch office setup in India for foreign companies — RBI approval under FEMA via Form FNC through an authorised dealer bank, ROC registration, and ongoing compliance — so your branch can carry on its permitted activities and repatriate profits, managed from Goa.
Overview
A branch office lets a foreign company carry on permitted commercial activities in India — such as export and import, professional or consultancy services, research, and technical support — as an extension of the parent. It can earn income and repatriate profits, but generally cannot undertake manufacturing or retail trading (except in a SEZ).
Setting up needs RBI approval under FEMA, applied for in Form FNC through an authorised dealer bank, and the foreign company generally needs a profit track record and a net worth of at least USD 100,000. We handle the RBI route, the ROC registration of the foreign company, and the annual compliance (UIN, Annual Activity Certificate, FLA). Where full operations are intended, an Indian subsidiary is often preferred.
What's covered
Branch office approval, registration and compliance.
Get a fixed-fee quote →Checking net worth, track record and permitted activities.
Filing the FNC application through the AD bank for approval.
Registering the foreign company with the Registrar of Companies.
Obtaining PAN, the bank account and the RBI UIN.
Annual Activity Certificate and FLA return filings.
CA-certified repatriation of branch profits abroad.
Our process
We verify net worth, track record and activities.
We file Form FNC through the AD bank.
We complete the ROC registration and PAN.
We manage the branch's annual obligations.
Frequently asked questions
A branch office is an extension of a foreign company set up to carry on permitted activities in India, such as export-import, consultancy, research and technical support. Unlike a liaison office, it can earn income in India and repatriate profits, subject to FEMA conditions.
A foreign company setting up a branch generally needs a profit-making track record in its home country over the preceding five financial years and a net worth of at least USD 100,000 or equivalent, certified by its auditor. We assess your eligibility and prepare the supporting certificate.
Approval is sought from the RBI under FEMA by filing Form FNC through an authorised dealer (AD Category-I) bank, under the automatic or approval route depending on the sector. The RBI allots a Unique Identification Number, after which the AD bank issues the approval letter. We manage the whole process.
A branch office generally cannot undertake manufacturing or processing on its own (except in a Special Economic Zone) or retail trading, and it can only carry on activities permitted to it. We confirm that your intended activities fall within the permitted list.
A branch office is treated as a foreign company's presence in India and its India income is taxed at the rate applicable to foreign companies, which is higher than the domestic company rate. We handle its tax registration, filings and the certified profit repatriation.
A subsidiary is a separate Indian company with limited liability and full operating freedom, while a branch is an extension of the parent with restricted activities and direct parent liability. Many foreign companies prefer a subsidiary for substantive operations; a branch suits defined, permitted activities.
Book a free consultation and share your parent company financials and intended activities. We confirm eligibility, obtain RBI approval and complete the registration, on a transparent fee.
Related services
Book a free consultation with a qualified Chartered Accountant in Goa. We'll obtain RBI approval and set up your branch office — no obligation.