Branch Office in India

Branch Office Registration in India

A Branch Office in India is suitable for foreign companies that want to establish a business presence in India without incorporating a separate subsidiary company. A Branch Office can undertake specific business activities permitted by the Reserve Bank of India and is generally used by foreign companies for export/import, consultancy, technical support, research, and representation activities in India.

Choosing the right India entry structure is critical, as the regulatory framework, permitted activities, taxation, and compliance obligations differ significantly from those applicable to a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Liaison Office, or Project Office.

At EzyBiz India Consulting LLP, we assist foreign companies with complete Branch Office registration in India, including eligibility review, RBI/AD Bank coordination, documentation, regulatory approvals, PAN, TAN, GST, bank account opening, and ongoing compliance support.

If you are still evaluating whether a Branch Office is the right option, compare all available India entry structures before making your investment decision.

Branch Office in India – At a Glance

✅ A Branch Office allows a foreign company to establish a business presence in India without incorporating a separate Indian company.

✅ Approval is generally granted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) through an Authorised Dealer (AD) Category-I Bank, subject to eligibility under FEMA regulations.

✅ A Branch Office can undertake only the activities specifically permitted by RBI, such as export/import, consultancy, research, technical support and representing the parent company in India.

✅ Manufacturing activities cannot be carried out directly. However, manufacturing may be undertaken through an Indian manufacturer under permitted outsourcing arrangements.

✅ The foreign company should generally have a profitable track record of at least five financial years and a minimum net worth of USD 100,000 (or its equivalent), subject to RBI guidelines.

✅ A Branch Office is treated as an extension of the foreign company and is not a separate legal entity.

✅ Income earned by the Branch Office in India is taxable in accordance with the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961 and applicable tax treaties.

✅ A Branch Office can generally repatriate its post-tax profits to the foreign parent company, subject to compliance with FEMA regulations and applicable tax laws.

✅ After approval, the Branch Office is required to obtain PAN, TAN, GST (where applicable), open a bank account, complete RBI compliances and undertake periodic ROC, FEMA and tax compliances.

✅ EzyBiz India Consulting LLP provides complete assistance—from feasibility analysis and RBI approval to post-registration accounting, taxation, FEMA and annual compliance.

Why Choose EzyBiz for Branch Office Registration in India?

✔ 20+ Years of Professional Experience

✔ Specialists in India Entry & Cross-Border Advisory

✔ Big-4 Alumni Experience

✔ End-to-End Support from Incorporation to Compliance

✔ Dedicated Team of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries & Legal Professionals

✔ One Window Solution for Foreign Companies

✔ Dedicated Relationship Manager

✔ Transparent Pricing & Timelines

✔ Post-Incorporation Compliance Support

✔ Extensive Experience in RBI, FEMA & Foreign Investment Regulations

✔ End-to-End Coordination with AD Bank, RBI and Regulatory Authorities

From evaluating eligibility and preparing RBI documentation to obtaining regulatory approvals and ensuring ongoing FEMA and tax compliance, EzyBiz India Consulting LLP provides complete support for establishing and operating a Branch Office in India.

Trusted by Foreign Companies Expanding into India

✔ 20+ Years of Experience

✔ Big-4 Alumni

✔ 500+ Assignments

✔ One Window Solution

✔ India Entry Specialists

Branch Office Registration Process in India

Step 1 – Eligibility Assessment

We evaluate whether your foreign company satisfies the RBI eligibility criteria, including the prescribed track record, financial strength, proposed business activities and sector-specific regulations.

Step 2 – Documentation & Structuring

Our team prepares the complete documentation, including Form FNC, board resolutions, constitutional documents, financial statements, banker certificates and other documents required under FEMA regulations.

Step 3 – Application through AD Category-I Bank

The application is submitted through the designated Authorised Dealer (AD) Category-I Bank, which reviews the proposal before forwarding it to the Reserve Bank of India, wherever required.

Step 4 – RBI / Regulatory Approval

The Reserve Bank of India examines the application based on FEMA regulations, the nature of business activities and the eligibility of the foreign company.

Step 5 – PAN, TAN & Bank Account

After approval, we assist in obtaining PAN, TAN, opening the Indian bank account and completing other statutory registrations.

Step 6 – GST & Other Registrations

Where applicable, we obtain GST registration, Shops & Establishment registration, Professional Tax registration and other licences required for commencing operations.

Step 7 – Operational Setup

We assist in setting up accounting systems, payroll, employee registrations, bookkeeping and tax compliance to enable smooth commencement of business.

Step 8 – Ongoing Compliance Support

Our team provides continuous support for FEMA, RBI, Income-tax, GST, ROC and annual compliance requirements to ensure complete regulatory compliance.

Timeline

Branch Office Registration Timeline

Overall Timeline: Approximately 45–60 working days, subject to RBI approval timelines, completeness of documents and response from the Authorised Dealer Bank.

Documents Required for Branch Office Registration

Parent Company Documents

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Memorandum & Articles of Association / Charter Documents
• Audited Financial Statements for the prescribed period
• Board Resolution approving Branch Office
• Banker Certificate
• Business Profile of the Parent Company

Proposed Branch Office Documents

• Proposed business activities in India
• Address proof of Indian office
• Details of authorised representative
• Power of Attorney / Authorisation Letter
• Estimated investment and funding details

Director / Authorised Representative Documents

• Passport
• Address Proof
• Identity Proof
• Photograph

Download Complete Branch Office Documentation Checklist (PDF)

Why Set Up a Branch Office in India?

• Establish a direct presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
• Operate as an extension of the foreign parent company.
• Build stronger relationships with Indian customers and suppliers.
• Undertake permitted commercial activities without incorporating a subsidiary.
• Expand export, import, consultancy and technical support operations.
• Enhance brand visibility and market presence in India.
• Benefit from India’s skilled workforce and business ecosystem.
• Access long-term growth opportunities in the Indian market.

Permitted Activities of a Branch Office

A Branch Office in India may undertake the following activities, subject to RBI approval:

• Export and import of goods
• Professional and consultancy services
• Research activities relating to the parent company’s business
• Promoting technical and financial collaborations
• Representing the parent company in India
• Acting as buying and selling agent
• Technical support for products supplied by the parent company
• Information technology and software development (where permitted)A Branch Office in India may undertake only those activities specifically approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Any change in the scope of activities may require fresh regulatory approval or compliance under FEMA.

Activities Not Permitted

A Branch Office is generally not permitted to:

• Carry out manufacturing activities directly
• Undertake retail trading
• Engage in activities beyond RBI approval
• Raise public deposits
• Carry out prohibited FEMA activities

Why Businesses Trust EzyBiz After Registration

• Accounting
• GST
• Income Tax
• Payroll
• Audit
• FEMA
• Secretarial Compliance
• Transfer Pricing
• Virtual CFO

Business Presence Options in India

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Branch Office in India?

A Branch Office is an extension of a foreign company established in India to undertake specific business activities permitted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

2. Can a foreign company open a Branch Office in India?

Yes. Subject to FEMA regulations and RBI guidelines, eligible foreign companies can establish a Branch Office in India.

3. Is RBI approval mandatory for a Branch Office?

Yes. Branch Office registration generally requires approval through an Authorised Dealer (AD) Category-I Bank under RBI regulations.

4. What activities can a Branch Office undertake in India?

A Branch Office may undertake export/import, consultancy, research, technical support, representation of the parent company and other activities permitted by RBI.

5. Can a Branch Office carry out manufacturing activities?

A Branch Office cannot undertake manufacturing directly but may outsource manufacturing activities in accordance with applicable regulations.

6. Can a Branch Office earn income in India?

Yes. A Branch Office may earn income from permitted business activities carried out in India.

7. Is a Branch Office a separate legal entity?

No. A Branch Office is an extension of the foreign company and does not have a separate legal identity.

8. What is the minimum net worth required for a Branch Office?

Generally, the foreign company should have a minimum net worth of USD 100,000 or its equivalent, subject to RBI guidelines.

9. What profit track record is required?

Normally, the foreign company should have a profitable track record during the immediately preceding five financial years.

10. How long does Branch Office registration take?

The entire process generally takes around 45–60 working days depending upon documentation, AD Bank processing and RBI approval.

11. Does a Branch Office require GST registration?

GST registration is required where the Branch Office is liable to obtain GST under applicable laws.

12. Can a Branch Office hire employees in India?

Yes. A Branch Office may employ Indian and foreign personnel in accordance with applicable labour and immigration laws.

13. Is a Branch Office taxable in India?

Yes. Income attributable to the Indian Branch Office is taxable in India under the Income-tax Act, 1961, subject to applicable tax treaties.

14. Can a Branch Office remit profits to its parent company?

Yes. Profits may generally be remitted outside India after payment of applicable taxes and compliance with FEMA regulations.

15. What compliances are applicable after registration?

Branch Offices are required to comply with FEMA, RBI, Income-tax, GST, labour laws and other statutory requirements.

16. What documents are required for Branch Office registration?

Key documents include incorporation documents, audited financial statements, board resolution, banker certificate and KYC documents.

17. What is the difference between a Branch Office and a Wholly Owned Subsidiary?

A Branch Office is an extension of the foreign company, whereas a Wholly Owned Subsidiary is a separate Indian company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013.

18. Can an existing foreign company convert its Branch Office into a subsidiary?

Yes. Depending upon commercial and regulatory considerations, a Branch Office may later be converted into an Indian company.

19. Why should I choose EzyBiz India Consulting LLP?

We provide complete assistance—from eligibility review and RBI approval to registration, FEMA compliance, taxation, accounting and annual compliance.

20. How can I start the Branch Office registration process?

Simply contact our India Entry specialists for an initial consultation. We will evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the complete registration process.

Establish Your Branch Office in India with Confidence

Expanding into India requires careful planning, regulatory approvals and ongoing compliance. At EzyBiz India Consulting LLP, we provide end-to-end assistance for Branch Office registration—from eligibility assessment and RBI approvals to tax, accounting and annual compliance.

Whether you are exploring the Indian market or expanding your global operations, our experienced professionals ensure a smooth, compliant and hassle-free registration process.

Contact Us Today

✔ Initial Consultation

✔ Eligibility Review

✔ Documentation Assistance

✔ RBI & AD Bank Coordination

✔ Complete Post-Registration Compliance Support

Need Assistance Setting Up a Branch Office in India?

Our experts can help you obtain RBI approval, complete RBI/FEMA compliance, and establish your Branch Office smoothly.

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Country-Specific India Market Entry Guides

We have prepared dedicated India market entry pages to help overseas businesses understand the regulatory, tax and commercial considerations applicable to their jurisdiction. Explore our country-specific pages below:

• India Market Entry Services for Chinese Companies
• India Market Entry Services for Taiwanese Companies
• India Market Entry Services for US Companies
• India Market Entry Services for UK Companies
• India Market Entry Services for Australian Companies
• India Market Entry Services for German Companies
• India Market Entry Services for Japanese Companies
• India Market Entry Services for Singapore Companies
• India Market Entry Services for UAE Companies

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India Market Entry
Business setup in India
Foreign Company Registration in India
Wholly Owned Subsidiary
Joint Venture Registration
Liaison Office
Project Office