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Startup Solicitors • Company Registration • Trademark Filing • Income Tax Filing • GST Registration • GST Return Filing • Tax Management • Tax Compliances • Tax Planning • Immigration • Compliance Management • Private Limited Company Registration • LLP Registration • Online Company Incorporation • MSME Registration • Digital Signature • Startups in India • Register your Startup • Taxation Lawyer • Corporate Lawyer •

Branch Office Registration in India

Business Registration

Branch Office Registration

Home / Branch Office Registration

Branch Office Registration Services in India

A Branch Office serves as an extension of a foreign parent company in India, allowing it to conduct the same business activities as the head office. It is an ideal structure for foreign companies looking to establish a direct presence in the Indian market without creating a separate legal entity. At Startup Solicitors, we provide expert assistance for setting up a Branch Office in India.

Our team guides you through the entire registration process, which involves securing approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and registering with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). We ensure full compliance with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and the Companies Act, 2013, making your entry into India smooth and hassle-free.

Our Branch Office Registration Process

1

RBI Approval

We prepare and submit the application to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) through an Authorized Dealer (AD) Category-I Bank for approval.

  • Assessment of eligibility criteria
  • Preparation of application and documents
  • Liaison with the AD Bank
  • Securing the RBI's approval

Why it's important: RBI approval is a mandatory first step for any foreign company to establish a branch office in India.

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2

Document Submission

We assist in preparing and submitting all required documents, including the parent company's charter documents, duly notarized and apostilled.

  • Parent company's Certificate of Incorporation
  • MoA & AoA of the parent company
  • Board resolution for opening a branch
  • KYC of the authorized representative

Key Benefit: Proper documentation is crucial for a swift approval process from both the RBI and MCA.

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3

Registration with RoC

Within 30 days of receiving RBI approval, we file Form FC-1 with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) to register the branch office.

  • Preparation and filing of Form FC-1
  • Submission of RBI approval letter
  • Details of directors and the company
  • Obtaining the registration certificate

Guarantee: Timely filing with the RoC ensures your branch office is legally established and compliant from day one.

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4

PAN and Bank Account

After RoC registration, we assist in obtaining a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and opening a bank account for the branch office.

  • Application for PAN card
  • Assistance in opening a bank account
  • GST registration if applicable
  • Ready for business operations

Perfect for: Foreign companies wanting to test the Indian market or manage local operations directly.

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Why Set Up a Branch Office in India?

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Direct Representation

A branch office acts as a direct extension of the foreign parent company, ensuring brand consistency.

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Same Business Activities

Permitted to carry out the same or substantially similar activities as the parent company.

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Simplified Structure

It is not a separate legal entity, making it a simpler structure to manage compared to a subsidiary.

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Ease of Operations

Ideal for conducting research, providing technical support, or acting as a buying/selling agent.

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Global Control

The parent company retains full control over the branch office's operations and management.

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Expert Guidance

We provide end-to-end support, from RBI approval to annual compliance filings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Branch Office FAQs
1. What activities can a branch office undertake in India?
A branch office can engage in activities like export/import, professional or consultancy services, research, and promoting technical/financial collaborations. Manufacturing activities are generally not permitted.
2. Can a branch office acquire immovable property in India?
Yes, a branch office can acquire immovable property in India that is necessary for or incidental to carrying on its approved business activities.
3. Is a branch office required to file annual returns?
Yes, a branch office must file an Annual Activity Certificate (AAC) with the RBI and also file its audited financial statements with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) every year.
4. What is the tax liability of a branch office?
A branch office is taxed at the higher rate applicable to foreign companies in India (currently 40% plus surcharge and cess). However, profits can be repatriated to the head office without additional taxes.

✈️ Establish Your Presence in India with a Branch Office!

Setting up a branch office is an excellent way to extend your global reach. Our expert services ensure you can:

Contact us today for a free consultation to explore how a branch office can support your expansion strategy.

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