Branch Office Registration

A Branch Office enables a foreign company to conduct full-scale business operations in India after obtaining approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and registration with the Registrar of Companies (ROC).
IndianTaxpert provides end-to-end assistance—from RBI approvals to taxation, payroll, and annual compliance—ensuring a smooth entry into the Indian market.

⭐ 18,000+ Businesses Successfully Served

Particulars	Details
Eligibility	Minimum 5 years of profitable operations
Net Worth	More than USD 100,000
Timeline	Approx. 2–3 months
Estimated Cost	Around USD 2,000
Indian Representative	Resident Indian with Aadhaar
Approval Route	RBI via AD Bank (Automatic / Government Route)

A Branch Office allows a foreign company to operate in India without incorporating a new legal entity. The branch functions under the same name and identity as the parent company and is permitted to undertake specific business activities approved by RBI.

However, Branch Offices cannot engage in manufacturing, retail trading, or processing activities in India.

📌 Prior approval from RBI is mandatory before commencement.

Key Highlights

✔ Fully Online Process

Entire application and approval process is handled digitally.

✔ No Physical Presence Required

Foreign promoters are not required to visit India during registration.

✔ Limited & Defined Business Scope

Activities are strictly regulated and permitted by RBI.

✔ Pan-India Support

End-to-end assistance across India by IndianTaxpert experts.

Eligibility Criteria for Branch Office Registration

Minimum Net Worth

The foreign parent company must have a net worth exceeding USD 100,000, supported by audited financial statements.

(Net worth = Paid-up Capital + Free Reserves)

Profit-Making Track Record

Continuous profitability for the last 5 financial years preceding the application is mandatory.

Same Name as Parent Company

The Indian Branch Office must operate under the same legal name as the foreign parent entity.

Similar Business Activity

The branch office can undertake only those activities that are similar to the parent company’s core business.

Permitted Activities for Branch Office

✔ Import & Export of Goods

✔ Professional & Consultancy Services

✔ Research & Development

✔ Promoting Technical & Financial Collaborations

✔ Representing the Parent Company

✔ IT & Software Development

✔ Technical Support Services

✔ Representation of Airlines & Shipping Companies

📌 Activities beyond the permitted list require special government approval and are evaluated on a case-to-case basis.

Documents Required for Branch Office Registration

Documents from Foreign Company

Form FNC-1 (Duly Filled)
Board Resolution
Certificate of Incorporation
Charter / Articles of Association
Audited Financial Statements (Last 5 Years)
Banker’s Report
List of Directors & Shareholders
KYC of Directors

Authorized Signatory (Resident Indian)

Photograph
PAN Card
Aadhaar Card
Passport
Address Proof (Not older than 2 months)

Indian Office Address Proof

Utility Bill / Lease Deed / Rent Agreement
Owner’s No Objection Certificate (NOC)

📌 Branch Office registration is subject to RBI approval and ongoing compliance under FEMA, Income Tax Act, and Companies Act.

Particulars	Details
Timeline	4–6 weeks (subject to RBI & AD Bank approval)
Approval Authority	RBI through Authorised Dealer (AD) Bank
Permitted Activities	Same as parent company (restricted scope)
Tax Treatment	Treated as Permanent Establishment (PE)
Repatriation of Profits	Allowed after payment of applicable taxes

Branch Office Eligibility Criteria

✔ Minimum Net Worth

Parent company must have net worth of at least USD 100,000 supported by audited financials.

✔ Profit Track Record

The foreign company should have a profitable track record during the immediately preceding years.

✔ Permissible Activities

Activities must fall under RBI-approved sectors and align with FEMA regulations.

✔ Sector Restrictions

Applications from NGOs or sensitive sectors may require direct RBI approval.