The role of a liaison office in India, similar to the role of a representative office in China, is limited to collection of information, marketing of exports and imports (without entering into any contracts) and the facilitation of technical or financial collaboration.
Foreign companies incorporated outside India and engaged in manufacturing or trading activities are allowed to set up branch offices in India with specific approval of the RBI. Branch offices are permitted to represent their parent/group companies and undertake the following activities in India
Foreign investors planning to execute specific projects in India that are linked to a one off contract (as may well be pertinent for many infrastructure related constructions for example), can set up a temporary project site office in India to handle the contract.
A private limited company in India requires a minimum of two directors, and has from two to fifty shareholders with limited liability. Both directors and shareholders can be other legal entities. The minimum paid-up capital for a private company is about US$2,500. Formation takes approximately six to eight weeks. The need for such a company to have either 100 percent foreign ownership or whether it requires an Indian investor is dependent upon the scope of the businesses intended activities.
Dezan Shira & Associates provide a range of services for companies looking to undertake foreign direct investment into Asia, These include corporate establishment, accounting, tax, payroll, audit and due diligence. To learn more about the firm, please contact one of our specialists at china@dezshira.com, download our corporate brochure or visit at us www.dezshira.com
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