Under the existing commonly referenced framework, a profit-making track record and minimum net worth are reviewed. Current rules and draft changes should be checked before filing.

Historically, branch office applications commonly required a profit-making track record during the immediately preceding five financial years. The current legal position must be checked before filing.

USD 100,000 net worth has been a commonly referenced threshold for branch office eligibility. Since regulatory drafts and updates can affect this, CompanyJi verifies the position before application.

A newly incorporated overseas entity may face difficulty if financial track record is required. In such cases, subsidiary company or other route may be evaluated.

Non-profit or NGO-type foreign entities may require special route review and government consultation. It should not be treated like a normal commercial branch filing.

Parent company incorporation papers, charter documents, audited financials, board resolution, banker report, business activity note, authorised representative KYC and India office documents are typically required.

Foreign documents often need notarisation, apostille or consularisation depending on the country and document type. We confirm the correct attestation route before submission.

Yes. The foreign parent generally passes a resolution approving the India branch office, authorised representative and related filings.

Yes. A proposed address, lease/NOC and utility documents may be required for post-approval registration, tax, GST and bank account steps.

Very important. It explains what the branch will do in India and helps assess whether the activities fit the permitted branch office route.

The process generally includes route review, document preparation, Form FNC support, AD bank/RBI framework coordination, approval, ROC filing, PAN, bank account and tax registration.

Form FNC is the application format used for establishing a branch office, liaison office, project office or other place of business in India under the applicable FEMA framework.

Timeline depends on parent documents, attestation, AD bank review, sector and approval route. A practical estimate is given after reviewing the company profile.

Yes. CompanyJi can prepare the document pack, filing note and coordinate with the authorised dealer bank for application support.

After approval, the branch generally needs ROC registration, PAN/TAN, bank account, GST where applicable, accounting setup and compliance calendar.

Permitted activities may include export/import support, professional consultancy, research, technical collaboration, IT/software services and representing the parent company, subject to approval and sector rules.

Import/export trading related activities may be possible, but retail trading and restricted activities should be reviewed carefully before application.

Yes, branch office is often used for consultancy, technical support, IT/software, engineering support and service delivery where permitted.

Retail trading through branch office is generally restricted. Foreign businesses planning retail operations should evaluate FDI policy and entity structure carefully.

Yes. A branch office can hire employees in India and must comply with payroll, TDS, labour, PF/ESI and HR compliance where applicable.

Yes. PAN is generally required for tax, banking, invoicing and statutory compliance in India.

GST may be required if the branch office supplies taxable goods or services in India or otherwise falls under GST registration provisions.

Yes. Income attributable to the Indian branch can be taxable in India. Treaty position, permanent establishment and transfer pricing should be reviewed.

Transfer pricing may apply to transactions between the foreign parent and Indian branch or related parties. Documentation should be reviewed annually.

Business expenses connected with Indian branch operations may be claimed subject to Indian tax law, documentation and accounting treatment.

Yes. After approval and required registrations, the branch office can open an Indian bank account with applicable KYC and FEMA documentation.

An authorised dealer bank is a bank authorised to handle foreign exchange transactions and FEMA-related filings. It plays a key role in branch office setup.

Yes, branch expenses may be funded by inward remittances from the parent company and by income generated from permitted branch activities, subject to banking rules.

Profits may generally be remitted after payment of applicable Indian taxes and submission of required documents through the authorised dealer bank.

Yes. Banks usually require detailed KYC of the foreign parent, beneficial owners, authorised signatories and Indian office documents.

Branch office may need annual activity certificate, audited accounts, income-tax return, ROC filings, GST returns, TDS compliance and other sector-specific compliances.

Annual Activity Certificate is a yearly compliance certificate confirming that the branch office has carried out permitted activities and followed applicable conditions.

Branch office accounts generally need proper audit and financial reporting for tax, ROC and FEMA-related compliance.

Yes. Closure requires bank/RBI-related documentation, tax clearance, ROC steps and remittance formalities where applicable.

Yes. CompanyJi can assist with accounting, GST, TDS, income-tax return, ROC foreign company filings, annual activity certificate and branch closure support.