Branch Office Setup in India Expand Your Global Business Presence
Establish a direct presence in India without incorporating a separate company. A Branch Office lets your foreign entity operate in India while remaining fully connected to the parent.
- RBI Approval & FEMA Compliance
- End-to-End Documentation
- Fast & Hassle-Free Setup
- Ongoing Compliance Support
What is a Branch Office in India?
A Branch Office (BO) is an extension of a foreign company — not a separate legal entity. It allows the parent company to conduct specific permitted activities in India under RBI and FEMA regulations, retaining full direct control without the complexity of forming a subsidiary.
- Extension of Parent Company — Not a separate legal entity in India
- RBI & FEMA Governed — Approval via Authorized Dealer Bank required
- Permitted Activities Only — Export/import, services, research, agency work
Ideal for: Foreign companies testing the Indian market, service providers, consultants, export/import businesses & project-specific operators.
What Can a Branch Office Do in India?
Branch Offices can carry out specific RBI-approved activities in India.
Export & Import of Goods
Permitted to trade goods internationally as an extension of the parent entity
Professional & Consultancy Services
Provide specialised advisory or professional services to Indian clients
Research Activities
Conduct market research, R&D, and feasibility studies for the parent company
Promoting Technical Collaborations
Facilitate technical or financial collaborations between Indian and foreign entities
Note: Branch Offices are generally not permitted to undertake manufacturing activities directly, except under specific conditions approved by RBI.
Comprehensive Branch Office Setup Services
End-to-end support from RBI approval to post-setup compliance.
RBI Approval & FEMA Compliance
Preparation and filing of application with RBI, Authorized Dealer (AD) Bank coordination, and complete FEMA advisory support.
Documentation & Registration
Drafting all required documents, notarization and apostille support, and filing with the Registrar of Companies (ROC).
Post-Approval Setup
PAN and TAN application, bank account opening assistance, and GST registration where applicable.
Ongoing Compliance Support
Annual Activity Certificate (AAC) filing, ROC filings, and FEMA compliance reporting for smooth ongoing operations.
Key Requirements for Branch Office Registration
Foreign companies must meet these criteria before applying to the RBI.
Profit-Making Track Record
The foreign parent company must demonstrate a consistent profit-making history
Minimum Net Worth
Must meet the minimum net worth criteria as prescribed under RBI guidelines
AD Bank Approval
Application must be routed through an Authorized Dealer (AD) Bank in India
Parent Company Documents
Proper documentation from the parent company including financial statements and board resolutions
Our Branch Office Setup Process
A structured, step-by-step approach for hassle-free RBI approval.
Consultation & Eligibility Check
Assess eligibility, business objectives & choose the right India entry path
Documentation Preparation
Prepare all RBI & ROC documents, notarize & apostille as required
RBI Approval
Submit application via AD Bank and manage the approval process
Registration & Setup
Complete ROC registration, PAN/TAN, bank account & GST setup
Flexible Engagement Options
Choose what works best for your India entry requirements.
End-to-End Branch Office Setup
Complete support from eligibility assessment through RBI approval to full operational setup
RBI Approval Advisory
Targeted advisory and documentation support for the RBI application and AD Bank process
Compliance Retainer
Ongoing FEMA, AAC, and ROC compliance management for operating branch offices
Custom pricing based on jurisdiction & complexity. Contact us for a quote →
Why S.K. Agrawal & Co.?
Expertise in FEMA & RBI Regulations
Proven Experience with Foreign Clients
End-to-End Execution Support
Fast & Reliable Process Handling
Trusted Advisory for Global Businesses
Serving International Clients Entering India
Based in Delhi & Faridabad, we assist foreign companies from all major markets in setting up their Branch Office in India.
Expand into India Without Incorporation
Get FREE initial consultation with our India Entry Expert. Set up your Branch Office the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Branch Office (BO) is an extension of a foreign company operating in India. It is not a separate legal entity — it remains part of the parent company and can conduct specific RBI-permitted activities such as export/import, professional services, and research.
Yes, RBI approval is mandatory. The application must be routed through an Authorized Dealer (AD) Bank in India. We manage the entire AD Bank coordination and RBI application process for you.
Yes, a Branch Office can earn income from its RBI-permitted activities such as rendering professional or consultancy services, export/import of goods, and acting as a buying or selling agent for the parent company.
No. A Branch Office is not a separate legal entity in India. It is an extension of the foreign parent company, which means the parent bears full liability for the Branch Office’s obligations in India.
The Annual Activity Certificate (AAC) is a mandatory annual compliance filing for Branch Offices and Liaison Offices in India. It is submitted to the AD Bank and the RBI to confirm ongoing activities and financial status of the office.
Generally, Branch Offices are not permitted to undertake manufacturing activities directly. Manufacturing is only allowed under specific conditions and with special RBI approval. A Wholly Owned Subsidiary is typically the preferred route for manufacturing operations.
Typically 3 to 5 weeks, depending on document readiness, AD Bank processing, and RBI turnaround. Our team ensures all documents are correct at the first submission to avoid delays.
Yes, we offer comprehensive ongoing compliance services including Annual Activity Certificate (AAC) filing, ROC filings, FEMA compliance reporting, and general regulatory advisory for Branch Offices operating in India.