Registering a Foreign Business in India? Here’s Everything About Form FC-1
- 09/03/2025
- Posted by: admin
- Categories: Company Law, Non Residents
Title: Form FC-1 – Registration of a Foreign Company in India (SEO Guide)
Introduction Form FC-1 is a mandatory filing with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) for foreign companies establishing a Liaison Office (LO), Branch Office (BO), or Project Office (PO) in India. This form must be submitted within 30 days of obtaining approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under FEMA regulations. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Form FC-1, including its requirements, documents, filing process, and compliance steps.
1. When is Form FC-1 Required?
A foreign company must file Form FC-1 if it is:
✔ Opening a Liaison Office (LO), Branch Office (BO), or Project Office (PO) in India.
✔ Expanding its physical presence in India.
2. Key Details in Form FC-1
The form requires the following details:
A. Basic Details of the Foreign Company
✔ Name of the foreign company.
✔Country of incorporation.
✔Date of incorporation.
✔ Type of business activities.
B. Details of the Indian Office
✔Address of the Liaison/Branch/Project Office in India.
✔ Name of authorized representatives in India.
C. RBI Approval Details
✔ Copy of RBI approval letter for setting up an LO/BO/PO.
✔ Date of approval and reference number.
D. Capital & Financial Information
✔ Authorized capital of the foreign company.
✔ Parent company’s audited financial statements.
E. Compliance Declarations
✔ Undertaking that the company will comply with Indian laws.
You can download form by clicking on this link
3. Documents Required for Form FC-1 Submission
To successfully submit Form FC-1, the following documents are required:
✔ Certified copy of the RBI approval letter (for LO/BO/PO).
✔ Certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of the parent company.
✔ Charter documents (MOA & AOA) of the foreign company (translated if not in English).
✔ Board resolution authorizing the setup in India.
✔ List of directors with their passport and address proof.
✔ Proof of the registered office in India (e.g., lease agreement, utility bill).
✔ Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the authorized signatory.
4. How to File Form FC-1?
Filing Form FC-1 involves the following steps:
Step 1: Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
✔ The authorized representative of the foreign company must obtain a DSC.
Step 2: Register on the MCA Portal
✔ The company must register on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal (www.mca.gov.in).
Step 3: Fill & Upload Form FC-1
✔ Complete Form FC-1 with the required details.
✔ Attach all supporting documents in PDF format.
Step 4: Pay Government Fees & Submit
✔ Pay the required MCA filing fees (varies based on capital).
✔ Submit the form electronically.
Step 5: Verification & Approval
✔ MCA will review the application and approve it within 7-10 days.
✔ Upon approval, the company is officially registered as a foreign company in India.
5. Post-Registration Compliance
After filing Form FC-1, the foreign company must:
✔ Obtain PAN (Permanent Account Number) from the Income Tax Department.
✔ Open a bank account in India.
✔ Maintain annual filings with MCA and RBI.
6. Conclusion
Form FC-1 is a crucial step in establishing a foreign company’s legal presence in India. Since it involves RBI, MCA, and FEMA compliance, professional assistance is recommended.
By following this guide, businesses can successfully register their foreign entities and ensure compliance with Indian laws.