Japan’s JETRO surveys consistently identify the same set of challenges for Japanese companies in India. We address each one:
Private Limited Company (WOS or JV), Branch Office and Liaison Office — with structure recommendation based on your sector and operational model.
FDI reporting (FC-GPR, FC-TRS), share allotment filings, annual FLA return with RBI and ongoing compliance.
India-Japan DTAA application, transfer pricing documentation, GST registration and filing, income tax compliance.
For Japanese companies not yet ready for a full finance team — we act as your CFO function in India.
Ongoing MCA/ROC filings, board meeting compliance, annual returns and Companies Act obligations.
GST, import/export codes, sector-specific licences and industrial registrations.
The most common structure for Japanese companies in India. Full operational control, profit repatriation rights..
For trading activity or testing the Indian market before committing to a full subsidiary. Subject to RBI approval and limited to permitted commercial activities.
For market research, scouting and facilitating communication between the Japanese parent and Indian business contacts. No commercial activity permitted..
The India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement provides concrete commercial advantages for Japanese companies operating in India:
Tariff reductions on Japanese goods entering India — reducing input costs for Japanese manufacturers importing components or finished goods into India.
Services provisions facilitate Japanese professional and financial services companies operating in India.
Investment provisions provide a framework for Japanese FDI structuring that complements India’s domestic FDI regulations.
Corporate Legit structures India entry specifically to maximise CEPA benefits — ensuring Japanese companies are using the agreement’s provisions in their corporate and tax structuring from the outset.
UK businesses are active across a broad range of sectors in India. The following industries currently have significant UK presence or active entry pipeline:
Software development, AI, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure. India's tech talent pool and cost arbitrage remain compelling for UK technology companies.
Fintech, banking, insurance, accounting and professional services firms. The CETA services chapter and insurance sector FDI provisions make this especially relevant.
Pharmaceuticals, healthtech and medical devices. UK-India collaboration in clinical research and drug manufacturing is deepening.
Luxury, lifestyle, FMCG and premium retail. India's expanding middle class creates strong demand for UK consumer brands.
UK universities are now establishing physical campuses in India — the University of Southampton in Gurugram and the University of York in Mumbai are among the first movers.
Co-production partnerships under the UK-India Defence and Security 2030 Roadmap.
EV supply chain, green grid infrastructure and clean energy partnerships.
Food processing, manufacturing joint ventures and distribution partnerships.
The India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement provides concrete commercial advantages for Japanese companies operating in India:
Corporate Legit structures India entry specifically to maximise CEPA benefits — ensuring Japanese companies are using the agreement’s provisions in their corporate and tax structuring from the outset.
Sector assessment, FDI route review and initial compliance mapping — at no charge.
WOS vs JV vs Branch — based on your sector, operations and commercial objectives.
Japanese entity documentation, apostille requirements and MCA incorporation document preparation.
MCA incorporation, DIN and DSC procurement, PAN, TAN and RBI FC-GPR filing.
GST registration, bank account opening and operational compliance framework.
Annual ROC filings, GST returns, income tax returns, FLA return with RBI and transfer pricing documentation.
Network across all major Indian commercial cities — Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad.
Senior partners with Big-4 accounting firm experience in audit, tax and regulatory advisory.
End-to-end capability: legal, tax, secretarial and compliance under one roof — no coordination between multiple firms.
Dedicated single point of contact for your account — no handoffs.
Japan-specific enquiry handling — we understand how Japanese companies need information presented and decisions supported.
Yes. 100% FDI is permitted under the Automatic Route in most sectors including manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals and trading. No prior government approval is required for the majority of industries.
There is no statutory minimum capital requirement under the Companies Act 2013. A company can be incorporated with INR 1. Banks typically require a minimum initial deposit to open a current account — usually INR 1,00,000 or approximately USD 1,200. Corporate Legit advises on the appropriate capitalisation level based on your sector and operational plan.
The India-Japan Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement reduces withholding tax rates on dividends, interest, royalties and fees for technical services paid from the Indian subsidiary to the Japanese parent. A valid Tax Residency Certificate from Japanese tax authorities is required to claim treaty benefits.
Incorporation of a Private Limited Company takes 7 to 15 working days from the date all documentation is in order. Bank account activation takes a further 5 to 7 working days. End-to-end operational readiness including tax registrations is typically achieved within 4 to 5 weeks.
Yes. At least one director must be an Indian resident — defined as a person who has stayed in India for a minimum of 182 days in the preceding calendar year. This can be an Indian national or a qualifying foreign citizen. Corporate Legit advises on appropriate resident director arrangements.
Annual compliance includes ROC filings (AOC-4 financial statements, MGT-7 annual return), income tax return (ITR-6 by 31 October), GST annual return (GSTR-9 by 31 December), FLA return with RBI (by 15 July), Transfer Pricing report (Form 3CEB), and Director KYC (DIR-3 KYC by 30 September). Corporate Legit manages all of these as part of our ongoing retainer.
A-77, Second Floor, Sector-4, Noida 201301, New Delhi NCR, India
Japan enquiry form available on site. We respond within 24 hours.