Foreign Company Registration in India from France Made Simple
India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, attracting entrepreneurs globally. Whether you're a French national, an NRI living in France, or a foreign investor, registering a company in India can be a game-changing decision. Thanks to digitization, it's now possible to register a company in India remotely from France with ease.
This article walks you through the step-by-step process to apply for company registration in India from France, including legal structures, documentation, and compliance.
Why Register a Company in India?
India is a hub of opportunities for global entrepreneurs due to:
A large and growing consumer base
Rapid digitization and ease of doing business
Government initiatives supporting startups
Lower costs compared to Western markets
With the right structure and support, entering the Indian market is both viable and profitable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Register a Company in India from France
Step 1: Choose the Right Business Structure
India offers multiple entity types to suit your business goals:
Private Limited Company: Most preferred for startups and foreign-owned businesses
Public Limited Company: Suitable for businesses planning to raise capital from the public
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): Ideal for small service-based or family businesses
One Person Company (OPC): Designed for solo founders
Section 8 Company: Best suited for NGOs or non-profits
Nidhi Company: A mutual benefit society structure
Choose based on liability preference, number of founders, and business objectives.
Step 2: Appoint Directors and Shareholders
Minimum 2 directors (1 must be an Indian resident) for a Private Limited Company
Shareholders can be foreign nationals or entities
A single person can be both director and shareholder
If you're in France and lack an Indian resident partner, you may hire a nominee director through a trusted service provider.
Step 3: Obtain Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)
As all filings are online, DSCs are required for all directors.
How to Apply from France:
Choose an Indian Certifying Authority
Submit apostilled passport, address proof, and photographs
Complete video verification
Receive your DSC within 1–3 working days
Step 4: Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)
DIN is a unique ID required for every company director. If you’re applying through the SPICe+ form, DIN is issued during the incorporation process.
Step 5: Reserve Your Company Name
Use the MCA portal to check name availability and submit your preferred names through Part A of SPICe+. Upon approval, the name is reserved for 20 days.
Make sure your name:
Is unique and not trademarked
Ends with an appropriate suffix like "Private Limited"
You can later secure brand protection through Trademark Registration.
Step 6: Prepare the Required Documents
For foreign directors/shareholders:
Notarized and apostilled passport copy
Address proof (utility bill or driver’s license)
Photographs
Consent to act as director (Form DIR-2)
Board resolution (if shareholder is a company)
All foreign documents must be apostilled per the Hague Convention, which France is a part of.
Step 7: File SPICe+ Form for Incorporation
The SPICe+ form is a streamlined online application combining:
Name reservation
Company registration
Director DIN allotment
PAN & TAN issuance
GST Registration
ESIC, EPFO, and Professional Tax enrollment (as applicable)
Fill out Part A & B, upload documents, sign with DSCs, and submit online. Processing usually takes 3–7 working days.
Step 8: Get Certificate of Incorporation
Once approved, you’ll receive:
Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
Corporate Identification Number (CIN)
Company PAN and TAN
You can now begin business operations in India legally.
Post-Incorporation Compliances
1. Open a Business Bank Account
Open a current account in the company’s name at an Indian bank. You'll need:
COI, PAN
KYC documents of directors
Board Resolution for account opening
Some Indian banks may assist via their international branches.
2. Report Foreign Investment
If you bring capital from France, it must be reported to the RBI through the FIRMS portal:
File Form FC-GPR within 30 days of share allotment
Ensure FEMA compliance for inward remittances
3. Register for GST (If Required)
Mandatory if turnover exceeds the threshold (₹40 lakh/₹20 lakh depending on state). Even if not mandatory, early GST Registration helps with input tax credits and smoother operations.
4. Get Import Export Code (IEC)
Planning cross-border trade? Apply for Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT. It's essential for importing or exporting goods and services from India.
5. Trademark Your Brand
Once incorporated, protect your intellectual property with Trademark Registration. It gives you legal rights and prevents misuse of your brand identity.
6. Annual Legal Compliance
Your company must meet annual MCA and tax filing obligations:
AOC-4 & MGT-7 – Annual financial and return filings
Income Tax Return (ITR-6)
Auditor appointment (Form ADT-1)
Failing to comply can lead to penalties and disqualification of directors.
Estimated Cost of Company Registration from France
Common Challenges and Solutions
✅ Apostille Delays in France
Get your documents notarized and apostilled early to avoid delays.
✅ Local Director Requirement
You must appoint one Indian resident director. If needed, seek a nominee through a reliable service provider.
✅ Selecting the Right Structure
If unsure whether to go for an LLP or Private Limited, consult professionals or explore options like LLP Registration or One Person Company Registration.
Final Thoughts
India’s business-friendly environment and digital systems have made it easy to register a company remotely—even from France. Whether you want to launch a tech venture, import/export business, or NGO, India offers the right legal frameworks and resources.
FAQs
1. Can a French citizen register a company in India?
Yes, a French citizen can register a company in India. Indian law allows foreign nationals to incorporate various types of entities, such as Private Limited Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), and Wholly Owned Subsidiaries. However, it is mandatory to appoint at least one Indian resident director for most business structures.
2. Do I need to be physically present in India to register a company?
No, you do not need to be physically present in India to register a company. The entire incorporation process is digital and can be completed remotely. However, foreign nationals must provide apostilled and notarized documents from their home country and complete video verification for the issuance of Digital Signature Certificates (DSC).
3. What is the most suitable company structure for a foreign national starting a business in India?
The most preferred company structure for foreign nationals is a Private Limited Company due to its flexibility, limited liability protection, and credibility in the market. Other suitable structures include Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) and One Person Companies (OPCs), depending on the number of founders and business goals.
4. Is GST registration mandatory after incorporating a company in India?
GST registration is mandatory if your company’s annual turnover exceeds the prescribed threshold limit, which is generally ₹40 lakh (or ₹20 lakh for certain states). It is also required for businesses involved in inter-state transactions, import-export activities, or e-commerce operations. Voluntary registration is also an option to claim input tax credits.
5. How long does it take to register a company in India from France?
Registering a company in India from France typically takes 7 to 15 working days. The timeline depends on the accuracy and completeness of submitted documents, time taken for notarization and apostille, and the speed of approvals from regulatory authorities such as the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
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