forming an Indian subsidiary in Delhi allows foreign companies to operate with a legal presence in India, access local markets, and gain credibility with stakeholders. Understanding the step-by-step process is essential to ensure compliance and smooth operations.
Step 1: Decide the Business Structure
The first decision is selecting the right legal structure for your subsidiary. Most foreign companies opt for:
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Private Limited Company – Common for SMEs and startups; limits liability to shares.
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Public Limited Company – Suitable for larger organizations planning to raise public capital.
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Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – Combines partnership flexibility with limited liability.
Choosing the right structure impacts compliance, taxation, and operational flexibility.
Step 2: Obtain Digital Signatures and DIN
Key registrations include obtaining Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) and Director Identification Numbers (DIN) for appointed directors. These are mandatory for filing documents with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
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DSC – Ensures secure digital filing and document authentication.
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DIN – Unique identification for directors, required under Indian law.
Completing these registrations is a prerequisite for company incorporation.
Step 3: Register with the MCA
Registration with the MCA is the core step to legally form a subsidiary. It involves submitting:
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Incorporation forms with company name approval
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Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
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Details of directors, shareholders, and capital structure
The MCA verifies documents, and upon approval, issues a Certificate of Incorporation (COI), officially recognizing the company as a legal entity.
Step 4: Open a Bank Account and Complete Tax Registrations
Once incorporated, the subsidiary needs a local bank account for operations and registrations for taxes such as GST and Income Tax.
Benefits include:
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Smooth handling of business transactions in India
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Compliance with statutory obligations
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Ability to hire employees and conduct local operations
Step 5: Engage Local Professionals
While it’s possible to complete the process independently, hiring local experts for legal, accounting, and compliance support streamlines the procedure.
Advantages:
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Avoids procedural delays
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Ensures proper documentation and filings
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Reduces risk of non-compliance
Conclusion
Forming an Indian subsidiary in Delhi involves careful planning, legal filings, and statutory compliance. Following a structured approach—from selecting the business structure to completing registrations—ensures smooth incorporation and operational readiness. Partnering with local professionals further reduces risk and accelerates market entry.
FAQs
Q1: What is the first step in forming a subsidiary in Delhi?
Choosing the appropriate business structure and appointing directors.
Q2: Are Digital Signatures mandatory for incorporation?
Yes, DSCs are required for digital filing and authentication.
Q3: What documents are submitted to the MCA?
Company name approval, MOA, AOA, and details of directors and shareholders.
Q4: Is opening a bank account necessary for a subsidiary?
Yes, for handling local transactions and statutory compliance.
Q5: Do I need local experts to form a subsidiary?
While optional, local experts streamline registration and ensure compliance.