How To Register A Company In India From The UK: Complete Guide for UK Businesses

• Company formation / Compliances
• ||
• July 3, 2026

If you’re a UK business owner or NRI looking to expand into India, you’re tapping into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The India-UK bilateral trade reached £43 billion in 2024, marking a 8.3% increase compared to the previous year, making India an attractive destination for British entrepreneurs.

But here’s the thing: registering a company in India isn’t complicated, yet many UK entrepreneurs put it off thinking it will be. It won’t be. In fact, the entire incorporation process is completely online, and UK citizens can complete it without visiting India. This complete guide walks you through everything you need to know, in simple terms.

Understanding Company Structures in India

When you register a company in India from the UK, your first decision is the business structure or Which one is suitable for your UK business?. Think of this as choosing the legal “shape” your business will take.

Private Limited Company (Most Popular)

The UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed in July 2025, is a game-changer. It simplifies trade regulations, reduces tariffs, and boosts investor confidence. The agreement aims to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion in the long run and reach USD 100 billion by 2030. This means easier business operations, lower costs, and better market access for your investments.

Requirements:

• Minimum 2 directors (at least one must be an Indian resident)
• Minimum 2 shareholders
• Can have up to 200 members

Best for: UK startups, established businesses, service providers, tech companies.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

This business structure is the combination of partnership and companies in India. It’s less formal than a Private Limited Company but still offers liability protection.

Requirements:

• Minimum 2 designated partners (at least one must be an Indian resident)
• More flexible than Private Limited Companies
• Lower compliance burden

Best for:Small teams, professional services, consulting firms.

Branch Office or Liaison Office

If you already have a UK company and want an Indian presence without creating a separate legal entity, this works. However, it requires Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approval and is more heavily regulated.
Not recommended for: First-time entrants; good if you have an established UK company.

The 5 Key Requirements For UK Businesses Entering in India

Before you file anything, ensure you tick these boxes:

1. At Least One Indian Resident Director
This is non-negotiable. One director must be an Indian resident who has stayed in India for at least 182 days during the previous financial year.
You don’t need a personal friend—you can hire a nominee director (an Indian professional acting on your behalf). Many incorporation services in India offer this for a small annual fee.

2. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Think of this as an electronic signature that proves you’re who you say you are. It’s required for signing digital documents submitted to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

How to get one:Apply through authorized certification authorities in your country (or India). It typically takes 1-2 days and costs around £30-50.

3. Director Identification Number (DIN)
Every director needs a unique DIN. This is India’s way of tracking company directors across all businesses. The DIN is used for all legal purposes during your Indian incorporation.

How to get it: File a form on the MCA portal. You’ll need your passport, address proof, and DSC. Takes about 2-3 days.

4. Registered Office Address in India
Your company needs a physical address in India where official correspondence will be sent. This can be:

• Your actual office premises
• A co-working space
• A virtual office (increasingly accepted by MCA)

If you don’t have an office yet, many incorporation services provide virtual addresses for around £100-200 per year.

5. Proof of Foreign Investment (Apostille Documents)
Since you’re registering from the UK, your documents (passport, address proof, identity proof) must be officially certified. For countries part of the Hague Apostille Convention (like the UK), documents need to be apostilled.
What’s apostille? It’s an international certification making your UK documents recognized by Indian authorities. Get this done at your local court or through a certified notary—it costs around £20-50 per document.

Step-by-Step: How to Register Your UK Company in India

Here’s the exact process, broken down simply:

Step 1: Choose Your Business Name
Pick a unique name ending with “Private Limited” (for Pvt Ltd companies). Check if it’s available using the MCA’s name search tool on their website.
Timeline: 1 day

Step 2: Obtain DSC and DIN
Apply for your Digital Signature Certificate through an authorized certifying authority. Then, fill out the form on the MCA portal to get your Director Identification Number.
Timeline:: 3-4 days

Step 3: Reserve Your Company Name
File a name approval request (SPICe+ Part A) on the MCA portal. If your name is unique and complies with guidelines, it gets approved within 1-2 days.
Timeline: 1-2 days

Step 4: File the SPICe+ Form
This is the main incorporation form. You’ll enter details about:

• Company name and address
• Directors and shareholders information
• Authorized capital
• Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)

The SPICe+ form is the web-based form used for registering companies in India. It is part of the Government of India’s Ease of Doing Business initiative.
Timeline: 1 day to fill and file

Step 5: MCA Verification and Processing
The Registrar of Companies reviews your documents. If everything is correct, you get approval. If there are queries, you respond within the given timeframe.

Timeline: 3-7 working days

Step 6: Receive Certificate of Incorporation
Once approved, you receive your Certificate of Incorporation and Corporate Identification Number (CIN). Congratulations—your company is now legally registered!
Timeline: Same day as approval

Step 7: Post-Registration Compliance: SPICe+ Part-B
Filed along with the incorporation:

• Apply for Permanent Account Number (PAN) for tax purposes
• Register for GST (if applicable)
• Apply for EPFO and ESIC registration (if you’ll have employees)
• Open a corporate bank account

Understanding FDI Rules in India: What You Can and Cannot Do in India

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India is governed by strict rules. The good news? Most sectors allow 100 percent foreign ownership under the automatic FDI route. Only a few restricted sectors require special approval from RBI or the government.

Sectors with 100% FDI (Automatic Route):

• IT and software development
• Consulting services
• Outsourced services
• E-commerce and trading
• Manufacturing (most types)
• Healthcare and education

Sectors Requiring Approval:

• Telecom
• Defence
• Print media
• Real estate
• Multi-brand retail
• Civil aviation

Before finalizing your business plan, check the FDI policy for your sector. If you’re in a restricted sector, you’ll need RBI approval before capital inflow.

Costs of Setting Up a Company in India for UK Businesses

UK entrepreneurs always ask: “What’s the total cost?” Here’s the breakdown:

Timeline: How Long Does It Really Take?

If all your documents are ready:

• Best case: 7-10 working days
• Typical case: 10-15 working days
• Complex cases: 15-20 working days

Most delays happen because:

1. Documents weren’t apostilled correctly
2. The company name was too similar to an existing one
3. MCA raised queries (usually resolved in 2-3 days)

Common Mistakes UK Entrepreneurs Make While Setting Up A Company In India

Mistake 1: Skipping the Resident Director Requirement
Some think they can bypass this. You can’t. At least one director must be an Indian resident. If you try to work around it, your application gets rejected, wasting time and money.

Solution: Hire a qualified nominee director from the start.

Mistake 2: Poor Document Apostille
UK documents must be apostilled properly. If done incorrectly, the MCA rejects your application.

Solution:Use a qualified notary or court service. Don’t DIY this.

Mistake 3: Not Understanding Your Sector’s FDI Policy
Registering a company in a restricted sector without approval leads to future compliance issues.

Solution: Verify your sector’s FDI status before incorporation.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Compliance Post-Registration
Many think registration is the end. It’s not. You must file annual returns, maintain compliance, and report to RBI if you receive foreign investment.

Solution: Set up a compliance calendar or hire a company secretary.

Do You Need a Professional Service Provider in India?

Short answer: Not mandatory, but highly recommended.

Professional incorporation services in India handle:

• DSC and DIN applications
• Document apostille guidance
• SPICe+ filing
• Following up with MCA
• Post-incorporation compliance setup

For UK entrepreneurs unfamiliar with Indian processes, spending £300-400 on professional services saves time, prevents rejections, and ensures compliance from day one.

After Registration: What’s Next?

Once your company is registered, you’re not done. Here’s your first-90-days checklist:

1. Open a Corporate Bank Account

1. Submit your Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, and director IDs
2. Many banks now allow video KYC for non-resident directors
3. Choose between Current Account (for business) or NRE Account (if you’re an NRI)

2. Apply for GST Registration

1. In case of Goods: Required if your annual turnover exceeds ₹40 lakhs (approx. £31,550 asper current rates)
2. In case of Services: Required if your annual turnover exceeds ₹20 lakhs £15,770.
3. Application is free and takes 3-5 days

3. Register with EPFO and ESIC

1. Mandatory if you have employees
2. Required even with just one employee

4. File Annual Returns

1. Due within 60 days of financial year-end
2. Must maintain proper accounting records

5. Comply with RBI Regulations

1. If receiving foreign investment, file FC-GPR forms within 30 days
2. Profit repatriation is allowed under FEMA rules once taxes are paid and necessary filings are completed

Profit Repatriation: Getting Money Back to the UK

One question every UK investor asks: “Can I send profits back to the UK?”

Yes. Once your company pays taxes and complies with RBI reporting requirements, you can repatriate profits to your UK bank account. The process involves:

1. Filing required RBI forms (FC-GPR)
2. Getting tax compliance certificate
3. Submitting to your Indian bank
4. Receiving funds within 3-5 working days

The UK-India Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) ensures you don’t pay taxes twice on the same income.

FAQs: Questions UK Entrepreneurs Ask

1. Do I need to visit India for registration?
No. The entire process is online. Many UK entrepreneurs complete it without ever travelling to India.

2. Can I be the only shareholder?
No. You need at least 2 shareholders. However, they can be two people you control, or you and a corporate entity.

3. What if my sector requires FDI approval?
Contact the RBI or a qualified consultant. The approval process typically takes 2-4 weeks.

4. Can I change the registered office later?
Yes, but it requires filing forms with the Registrar of Companies and takes about 10-15 days.

5. What’s the minimum capital I need to invest?
There’s no legal minimum, but most companies maintain at least ₹1 lakh (£1,000).

Conclusion: Your Path to India Just Got Easier

Registering a company in India from the UK is straightforward when you understand the process. You don’t need to be an expert in Indian law—you just need the right information and, ideally, a professional guide.

The India-UK business relationship is stronger than ever. With UK’s Foreign Direct Investment in India standing at nearly $21 billion in 2022, you’re joining thousands of successful British entrepreneurs expanding eastward.

Ready to take the next step?

At Mercurius we specialize in helping UK businesses and NRIs establish companies in India. Our team handles everything from initial consultation to post-registration compliance, ensuring your expansion is smooth, legal, and tax-efficient.

Contact Mercurius today for a free consultation on your India business setup.

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