Advisory Services
Starting a business in India can be both exciting and challenging. With a population of over 1.3 billion and a growing economy, there are ample opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish successful ventures. However, navigating the legal and regulatory landscape can be daunting. This is where Business Setup Advisory Services come in. These professional services provide guidance and assistance to help entrepreneurs set up and grow their businesses in India. From company registration to compliance with local laws, these advisory services cover all aspects of starting and running a business in the country. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top Business Setup Advisory Services in India and how they can help you establish and grow your business in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
1. Easy Business Setup in India
Setting up a business in India may seem daunting, but it’s easier than you might think. With the help of business setup advisory services in India, entrepreneurs and business owners can receive professional assistance to establish and grow their businesses. These services often include advice, research, and solutions to position the business for a strong entry into the Indian market.
When choosing the type of company, it’s important to understand the various entry strategies available. For instance, setting up a liaison office can work as a communication channel between the company and vendor,ors, and customers. Meanwhile, a branch office is better suited for activities such as exporting and importing goods or providing technical support and after-sales services to customers.
Entrepreneurs who want to retain full legal control of their operations, products, and processes may consider setting up a wholly-owned subsidiary in India. This option enables entrepreneurs to diversify and manage while retaining full legal control.
Additionally, Corporate Leaps works as a one-stop solution for entrepreneurs, undertaking all the bureaucratic regulations, legal requirements, and cultural aspects influencing consumer behavior on their behalf. Their specialized team liaison with concerned agencies aundertakesake all the activities to obtain all the regulatory registration documentation.
As described by a Corporate Leaps representative, “We offer assistance in establishing your business entity by carrying out comprehensive research to understand the prevailing market scenario, as well as studying your competitive landscape and analyzing industry trends. With this information, we help create your strategic investment plan and provide solutions suitable for positioning your business in the Indian market.”
In summary, setting up a business in India is easier than it may seem. By partnering with reputable business setup consultancy services and understanding the available entry strategies, entrepreneurs can establish a strong foothold in the dynamic Indian market.
2. Private vs Public Limited Companies
When deciding how to set up your business in India, one of the key decisions to make is whether to form a private limited company or a public limited company. While both offer limited liability and corporate status, there are some differences to consider.
Private limited companies have a limit of 200 members, and shares cannot be publicly traded. This means that they are generally smaller and more closely held, often by family members or a close group of investors. In contrast, public limited companies can have unlimited shareholders and their shares can be traded on public stock exchanges.
According to Indian law, a private limited company is recommended for small to medium-sized businesses while public limited companies are more appropriate for larger businesses that require more capital. Private limited companies have more benefits over public limited companies such as exemption from certain compliance and audit requirements and flexibility in terms of shareholding and management.
A private limited company is governed by the Indian Companies Act 2013. With this structure, shareholders havejoint-stockock business and benefit from separate legal entities in the eyes of the law. The minimum paid-up capital for a private limited company is INR 1 lakh, making it an affordable option for many.
In summary, the decision of whether to establish a private or public limited company in India depends on factors such as the size of the business, the required capital, and the level of public involvement desired. As the saying goes, “One size does not fit all.” It is always recommended to consult with a business advisory service to help determine which structure best suits your business needs.
3. Consulting Services for Business Setup
If you are planning to start a business in India, you might need professional help in setting up your enterprise. This is where consulting services for business setup come in handy. These services provide entrepreneurs and business owners with advice and guidance in establishing and growing their businesses.
One such provider of business setup consultancy services is Meerad. Their team of highly experienced professionals specializes in establishing and registering offices and parent companies. They are well-versed with market trends and provide every service to help clients in fulfilling their requirements properly and immediately.
Moreover, Meerad also offers financial statements preparation by their multilingual professional staff, who has experience from several companies with credentials such as CPA and USCPA. This enables them to create financial statements under GAAP or IFRS.
When it comes to different types of business organizations in India, there are many options to choose from. Primarily, the choice the of entity must take into account Indian law regulations and customs. Meerad helps clients navigate various aspects of incorporation, including choice of type of company, name availability, and drafting of MOA AOA and other related documents.
To sum it up, seeking consultancy services in India can save time and money while ensuring compliance and preventing legal issues. As Meerad states the aim is to provide you with the highest level of professionalism at the most competitive prices.
4. Legal and Document Work for Business Setup
When establishing a new business in India, legal and document work plays a crucial role to ensure that everything is set up and registered properly, it is important to work with experienced professionals who are familiar with Indian law and regulations. Meerad, a top consulting firm, offers a range of services to help businesses set up their offices and parent companies in India. This includes ensuring that all the necessary documentation is prepared and filed correctly. The different types of business organizations in India, such as LLP, private, public, and WOS, must be taken into account when setting up a business.
Our multilingual professional staff is experienced in creating financial statements under GAAP or IFRS, and we can provide all the necessary services to ensure that businesses are following Indian regulations and customs. We work closely with clients to understand their needs and provide them with the best quality services at competitive prices. Meerad India has a rigorous and up-to-date knowledge base to ensure that we are always providing the most current guidance and advice to our clients.
Furthermore, we ensure that all financial documents are prepared accurately and efficiently. Our staff is well-versed in collecting and surveying information, and we have the equipment and machinery needed for manufacturing. We also offer corporate legal and advisory services for businesses that require assistance with filing, registering, representing, attesting, and verifying documents. Our team provides support for matters related to FEMthe A, the filing of ARC FC-GPR and FC-TRS, and also the filing of annual returns on foreign liabilities and assets. Overall, Meerad provides comprehensive legal and document work services for businesses establishing themselves in India.
5. Setting up a Liaison Office in India
Setting up a liaison office in India is a viable option for foreign companies exploring the Indian market and seeking to facilitate and promote their business activities. A liaison office acts as a communication channel between the foreign parent company and the Indian companies. It also establishes technical and financial collaborations between overseas and Indian companies.
Foreign companies looking to establish a liaison office in India need to fulfill certain requirements. For instance, they need to have a track record of profitability in their home country for the past three financial years. They should also have a minimum net worth of $50,000 verified by the most recent audited balance sheet or account statement.
The process of setting up a liaison office involves es submission of various documents like the latest copy of the audited balance sheet, Certificate of Incorporation or Registration, Memorandum of Association and Articles of Associaton, and latest financial statements certified by a Certified Public Accountant or any registered accounts practitioner.
Foreign companies can establish a liaison office either through the Government route or the RBI route. Once the necessary approvals are obtained, the liaison office receives a Unique Identification Number (UIN) and must obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN) for setting up the office in India.
A liaison office cannot engage in commercial trading or industrial activities and must be sustained by private inward remittances received from their foreign parent company. The primary role of a liaison office is to act as a communication channel between the parent company/head office and the business entities and governmental authorities.
6. Income and Activities of a Liaison Office
A liaison office in India can be a great option for foreign companies looking to establish a light footprint in the country while keeping their financial, legal, and administrative commitments low. While liaison offices cannot engage in commercial trading or industrial activities, they can facilitate and promote the parent company’s business activities and act as a communication channel between the foreign parent company and Indian companies. It is worth noting that liaison offices are only sustained by private inward remittances received from their foreign parent company.
According to the Foreign Exchange Management Act, foreign companies must receive approval from the Reserve Bank of India’s Foreign Exchange Department to operate a liaison office in the country. The approval process generally takes around 40 days, and permission to operate a liaison office is granted for a three-year period, which can be extended for an additional three years if needed.
One of the main benefits of a liaison office is that it allows foreign companies to gather relevant business information to develop a business strategy and explore possible business opportunities in India without having to generate any income in the country.
Another advantage is that it allows the parent company to have a presence with a minimal investment of time, resources, and money. A liaison office can represent the parent company in India, promote export/import from/to India, and carry out technical or financial collaborations between parent or group companies and companies in India.
Overall, a liaison office in India is a great option for foreign companies looking to establish a light footprint in the country while tapping into the existing business potential or carrying out research and development activities.
7. Tax and Filing Requirements for Liaison Offices
When setting up a liaison office in India, foreign entities must adhere to certain tax and filing requirements. First and foremost, registration with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is required within 30 days of establishment by filing Form FC-1. This includes submitting documents such as the company’s charter, list of directors and asecretariesary, and declaration of no convictions or debarments.
The liaison office must also prepare and file financial statements, including a balance sheet and profit and loss account, with the Registrar of Companies in Form FC-3 within 6 months of the close of each financial year. Additionally, y, an audit of accounts by a practicing Chartered Accountant in India is mandatory as well the as filing of an annual return in Form FC-4 within 60 days of the financial-ended.
Moreover, Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLreturnsurn must be filed annually on or before July 15th if foreign assets or liabilities are outstanding. An Annual Activity Certificate must also be filed each year with the designated AD Category-I bank and Director General of Income Tax (International Taxation) New Delhi, and a PAN must be obtained from Income Tax Authorities. Lastly, a Liaison Office must also file Income Tax returns annually and comply with Goods and Services Tax (GST) obligations if their turnover exceeds the specified limit foreign entities need to consider these tax and filing requirements when setting up a liaison office in India to ensure compliance with regulations. As Meerad puts it, “Compliance is not a choice, it is a necessity that must be observed by every foreign entity functioning in India.”
8. Benefits of Establishing Overseas Branches
Establishing overseas branches has become a common practice for companies wanting to expand their reach and remain competitive. When it comes to starting a business abroad, India has become one of the most popular destinations for foreign investors. What are the benefits of setting up an overseas branch in India?
– Large market and expanding economy: India has a vast population and a large market without boundaries, with well-established logistics. India is also the world’s fastest-growing country and the sixth fastest-expanding economy. Its young population and expanding economic strength will be a magnet for global enterprises for decades to come.
– Business-friendly laws: India has passed many bills that benefit most industrial sectors, making it easier for foreign corporations to carry out their strategies to enter India. The Goods and Services Tax Bill has improved the efficiency of product movement across India. The Direct Taxes Code Bill aims to simplify tax legislation. The Companies Bill has brought India’s corporate law up to date for the twenty-first century.
– Low operating costs: India offers low operational costs, including infrastructure, phones, internet, labor, salary, and anything else needed to start a firm.
– High-quality human resources: India has a large network of technical and management institutions that meet international standards and are supported by regional and bilateral free trade agreements. The institutions produce high-quality human resources, including a significant English-speaking population.
– Indian work ethics: Indians are known around the world for their work ethics. They have a combination of workaholic temperament and eagerness to learn, making them valuable assets for companies.
– Access to a pool of experienced specialists: India has a huge pool of experienced specialists and a skilled workforce. The country has a diverse range of talent with experts in various domains, providing companies with access to top-notch skills.
– Government support for business-friendly rules: The Indian government offers support for business-friendly laws, attractive foreign policies, and a skilled workforce. The government also provides a large pool of incentives and benefits to foreign companies that choose to set up an overseas branch in India.
– Cultural diversity: India is a diverse and multicultural country, making it easier for foreign companies to adapt and operate in the country. India has a 5000-year history of inviting outsiders to its shores and has a welcoming attitude towards outsiders.
In conclusion, setting up an overseas branch in India has many benefits for foreign companies. The country has an expanding economy, low operating costs, high-quality human resources, and a supportive government. India’s cultural diversity and welcoming attitude towards outsiders make it an excellent destination for foreign investors.
9. Multilingual Professional Staff for Financial Statements
Multilingual capability is a valuable resource when it comes to financial services, particularly for international businesses operating in India. Multilingual professional staff are available to provide more comprehensive financial statement preparation and analysis, which can be tailored to meet the unique needs of the business. The benefits of working with multilingual staff include:
-Improved communication with wider teams: Multilingual professionals can work with clients from different regions in their native language. This helps to improve communication and reduce potential misunderstandings, leading to more effective financial outcomes.
-Linguistic and cultural sensitivity: When working with foreign clients, it is important to understand cultural nuances and be able to communicate effectively. Multilingual staff are well-versed in these differences, creating trust and a positive customer experience.
-Expanded client base: Working with multilingual staff can help companies expand their client base, particularly in emerging markets where language and cultural barriers may exist.
As quoted by Sheikh Abdul Salam, a client at Fincare Consulting:
“The multilingual professionals at Fincare Consulting facilitated our work and made it comfortable for us to communicate our financial requirements. They offered exceptional service and provided us with sound advice on regulatory and taxation requirements. Our experience with them has been very positive.”
By using multilingual professional staff with a deep understanding of financial statements, international businesses can streamline their financial processes and save on costs. The ability to communicate with local teams, understand cultural differences, and connect with a more diverse client base creates a competitive advantage in India’s rapidly expanding economy.
10. Corporate Legal and Advisory Services in India
Corporate Legal and Advisory Services are essential for any business to thrive in India. These services help businesses navigate the complex legal system in India and provide expert guidance on various aspects of business operations. As per the Silicon India 2022 list of Top Corporate Business Consultant Startups, the following companies offer excellent Corporate Legal and Advisory Services in India:
– Offers premium Business Advisory Services to startups as well as established organizations while investing in innovative high-potentialearly-stageage opportunities.
– A financial advisory organization of the rs right business advisory services to businesses and helping them to grow and leverage opportunities presented by today’s complex global economy.
– Experienced management consultants who work flexibly to deliver results, whether they are advisory or end-to-end execution.
– A technology & strategic consulting company lays its expertise in Design Planning & Auditing Digital Transformation Information Technology Security/Loss Prevention and many more.
In addition, the top 10 Consulting Companies in India, including Tata Consultancy Services and Avalon Consulting, provide consulting services in various domains, including corporate legal and advisory services. These organizations have a wide range of expertise, offer end-to-end solutions, and implement novel technologies powered by artificial intelligence. Ultimately, finding the right Corporate Legal and Advisory Services provider can prove beneficial for any business, allowing them to achieve their goals and grow their operations while ensuring compliance with the Indian legal system. So, whether it’s a startup an or established organization, Corporate Legal and Advisory Services are a must for all.