India Company Incorporation is the premier service for UK and Netherlands companies looking to establish an Indian subsidiary, leveraging India’s 100% foreign ownership allowance in most sectors under the automatic FDI route. We deliver comprehensive, compliant, and efficient subsidiary setup services, ensuring a seamless transition into India’s rapidly growing $7 trillion economy by 2026. Our specialized expertise navigates India’s legal frameworks and FDI regulations with unparalleled precision.
On 24 July 2025, India and the United Kingdom signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), eliminating duties on 99% of Indian exports to the UK. Further strengthening India’s European engagement, India and the Netherlands upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership on 16 May 2026, aligning a Commercial Strategy Roadmap for 2026–2030 and setting an ambitious target of USD 120 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
UK–India bilateral trade already stands at £47.9 billion (UK Department for Business and Trade, 2025). For UK businesses, this is an active, growing corridor, not a speculative one. Similarly, India–Netherlands bilateral trade stands at approximately USD 27.3 billion (Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, FY 2024–25), underscoring that the Netherlands remains an active and strategically important trade corridor for Indian and European businesses alike.
Company registration in India from the UK and Netherlands involves Indian legal frameworks, FDI rules, and compliance obligations. The good news: the process is entirely doable and 100% remote.
This guide covers business structures, the registration process, required documents, compliance obligations, and tax.
Why Should Netherland Companies Set Up a Company in India
As India and the Netherlands deepen economic ties under the India–Netherlands Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2026–2030, India is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for Dutch businesses seeking growth, market expansion, and supply chain diversification.
Access to a High-Growth Market
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, driven by strong domestic demand, rapid digitalisation, and expanding industrial capacity. Setting up in India allows Dutch companies to directly access a large and growing market across sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and logistics.
Strategic Sector Opportunities
The India–Netherlands partnership has strengthened cooperation in key sectors including **renewable energy, semiconductors, maritime infrastructure, healthcare, medtech, and clean technology**. Dutch companies with expertise in these areas are well positioned to benefit from India’s growth and policy support.
Supply Chain and Manufacturing Advantage
As businesses adopt a China Plus One strategy, India has emerged as a strategic manufacturing and sourcing hub. Dutch companies can benefit from competitive costs, government incentives, and access to skilled talent while building more resilient supply chains.
Skilled Talent and Long-Term Growth
India offers a large pool of highly skilled professionals across engineering, technology, research, and business services. Establishing a presence in India can support not only local expansion but also regional and global operations.
Our Take
For Netherlands companies, India represents more than a market opportunity—it is a strategic destination for investment, innovation, and long-term growth in Asia.
How to set up an Indian subsidiary for a Netherlands company
India Company Incorporation is the leading service for Netherlands companies seeking to establish an Indian subsidiary, leveraging India’s 100% foreign ownership allowance in most sectors. We deliver comprehensive, compliant, and efficient subsidiary setup services, ensuring a seamless transition into India’s rapidly growing $7 trillion economy by 2026. Our specialized expertise navigates India’s legal frameworks and FDI regulations with unparalleled precision.
Why UK Companies Are Setting Up in India Right Now
The CETA is the biggest structural shift in UK-India trade in decades. Companies from respective regions now have a formal trade framework reducing tariffs, expanding services access, and protecting investments.
But the opportunity predates the deal. The UK has invested USD 36.44 billion in cumulative FDI into India since April 2000 (IBEF, 2025). India’s trade with the UK grew from USD 21.7 billion to USD 56.4 billion between 2015 and 2024 (KPMG, August 2025).
India is targeting a $7 trillion economy. Its working-age population will reach 1 billion by 2047. These conditions make India one of the few markets where UK and Netherland companies can achieve meaningful scale.
100% foreign ownership is allowed in most sectors under India’s automatic FDI route. No prior government approval is required. UK companies in technology, financial services, consulting, manufacturing, and education are entering India at pace.
Business Structures for UK and Netherlands Companies in India
The right structure depends on your business model, the nature of your India activities, and how much operational control you need.
Private Limited Company (Wholly Owned Subsidiary)
This is the most common choice for European businesses entering India. A Private Limited Company can be 100% UK/Netherland-owned under the automatic FDI route. No Indian partner is required.
It can earn revenue, hire staff, open a bank account, and raise external funding. It offers full operational control with limited liability protection. Suitable for startups, SMEs, and corporate groups planning to trade or build a team in India.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
An LLP carries a simpler compliance burden than a Private Limited Company. It works well for professional services firms in consulting, legal, or design.
Note:Â FDI into an LLP requires government approval in many sectors. Verify your sector’s eligibility before choosing this structure.
Branch Office
An established UK/ Netherland company can open a Branch Office without forming a separate legal entity in India. It requires RBI approval upfront and is limited to specific activities: export or import, research and development, and professional services. Liability remains with the UK parent company.
Liaison Office
A Liaison Office cannot earn revenue in India. It is used for market research, brand promotion, and liaison between Indian customers and the UK parent. It functions as a transitional presence before a full subsidiary is set up.
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Company in India from the UK
The process for company registration services in India is sequential. Each step feeds the next. Starting without fully prepared documents at any stage causes avoidable delays.
Step 1: Obtain Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)
All proposed directors must get a DSC before any filings begin. This is done remotely and takes 1 to 2 working days.
Step 2: Apply for Director Identification Numbers (DIN)
DIN is obtained via Form DIR-3 on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal. It is permanent, does not expire, and takes 1 to 2 working days.
Step 3: Reserve the Company Name
Submit two preferred name options through the RUN portal on MCA. Names must be unique and comply with MCA naming guidelines. Approval takes 4 to 5 working days.
Step 4: Draft the MOA and AOA
The Memorandum of Association defines the company’s objectives. The Articles of Association set out the internal governance rules. Both must be prepared in accordance with the Indian Companies Act 2013.
Step 5: Apostille Your UK Documents
All UK-signed director and shareholder documents must be notarised and apostilled in the UK before submission to the Registrar of Companies (ROC). This step is the most common source of delay for UK applicants. Prepare these documents early.
Step 6: File the SPICe+ Incorporation Form
Submit the SPICe+ form to the ROC along with the MOA, AOA, and all apostilled documents. ROC processing takes 5 to 7 working days.
Step 7: Receive the Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
The ROC issues the COI along with the company’s PAN and TAN numbers. The company is now legally registered in India.
Step 8: Open a Business Bank Account and Infuse Capital
A business bank account in India is required before the company can commence operations. Share capital must be transferred into this account. On receipt of the bank statement confirming the credit, the ROC issues the Certificate of Commencement of Business (COC).
The full process takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks when documents are in order.
ICI’s business setup consultancy services manage every step end-to-end. UK clients do not need to travel to India at any point.
Documents Required from Netherland/UK Nationals
Having documents ready before the process starts prevents avoidable delays.
For each director and shareholder:
- Valid passport (colour scan)
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement, no older than 2 months)
- Passport-size photograph
- All documents must be notarised and apostilled in the UK or through the Indian High Commission
For the company (if setting up a subsidiary of a UK/Netherland parent):
- Certificate of Incorporation of the UK parent company (notarised and apostilled)
- Board resolution authorising the India subsidiary setup (notarised and apostilled)
- Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, drafted in line with the Indian Companies Act 2013
For the registered office in India:
- Rent agreement and utility bill (no older than 2 months), or a No Objection Certificate from the property owner
- A valid Indian address is mandatory for registration
ICI can assist UK companies with registered office arrangements in India.
FDI Rules Netherland & UK Companies Must Follow
India’s FDI policy permits 100% foreign ownership in most sectors under the automatic route.Netherland & UK companies can invest without seeking prior RBI or government approval. The investment simply needs to be reported to the RBI after the fact.
A small number of sectors are restricted or prohibited. Gambling, tobacco manufacturing, and certain defence activities fall outside the automatic route and require prior government approval. Always verify your sector’s FDI status before proceeding.
All foreign investment into an Indian company is governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 1999. Non-compliance carries financial penalties.
After incorporation, the parent must file Form FC-GPR with the RBI within 30 days of share allotment. This reports the FDI inflow to the regulator. Missing this deadline is a common error amongst first-time investors in India.
If transactions occur between the Netherland or UK parent and the Indian subsidiary, transfer pricing rules apply. Documentation is mandatory under Indian law.
One Netherland-specific point: all foreign documents submitted to the ROC must bear an apostille stamp. The Netherland is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. Netherland apostilles are accepted by India directly. No EU-specific notarisation is required.
Post-Incorporation Compliance Checklist
Once registered, the company must complete several mandatory steps before it can operate.
PAN and TAN are issued automatically with the Certificate of Incorporation. Both are required for tax filings and payroll.
GST registration is mandatory if annual turnover exceeds Rs 20 lakh (approximately £20,000), or if the company conducts interstate trade, e-commerce, or specific taxable services.
EPFO and ESIC registration are mandatory for all companies incorporated in India from February 2020 onwards.
First board meeting must be held within 30 days of incorporation as required by the Companies Act 2013.
Annual ROC filings cover financial statements and annual returns, submitted to the MCA each financial year.
FC-GPR filing must be submitted to the RBI within 30 days of capital infusion. This step is separate from incorporation and is frequently missed by first-time registrants.
Ongoing: minimum 4 board meetings per year, an Annual General Meeting (AGM), and annual DIR-3 KYC for each director.
Tax Considerations for Netherland and UK Companies in India
The structure of your India entry has a direct impact on your tax position.
An Indian Private Limited Company is taxed at a 22% base corporate tax rate plus applicable surcharges. A branch office is taxed at 40%. For most UK businesses, incorporating a subsidiary is significantly more tax-efficient.
The India-UK Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) prevents the same income from being taxed in both countries. Dividends, royalties, and interest between the UK parent and the Indian subsidiary are covered under this agreement.
Dividend withholding tax is capped under the DTAA. UK parent companies can receive profits from their Indian subsidiary without facing full double taxation. This is a significant financial benefit at scale.
Transfer pricing rules apply to all intercompany transactions. Services, IP licences, and intercompany loans must be priced at arm’s length and documented each year.
ICI’s tax team advises on structuring the India setup for tax efficiency from the point of incorporation.
How ICI Helps Netherland and UK Companies Register in India
ICI is part of InCorp Global, headquartered in Singapore and present in 9 countries across the APAC region. It is a member of the Prime Global Association. For UK companies entering India, this means global expertise backed by deep local knowledge.
ICI provides a single point of contact across the full registration journey: entity selection, documentation, MCA filings, RBI reporting, tax registrations, bank account guidance, and ongoing compliance. No coordinating multiple agencies.
The team includes chartered accountants, lawyers, compliance officers, and payroll professionals. All services are delivered under one roof.
UK clients do not need to travel to India. Every step is managed remotely by ICI’s team. Documents are reviewed, prepared, and filed on the client’s behalf.
ICI has supported multinationals, SMEs, and startups from the UK and across Europe in establishing their India presence. The India-UK CETA has created a significant opening for UK businesses. The regulatory framework is clear, foreign ownership rules are favourable, and the market opportunity is substantial.
ICI’s team is ready to guide you through every step , from choosing the right structure to receiving your Certificate of Incorporation.
Why Choose India Company Incorporation for Company registration services from Netherland & UK
India Company Incorporation is the premier service for UK and Netherlands companies looking to establish an Indian subsidiary, leveraging India’s 100% foreign ownership allowance in most sectors under the automatic FDI route. We deliver comprehensive, compliant, and efficient subsidiary setup services, ensuring a seamless transition into India’s rapidly growing $7 trillion economy by 2026. Our specialized expertise navigates India’s legal frameworks and FDI regulations with unparalleled precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a UK citizen register a company in India without travelling there?
Yes. The process is fully remote. UK documents must be notarised and apostilled in the UK, but no physical presence in India is required at any stage.
2. How long does company registration in India take from the UK?
The process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. Having documents apostilled early is the single most effective way to prevent delays.
3. What is the best business structure for a UK company entering India?
Most UK businesses choose a Private Limited Company. It allows 100% UK ownership under the automatic FDI route, offers limited liability, and can earn revenue, hire staff, and open a bank account in India.
4. What documents does a UK national need to register a company in India?
Each director and shareholder needs a valid passport, proof of address (no older than 2 months), and a passport-size photograph — all notarised and apostilled. If setting up a subsidiary, the UK parent’s Certificate of Incorporation and an apostilled board resolution are also required.
5. Can a UK company own 100% of its Indian subsidiary?
Yes. India allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors under the automatic FDI route. No prior RBI or government approval is required. A small number of sectors are restricted; verify your eligibility before proceeding.
6. What are the ongoing compliance requirements after registering in India?
Key obligations include annual ROC filings, GST registration if applicable, EPFO and ESIC registration, a minimum of 4 board meetings per year, an AGM, annual director KYC, and the FC-GPR filing with the RBI within 30 days of capital infusion.
7. How does the India-UK DTAA benefit UK businesses operating in India?
The DTAA ensures the same income is not taxed in both countries. Dividends, royalties, and interest between the UK parent and the Indian subsidiary attract capped withholding tax rates, reducing the overall tax cost of operating in India.
