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Step-by-step regulatory requirements organized by timeline phase
Obtain Director DSC and DIN
Each proposed director needs a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN) before incorporation. DIN is allotted via SPICe+ form.
Open Corporate Bank Account
Open INR account with HDFC, ICICI, SBI, or Axis. Foreign shareholders require additional KYC including share certificates and FC-GPR. Allow 1-3 weeks.
Apply for Employment Visa for Foreign Staff
Foreign nationals working in India need an Employment Visa (E-Visa) and FRRO registration within 14 days of arrival. Minimum salary USD 25,000 per annum applies (with sector-specific exceptions).
Apply for Sector Licences
Banking and NBFC (RBI), capital markets (SEBI), insurance (IRDAI), telecoms (DoT), pharmaceuticals (CDSCO), and food (FSSAI) require sector authorisation. Many sectors have FDI caps and sectoral conditions.
Apply for FDI Reporting (FC-GPR)
Foreign-owned companies must report inward FDI to the Reserve Bank of India via Form FC-GPR within 30 days of share allotment. Filed through the FIRMS portal.
GST registration mandatory once turnover exceeds INR 40 lakh (INR 20 lakh for services, INR 10 lakh for special category states). Inter-state suppliers must register from rupee one. Standard rates 5/12/18/28%.
Register for Professional Tax
State-level professional tax registration required in Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and other PT states. Both employer registration and employee enrolment certificates are needed.
Employees Provident Fund registration becomes mandatory at 20+ employees (voluntary below). Contribution: 12% employer + 12% employee on basic wage up to INR 15,000. Includes EPS pension contribution.
Register with ESIC
Employees' State Insurance Corporation registration required at 10+ employees in notified areas. Contribution: 3.25% employer + 0.75% employee on wages up to INR 21,000 per month.
Apply for Shops and Establishments Registration
State-level Shops and Establishments Act registration is mandatory for every establishment within 30 days of starting business. Issued by local labour department.
Monthly TDS and Payroll Filings
Deduct TDS on salaries, contractor payments (194C), and professional fees (194J), and remit by the 7th of the following month. File quarterly TDS returns (24Q, 26Q) on Form 16/16A.
Monthly GST Returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B)
File GSTR-1 (outward supplies) by the 11th and GSTR-3B (summary return with payment) by the 20th of the following month. Annual GSTR-9 due by 31 December.
Quarterly Advance Tax Payments
Pay advance corporate income tax in 4 instalments (15% by 15 June, 45% by 15 Sept, 75% by 15 Dec, 100% by 15 March). Standard rate 22% (new domestic companies 15%); 30% if not opting for concessional regime.
Annual ROC Filings (AOC-4 and MGT-7)
File audited financial statements (AOC-4) within 30 days of AGM and annual return (MGT-7) within 60 days of AGM. AGM must be held within 6 months of FYE.
Statutory Audit and Income Tax Return
Engage an ICAI-registered chartered accountant for statutory audit. File annual income tax return (ITR-6) by 31 October following FYE; tax audit (Form 3CA/3CD) required for revenue above INR 1 crore.
Annual FDI Reporting (FLA Return)
Companies with foreign assets or liabilities must file the Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) return with RBI by 15 July each year. Mandatory for all FDI-receiving companies.