Doing Business in India: Key Legal Hurdles for Foreign Companies

India’s emergence as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies has attracted a surge in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and global business interest. With its vast consumer base, skilled workforce, and ongoing economic reforms, the country presents significant opportunities for multinational corporations..However, the India’s complex legal and regulatory environment poses unique challenges that foreign companies must navigate to ensure successful market entry and sustainable operations (World Bank, 2024). This article explores four critical legal hurdles - FDI Policy, Entity Formation, Regulatory Approvals, and Compliance - that every foreign business must address when establishing and running operations in India..India’s FDI policy, governed by the Consolidated FDI Policy and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, is designed to attract foreign capital while protecting national interests (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, 2024). Most sectors, such as manufacturing and financial services, permit up to 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route, allowing foreign investors to enter without prior government approval.This liberal approach has helped position India as a leading global FDI destination. However, certain sensitive sectors, including defense, multi-brand retail, and brownfield pharmaceuticals, require government approval, making the process more rigorous and time-consuming (Reserve Bank of India, 2024). Some sectors, such as lottery and tobacco manufacturing, remain entirely closed to foreign investment..Recent policy shifts have further liberalised FDI, such as raising the insurance sector cap from 74 per cent to 100 per cent, while introducing tighter scrutiny for investments from countries sharing land borders with India, notably China and Pakistan (DPIIT, 2025). These measures reflect India’s dual priorities - fostering economic growth and safeguarding national security. Foreign investors should therefore keep abreast of evolving sectoral caps, approval requirements, and policy updates to ensure compliance and maximise their investment potential..Choosing the appropriate business structure is a foundational step for foreign companies entering India, as it influences regulatory obligations, tax liabilities, and operational flexibility (KPMG, 2023).The Companies Act, 2013, and FEMA provide several options for establishing a business presence. The most popular route is a wholly owned subsidiary, typically structured as a private limited company. This offers limited liability and operational independence, but requires at least two directors, one of whom must be an Indian resident. Registration with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is also mandatory..Alternatively, foreign firms may pursue joint ventures with Indian partners, leveraging local expertise and networks while sharing risks and rewards. For companies seeking a limited or temporary presence, branch offices, project offices, and liaison offices are available, each with specific approval processes and activity restrictions.The incorporation process involves name reservation, submission of incorporation documents, obtaining digital signatures, and registering with the MCA and, where required, the Reserve Bank of India. The choice of entity has significant implications for regulatory compliance, tax planning, and long-term business strategy, making it essential for foreign investors to evaluate their options carefully and follow prescribed procedures for successful business setup in India..Navigating India’s regulatory environment requires engagement with multiple government agencies, each responsible for different aspects of business operations (EY, 2024). The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) oversees company registration and corporate governance for subsidiaries and joint ventures under the Companies Act, 2013.The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulates foreign exchange transactions and grants approvals for branch, liaison, and project offices as per FEMA. For FDI proposals requiring government approval, the DPIIT processes applications through the Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal (FIFP), coordinating with relevant ministries and the RBI.The approval process varies depending on the sector and investment route. Under the automatic route, no prior approval is needed, but investors must fulfill reporting obligations and adhere to sectoral restrictions. In contrast, the government route requires detailed proposals and multi-level scrutiny, especially in sensitive sectors like defense, telecom, and broadcasting, which may also require clearances from sector-specific ministries (DPIIT, 2024).After obtaining the necessary approvals, foreign companies must comply with post-approval requirements, such as reporting FDI inflows to the RBI and registering their presence with the Registrar of Companies (RoC). Proactive identification of required approvals and adherence to filing deadlines are essential to avoid regulatory delays and ensure smooth business operations..Ongoing compliance is critical for foreign companies setting up a business in India, as non-compliance can result in penalties, legal disputes, or even loss of business licenses (PwC, 2024). Corporate compliance begins with registration under the Companies Act, 2013, which requires filing the company’s charter, director list, and registered office details within 30 days of establishing a presence.Companies must appoint a local representative authorised to accept legal notices and are obligated to hold annual general meetings, file annual financial statements, and submit annual returns to the Registrar of Companies.Financial and tax compliance involves statutory audits, filing annual returns on foreign liabilities and assets with the RBI, and reporting all FDI transactions in accordance with FEMA regulations..Sector-specific compliance is equally important, as industries such as defense, telecom, and insurance are subject to additional regulatory oversight. Environmental compliance, governed by laws like the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, as well as adherence to labour laws, ensures that companies operate responsibly and protect worker rights (World Bank, 2024)..The Indian government has introduced several initiatives to improve the ease of doing business, including decriminalising minor business offenses and streamlining inspection processes. Nonetheless, the onus remains on foreign companies to establish robust compliance mechanisms, keep abreast of regulatory changes, and seek professional guidance to navigate the evolving legal landscape..India’s vast market and economic dynamism offer immense opportunities for foreign investors, but the legal and regulatory landscape is complex and ever-evolving. From understanding sector-specific FDI caps and choosing the right business structure to securing regulatory approvals and maintaining ongoing compliance, each stage presents unique challenges. By integrating these key considerations into their strategic planning and engaging experienced local advisors, foreign companies can mitigate risks, ensure legal compliance, and unlock the full potential of the Indian market..India offers substantial opportunities for foreign investors, but the legal and regulatory terrain is complex and dynamic. From understanding sector-specific FDI restrictions to selecting the right business structure, securing necessary approvals, and ensuring ongoing compliance, each step requires careful planning and execution.By approaching the Indian market with a strategic mindset and leveraging local expertise, foreign companies can successfully navigate these legal hurdles and unlock the full potential of one of the world’s most promising economies..About the author: Ashish Deep Verma is the Founder and Managing Partner of Vidhiśāstras – Advocates & Solicitors..Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s). The opinions presented do not necessarily reflect the views of Bar & Bench..If you would like your Deals, Columns, Press Releases to be published on Bar & Bench, please fill in the form available here.