India entry desk

Entering India is not merely a matter of incorporation or registration. It involves navigating a complex matrix of foreign exchange regulations, sectoral policy restrictions, tax laws, pricing guidelines, reporting obligations and ongoing compliance requirements. Foreign investors frequently face challenges due to fragmented advisory, lack of regulatory foresight and misalignment between commercial intent and statutory frameworks.

Unified’s India Entry Desk has been established as a dedicated, specialised advisory gateway for foreign companies, multinational corporations, overseas promoters, NRIs and global investors seeking to enter, operate or invest in India. Our approach combines strategic structuring with regulatory certainty, ensuring that India entry decisions are compliant from inception and remain defensible throughout the investment lifecycle.

Operating from New Delhi, Unified offers proximity to key regulators, ministries and policy-making bodies, enabling effective coordination and issue resolution for inbound investors.

Scope of Advisory

We advise foreign clients on the most appropriate India entry route based on sectoral regulations, investment objectives and risk considerations.

Coverage includes:

  • Evaluation of entry options (wholly-owned subsidiary, joint venture, branch, liaison or project office)
  • Sectoral policy and FDI cap analysis
  • Structuring of ownership, control and governance
  • Advisory on downstream investments
  • Entry structuring aligned with tax efficiency and exit flexibility

Foreign exchange regulations are central to inbound investment. Unified provides specialised FEMA and FDI advisory to ensure strict compliance and regulatory certainty.

Coverage includes:

  • Advisory on FDI policy and FEMA regulations
  • Pricing guidelines and valuation compliance
  • RBI reporting and filings (FC-GPR, FC-TRS, etc.)
  • Advisory on convertible instruments and hybrid structures
  • Compounding and regularisation of FEMA contraventions
  • Liaison with authorised dealer banks and regulators

India entry structuring must align with domestic tax laws and international tax considerations to avoid future disputes and double taxation.

Coverage includes:

  • International tax structuring for inbound investments
  • Treaty analysis and withholding tax planning
  • Transfer pricing alignment and documentation
  • Permanent establishment risk assessment
  • Repatriation and dividend tax advisory

Unified supports foreign clients beyond entry, ensuring smooth operationalisation and ongoing compliance.

Coverage includes:

  • Incorporation and establishment support
  • Corporate, secretarial and regulatory compliance oversight
  • Employment and labour law compliance
  • GST and indirect tax coordination
  • Governance advisory for Indian subsidiaries
  • Ongoing advisory on regulatory changes

Exit planning is integral to India entry structuring. Unified advises on compliant and tax-efficient exit mechanisms.

Coverage includes:

  • Advisory on disinvestment and exit routes
  • Repatriation of capital and returns
  • FEMA and tax compliance for exits
  • Structuring of secondary sales and buy-backs
  • Regulatory filings and approvals for exit transactions
Who This Practice Serves
  • Foreign companies and multinational corporations
  • Overseas promoters and NRIs
  • Strategic and financial investors
  • Global startups entering India
  • International joint venture partners
How This Practice Adds Value
  • Reduces regulatory and FEMA exposure
  • Provides clarity on India-specific compliance risks
  • Ensures tax and governance alignment from inception
  • Facilitates smooth operations and exits
  • Acts as a single advisory interface for inbound investors
Cross-Practice Integration

This practice works closely with:

  • Tax, Transfer Pricing & International Structuring
  • Regulatory, Compliance & Governance Advisory
  • Corporate, Commercial & Transaction Advisory
  • Dispute Resolution Advisory
 
     
13200 Times Visited