How to Register a Company in India from Australia: Complete Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs

 

Setting up a company in India while operating from Australia has become remarkably seamless due to India’s digital corporate ecosystem. Entrepreneurs, NRIs, and Australian investors can now incorporate a business remotely without visiting India. This guide explains how to register a company in India from Australia, covering eligibility, steps, documentation, compliance, and everything you need to get started.

How to Register a Company in India from Australia

Choose the Right Business Structure

Pick a business type based on your goals, investment plan, and compliance needs.
Common options include:

  • Private Limited Company (most preferred for foreign investors)
  • One Person Company (OPC)
  • Public Limited Company
  • Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Ensure You Have a Resident Indian Director

To register a company in India from Australia, you must appoint at least one Indian resident director.
Key requirements:

  • Must have lived in India for the required number of days in the financial year
  • Can be any Indian citizen or NRI living in India
  • Australian directors are allowed but cannot replace the resident director requirement

Obtain Digital Signature Certificates (DSC)

All company documents are filed online, so each director needs a Digital Signature Certificate.
You need a DSC to:

  • Sign forms digitally
  • Submit incorporation documents
  • Ensure secure identity verification

Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)

A Director Identification Number is mandatory for every director.
Highlights:

  • DIN is issued through the SPICe+ form
  • No separate application is needed
  • Both Australian and Indian directors must have DINs

Reserve Your Company Name

Choose a unique name that follows the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) naming rules.
Guidelines for name selection:

  • Must not match existing companies
  • Must not conflict with trademarks
  • Should align with business activity
  • Must end with “Private Limited” or “Limited”

Prepare the Required Documents

Below is a clear table showing what documents Australian founders and Indian directors must provide.

Documents Required

CategoryDocuments Needed
Australian DirectorsPassport, Australian address proof, passport-size photo, DSC, notarized/apostilled documents (if required)
Indian DirectorsPAN card, identity proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID/Passport), address proof
Registered Office in IndiaUtility bill, rental agreement or ownership document, NOC from property owner

File the SPICe+ Form

SPICe+ is an integrated form allowing Australians to register a company in India entirely online.
SPICe+ includes applications for:

  • Incorporation
  • DIN
  • PAN & TAN
  • GST registration (optional)
  • EPFO & ESIC
  • Professional tax (for applicable states)

Draft the MOA and AOA

Two charter documents define your company’s purpose and internal rules.
MOA (Memorandum of Association):

  • States business objectives
  • Defines the company’s operating scope
    AOA (Articles of Association):
  • Outlines company governance
  • Defines director duties and shareholder rights

Obtain the Certificate of Incorporation

Once the MCA verifies your application, you receive the Certificate of Incorporation (COI).
COI includes:

  • Company name
  • Company Identification Number (CIN)
  • PAN & TAN
    All certificates are delivered digitally, so the entire process is possible from Australia.

Open a Business Bank Account

Use the COI, PAN, AOA, and MOA to open a current account in an Indian bank.
Key points:

  • Many banks support video KYC
  • Directors do not need to be physically present
  • Required for all business transactions in India

Fulfill Post-Incorporation Compliance

After incorporation, you must follow legal compliance requirements.
Mandatory tasks include:

  • Conducting the first board meeting within 30 days
  • Appointing a statutory auditor
  • Issuing share certificates
  • Maintaining statutory registers
  • Filing annual returns and financial statements

Final Words

Understanding how to register a company in India from Australia is the first step toward tapping into India’s vast business opportunities. With digital forms, online document submission, and remote verification, Australian entrepreneurs can set up an Indian company quickly and efficiently. By following the steps—choosing the correct structure, preparing documents, filing SPICe+, and managing compliance—you can establish a legally strong business in India without leaving Australia.

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