India setup & compliance planner
Change any parameter on the left and every checklist, tax position, RBI filing and due date on the right updates instantly. Each item explains why it applies to you.
For this profile a Private Limited Company is usually the better fit than a Limited Liability Partnership.
- A private limited company can receive FDI under the automatic route in most sectors and issues share capital that the RBI reporting system is built around.
- FDI into an LLP is only permitted where the sector allows 100% FDI under the automatic route with no performance conditions, and an LLP cannot issue convertible instruments. Confirm your sector before committing.
10
Setup steps
11
Documents
9
Registrations
16
Recurring filings
Incorporation roadmap for a Limited Liability Partnership
Sequence, authority, indicative timeline and the form used at each step.
- 1
Obtain Digital Signature Certificates
Class 3 DSC2–5 working daysLicensed certifying authority
Every proposed director / designated partner and the authorised signatory of the foreign parent needs a Class 3 DSC. Foreign nationals need apostilled or consularised identity documents plus video verification.
Required for all MCA filings, regardless of entity type.
- 2
Reserve the entity name
FiLLiP name field (or RUN-LLP)1–3 working daysMCA / Central Registration Centre
Two name choices can be submitted. If the name uses the foreign parent's trademark, attach the parent's no-objection letter and board resolution. An approved name is reserved for 20 days.
Name approval route differs by entity type — you selected LLP.
- 3
File FiLLiP for incorporation
FiLLiP7–15 working daysMCA / ROC
FiLLiP allots DPIN to the designated partners and incorporates the LLP. Foreign partner documents must be apostilled or consularised.
Incorporation form is fixed by the entity type: Limited Liability Partnership.
- 4
Execute and file the LLP Agreement
Form 3Within 30 days of incorporationMCA / ROC
The LLP Agreement sets out capital contribution, profit sharing, management rights and exit. It must be stamped under the state Stamp Act and filed in Form 3 within 30 days, or a daily penalty runs.
Mandatory follow-on filing for every LLP.
- 5
Activate PAN and TAN
Issued with incorporationIssued with the certificate of incorporationIncome Tax Department
PAN identifies the entity for income tax; TAN is needed before you can deduct and deposit TDS on the very first salary, rent or professional fee payment.
Every entity needs both before it makes its first payment.
- 6
Open the current account and complete bank KYC
1–3 weeksAD Category-I bank
Open with an Authorised Dealer bank so it can receive and report your inward remittance. Banks ask for the parent's charter documents, the ownership chart up to the ultimate beneficial owner, and board resolutions.
You expect inbound foreign remittance, so the account must be with an AD Category-I bank.
- 7
Receive the inward remittance and collect FIRC / KYC report
Same week as remittanceAD bank / RBI
The parent remits capital citing the correct purpose code. Collect the FIRC and the KYC report from the receiving bank on day one — the RBI filing cannot be completed without them.
You indicated an inbound foreign remittance into the Indian entity.
- 8
Report the foreign contribution into the LLP
Form FDI-LLP(I)Within 30 days of receiving the contributionRBI via FIRMS portal
Capital contribution by a non-resident into an LLP is reported in Form FDI-LLP(I), supported by a valuation certificate confirming the fair price.
You selected an LLP receiving foreign contribution.
- 9
Complete tax and labour registrations
2–4 weeks, in parallelGST, state labour departments, EPFO / ESIC
GST registration is state-wise, Shops & Establishment registration is city-wise, and PF / ESI coverage follows headcount. See the Registrations tab for the exact list your inputs trigger.
Driven by your industry (Software / IT services), headcount (12) and locations (Karnataka).
- 10
Set up books, payroll and the compliance calendar
Before the first transactionInternal
Appoint the first statutory auditor within 30 days of incorporation (companies), fix the financial year end at 31 March, and put the monthly GST / TDS / payroll dates into a live calendar.
Statutory auditor appointment and the 31 March year end apply to every Indian entity.
This planner is an orientation tool, not legal or tax advice. Thresholds, rates and forms change with each Finance Act and RBI circular — validate your specific facts with a licensed Indian professional before filing.
