India Market Entry  ·  Incorporation  ·  Post-Setup Compliance

Setting Up Business
in India — Done Right

India is one of the world's fastest-growing economies — and one of its most complex regulatory environments. LexWin guides you from the first incorporation decision through to a fully operational, legally compliant business — and stays with you long after the paperwork is done.

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15+
Years of Practice
$90M+ / ₹800 Cr+
Deal Value Supported
End-to-End
From Idea to Operations
Our Business Setup Services
🏢 Entity Selection & Structure Advisory
📋 Company Incorporation & Registration
🌏 FDI & Foreign Investment Compliance
✅ Post-Incorporation Registrations & Licences
⚖️ Legal & HR Retainership in BAU
🤝 CA / CS / IT Infrastructure via Trusted Partners
India's #1 Destination for Global Business
Foreign Company Entry Specialists
Short-Term Setup to Long-Term BAU
Legal + HR + Finance + IT — One Point of Contact
Based in Pune  ·  Serving Clients Globally
Who This Is For

Two Pathways Into India — One Trusted Partner

Whether you are a foreign company entering India for the first time, or an Indian entrepreneur incorporating a new business, LexWin provides the legal and compliance foundation you need to start right.

Foreign Companies

Entering India from Abroad

India's regulatory landscape for foreign investment is layered — FDI policies, RBI reporting, entity structure choices, sector-specific approvals, and post-incorporation compliance obligations all intersect from day one. Getting the structure wrong costs more to fix than it does to get right.

  • Choice of entity: WOS, Branch Office, Project Office, LLP, or EOR
  • FDI route assessment — Automatic vs. Government Approval
  • Sector-specific regulatory mapping (MCA, RBI, SEBI, DPIIT)
  • Registered office, statutory filings, and company secretarial setup
  • Initial employment structuring and HR framework design
  • Integration with your global legal and HR standards
Indian Entrepreneurs

Starting or Scaling in India

Incorporating a business is the easy part. Building it on a legally sound foundation — with the right structure, the right agreements, and the right compliance architecture — is what protects your business as it grows. LexWin gets this right from the beginning.

  • Private Limited, LLP, OPC, or Partnership — structure advisory
  • MOA / AOA drafting and shareholder agreement
  • Founders' agreements and IP assignment
  • GST, professional tax, and labour law registration
  • First employment contracts and HR policy framework
  • Ongoing legal and HR retainership as you scale
Entity Selection

Choosing the Right Business Structure in India

The entity you choose determines your tax exposure, compliance burden, repatriation flexibility, and operational agility. LexWin helps you select the structure that fits your business model — not the one that is easiest to incorporate.

Most Popular

Private Limited Company (WOS)

The preferred structure for foreign companies entering India and Indian startups seeking investment. Offers limited liability, separate legal identity, and the ability to raise equity capital.

LiabilityLimited to share capital
FDI EligibleYes — Automatic route in most sectors
Min. Directors2 (one must be Indian resident)
ComplianceModerate (annual ROC filings)
Best for: Foreign subsidiaries, funded startups, scalable businesses
Flexible Structure

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

A hybrid structure combining the flexibility of a partnership with limited liability protection. Preferred for professional services firms and joint ventures with moderate compliance requirements.

LiabilityLimited to agreed contribution
FDI EligibleYes — with Government approval in some cases
Min. Partners2 (at least one Indian resident)
ComplianceLower than Pvt Ltd
Best for: Professional services, consulting firms, JVs
Market Testing

Branch Office / Liaison Office

Allows foreign companies to establish a presence in India without incorporating a separate legal entity. Liaison Offices may only conduct liaison activities; Branch Offices can carry on specified business activities.

Legal StatusExtension of foreign parent
RBI ApprovalRequired — via AD Category-I Bank
TaxBranch taxed at higher rate
ActivitiesRestricted by RBI approval
Best for: Market exploration, representative presence, specified activities
Fast Market Entry

Employer of Record (EOR)

The fastest way to hire employees in India without incorporating. LexWin works with EOR providers to deploy your team in India legally and compliantly — with full payroll, statutory compliance, and HR management handled.

Setup TimeWeeks, not months
IncorporationNot required initially
RiskLower for testing the market
TransitionCan convert to WOS when ready
Best for: Fast deployment, headcount-first strategy, market validation
Solo Founder

One Person Company (OPC)

A private company that can have only one member — designed for sole entrepreneurs who want the benefits of a corporate structure without the requirement of a co-founder or partner.

LiabilityLimited to share capital
FDI EligibleNo
Min. Members1 (Indian resident only)
ComplianceLower than Pvt Ltd
Best for: Sole entrepreneurs, small businesses, freelancers scaling up
Project-Specific

Project Office

Established for executing a specific project in India — particularly in infrastructure, construction, and defence sectors. Wound up automatically upon project completion. Requires RBI and, in some cases, Government of India approval.

DurationLife of the project
RBI ApprovalRequired
ActivitiesRestricted to project scope
TaxTaxed as foreign company
Best for: Infrastructure, EPC, defence, and construction projects
The Full Lifecycle

Incorporation Is Day One — Not the Finish Line

Most advisors help you incorporate and disappear. LexWin is structured to walk with you from the first entity decision through every phase of your Indian operation — whether that is a 6-month sprint or a decade-long business journey.

Our engagement can be short-term (setup only) or long-term (ongoing BAU retainership) — or anything in between. You define the scope. We deliver it.

Short-Term Engagement
Entity selection → Incorporation → Post-incorporation registrations → Handover. A defined, time-bound mandate with clear deliverables — ideal for businesses with in-house capability for ongoing operations.
Long-Term BAU Retainership
After setup, LexWin remains your legal and HR partner — reviewing contracts, managing compliance calendars, handling HR queries, and ensuring your Indian operation stays legally healthy as it scales.
Flexible — Your Call
We do not lock you into anything. Transition from setup engagement to retainership when you are ready. Increase or reduce scope as your business evolves. You remain in control.
01
Pre-Incorporation & Planning
  • Entity structure advisory & comparison
  • FDI route & sector compliance assessment
  • Shareholding structure & equity planning
  • Founders' or SHA drafting
  • Registered office planning
  • Timeline & regulatory roadmap
02
Incorporation & Registration
  • Name reservation & DIN / DSC
  • MOA / AOA drafting & filing
  • MCA / ROC incorporation
  • PAN, TAN & bank account setup (via partner)
  • GST registration (via CA partner)
  • RBI reporting for foreign investment
03
Post-Incorporation Compliance
  • Shops & Establishment Act registration
  • Labour law registrations (PF, ESIC, PT)
  • POSH compliance & ICC formation
  • Employment contracts & offer letters
  • HR policy framework design
  • Statutory compliance calendar
Extended Services

Beyond Legal — A Complete Setup Ecosystem via Trusted Partners

Setting up business in India requires more than legal and HR expertise. Through our network of carefully vetted, trusted partners, LexWin gives you a single point of coordination for every aspect of your India setup.

📊
Financial & Secretarial Services

CA, CS & Financial Advisory via Trusted Partners

LexWin coordinates with experienced Chartered Accountants and Company Secretaries to ensure every financial and statutory requirement of your Indian entity is handled — seamlessly, and in coordination with our legal work.

  • GST registration and ongoing return filing
  • Corporate income tax compliance and advisory
  • Transfer pricing documentation (for foreign subsidiaries)
  • Annual ROC filings and secretarial compliance
  • Payroll processing and statutory deductions
  • Audit support and financial statement preparation
  • Company Secretary services for board compliance
LexWin coordinates these services through trusted CA and CS partners — ensuring legal and financial advice are always aligned, never conflicting.
💻
Technology Infrastructure

IT Infrastructure Setup via Trusted Technology Partners

An operational business in India needs more than legal entities — it needs a functioning technology backbone. LexWin connects you with reliable IT infrastructure partners who understand the needs of new and scaling businesses.

  • Office and remote IT infrastructure setup
  • Business email, collaboration tools and cloud setup
  • HRMS and payroll software implementation
  • Data localisation compliance for DPDP Act
  • Cybersecurity baseline setup and policy
  • Vendor management and IT procurement advisory
  • Network, endpoint, and communication setup
Our IT partners are vetted for reliability, commercial integrity, and experience with Indian regulatory requirements around data and technology.
From Setup to Steady State

Your India Operation Does Not Stop Needing Legal & HR Support After Incorporation

The first 90 days are the most intense — but the compliance obligations, employment questions, and legal decisions do not end there. LexWin offers a seamless transition from setup engagement to ongoing BAU retainership.

Our retainer clients get a trusted legal and HR advisor who already knows their business, their structure, and their risk profile — no onboarding lag, no relearning the context every time.

1
Setup Phase (Weeks 1–12)
Entity incorporation, registrations, HR framework, initial contracts — focused, defined, delivered.
2
Stabilisation Phase (Months 3–6)
First hires, vendor contracts, operational compliance — LexWin supports every decision as the business finds its feet.
3
BAU Retainership (Month 6 Onwards)
Fixed monthly retainer for legal and HR advisory — contract reviews, HR queries, compliance monitoring, and strategic counsel as your business scales.
∞
Long-Term Partnership
As your India operation grows, LexWin scales with you — adding services, increasing advisory hours, and remaining your trusted legal and HR counsel through every stage.
Legal Retainership

Monthly Corporate Legal Advisory

Contract reviews, regulatory updates, compliance monitoring, M&A advisory, and priority access to legal counsel — on a fixed monthly retainer that scales with your needs.

HR Retainership

Ongoing HR & Labour Law Support

HR policy updates, employment documentation, POSH compliance, disciplinary matters, and strategic HR advisory — keeping your people function legally sound through every phase of growth.

Businesses that engage LexWin for setup and stay on retainer have one thing in common — they never have to explain their India context to a legal advisor again. We know your business because we built it with you.

Discuss Your India Setup →
How We Work

The LexWin India Setup Process

A structured, end-to-end process that takes you from first conversation to fully operational Indian entity — with no gaps, no guesswork, and no surprises.

1

Discovery Call

We understand your business, sector, investment plan, timeline, and objectives — in a focused, free 30-minute consultation.

2

Structure & Regulatory Assessment

Entity recommendation, FDI compliance mapping, sector approvals, and a clear regulatory roadmap tailored to your specific situation.

3

Incorporation & Registration

End-to-end incorporation management — MCA filings, registrations, RBI reporting, and partner-coordinated GST, PAN, and bank account setup.

4

Operations Setup

HR framework, employment contracts, POSH compliance, statutory registrations, and partner-coordinated IT and financial infrastructure.

5

Ongoing BAU Support

Transition to retainership — legal and HR on-call, compliance monitoring, and a trusted advisor who already knows your India context.

Who We Serve

Businesses That Need India Done Properly

LexWin's business setup clients range from global enterprises making their first India investment to Indian entrepreneurs building companies that will last.

🌏

Global Companies Entering India

Multinationals and mid-market international businesses setting up their first Indian entity — needing a partner who understands both global business norms and Indian regulatory realities in equal measure.

🏭

Manufacturing & Industrial Investors

Companies investing in Indian manufacturing — under PLI schemes, joint ventures, or greenfield projects — with complex land, labour, and licensing compliance requirements.

💻

Technology & SaaS Companies

Technology businesses establishing Indian development centres, captive units, or commercial operations — often requiring EOR structures initially, transitioning to WOS as the team grows.

🚀

Indian Entrepreneurs & Founders

Founders incorporating their first company — needing a legal advisor who understands startup realities, can move quickly, and will not over-engineer a simple structure or under-protect a complex one.

⚡

Renewable Energy & Infrastructure

Capital-intensive sectors with sector-specific approvals, SPV structuring needs, land acquisition complexity, and multi-party project agreements — all of which LexWin has navigated for clients.

🔬

Life Sciences & Healthcare

Foreign and Indian companies in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare — where regulatory approvals, licensing conditions, and employment of licensed professionals create unique setup complexity.

Compliance Reference

Post-Incorporation Compliance Checklist for Indian Entities

A structured overview of the key statutory and regulatory obligations that arise immediately after incorporation — and LexWin's role in each.

Sr. Compliance Requirement Applicable Law / Authority Timeline LexWin Support
1. Shops & Establishment Act Registration State-specific Act Within 30 days of commencement Advisory & filing coordination
2. GST Registration CGST Act, 2017 Before first taxable supply Coordinated via CA partner
3. Provident Fund (PF) Registration EPF & MP Act, 1952 Within 1 month of 20 employees Advisory & registration support
4. ESIC Registration ESI Act, 1948 Within 15 days of 10 employees Advisory & registration support
5. Professional Tax Registration State-specific Act Within 30 days of first hire Advisory & coordination
6. RBI Reporting (Foreign Investment) FEMA, 1999 / RBI Regulations Within 30 days of allotment Advisory (FEMA compliance)
7. POSH Compliance & ICC Constitution POSH Act, 2013 Before 10th employee End-to-end POSH setup
8. Employment Contracts & HR Policies Applicable Labour Codes Before first hire Drafting & implementation
9. Annual ROC Filings Companies Act, 2013 Annually (Sept–Oct) Coordinated via CS partner
10. DPDP Act Compliance DPDP Act, 2023 Before processing personal data Privacy framework & policy
Why LexWin

Why Businesses Choose LexWin for India Setup

Setting up in India is not a one-time transaction. The advisor you choose at the start shapes the quality of your legal and compliance foundation for years. Here is why LexWin is the right choice.

🗺️
India Entry Is Our Prime Focus
Business setup in India is not an incidental service for LexWin — it is our primary strategic focus. We have invested deeply in understanding every nuance of the India entry landscape, for every type of business and every type of investor.
🔗
One Point of Coordination for Everything
Legal, HR, CA/CS services, and IT infrastructure — coordinated through LexWin. You speak to one trusted advisor and we manage the ecosystem. No briefing three different firms. No conflicting advice.
⏱️
Speed Without Cutting Corners
We know how long each step genuinely takes, and we do not pad timelines. Our process is streamlined through experience — so your business is operational as fast as the regulatory system allows, with nothing compromised.
🌐
Cross-Border Fluency
We regularly work with management teams in Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia — advising Indian operations from abroad. We understand the communication, time zones, and cultural nuances that matter.
📅
Long-Term Relationship, Not a One-Off Transaction
Our business model is built on long-term client relationships. We invest in understanding your business so that our advice gets better over time — not more generic as the setup engagement ends.
💰
Transparent, Predictable Fees
Business setup advisory is quoted at fixed fees — not hourly rates that compound as complexity is discovered. You know what the engagement costs before committing, and the scope is defined upfront.
Sectors We Have Helped Enter India
IT & Technology
Manufacturing & Industrial
Renewable Energy
Infrastructure & EPC
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Logistics & Supply Chain
Cosmeceuticals & FMCG
Deep Tech & Drones
Financial Services
Defence & Aerospace
From the Blog

Related Reading

India Entry
India Market Entry Guide — Structures, FDI Routes & Compliance
India Entry
Company Incorporation in India — The Seven Structures Compared
Commercial Contracts
Founders' Agreement in India — What It Must Cover
Start Your India Journey

Ready to Set Up Business in India?

Whether you are evaluating structures, ready to incorporate, or looking for a trusted advisor to manage your India compliance long-term — the conversation starts here. Free, confidential, no obligation.

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