RBI Approval (Application & Liaison)
Application preparation and liaison for the required project approval.
CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL ADVISORY · ENTITY FORMATION
Project Office of Foreign Company
Execute Your Global Projects in India with Confidence
OUR SERVICES FOR PROJECT OFFICE
Coordinated support from planning to setup
Bring the formation steps and connected requirements into one considered plan.
Documentation & Drafting
Prepare application documents, authorisations and supporting materials.
Project Structure Advisory
Review the project, contract and appropriate India operating model.
Bank Account Opening Support
Coordinate banking documents and account-opening steps.
Tax & Regulatory Compliance
Assess registrations and obligations relevant to the project.
Extension & Closure Support
Coordinate extension requests and project-office closure requirements.
Transfer Pricing & Audit Assistance
Support relevant transfer pricing and audit workstreams.
Ongoing Advisory & Annual Filings
Plan recurring reporting and advisory support during the project.
KEY BENEFITS
Why choose Project Office of Foreign Company?
A Project Office can provide a foreign company with a presence in India to execute a specific project. The proposed project, contract, duration and applicable RBI requirements should be assessed before the office is established.
Considered for your next chapter.
Execute specific projects legally
Establish a presence for the specific project and activities covered by the applicable approval.
100% foreign ownership
A Project Office is established by the foreign company for its project.
Utilise global expertise for infrastructure & EPC projects
Bring international project experience to infrastructure and EPC work in India.
Build on-ground project presence
Coordinate teams and delivery from a project-specific Indian presence.
Repatriation of profits (as per law)
Review applicable rules for remittance from project operations.
Access to Indian vendors and talent
Engage local vendors, professionals and project resources.
Time-bound and cost-efficient structure
Align the office term and operating approach with the project.
Support for government and private sector projects
Plan project operations with relevant public or private counterparties.
BUSINESS STRUCTURE & TAXATION ASPECTS
Execute specific projects in India
A Project Office can provide a foreign company with a presence in India to execute a specific project. The proposed project, contract, duration and applicable RBI requirements should be assessed before the office is established.
- Temporary, project-linked presence
A Project Office is established to execute a specific project in India.
- Project-specific activities
Operations should remain connected to the approved project and applicable requirements.
- Tax on project income
Income tax treatment depends on the project income and applicable provisions.
- Duration linked to the project
The office's permitted term is linked to the relevant project requirements and approval.
Clarity for what comes next.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Which Structure is Right for Your Foreign Business?
Compare the available foreign-company structures against your project, operating and market-entry requirements.
| Features | Branch Office (of Foreign Company) | Project Office (of Foreign Company) | Wholly Owned Subsidiary Company | Joint Venture | Liaison Office (of Foreign Company) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | General business activities | Execution of specific project | Full business operations | Business collaboration | Market research & liaison |
| Legal Status | Extension of foreign company | Temporary presence | Separate Indian company | Separate company / partnership | Representative office |
| Ownership | 100% by foreign company | 100% by foreign company | Separate Indian company | Shared ownership | 100% by foreign company |
| Permitted Activities | Wider business activities (as per RBI) | Project-specific activities only | Full business operations | As per JV agreement | Only liaison activities (no commercial activity) |
| RBI Approval | Required | Required | Required (FDI route) | Required (if FDI) | Required |
| Taxation | Taxed in India (on actual income) | Taxed in India (on project income) | Indian corporate tax rates | Indian corporate tax rates | No direct taxation |
| Duration | No fixed period | Linked to project period | Perpetual | As per agreement | Generally 3 years (renewable) |
| Repatriation of Profits | Allowed (as per law) | Allowed (after project completion) | Allowed (dividends) | As per JV agreement | Not applicable |
| Suitable For | Long-term market presence | Infrastructure, EPC, construction, power, telecom projects | Scalable businesses with long-term presence | Strategic partnerships | Initial market study |
Use this overview as a starting point for advice on the proposed structure and circumstances.
INCORPORATION PROCESS
Simple, Transparent and Timely
A structured sequence from project eligibility review and RBI application through establishment and commencement.
Consultation & Eligibility Check
Review the foreign company's eligibility, project scope and supporting contract.
Document Preparation
Compile company, project, representative and office documents.
RBI Application Submission
Prepare and submit the application to RBI for review.
Clarifications & Follow-up
Coordinate responses and follow up on regulatory clarifications.
In-Principle Approval
Receive in-principle approval before completing establishment steps.
Establishment
Coordinate bank account, PAN, TAN and applicable registrations.
Commencement of Project Operations
Confirm readiness to begin the approved project activities.
DOCUMENTS & REQUIREMENTS
Key Documents (Illustrative List)
The exact checklist depends on the proposed entity, participants and activities. We will confirm requirements for your circumstances.
- Board Resolution of the foreign company
- Certificate of incorporation (foreign company)
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Financial statements (last 3 years)
- Power of Attorney & Authorisation
- Detailed project report / contract agreement
- Proof of office address in India (lease agreement / NOC)
- Identity & address proof of authorised representative
- Sectoral approvals (if applicable)
OUR PROFESSIONAL FEES
Transparent and value-driven
Choose a formation package based on the level of support you need. The scope can be confirmed against your requirements before proceeding.
Basic Package
₹44,999/-- Initial consultation
- Document preparation
- RBI application filing support
- PAN, TAN & bank account opening
Comprehensive Package
₹79,999/-- All Basic Package services
- Project report advisory
- RBI liaison and follow-up
- Bank account opening support
- Initial compliance advisory (3 months)
Customised Solutions
Sector-specific advisory, contract review, tax and transfer pricing support, ongoing compliance and project closure assistance.
Get a QuoteGovernment charges, applicable taxes and third-party costs are confirmed separately as part of the proposed scope.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Browse all FAQs A few useful answers
Common questions about Project Office formation and planning.
What is a Project Office of a foreign company?
Is RBI approval mandatory?
What activities are permitted under a Project Office?
What is the validity period of a Project Office?
Can profits be repatriated from a Project Office?
How is a Project Office different from a Branch Office?
TESTIMONIALS
Clear advice. Practical direction.
Perspectives shared with permission by clients of our advisory teams.
Astronis Global brought clarity and commercial focus to a complex restructuring exercise. Their advice was practical, timely and easy for our leadership team to act on.
The team understood our regulatory requirements quickly and helped us move forward with confidence. We valued their responsiveness and disciplined follow-through.
Astronis Global provided dependable support across multiple registrations and approvals. Their communication was clear, structured and consistently professional.
INSIGHTS & EVENTS
View all insights Latest Articles, Updates and Events
Project Setup · 15 Sep 2025
Setting Up a Project Office in India – Key Considerations
Read insight
KNOWLEDGE CENTRE
Guides, checklists and templates
Explore resources to help organise your formation planning.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE
Ready to Establish Your Project Office in India?
Our team can support your project approvals, setup and compliance journey.
Schedule a Consultation