For clients outside India, and those coming in

Most matters for these clients can be run without the client in India. Documents are signed abroad before a notary or the Indian mission and apostilled, consultations take place by video at an hour that suits the client’s time zone, and a partner reports after every hearing or filing.

Where a client does need to be here – a court asking for personal presence, an important meeting, a signing – we plan the visit around it so that one trip does the work of several.

Starting and doing business in India

For foreign companies, investors and founders entering the Indian market, and for those already here who need a firm on the ground. Company formation, foreign investment filings and tax registrations are handled together with our associate chartered accountants and company secretaries, so the legal, regulatory and accounting work runs as one engagement.

• Choosing the structure A wholly owned subsidiary, a limited liability partnership, a joint venture with an Indian partner, or a branch, liaison or project office – and what each means for control, tax and exit.
• Foreign investment rules Whether your sector is open under the automatic route or needs government approval, sectoral caps, and the additional approval needed for investors from countries sharing a land border with India.
• Incorporation and registrations Incorporation with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the resident director requirement, PAN, TAN and GST, shops and establishments registration, and the import-export code where needed.
• Reporting to the RBI Filings for foreign investment with our associate professionals, including reporting share allotments to non-residents within 30 days.
• Agreements Shareholder and joint venture agreements, distribution, franchise and supply contracts, technology licences, and leases for offices and warehouses.
• People and data Employment contracts and workplace policies under Indian law, POSH compliance, and obligations under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
• Protecting the brand Trademark searches and registration in India before launch.
• When disputes arise Arbitration seated in India or abroad, enforcement of foreign arbitral awards, and enforcement of judgments from reciprocating countries such as the UK, Singapore and the UAE.

Indians living abroad

For non-resident Indians and overseas citizens with property, family or business in India.

• Property Title and possession disputes, illegal occupation, partition between family members, tenants who will not leave, and sale through a power of attorney.
• Family Divorce and custody where one spouse lives abroad, maintenance claims, and how a foreign divorce decree is treated in India.
• Criminal complaints Anticipatory bail before travel, look out circulars and passport issues, and complaints by or against family members overseas.
• Inheritance Wills, succession certificates, and transfer of a relative’s property, shares and bank accounts.
• Investments and business Disputes with Indian business partners and recovery of money owed in India.

Foreign nationals in India

For foreign professionals and families living in India.

• Employment Contracts, termination and dues with Indian employers.
• Criminal matters Advice and representation where a foreign national is a complainant or is accused, including bail.
• Housing and tenancy Leases, deposits and disputes with landlords.
• Family Marriage, divorce and custody where one spouse is Indian.

How we work with clients abroad

1. First conversation. A video consultation at a time that suits your time zone; we set out what is needed, the likely timeline and the cost.
2. Papers from abroad. We draft powers of attorney and affidavits and tell you exactly where and how to sign, notarise and apostille them.
3. On the ground. Our lawyers file, appear and deal with authorities for you in India.
4. Reporting. A short written update after every hearing or filing, and a partner you can reach.

Questions clients ask

Can a foreign company own 100% of an Indian company?

In many sectors, yes, under the automatic route; some sectors have caps or need government approval, and investors from countries sharing a land border with India need approval in every sector.

Do I need to come to India to start a company here?

Usually not. Incorporation and registrations are done online with documents signed abroad, through us and our associate company secretaries, though the company needs at least one director resident in India.

Can I handle a property case in India without travelling?

In most cases, yes, through a power of attorney given to a trusted person or to us, with documents signed abroad and apostilled.

Is a foreign divorce valid in India?

It depends on the court that granted it and the grounds; we advise on recognition case by case.

For matters in a particular field, see our pages on corporate advisory, arbitration and commercial disputes, real estate and matrimonial and family matters.