India legal services for international companies and investors
We advise international companies on entity selection, FDI structuring, FEMA compliance and tax planning for India market entry across all major corridors.
Treaty and framework status on this site is reviewed as of 21 July 2026 and linked to official government sources. Confirm the current position before relying on it.
The common India-entry sequence
International companies usually move through a recognisable sequence: confirm the activity and sector, test the FDI route, cap and conditions, select the operating model, incorporate or register, complete FEMA and authorised-dealer steps, and then build the employment, contract, data, intellectual-property and licence layer that lets the business operate.
This hub routes you to the right starting point. Use the global pillar for entity and FDI questions, and the country pages for market-specific treaty status, investment structures and transaction patterns. The hub does not repeat the full country copy.
Select your market
Core practice areas for market entry
Treaty and framework status, reviewed as of 21 July 2026
- India-UK CETA: entered into force on 15 July 2026.
- India-UAE CEPA: in force since 1 May 2022.
- India-Singapore CECA: in force since 2005.
- India-Mauritius CECPA: in force since 1 April 2021.
- India-Japan CEPA: in force since 1 August 2011.
- India-EU FTA: negotiations concluded on 27 January 2026; published texts remain subject to legal revision and the agreement is not yet in force.
- US-India trade agreement: a framework was issued in February 2026 and negotiations continued in June 2026; there is no operative free trade agreement.
- China-linked FDI: governed by the Government route under DPIIT Press Note 2 of 2026, the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Amendment Rules dated 1 May 2026 and the DPIIT SOP of May 2026.
Each status is reviewed as of 21 July 2026 and must be confirmed against the official sources on the relevant country page before it is relied upon.
Sources and review
The following official sources support the legal positions summarised on this page and should be consulted for the current statutory text, procedure and notifications.
- DPIIT foreign direct investment policy page
- DPIIT FDI factsheet, updated to March 2026
- RBI master direction on foreign investment in India
Content reviewed by the AMLEGALS Corporate and FDI team. Law reviewed as of: 21 July 2026. This page is general information about legal processes in India and is not legal advice. A formal opinion requires review of the specific facts and documents.
What clients ask before they commit.
Short, direct, on the record.
01How does an international company usually enter India?
Through a wholly owned subsidiary, joint venture, limited liability partnership, branch, liaison or project office, or a distributor or direct cross-border contract. The right model depends on the activity, sector, FDI route and cap, ownership and control, tax presence, workforce, data and exit plan.
02Does a trade agreement remove the need to set up an Indian entity?
No. A trade agreement can improve market access for goods or services, but it does not incorporate a company, approve foreign investment or grant a licence. Treaty access and entity setup are separate questions.
03Which page should I start with?
Start with the global foreign-company setup pillar for entity and FDI questions, then open the country page for your market to review treaty status, investment structures and transaction patterns.
04Are the treaty dates on this site verified?
The status panels carry a reviewed-as-of date and link to official government sources. Every current date, treaty status and approval rule should be confirmed against those sources before it is relied upon.
Request a confidential India-entry scoping review
Share the proposed activity, investor structure, target timetable and present India position for a confidential preliminary scope discussion.