81 Side-by-Side Guides
Compare Entity Types & Options
Side-by-side breakdowns of business structures, registration options, and compliance trade-offs for foreign investors entering India.
Side-by-Side Analysis
Browse Comparisons
81 comparisons across all categories
100% FDI Sectors vs Restricted FDI Sectors in India
India permits 100% foreign ownership in most sectors via the automatic route — but defense, multi-brand retail, media, and banking still carry caps and conditions that every foreign investor must navigate.
All India Entry Modes Compared — Subsidiary vs Branch vs Liaison vs Project Office vs JV
The definitive side-by-side of every way a foreign company can operate in India — from zero-revenue liaison offices to fully incorporated subsidiaries.
Annual Compliance Cost — Pvt Ltd vs LLP vs OPC in India
A line-by-line cost breakdown so foreign founders know exactly what they will spend each year on ROC filings, audits, and professional fees.
Apostille vs Embassy Attestation for India Company Registration
Your documents need authentication before India accepts them. The method depends on one thing: whether your country signed the Hague Convention.
Argentine SRL vs Indian Private Limited Company
Argentina's limited liability workhorse versus India's FDI-optimised corporate vehicle — navigating currency controls, high taxes, and the absence of a DTAA.
Australian Pty Ltd vs Indian Private Limited Company
Both structures offer limited liability and foreign investment eligibility — but ASIC and MCA compliance, franking credits, and the 2022 CECPA treaty create meaningful differences.
Authorised Capital vs Paid-Up Capital in India
The ceiling versus the floor — understanding these two capital concepts is essential before incorporating or raising FDI in India.
Automatic Route vs Government Approval Route for FDI in India
Two paths for foreign investment into India. One takes days. The other takes months. Know which one applies to your sector before you start.
Bangladeshi Ltd vs Indian Private Limited Company
Bangladesh offers rock-bottom formation costs and a 12% RMG sector tax rate, while India delivers deeper capital markets and a mature FDI framework — here is the complete side-by-side analysis.
Belgian BV vs Indian Private Limited Company
No minimum capital since Belgium's 2019 reform versus India's standard INR 1 lakh — a structuring guide for Benelux companies entering the Indian market.
Branch Office vs Liaison Office in India
Two ways for foreign companies to establish a presence in India without incorporating a separate entity. The differences matter more than you think.
Branch Office vs Subsidiary Company in India
Keep it as a branch or incorporate a separate entity? The tax rate alone should tell you something.
Brazilian Ltda vs Indian Private Limited Company
Two BRICS nations, two very different corporate structures — here is how Brazil's Sociedade Limitada stacks up against India's Private Limited Company for cross-border investors.
Canadian Corporation vs Indian Private Limited Company
Federal vs provincial incorporation in Canada, MOA/AOA in India — two very different systems with comparable 22-26% corporate tax rates and an active bilateral treaty.
Chilean SpA vs Indian Private Limited Company
Chile's single-shareholder workhorse meets India's FDI-optimised corporate structure — with a fresh DTAA connecting both corridors.
Closing a Branch Office vs Closing a Liaison Office in India
Both require RBI approval through an AD bank, but a branch office closure involves tax assessments and profit repatriation that can stretch the timeline to 18 months.
Colombian SAS vs Indian Private Limited Company
Two of the most investor-friendly structures in their regions — one built for governance flexibility, the other for FDI scale.
Company Registration in Maharashtra vs Karnataka
Mumbai or Bangalore? The two most popular states for foreign-invested companies in India have different local rules. Here is what varies.
Contract Manufacturing vs Own Factory Setup in India
Build or outsource? For foreign manufacturers entering India, this decision determines your capital outlay, time to market, and eligibility for PLI incentives.
Converting a Branch Office to a Subsidiary in India
Why foreign companies convert their Indian branch offices into subsidiaries — and the practical steps to do it without disrupting operations.
Corporate Tax Rates — India vs Global Comparison
India's effective corporate tax rate of 25.17% under Section 115BAA sits right at the global GDP-weighted average. Here is how India stacks up against 25+ economies — and what Pillar Two means for your tax planning.
Current Account vs EEFC vs SNRR Account for Foreign Companies in India
Three bank account types that foreign companies encounter in India — each serves a different purpose, and most companies need at least two.
Czech s.r.o. vs Indian Private Limited Company
Central Europe's most accessible limited liability entity — with just CZK 1 minimum capital — compared to India's Private Limited for cross-border investors.
Danish ApS vs Indian Private Limited Company
How Denmark's Anpartsselskab compares to India's Private Limited Company for Danish investors building operations in the Indian market.
Delhi vs Mumbai vs Bangalore vs Hyderabad for Foreign Companies
Mumbai charges INR 168/sq ft for office space while Hyderabad charges INR 72 — but rent is only one variable in a four-city equation.
Direct FDI vs Holding Company Route (Mauritius/Singapore/Netherlands)
Route your investment directly or through an intermediate holding — the post-2017 treaty landscape has changed the math entirely.
Domestic Company vs Foreign Company — Tax and Legal Classification in India
Same business, different tax rates. The classification of your Indian entity as 'domestic' or 'foreign' under tax law changes everything.
Dutch BV vs Indian Private Limited Company
The Netherlands is India's 4th largest FDI source at USD 53 billion cumulative. Here is how the Dutch BV and Indian Pvt Ltd compare — and why the Netherlands remains the preferred European holding jurisdiction for India investments.
Employment Visa vs Business Visa for India
One lets you earn a salary in India, the other gets you deported if you try — know the difference before you book your flight.
Entity Setup vs Employer of Record (EOR) in India
Own entity gives you control and tax efficiency at scale. EOR gives you speed and simplicity for small teams. The crossover point is around 15-20 employees.
EOR vs PEO vs Independent Contractor in India
Three hiring models, wildly different legal risk — the wrong choice can trigger PE exposure, misclassification penalties, and lost IP rights.
Equity Shares vs Preference Shares in India
Every foreign investor funding an Indian startup faces this choice — equity shares for control, or CCPS for downside protection. Here is how each instrument works under FEMA, the Companies Act, and real-world PE/VC deal structures.
French SARL vs Indian Private Limited Company
EUR 1 minimum capital meets INR 1 lakh authorized capital — two limited liability structures with fundamentally different tax, social charge, and compliance profiles for cross-border investors.
GCC (Global Capability Center) vs Indian Subsidiary
Both are incorporated as Indian companies, but a GCC operates as a cost center for the parent while a subsidiary runs an independent P&L — and that single difference changes everything about tax, transfer pricing, and talent strategy.
German GmbH vs Indian Private Limited Company
EUR 25,000 minimum capital, 30% effective tax, and Handelsregister formalities — or INR 1 lakh authorized capital, 25.17% tax, and SPICe+ incorporation in days? Here is how the two structures compare for cross-border investors.
GIFT City (IFSC) vs DIFC (Dubai) vs Singapore for Financial Services
Three financial centres, three tax regimes, three regulatory philosophies — the right choice depends on your fund size, target investors, and time horizon.
Greenfield vs Brownfield (Acquisition) Entry into India
Build from scratch in 2-4 months or acquire an existing company in 6-18 months — the timeline is just the beginning of what differs.
GST Regular vs Composition Scheme in India
Two GST registration options with very different compliance loads. For foreign-invested companies, one is almost always the right pick.
India vs China for Manufacturing
With the China+1 strategy reshaping global supply chains, here is how India and China compare as manufacturing destinations for foreign companies in 2026.
India vs Dubai/UAE for Company Setup
UAE offers 0-9% corporate tax and residence visas; India offers 1.4 billion consumers and PLI incentives — here is how to decide.
India vs Hong Kong for Company Setup
Hong Kong is Asia's gateway for holding companies and regional headquarters. India is the market itself. Here is how the two jurisdictions compare for foreign company incorporation.
India vs Singapore for Company Setup
Singapore incorporates in 1-2 days at 17% tax; India takes 7-15 days at 22-25% — but gives you direct access to 1.4 billion consumers.
India vs Vietnam for Manufacturing
Vietnam has 16 FTAs and proximity to China's supply chain; India has 1.4 billion consumers and INR 1.97 lakh crore in PLI incentives — two different manufacturing plays.
India-Singapore DTAA vs India-Mauritius DTAA
Both treaties lost their capital gains exemption in 2017 — but the withholding rates, LOB clauses, and anti-abuse provisions create real differences for FDI routing today.
India-US DTAA vs India-UK DTAA
Two of India's most important tax treaties — but the withholding rates, PE rules, and capital gains treatment differ in ways that directly affect your after-tax returns.
Indian Private Limited Company vs Singapore Pte Ltd
India and Singapore are both popular incorporation destinations for Asia-Pacific businesses. Here is how the two company structures compare.
Indian Private Limited Company vs UK Limited Company
Two Commonwealth legal systems, two very different compliance environments. A comparison for UK founders expanding to India.
Indian Private Limited Company vs US LLC
Setting up in India instead of (or alongside) a US LLC? The legal frameworks are fundamentally different. Here is what matters.
Irish Ltd vs Indian Private Limited Company
Ireland's 12.5% trading tax rate meets India's 22% concessional rate — a structuring guide for the tech corridor that routes through Dublin to reach 1.4 billion consumers.
Japanese KK (Kabushiki Kaisha) vs Indian Private Limited Company
Japan is India's 5th largest FDI source at USD 43 billion cumulative — with 1,400 Japanese companies and 5,000 establishments already in India. Here is how the KK and Indian Pvt Ltd compare for cross-border investors.
Liaison Office vs Project Office vs Branch Office in India
Three ways to establish a foreign presence in India without incorporating — each with sharply different rules on revenue, tax, and duration.
LLP vs Partnership Firm in India
Both have partners. Both share profits. But the liability protection and FDI eligibility are worlds apart.
MAT vs Regular Corporate Tax in India
When your Indian subsidiary's book profits exceed taxable income, MAT kicks in at 15%. Here is how to decide between Section 115JB and Section 115BAA — and avoid costly mistakes.
MSME/Udyam Registration vs Startup India Recognition
Two government schemes, overlapping but distinct — one rewards size, the other rewards innovation. Foreign companies entering India can potentially claim both.
NBFC vs Bank — Options for Foreign Financial Institutions in India
An NBFC license costs INR 10 crore and takes 3-6 months; a banking license demands INR 500 crore and years of regulatory engagement. Choose wisely.
NRE Account vs FCNR Account in India
Two tax-free, fully repatriable account options for non-residents — one holds Indian rupees, the other holds foreign currency. The right choice depends on your exchange rate view.
NRE Account vs NRO Account in India
Two bank accounts, two very different purposes. Every NRI and foreign investor in India needs to know the difference.
Old Tax Regime vs New Tax Regime in India
India's dual tax system affects both individuals and companies. Updated for Budget 2025 — which regime saves your Indian entity more money?
Private Limited Company vs LLP in India
Which entity type fits your India entry strategy? A side-by-side breakdown for foreign investors.
Private Limited Company vs One Person Company (OPC) in India
Solo founder entering India? Here is how OPC stacks up against the traditional Private Limited structure.
Private Limited vs Public Limited Company in India
When does a foreign investor need a Public Limited Company in India? Less often than you think.
Proprietorship vs Partnership vs LLP vs Private Limited — Complete Comparison
The four most common business structures in India compared across 15+ criteria — with a clear verdict for foreign investors.
Resident Company vs Non-Resident Company Taxation in India
A resident company pays 22-25% tax on worldwide income; a non-resident company pays 35% on India-sourced income only. The classification hinges on incorporation and POEM.
Section 8 Company vs Trust in India
Two structures for not-for-profit work in India. One offers corporate governance. The other offers flexibility. Which fits your mission?
Selling a Subsidiary vs Voluntary Liquidation in India
Two exit routes for foreign investors leaving India — one preserves value through a buyer, the other winds down through a court-supervised process.
SEZ vs Non-SEZ Setup for Foreign Companies in India
100% tax exemption for 5 years sounds compelling — until you discover the Net Foreign Exchange obligation that comes with it.
SEZ vs STPI vs EOU for IT/Export Companies in India
Three export schemes, three very different tax and compliance realities — here is what actually matters for foreign IT companies in 2026.
Share Purchase vs Asset Purchase for India M&A
The deal structure you choose determines your tax bill, successor liability, and how quickly you can close — here is how to pick the right one.
Single Brand vs Multi-Brand Retail FDI in India
100% automatic FDI versus a 51% cap with state-by-state approval — the gap between SBRT and MBRT defines how foreign retailers enter India.
Sole Proprietorship vs Private Limited Company in India
The simplest structure versus the most trusted. For foreign investors, the choice has implications beyond just paperwork.
South Korean Corporation vs Indian Private Limited Company
Korea is among India's top FDI sources — here is how the Chusik Hoesa compares to India's Private Limited Company for cross-border structuring.
Statutory Audit vs Tax Audit vs Internal Audit in India
Three different audits, three different laws, three different deadlines — miss one and your foreign subsidiary faces penalties starting at INR 1.5 lakh.
Strike-Off vs Voluntary Liquidation of a Company in India
Two ways to close an Indian company. One is simpler. The other is more thorough. Choose based on your company's situation.
Subsidiary vs Joint Venture in India
Go it alone or partner with an Indian company? The answer depends on your sector, your capital, and how much control you need.
Swedish AB vs Indian Private Limited Company
A side-by-side comparison of Sweden's Aktiebolag and India's Private Limited Company for Nordic investors planning India market entry.
Swiss GmbH vs Indian Private Limited Company
CHF 20,000 minimum capital and cantonal tax competition meet India's 22% flat corporate rate — a cross-border comparison for investors structuring between Switzerland and India.
Tier 1 vs Tier 2 Cities for Foreign Company Operations in India
Should your India operations be in Mumbai and Bangalore, or could Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, and Kochi deliver better value? The data increasingly favors a hybrid approach.
Trademark vs Patent vs Copyright in India
Three IP rights, three different protection scopes — here is exactly what each costs, how long each takes, and which one your foreign company should file first.
UAE Free Zone Company vs Indian Private Limited Company
Zero-percent corporate tax in a free zone or a full-access Indian entity? The right structure depends on where your customers and operations actually sit.
Wholly Owned Subsidiary vs LLP for Foreign Investors in India
95% of foreign investors choose the Private Limited Company — here is why the LLP rarely works for FDI, despite its simpler compliance.
Withholding Tax Rates by Country — India's DTAA Network
India's domestic WHT rate is 20% on dividends, interest, royalties, and FTS. DTAA treaties cut these to 5-15% for 95+ countries. Here is the master rate table.
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Supplement your comparison research with country guides, glossary definitions, and real-world case studies.
Country Guides
50 country-specific registration guides with step-by-step processes, timelines, and document requirements.
Business Glossary
85+ terms explained in plain language — from FEMA to DSC, every acronym and regulation decoded.
Real-World Scenarios
See how businesses structured their India entry across different countries and sectors.
Not Sure Which Structure Is Right?
We will walk you through the trade-offs based on your business model, country of residence, and investment plans.