LLP Registration for NRIs and Foreign Nationals

NRIs and Foreign Nationals starting or investing in a business in India have mainly done through a private limited company, as it allowed for 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the automatic route for many of the sectors. Though the cost for the incorporation of a private limited company is relatively low compared, the effort required to maintain compliance was an inhibiting factor. To allow NRIs and Foreign Nationals to freely invest in businesses in India and improve foreign investment, the Government has now allowed 100% FDI in LLP under the automatic route. In this article, we look at the process for LLP Registration for NRIs and Foreign Nationals.

LLP Registration

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is one of the newest forms of business entity in India introduced through the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008. LLP registration started in India in 2008 and has quickly become popular amongst small businesses owing to the low registration cost and lesser compliance requirement when compared to a private limited company. IndiaFilings offers LLP registration services starting from just Rs.7899 (approximately USD120) in India.

India Entry for NRIs and Foreign Nationals

Incorporation of Company: Incorporation of private limited company or investment in a company has been the most preferred India entry strategy for NRIs and Foreign Nationals. 100% FDI under the automatic route has been the main reasons for the popularity of private limited company amongst NRIs and Foreign Nationals. (Click here to know more about Company Registration for NRIs and Foreign Nationals)

Opening of Branch Office: Opening a branch office requires approval from RBI and is a more cumbersome process when compared to the incorporation of a private limited company. Further, only well-established businesses having a good track record in terms of financials are allowed to open a branch office in India. Therefore, India entry through establishing a Branch Office has not been preferred by NRIs or Foreign Nationals.

Registration of LLP: Prior to November 2015, investment in LLP by NRI or Foreign National required Government approval. This made LLP incorporation involving NRIs and/or Foreign Nationals - a long, cumbersome and expensive process. Thus company registration was preferred over LLP registration by NRIs and Foreign Nationals. With the relaxation of FDI norms in November 2015, LLP registration can be done easily by NRIs and Foreign Nationals, making it an ideal investment vehicle for establishing a small business in India with foreign direct investment.

FDI in LLP

Post changes to FDI regulations on 10th, November 2015, 100% FDI in LLP is now permitted under the automatic route. 100% FDI in LLP is allowed for businesses operating in sectors/activities where 100% FDI is allowed, through the automatic route and there are no FDI-linked performance conditions. In addition, LLPs will also be allowed to make downstream investment in another company or LLP in sectors in which 100% FDI is allowed under the automatic route and there are no FDI-linked performance conditions. Therefore, FDI in LLP is now allowed and NRIs or Foreign Nationals can start or invest in an LLP. (Click here to know more about recent FDI reforms that allow 100% FDI in LLP through the automatic route.)

LLP Registration Procedure for NRIs and Foreign Nationals

A minimum of two-person is required to register an LLP in India. It is recommended that at least one of the Partner of the LLP be both an Indian Citizen and Indian Resident - similar to the requirement for registration of a company in India. The procedure for LLP registration involves five major steps namely: Digital Signature, Designated Partner Identification Number, Name Approval, Incorporation and LLP Agreement Filing.

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LLP Registration Process

Digital Signature Certificate

Obtain the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for the proposed Partners of the LLP. DSC is necessary for obtaining the Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN). To obtain DSC, the NRI or Foreign National must submit the signed DSC application along with a notarized copy of Passport and Address Proof (Drivers License, Residence Card and more). [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH-Ipc89cJk[/embed]

Designated Partner Identification Number

Partners in an LLP require Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN) and can obtain once DSC is obtained for the Partner. DPIN can be used with the Director Identification Number (DIN) used in the incorporation of a company.

Name Approval for LLP

Once two DPINs are available, an application for reservation of name of LLP can be made to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). The application for the name can contain upto six names that are acceptable as per the LLP Act, 2008. The name must be unique, as per norm of the LLP Act and must not be similar to an existing company or LLP name. On approval of any names, file the incorporation application within 60 days to complete the incorporation. (Know more about an acceptable name for Company or LLP).

Incorporation of LLP

Based on the name approval provided by the Government, the Partners of the LLP can submit an application for incorporation of LLP to the Government along with the necessary documents including the subscribers' sheet. If the application is acceptable, MCA would provide an incorporation certificate for the LLP and business can commence.

LLP Agreement Filing

On incorporation of the LLP, the Partners must sign the LLP Agreement and must sign within 30 days. Failure to file LLP agreement on-time could result in a heavy penalty that accrues on a daily basis. Hence, its important to quickly file the LLP agreement and complete the LLP incorporation process.

Note: If you are an NRI or Foreign National interested in starting an LLP in India, talk to an IndiaFilings Business Expert. IndiaFilings can help you register an LLP in India.