Branch offices generally engage in similar business activities as that of foreign parent entity at different locations in India. However branch offices can be set up in India for performing following activities:

• Export or import of goods
• Airline or shipping functions
• Professional or consultancy services
• Research in parent company’s areas
• Technical or financial collaboration
• Local buying or selling as an agent
• Support services for products of parent entities
• Information technology and software development

• Requires specific approval of RBI
• Represent the foreign parent/group companies
• Retail trading activities of any nature is not allowed
• Manufacturing or processing activities cannot be undertaken
• Profits earned by branch office can be freely remitted from India

• Details of activities conducted in the Indian office
• Passport copy of authorized local representative
• Proof of Residence of authorized local representative
• Undertaking letter for opening a bank account in India
• Certified Accounts statement certified showing the net worth
• Audited Balance sheet of the applicant company of the last three years
• Applicant banker’s report showing the number of years of the banking relations
• Power of Attorney by parent company in favor of authorized local representative
• Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association copy
• Necessary documents must be English translated and notarized, cross-verified or attested by Indian Embassy / Notary Public or Consulate in the country of registration