Documents for Foreign Nationals and NRIs (Passport, Apostille) for Indian Company Registration

Foreign nationals and NRIs can be directors or shareholders of an Indian company. They usually need a valid passport, overseas address proof, photographs, a DIN and digital signature, and foreign documents that are notarised and apostilled or otherwise authenticated in the home country.

Why it matters for business registrations

The registrar cannot verify a person sitting in another country, so the paper trail carries the weight. A missing apostille or an unreadable passport copy is the most common reason an overseas founder’s filing is sent back. Planning the documents first saves weeks, especially if you are setting up a private limited company with a foreign partner.

Documents usually asked for

• Passport, self-attested or notarised as required for the person’s country.
• Overseas residence proof such as a bank statement or utility bill, kept recent.
• Passport-size photograph and signed consent and declaration forms.
• PAN if the person already has Indian income; otherwise it is arranged during incorporation.
• A DIN and a digital signature certificate for each proposed director.

Key points: notarisation and apostille

Authentication depends on the country. Where the country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, the document is notarised and then apostilled. For other countries, it generally goes through notarisation and attestation by the Indian embassy or consulate. If you are unsure how the process works, see our apostille service page.

Also remember the board rule: at least one director must have stayed in India for 182 days or more in the previous calendar year. A company run wholly by foreigners will need an Indian resident director. Our guides on PAN card and ID and address proof explain the basics for the Indian side.

Money coming in from abroad as share capital has its own reporting. We handle that under FDI reporting after incorporation.

Common mistakes

• Getting copies apostilled before they are notarised, or the reverse.
• Using an address proof that is too old for the filing.
• Name on passport differing from the name on the bank or address document.
• Forgetting that a resident director is needed.
• Signing in a colour or style that does not match the digital signature setup.

Related guides: PAN Card, ID and Address Proof, DIN: Director Identification Number

FAQs

Can a foreign national be a director in an Indian company?

Yes. The company still needs at least one director who has stayed in India for 182 days or more in the previous calendar year.

Is an apostille always required?

Not always. It applies to Hague Convention countries. Other countries usually need consular attestation instead. Check the rule for the person’s country.

Do NRIs need the same documents?

NRIs with an Indian passport generally provide their passport, overseas address proof and photographs, with authentication as required for the filing. A DIN and DSC are needed for directors.

Founding from abroad? Talk to a Taxhint expert and we will list exactly what to prepare in your country.