how to set up business outside india

This query is : Resolved

CA Sanjeev Kr Jain (Querist)
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10 June 2009 An Indian company is manufacturing Ferro Alloys in India. It imports some of the raw material from outside India ( from different countries across the world). It is planning to enter into exports of Ferro Alloys in near future. To facilitate its exports and imports from outside India, it is desirous of opening its offices ( branches/subsidiary companies) outside India. The foreign entities so estblished will also be doing the work independently for other clients and would be generating income therefrom. We are to give -

1. Advice on the structuring options for the export of products overseas by the Company from the following perspectives –
Form of organization of the proposed foreign office best suited to the Company ( in terms of tax benefits ( both direct and indirect) and regulatory requirements)
Modus operandi of the transactions to be undertaken by the Company with its foreign offices/subsidiaries in terms of billings and payment
2. Advice from the Regulatory perspective on the mode and manner of making investments to establish offices/subsidiaries/warehouses in -

China,
Netherlands, and
c. Dubai

( There is an additional query with respect to investment in China. In China some tax benefits are allowed tothe companies where a Chinese National is a shareholder and who invests a minimum of 1,00,000 USD in the company. The Indian company is consideraing this option and wants to transfer funds to the Chinese national to make him invest in the Indian company...............how this can be done - can the Indian company lend the money to this Chinese National ? or some other mode is possible?)

3. Income Tax implications in India for the Income earned for the branch/Wholly owned subsidiary outside India in the following countries-
a. China
b. Netherlands
c. South Africa
d. Dubai

Parveen Bansal

Parveen Bansal (Expert)
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11 June 2009 Form of organization is a function of purpose of setting up office (i.e. sourcing, export facilitation, logistics, fund raising etc.), income OR expense forecast (where tax implication from foreign country and Indian company arises, investment plans (retention of funds generated), regulatory restrictions.

Query is very generic (reasons for setting up office in China (normally set up to facilitate sourcing / export) will be much different for setting up office in Netherlands - normally set up to reduce tax cost).

Asha Kanta Sharma

Asha Kanta Sharma

(Expert)
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28 July 2024 Setting up a business outside India, particularly for manufacturing and exporting products like Ferro Alloys, involves several steps and considerations from both a strategic and regulatory perspective. Here’s a detailed breakdown addressing your queries:

### 1. Structuring Options for Exporting Products Overseas

#### **Form of Organization:**

1. **Branch Office:**
- **Advantages:** Easier to establish, controlled directly from the parent company, and generally simpler regulatory requirements.
- **Disadvantages:** Branch offices might face restrictions on the nature of activities they can undertake, and profits are generally subject to tax in the host country and India.

2. **Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS):**
- **Advantages:** Limited liability, better for long-term operations, can undertake a wider range of activities, and may benefit from local tax incentives.
- **Disadvantages:** More complex to set up and manage, higher regulatory compliance, and can involve higher costs.

3. **Joint Venture (JV):**
- **Advantages:** Shared risk and investment, local partner can provide valuable market knowledge and connections.
- **Disadvantages:** Profit sharing and potential management conflicts with the local partner.

#### **Modus Operandi:**

1. **Billing and Payment:**
- **Transfer Pricing:** Ensure that transactions between the parent company and the foreign offices/subsidiaries comply with transfer pricing regulations to avoid tax issues. Proper documentation and adherence to OECD guidelines are essential.
- **Invoicing:** Foreign offices should invoice the parent company based on the agreed transfer pricing mechanism. Payments should be made through proper banking channels, and all transactions should be documented and reported as per local and international regulations.

2. **Tax Benefits:**
- **Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA):** Leverage DTAA between India and the host countries to avoid double taxation on income earned abroad.
- **Local Tax Incentives:** Investigate and utilize local tax incentives available for foreign investments in each country.

### 2. Regulatory Perspective for Setting Up Offices/Subsidiaries

#### **China:**
1. **Mode of Investment:**
- **Foreign Wholly Owned Enterprise (WFOE):** Most common for foreign investment. It allows full control and operation within China.
- **Joint Venture (JV):** Required in some sectors, involving a Chinese partner.
- **Representative Office:** Not allowed for profit-making activities but can be used for market research and business liaison.

2. **Investment by Chinese National:**
- **Direct Investment:** The Indian company can provide funds to the Chinese national, who can then invest in a new company in China. This must comply with local regulations and might require a legal agreement.
- **Loan Agreement:** The Indian company could potentially lend money to the Chinese national. However, this must be carefully structured and comply with both Indian and Chinese regulations, including exchange control laws.

#### **Netherlands:**
1. **Options:**
- **Private Limited Company (BV):** Popular choice, provides limited liability and is a separate legal entity.
- **Branch Office:** Less common for ongoing operations but feasible for some activities.

2. **Regulatory Compliance:**
- **Registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.**
- **Adherence to Dutch tax laws and regulations.**

#### **Dubai (UAE):**
1. **Options:**
- **Free Zone Company:** Provides 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and simplified regulations.
- **Mainland Company:** Requires a local partner holding 51% of the shares (except in certain cases where 100% foreign ownership is permitted).

2. **Regulatory Compliance:**
- **Register with the relevant Free Zone Authority or Department of Economic Development (DED).**
- **Compliance with UAE’s economic laws and tax regulations.**

### 3. Income Tax Implications for Branch/Wholly Owned Subsidiary

#### **a. China:**
- **Corporate Income Tax (CIT):** Generally 25% on profits. Special rates may apply for certain sectors.
- **Withholding Tax:** On dividends remitted to the parent company in India.

#### **b. Netherlands:**
- **Corporate Income Tax:** 15% on income up to €395,000 and 25.8% on income exceeding that amount (as of 2024).
- **Withholding Tax:** On dividends paid to non-resident shareholders, subject to DTAA provisions.

#### **c. South Africa:**
- **Corporate Tax Rate:** 28% on profits.
- **Withholding Tax:** Dividends are subject to a withholding tax of 20%, which may be reduced under the DTAA.

#### **d. Dubai (UAE):**
- **Corporate Tax:** Generally, no corporate tax for most business activities in Dubai. However, a federal corporate tax of 9% applies to profits exceeding AED 375,000 from June 2023.
- **Withholding Tax:** Typically, there are no withholding taxes on dividends or interest payments.

### **Summary:**

1. **Choose the appropriate entity type** (branch, subsidiary, or JV) based on operational needs, tax benefits, and regulatory requirements.
2. **Ensure compliance with local laws** in each country, including tax regulations and corporate governance.
3. **Leverage DTAA** to avoid double taxation and explore local tax incentives.
4. **Seek professional advice** from legal and tax experts in each jurisdiction to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively.

This approach will help in establishing a successful international presence and managing tax liabilities efficiently.

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