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How FDI Advisory & Reporting Works

Investment Planning

Understand sectoral caps, entry routes, and compliance requirements for foreign investment.

Documentation

Preparation of investment documents, agreements, and regulatory disclosures.

RBI Reporting

Timely filing of FDI-related forms and reports with RBI and other authorities.

Compliance Completion

Ensure ongoing FEMA compliance and post-investment reporting support.

FDI Advisory & Reporting Services

Comprehensive Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) advisory, structuring and regulatory reporting to ensure smooth and compliant foreign investments in India.

What is Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)?

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) refers to investment made by a foreign individual, company or entity into an Indian business through equity shares, compulsorily convertible instruments or capital contribution.

FDI plays a crucial role in Business Setup in India, enabling companies to access global capital, technology and strategic partnerships, while complying with FEMA and RBI regulations.

Why FDI Advisory & Reporting is Important?

  • Correct Structuring: Align foreign investment with sectoral caps and entry routes.
  • FEMA Compliance: Ensure adherence to foreign exchange laws and RBI guidelines.
  • RBI Reporting: Timely filing of FC-GPR, FC-TRS and Annual FLA returns.
  • Valuation Support: Assistance with FEMA-compliant share valuation.
  • Risk Mitigation: Avoid penalties, delays and regulatory scrutiny.

Professional FDI advisory ensures that foreign investments are legally compliant, well-documented and smoothly executed.

FDI Advisory & Reporting

FDI Advisory & Reporting in India

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays a crucial role in Business Setup in India, allowing foreign companies, investors, and institutions to invest in Indian businesses. However, FDI is governed by strict regulations under the FEMA Act and monitored by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Lawcify provides complete FDI Advisory & Reporting services to ensure that foreign investments are structured correctly, approved under the correct route, and reported accurately within prescribed timelines. Our approach helps businesses avoid penalties, delays, and compliance risks.

FDI Routes in India

Before making any foreign investment, it is important to determine the applicable FDI route. The route depends on the sector, nature of business, and investment structure.

1️⃣ Automatic Route

Under the Automatic Route, foreign investors do not require prior government approval. Investment can be made directly, subject to sectoral caps and pricing guidelines. Most sectors supporting Startup Registration and Company Registration fall under this route.

2️⃣ Government Approval Route

Certain sensitive sectors require prior approval from the Government of India. Investments are reviewed by concerned ministries before being allowed. Lawcify assists in preparing applications and coordinating approvals.

FDI Compliance & RBI Reporting

Every foreign investment must be reported to the RBI within specified timelines. Non-compliance can lead to penalties under FEMA. Accurate reporting is essential for long-term regulatory compliance.

  • Filing of FDI-related forms with RBI through the FIRMS portal.
  • Reporting of share allotment and transfer transactions.
  • Compliance with pricing guidelines and valuation norms.
  • Annual return on foreign liabilities and assets.
  • Ongoing advisory for FEMA and regulatory compliance.

Lawcify ensures that all filings are completed correctly and within timelines, reducing regulatory risks for foreign investors and Indian companies.

FDI Advisory Process at Lawcify

Our FDI advisory process is designed to keep things simple, transparent, and compliant. Whether you are entering India for the first time or expanding operations, we guide you at every step.

  1. Understanding the business model and investment objectives.
  2. Identifying the applicable FDI route and sectoral limits.
  3. Structuring the investment and documentation.
  4. Assisting with fund inflow and share allotment.
  5. Completing RBI reporting and post-investment compliance.

Why Choose Lawcify for FDI Advisory?

Lawcify combines legal expertise, regulatory knowledge, and practical business understanding to deliver reliable FDI Advisory & Reporting services. We work closely with startups, growing businesses, and foreign investors to ensure smooth and compliant investment transactions.

  • Experienced professionals in FEMA and RBI regulations.
  • End-to-end support from investment planning to reporting.
  • Clear communication and transparent process.
  • Trusted partner for Business Setup in India and foreign investments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Key questions related to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), FEMA compliance, RBI reporting and how Lawcify assists businesses with end-to-end FDI advisory.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) refers to investment made by a foreign individual, company or entity into an Indian business. This investment can be in the form of equity shares, compulsorily convertible instruments or capital contribution, subject to government regulations.

Indian companies, LLPs and certain business entities can receive FDI, provided the sector is permitted under India’s FDI Policy and FEMA regulations. Sectoral caps, entry routes and compliance conditions must be followed.

There are two main FDI routes:

  • Automatic Route: No prior government approval required.
  • Government Route: Prior approval from relevant ministries is mandatory.

The applicable route depends on the business sector and investor country.

FDI in India is governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), RBI regulations, Consolidated FDI Policy issued by DPIIT, and sector-specific laws and guidelines.

Yes. All FDI transactions must be reported to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) through prescribed forms such as FC-GPR, FC-TRS, and annual FLA returns within specified timelines.

Form FC-GPR is filed when an Indian company issues shares or convertible instruments to a foreign investor. It must be filed within the prescribed time after allotment of shares.

Form FC-TRS is applicable when shares are transferred between a resident and a non-resident or vice versa. It ensures transparency and regulatory compliance in share transfers.

The Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) Return is an annual filing required for companies that have received FDI or made overseas investments. It provides RBI with data on foreign assets and liabilities.

Yes. Valuation of shares is mandatory for FDI transactions. It must be carried out by a certified professional to ensure compliance with FEMA pricing guidelines.

Delays or non-compliance can attract penalties, compounding proceedings, regulatory scrutiny and restrictions on future foreign investments. Timely reporting is essential to avoid legal complications.

Yes. Startups can receive FDI subject to sector eligibility, pricing guidelines and compliance with FEMA and RBI regulations. Proper structuring is important for smooth fundraising.

Yes. Post-investment compliances include RBI filings, annual returns, corporate filings with MCA, and adherence to sector-specific regulations.

Yes. Repatriation of profits, dividends or sale proceeds is permitted, subject to FEMA regulations, tax compliance and proper documentation.

Lawcify provides complete FDI advisory including structuring, FEMA compliance, RBI reporting, valuation coordination, regulatory approvals and ongoing compliance support — ensuring foreign investments are legally secure and hassle-free.

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