Can a foreign company set up a fully-owned company in India without an Indian partner?
Yes. India offers 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in most industries through the Automatic Route; that is, a foreign company can establish a fully-owned company in India without any Indian partner or government approval. A foreign company can establish a fully-owned Private Limited Company in India with itself as the sole shareholder. However, certain industries like retail trading, defense, and media are not permitted 100% FDI; but for industries like information technology, manufacturing, and services, 100% FDI is permitted.
Tip: Always verify the FDI Policy for your specific industry before starting — a few sectors require prior government approval.
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