OUTBOUND EXPANSION SUPPORT

Overseas Business Expansion Support for Indian Companies

Take your business global with the right partners on both sides. We combine Indian regulatory, tax and FEMA expertise with a trusted network of accounting and legal firms around the world. Together, we help Indian companies choose a jurisdiction, structure their investment, complete diligence and run compliant operations abroad.

10+years of relationships with some overseas partner firms
7ways we support your overseas expansion
80+professionals: CAs, CSs, legal and tax experts
426client engagements completed in the last 5 years
01

Indian Businesses Going Global

Companies today operate beyond borders, looking for opportunities to partner, acquire and build operations overseas. Indian businesses are increasingly doing the same.

Working with large Indian businesses, we have seen that they need reliable partners to explore new markets, and to understand the business and regulatory environment of the country they are entering. We have helped foster several such partnerships, supporting clients from their first step into a new market through to establishing significant operations in different countries.

Our aim is simple: to help ambitious Indian companies become successful Indian multinationals, with the right structure, the right advisers and full compliance at home and abroad.

02

A Trusted Global Network of Accounting & Legal Firms

Over the years, we have built a robust network of accounting and legal firms in different parts of the world. Many of these relationships go back several years, and some more than a decade. They have proved to be reliable, knowledgeable partners, and in many cases the result has been a win for everyone involved.

Because we already know and trust these firms, our clients do not have to take a chance on an unknown adviser. We coordinate between you and your overseas partners, so you get one consistent strategy for the whole group, not disconnected advice from each country.

03

How We Support Your Overseas Expansion

1

Connect With the Right Professionals

Once we understand your requirements, we connect you with the right accounting, tax and legal professionals in the country of your choice.

2

Choice of Jurisdiction

Not sure which country fits your business model? We compare jurisdictions on tax, treaty access, regulation, banking, talent and cost, to help you choose the right strategy.

3

Structuring & Restructuring

We design or restructure overseas holding and operating structures together with our overseas partners, with solutions that work for the whole group.

4

Due Diligence

For overseas acquisitions or joint ventures, we help onboard the right local firm and work alongside it on financial and tax due diligence of the target.

5

Jurisdiction Knowledge & Risk

Local partner firms brief you on the local tax and regulatory environment, and on the risks and opportunities the jurisdiction presents.

6

Deal & Contract Documentation

For M&A, JVs and commercial arrangements, our associates review local-law requirements and help shape agreements that protect your interests.

7

Accounting & Compliance Abroad

We connect you with proven firms for routine overseas accounting, tax filings and statutory compliance, and coordinate their work with your Indian reporting.

04

The India Side: FEMA, Tax & Reporting

Every overseas investment by an Indian company must also comply with Indian law. This is where a CA-led team adds the most value.

FEMA Overseas Investment Compliance

  • Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) under the Overseas Investment Rules and Regulations, 2022
  • Financial commitment limits, generally up to 400% of the Indian entity's net worth under the automatic route
  • Reporting to the authorised dealer bank, including Form FC
  • Annual Performance Reports for overseas entities
  • Round-tripping restrictions and layering conditions
  • Disinvestment, restructuring and repatriation of funds

Indian Tax & Group Reporting

  • Transfer pricing for transactions with overseas subsidiaries
  • Place of Effective Management (POEM) risk for foreign subsidiaries managed from India
  • Treaty benefits and withholding tax under the relevant DTAA
  • Taxation of dividends, royalties and service fees from overseas entities
  • Consolidation of overseas subsidiaries in Indian financial statements
  • Valuation for overseas acquisitions and investments
05

Common Routes for Expanding Overseas

RouteWhat it involvesTypically suits
Wholly owned subsidiaryA new company set up in the target country, owned by the Indian parentLong-term market presence with full control
Overseas branch or representative officeAn extension of the Indian company abroad, without a separate entityTesting a market, or limited operations
Joint ventureA shared entity with a local or international partnerAccess to local relationships, sharing risk
AcquisitionBuying an existing overseas business or stakeFast access to customers, brands or technology
Regional holding companyAn intermediate holding entity in a hub jurisdictionGroups with several overseas subsidiaries
06

Our Outbound Expansion Process

Understand Your Goals

We review the target markets, business model, timeline, funding and the expansion route you are considering.

Jurisdiction & Route Comparison

We compare shortlisted countries and entry routes on tax, regulation, cost and practicality.

Structure & FEMA Plan

We design the group structure and plan the ODI route, limits, approvals and funding.

Partner Onboarding

We introduce the right overseas accounting and legal firm and agree roles and scope.

Diligence, Documents & Set-Up

We complete diligence, deal documents, incorporation abroad and FEMA reporting in India.

Ongoing Compliance

We coordinate overseas and Indian compliance, transfer pricing, APRs and group reporting.

07

Why Choose AAPT & Associates

  • Proven overseas partners. Long-standing relationships with firms we know and trust, with no trial and error.
  • One coordinating partner. We manage advisers across countries, so you get one strategy for the group.
  • India regulatory expertise. FEMA, ODI, tax and transfer pricing handled in-house by CAs.
  • Deal experience. Support with acquisitions, JVs and partnerships, as well as greenfield set-ups.
  • Big 4-trained leadership. Partners with 14+ years each in audit, tax and advisory.
  • Built for long-term value. Support that continues well after you have entered a new market.

Discuss Your Overseas Plans

08

Frequently Asked Questions

How can an Indian company set up a subsidiary abroad?
An Indian company can invest in an overseas subsidiary through Overseas Direct Investment under FEMA and the Overseas Investment Rules and Regulations, 2022. The steps usually include choosing the jurisdiction, board approval, incorporating the overseas entity, remitting funds through an authorised dealer bank, and reporting the investment.
How much can an Indian company invest overseas?
Under the automatic route, an Indian entity's total financial commitment to overseas entities is generally limited to 400% of its net worth as per its last audited balance sheet, subject to other conditions. Investments beyond the limits, or in restricted sectors, need prior approval.
What ongoing reporting is required after investing overseas?
Indian investors must report the investment through their authorised dealer bank, and file an Annual Performance Report for each overseas entity. Other events, such as disinvestment, restructuring or changes in the overseas entity, also need reporting.
How do we choose the right country for expansion?
Key factors include your target customers, corporate tax rates, the country's tax treaty with India, regulation, ease of setting up and banking, talent, costs and substance requirements. We provide a side-by-side comparison of shortlisted jurisdictions.
Can an overseas subsidiary be taxed in India?
Yes, it can. If a foreign subsidiary's key management and commercial decisions are in substance made in India, it may be treated as resident in India under the Place of Effective Management rules. Transactions with the Indian parent are also subject to transfer pricing.
Do you work in specific countries only?
Our partner network spans several jurisdictions. Tell us where you plan to expand, and we will confirm the right partner firm and how we will work together.

Ready to take your business global?

Tell us where you plan to expand and what you want to achieve. We will outline the route, structure, India-side compliance and the right overseas partners, at no cost and with no obligation.

Book a Free Outbound Expansion Consultation