Indian Company Law - Key Aspects and Procedures for Foreign

January 5, 2018 | Author: Anonymous | Category: Social Science, Political Science
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Modified on 20 January 2015

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Slide No.

Slide No.

Preface

3

B9

Public Company

29

Who is a Foreign Resident

4

B10

Authorized Capital

31

A

Three Important Points

5

C

Points For Collaboration

33

A1

Need for a Resident Director

6 C1

Additional Matters in Articles of Association

34

C2

Merger of Indian Co. with Foreign Co.

36

D

Key Procedural Requirements

38

D1

Digital Signature

39

D2

Director Identification No. (DIN)

41

D3

PAN under Income Tax Act

44

8

A2

Appointment of Managing Director

A3

Board Meetings by video conferencing

10

B

Points of Interest / Concern

12

B1

One-Person Company

13

B2

Financial Year

15

B3

Promoter

17

B4

Officer in Default

19

B5

Control of Company

21

E

Visa to India – A Quick Glance

45

B6

Resignation by all Directors

23

E1

Visa-on Arrival

46

B7

Associate Company

25

E2

Business Visa

48

B8

Subsidiary Company

27

E3

Employment Visa

50

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2

Preface Indian economy has been growing at >5% for over a decade. A large economy growing at such a high rate combined with India’s stable political system, free economy and dynamic spirit of the people is attracting interest from business houses and individuals across the globe. This Presentation is part of the on-going efforts of Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP to help the world get a better understanding of India and her legal system. Companies Act, 2013 replaced Companies Act, 1956. There are many confusions even among Indian professionals about the new law. There are many points on which Indian industry is pleading with Government of India for change. It may be said that the law relating to companies is in a state of flux in India. At the time of writing this, The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2014 has been passed by the lower house of the Parliament and is awaiting clearance from the upper house. Some observers feel that there may be many more amendments in the pipeline. As the law goes through changes, we shall endeavor to modify this Presentation. This Presentation is for Indian citizens resident abroad as well as for foreign nationals. A word of caution – this Presentation is not intended to replace professional advice. Please do consult a legal professional / company secretary. In this Presentation, key points related to a topic are given in one slide and the relevant extract from Companies Act, 2013 is given verbatim in the next slide. The Presentation also gives a quick overview of the type of visas that a foreign citizen may avail of for doing business in India. Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

3

Who is a Foreign Resident?  The Companies Act, 2013 (the Act) does not define a foreign resident / foreigner  Any one (including an Indian citizen) may be treated like a foreign resident if he /

she

has not been staying in India for continuous period of 12 months

immediately preceding the date of his appointment as a managerial person

(Schedule V)  Anyone (including an Indian citizen) who has stayed in India for a total period of

less than 182 days in the previous calendar year will be treated as a foreign resident (Sec. 149(3))  A foreign citizen staying in India for 12 months may enjoy all rights under the Act

while the same rights are not available to a Non-resident Indian citizen. Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

4

A1.

Need for a Resident Director

A2.

Appointment of Managing Director

A3.

Board Meetings by video conferencing

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5

A1.

Resident Director

 Every company (whether private or public) needs a resident director  Even a one-person company needs a resident director, so a foreign

individual wanting to set up a one-person company must necessarily partner with an Indian resident  If a NRI couple (Indian citizens) move to India anytime during 4th

July – 31st December 2014 and wish to form a company owned by two of them anytime during 2015, they shall need a third person as a resident director.  Resident Director condition – 182 days  Resident director need not be Indian citizen Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

6

A1.

Resident Director (Continued)

 Total Stay; not continuous days  Minimum 182 days in previous CALENDAR year  Necessary from the day of incorporation of the company  No relaxations / exceptions Section 149(3)

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7

A2.

Appointment of Managing Director

 Must be a resident of India. If not a resident, Central Government

approval necessary  Resident not defined; Explanation I lists two categories which are

included (a) staying in India for a continuous period of not less than 12 months immediately preceding the date of his appointment (b) has come to India for taking up employment in India or for carrying on business or vacation in India. (The word vacation is an obvious mistake. It should have been vocation.)  An Indian citizen who has gone to visit his son in USA and stayed there

for, say, two months will need Central Government approval for appointment as MD.  Proviso does not mention Business Visa  A badly drafted Schedule apparently with a typographical error. Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

8

A2.

Appointment of Managing Director (Continued)

Section 196(4) & Schedule V

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9

A3.

Attending Meeting of Board of Directors

 Necessary for a Director to attend at least one meeting in a year.  Participation may be in person or by video conference.  Physical meetings can be held anywhere in the world.  Video conference meetings will not be able to take up all issues. The

issues that need physical meetings not yet specified.  Video meetings will need to be recorded

(The requirement is not for physical

meetings).

 Telephonic conferences (audio only) not recognized  A small company can hold only one physical meeting (anywhere in the

world) and one video meeting in a year. So, practically possible to own a company in India without ever coming to India. Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

10

A3.

Attending Meeting of Board of Directors (Continued)

Section 173(2) & 167(1)(b)

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11

B1.

One-Person Company

B6.

Resignation by all Directors

B2.

Financial Year

B7.

Associate Company

B3.

Promoter

B8.

Subsidiary Company

B4.

Officer in Default

B9.

Public Company

B5.

Control of Company

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12

B1.

One Person Company

 Very useful for persons who find it difficult to find trustworthy persons

to act as shareholders  Also useful for foreign professionals like doctors, lawyers, engineers

etc. who want to operate with limited liability  Foreign citizen will need a resident director till he / she becomes

resident of India  Necessary to define line of inheritance  A One-Person Company with only one director still needs to hold

meetings of Board

(exception under 173(5) strangely relates to only the sub-section and

not the whole section) Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

13

B1.

One Person Company (Continued)

Section 2(62) & 3(1) Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

14

B2.

Financial Year

 Financial Year in India is 1 April to 31 March  An Indian company, which is holding company or subsidiary of a

foreign company may apply for adopting a different financial year if needed to consolidate its accounts with the foreign company.  Application to be made to the Tribunal  Corresponding change not made in Income Tax. Section 2(9) of IT

Act states - "assessment year" means the period of twelve months commencing on the 1st day of April every year  Companies adopting a different F.Y. under Companies Act will still

need to prepare accounts for April-March to comply with IT Act. Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

15

B2.

Financial Year (Continued)

Section 2(41)

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16

B3.

Promoter

 A new concept under India’s Companies Act  A foreign company / individual getting into a Joint Venture (JV) with

an Indian partner must decide if they want to be known as the Promoter of the Indian company  If the foreigner does not want to be a Promoter, care should be taken

in drafting the JV Agreement regarding their powers in relation to control over the affairs of the Indian company and about powers to give directions to the Board.  On the other hand, there are clear advantages in becoming a

Promoter and the foreigner may be advised to get the status.  Power of the Promoter to give directions to the Board may be cast in

stone in the JV Agreement. Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

17

B3.

Promoter (Continued)

Section 2(69) Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

18

B4.

Officer in Default

 Promoter shall always be the first to be caught as an Officer in

Default, if the company makes some mistakes.  Officer in Default need not be an individual since the word used is

“person” and not an individual. So a foreign company may become Officer in Default.  Officer need not be an employee of the company. Officer need not

even receive any remuneration / benefit from the company.  The key is “any person in accordance with whose directions or

instructions, the Board of Directors or any one or more of the Directors is or are accustomed to act.”  If a foreigner wishes to avoid being Officer in Default, care should be

taken in drafting the JV Agreement. Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

19

B4.

Officer in Default - (Continued)

Section 2(60) and 2(59)

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20

B5.

Control of the Company

 A much wider term than Promoter since many possibilities are

covered including due to either of (a) shareholding (b) management rights (c) shareholders’ agreement (d) voting agreement (e) any other manner  Key is right to (a) appoint majority of the Directors or (b) control

management or policy decisions.  Existence of right will establish control. One may have never

exercised the right.  Adverse effects of being in control are not clear. All punishments and

penalties are for officers and not for person in control. So, there need not be any fear of becoming in control. Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

21

B5.

Control of the Company (Continued)

Section 2(27)

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22

B6.

Resignation by all Directors

 A special situation that gives power to Promoter  Now it is possible for a Promoter to manage a private company with all

dummy directors who will hold office at the pleasure of the Promoter.  Articles of a private co. may provide “Directors shall hold office at the

pleasure of the Promoter and displeasure of the Promoter will be a disqualification under 164 of the Act”.  Foreign Investors / Entrepreneurs may take advantage of this to remote

control Indian company promoted by them.

Section 164(3) Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

23

B6.

Resignation by all Directors (Continued)

Section 167(3-4), 168(3) Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

24

B7.

Associate Company

 A new concept in Indian law (Was earlier in Accounting Standards)  A foreign company (FC) owns 20% or more share capital of Indian

company (IC) or has control of business decisions. IC is associate of FC but FC is not associate of IC.  Associate is a one-way relation and not a two-way relationship.  Often the Indian Joint Venture of a Foreign Company is an Associate

Company of the Foreign Company under the Act  Need to check from the view of home law of the Foreign Company

whether the Indian Company is an Associate. This is important from the view of accounting of the Foreign Company. Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

25

B7.

Associate Company (Continued)

Section 2(6)

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26

B8.

Subsidiary Company

 One of two criteria – (a) control composition of Board of Directors or

(b) exercise or control more than half of the total share capital  Restriction on number of layers

 Controlling composition means one can appoint or remove all or

majority of the directors.  There is a view that if holding company is a foreign company, the

Indian subsidiary will be deemed to be a public limited company – ref. definition of public company, sec. 2(71).  Any JV agreement involving a foreign company must mull whether

the foreign company wants to create a subsidiary. Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

27

B8.

Subsidiary Company (Continued)

Section 2(87) - Notified except for proviso

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28

B9.

Public Company

 A subsidiary of any company (which is not a private company) is a

deemed public company.  Definition of private company refers to a company fulfilling some

conditions.  Definition of company refers only to company registered in India  By joining up all definitions, it emerges that any Indian subsidiary of a

foreign company will be a deemed public company.  Legal position on this point is in the process of debate and

deliberations. Will take some time before legal view in the matter is settled. Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

29

B9.

Public Company (Continued)

Section 2(71); 2(20) and 2(68) Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

30

B10. Authorized Capital  Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2014 has removed the need for a

minimum authorized capital for a company.  The Bill has not yet become law. At present, a private limited

company must have an authorized capital of Rs. 100,000- and a public limited capital of Rs. 500,000-.  The Bill follows the practice followed by many countries  A very low (almost zero) capital company will be most convenient for

foreign citizens who wish to own an Indian entity without committing investments.

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31

B10. Authorized Capital (Continued)

Bill not yet passed by Parliament Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

32

C1.

Additional Matters in Articles of Association

C2.

Merger of Indian Company with Foreign Company

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33

C1.

Additional Matters in Articles of Association

 Articles can include all types of restrictive clauses that JV partners want

to safeguard their interests.  For example, we recently included a provision in the Articles of a new

company that all decisions of Board shall be by consensus.  For example, we included a provision that a Special Resolution / Extra

Ordinary General Meeting will need approval of all directors without any absentees.  Use of standard Articles of Association should be avoided in case of

Joint Venture involving foreigners.  A Shareholders’ Agreement / JV Agreement has limited enforceability.

Articles of Association is a stronger document and higher care should be taken.  Entrenchment – a new word in Indian law – needs careful attention. Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

34

C1.

Additional Matters in Articles (Continued)

Section 5(2-5) Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

35

C2.

Merger of Indian Company with Foreign Co.

 It is only an enabling provision in law. Details have yet to emerge.  Likely to be permitted with only companies of a few friendly

countries.  Nevertheless, it may be worthwhile for Joint Venture Agreements to

provide for the merger of either Indian company with the foreign company or vice versa, subject to such terms as may be provided in the Agreement and also subject to the rules / restrictions under section 234 of the Act.

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36

C2.

Merger with a Foreign Company (Continued)

Section 234 - Not yet Notified Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

37

D1.

Digital Signature (DS)

D2.

Director Identification No. (DIN)

D3.

PAN under Income Tax Act

Getting a PAN is a simple matter and a foreign resident individual can do it oneself without need of a legal professional’s assistance. For DIN and DS it is best to let the Company Secretary who is going to handle company incorporation take care of the formalities. Here, we give only the documents required to be given to the Company Secretary for getting DIN and DS. Please note that it is possible to get DS, DIN and PAN without visiting India. Similarly, it is possible for a foreign resident to incorporate an Indian company without visiting India. Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

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D1.

Digital Signature

 At least one of the promoters must have a digital signature.  A digital signature is given on a pen drive. Typically, your company

secretary will keep it with him and use it for completing all formalities with Ministry of Company Affairs.  Documents required for a digital signature: One proof of identity and

One proof of address + passport size photograph. In case passport has address, passport serves both as proof of identity and address.  Copy of above document(s) for foreign nationals to be attested by

public notary / Indian embassy in the country where residing. Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

39

D1.

Digital Signature (Continued)

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40

D1.

Director Identification Number (DIN)

 DIN is necessary for everyone who wishes to become a Director or

promoter of a company  A person has to take only one DIN. The same DIN works for all

companies that the person is associated with.  Taking more than one DIN is an offence.  DIN application has to be signed by digital signature. Hence, digital

signature essential for getting DIN.

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41

D1.

DIN (Continued)

 PAN (Permanent Account Number) under Indian Income Tax Act necessary

for Indian citizens whether they are resident in India or abroad.  For foreign nationals, PAN is not necessary; passport number and copy is

essential.  DIN application (DIR 3) has to be accompanied by copy of identity proof,

copy of address proof and a photograph in jpg / gif / png format.  For foreign residents, documents to be attested by foreign public notary /

Indian embassy.  DIN 3 has to be verified by a Company Secretary / Chartered Accountant /

Cost Accountant. Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

42

D2.

DIN (Continued)

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43

D3.

PAN under Income Tax Act

Visit the website https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pan/ http://www.myutiitsl.com/PANONLINE/form49AA.jsp and fill the form 49A or 49AA online.

or

Documents required – one for proof of identity and one for proof of address. Proof of Identity Document 

Copy of Passport attested by Indian Embassy / Consulate / High Commission / Apostille or



Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card issued by Government of India or



Copy of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card issued by Government of India

Proof of Address Document 

Copy of Passport attested by Indian Embassy / Consulate /High Commission /Apostille or



Bank account statement in country of residence, duly attested by Indian Embassy /High Commission / Consulate / Apostille in the country where applicant is located or



Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card issued by Government of India or



NRE bank account statement



Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card issued by Government of India

Please note that Indian citizens need to fill Form 49 A, while foreign citizens need to fill Form 49AA. There is no need to have an address in India to get a PAN. Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

44

E1.

Visa-on-Arrival

E2.

Business Visa

E3.

Employment Visa

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45

E1.

Visa-on-Arrival

 Useful for initial business meetings before India entry plans finalized  Only for nationals of Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Singapore,

Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, Indonesia, Myanmar and South Korea.  Provided at international airports of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata,

Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Trivandrum and Cochin.  Should be holding return ticket and money for expenses during stay in India.  Not granted to foreigners who have permanent residence or occupation in India.  Single entry; duration of each visit limited to 30 days with maximum of two times

in a calendar year.  Cannot be extended or converted to any other type of visa

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46

E1.

Visa-on-Arrival (Continued)

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47

E2.

Business Visa

 Granted to Foreign citizens coming to India to set up a business /

industrial venture or to explore possibility of doing so; also to Directors  Must be a person of assured financial standing  Not granted for petty business or trade (Business should achieve gross sales / turnover of Rs. 10 million per annum within two years of setting up the business)

 Not granted for employment  Can be of up to five years duration (10 years, in case of citizens of USA)  Multiple entry; maximum duration of each visit may be limited to six

months at a stretch

(In case of such a restriction, the person may go out and

revisit) Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

48

E2.

Business Visa (Continued)

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49

E3.

Employment Visa

 India discourages employment visas  Granted only to highly qualified or skilled professional being engaged

by a company in India  Not granted for jobs for which qualified Indians available  Should draw salary in excess of USD 25,000 p.a.  Name of sponsoring organization shall be specified in Visa sticker  Duration – 2/3/5 years or period of Agreement, whichever is less  Employment visa, generally, not converted into any other category  No change of employer, except under special cases Copyright - Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP www.indialegalhelp.com

50

E3.

Employment Visa (Continued)

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51

Hope that it was useful!

Anil Chawla Law Associates LLP [email protected] Tel. – 09425009280

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