How to Register a Business in Kerala If You’re an NRI (Non-Resident Indian)

 

Kerala has become a thriving hub for entrepreneurs — including NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) looking to set up businesses back home. But while the opportunities are exciting, the process to register a company in Kerala as an NRI comes with specific legal, financial, and procedural steps you must know.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, so you can confidently start your entrepreneurial journey in Kerala.




Why NRIs Are Investing in Kerala Businesses

Kerala’s high literacy rate, skilled workforce, expanding middle class, and strong NRI connections make it one of the best states for investment in India. NRIs are investing in sectors like tourism, healthcare, IT, education, and construction — but many get stuck on how to legally register their company in Kerala while sitting abroad.




Who Qualifies as an NRI?

Before we dive into the process, let’s clarify:
An NRI is someone holding an Indian passport but residing abroad for more than 182 days in a financial year. As an NRI, you’re eligible to start certain types of businesses in India, but you must comply with FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) rules and Indian company laws.




Steps to Register a Business in Kerala as an NRI

✅ 1️⃣ Choose Your Business Type
Decide on the right structure:

Private Limited Company




Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)




Sole Proprietorship (for locals)




Partnership Firm (with an Indian resident)



👉 For NRIs, a Private Limited Company or LLP is usually recommended because they allow foreign investment under the automatic route.





✅ 2️⃣ Get a Director Identification Number (DIN) and Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
As an NRI, you’ll need:

DIN (for being appointed as a director)




DSC (for signing documents electronically)



These can be applied online but often require assistance from a company registration consultant in Kerala.





✅ 3️⃣ Reserve Your Company Name
Apply on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal to reserve your desired company name. Pro tip: Pick unique names and have backup options in case the first choice is rejected.





✅ 4️⃣ Prepare Incorporation Documents
You’ll need to submit:

Memorandum of Association (MoA)




Articles of Association (AoA)




Proof of registered office address




Passport copy & overseas address proof (for NRI directors)



Make sure documents are apostilled or notarized from your country of residence.





✅ 5️⃣ File for Incorporation on the MCA Portal
Once everything is ready, file your incorporation application through SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating a Company Electronically).





✅ 6️⃣ Get the Certificate of Incorporation
After MCA verification, you’ll receive the Certificate of Incorporation — congratulations, your company is now officially registered in Kerala!





✅ 7️⃣ Open a Bank Account & Comply with RBI/FEMA Rules
You must open a current account in India and comply with RBI’s foreign investment reporting requirements (like filing Form FC-GPR).




Why Work with Local Experts?

While the online process may seem simple, NRIs often face challenges like:

Preparing legally compliant documents




Handling RBI reporting




Managing local tax and GST registrations



That’s why it’s smart to partner with a professional company registration service. For expert help, check out 👉 Axis Digital Pro, a trusted local firm specializing in helping NRIs register companies in Kerala smoothly and legally.




Common Mistakes NRIs Should Avoid

❌ Not verifying eligibility under FEMA
❌ Missing local tax/GST registrations
❌ Overlooking ongoing compliance (like annual filings)
❌ Failing to notarize foreign documents correctly

Avoid these to ensure your business doesn’t face legal roadblocks later!




Final Thoughts

Starting a business back home in Kerala as an NRI is a fantastic way to contribute to your roots while tapping into India’s booming economy. But it’s crucial to register your company in Kerala properly and meet all legal requirements.



If you want hassle-free support, connect with the experts at Axis Digital Pro — they’ll handle the paperwork, compliance, and RBI matters, so you can focus on your business vision.