A UK-based NRI or OCI holder can invest in an Indian company or LLP on a repatriation basis, treated as foreign investment with pricing and reporting rules, or on a non-repatriation basis, treated like domestic investment. We check the business, negotiate protections suited to an investor in the UK and make sure FEMA filings are made so you can exit cleanly.
- Document route
- UK notary public, then FCDO apostille
- Time difference
- IST is 4h30 (BST) to 5h30 (GMT) ahead
- Law
- FEMA 1999 and NDI Rules 2019
- Routes
- Repatriable (Schedule 1) or non-repatriable (Schedule 4)
Legal Advisory for NRI Investors from the UK: how it works
We discuss what you want from the investment and whether you might relocate to India later, which affects the route. Due diligence covers MCA filings, capital history, charges, litigation, GST and income tax compliance, and ownership of key assets. A plain-language report sets out the risks. We then negotiate the term sheet, shareholders agreement and articles.
Protections for UK investors typically include information rights, consent over new share issues and borrowings, a board or observer seat with video meetings, pre-emption and exit rights, and arbitration seated in India with online hearings. Repatriable money is sent from the UK or your NRE account, and the company files Form FC-GPR. We remain available as your legal contact while you are in Britain, reviewing board papers and annual accounts each year so that you notice problems early rather than on your next visit.
What clients in the UK should know
- UK tax on dividends and gains from Indian shares applies to UK residents, with treaty credit for Indian tax.
- If you are a director, the company must have your DIN and digital signature; meetings can be attended by video.
- Investment in real estate business and agriculture is prohibited for NRIs on either route.
Step by step from the UK
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits the UK, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in the UK
UK notary public, then FCDO apostille
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in the UK where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in the UK. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Legal Advisory for NRI Investors, or see all services for clients in the UK and the Doing Business in India practice area.
Questions from clients in the UK
Which route is better for a family business?
Often non-repatriation, as it avoids FDI conditions, but money comes back only through your NRO account within the annual limit.
Can I invest from my UK company?
Yes, but then the investment is by a foreign company, with FDI rules and different reporting.
Do you review the startup's cap table?
Yes, as part of due diligence, including ESOPs and convertible instruments.