Cross-border transactions require clarity, not assumptions.
In a Better Regulated Global Financial Environment
Many promising ventures collapse—not from lack of funding, but from non-compliance with FEMA. Foreign shareholding, cross-border payments, investor exits, or even the wrong entity type can invite regulatory scrutiny.
At Lekshmi N Iyer & Associates, we provide strategic advisory on structuring business models in line with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Whether you are a foreign national setting up in India, a startup onboarding global investors, or a company routing revenue cross-border—we help design frameworks that are aligned with regulatory requirements.
Prevention is easier than penalties. Our goal is to help you build models that inspire investor confidence while minimising regulatory risks.
Our FEMA Structuring Support Includes
Area of Advisory | Scope of Services |
Business Model Evaluation | Review of legal structure for compliance with FEMA, RBI Master Directions, and allied laws |
Inbound Investment Structuring | Selection of appropriate entity (WOS, JV, LLP, etc.) and capital flow alignment |
Revenue & Outflow Mapping | Structuring export proceeds, licensing income, or remittances within RBI norms |
Exit & Repatriation Strategy | Advisory on permissible dividend distribution, share transfers, and repatriation procedures |
Documentation & Reporting Setup | Guidance on forms such as FC-GPR, FLA, Form ODI, 15CA/CB, and transaction support letters |
Each assignment is approached with an individual compliance roadmap and reviewed under FEMA and tax regulations.
Build Bold. Operate Clean. Stay Compliant.
Cross-border business requires more than intent—it demands alignment with FEMA and RBI norms. From capital inflows to ownership structures, we guide businesses and individuals in ensuring legal clarity, operational stability, and long-term compliance under India’s foreign exchange laws.
Step-by-step structuring with compliance focus
Initial Assessment
Understand business operations, investor profile, and fund movement plansOwnership & Capital Map
Design structures aligned with permissible capital account transactionsEntity Structuring
Recommend formation models (WOS, LLP, JV, etc.) as per FEMA and RBI normsReporting & Filing
Assist with compliance forms, RBI interfaces, and auditor-backed reporting guidanceOngoing Structuring Help
Support annual filings, modifications, and investor-related documentation
Go Global. Stay Legal.
Startups Onboarding Foreign Capital
Structure shareholding, ESOPs, and SAFE notes without FEMA violations.
Export-Driven Businesses
Ensure foreign currency revenue flows legally and swiftly.
NRI-Owned Indian Ventures
Set up or invest in Indian businesses without repatriation bottlenecks.
VC-Backed Ventures
Stay audit-ready for RBI or investor due diligence.
FEMA-Compliant Business Models FAQs
Common questions about income tax, compliance, and litigation support in India.
What makes a business model FEMA-compliant?
FEMA compliance means that capital inflows, shareholding, foreign payments, and fund exits are all structured within RBI’s permissible routes and sectoral guidelines.
Is FEMA applicable even to early-stage startups?
Yes. If your startup receives foreign capital, issues ESOPs to non-residents, or exports services/products, FEMA provisions are applicable.
Can I operate without filing FC-GPR or FLA?
No. These filings are mandatory post-investment or annually, as per RBI’s Master Directions and FEMA Regulations
Can an already running business be restructured for FEMA alignment?
Yes. We support post-facto evaluations and assist in realigning structures while assessing rectification measures where required.
