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Overseas Direct Investment Automatic Route
About Our Service
Overseas Direct Investment refers to investment made by Indian companies or resident individuals in foreign entities such as wholly owned subsidiaries or joint ventures. Under the overseas direct investment automatic route, eligible Indian investors can make investments abroad without prior RBI approval if the transaction meets all conditions of FEMA and RBI regulations. In cases where the investment does not fall under the automatic route, it must be processed through the ODI approval route by submitting detailed documentation to the RBI via AD Bank. ODI filing includes reporting of Form FC, Form ODI Part I, II, III, and Annual Performance Reports (APR), ensuring continuous compliance with RBI norms.
Routes for Overseas Direct Investment
Just like the Foreign Director Investment, Overseas Direct Investment can be done via two routes
1. Automatic Route
Here no prior approval from the RBI is required.
The ODI via Automatic Route is processed by Authorized Dealers Bank.
2. Approval Route
The Overseas Direct Investment via Approval Route requires prior approval from RBI before it is processed by Authorized Dealers.
Prohibited Activities under Overseas Direct Investment
An Indian Individual / Party can not make Overseas Direct Investments in Real estate, Banking Business.
The ODI can not be made for dealing in Financial products linked to INR without specific approval of RBI
Note: Buying and selling real estate and dealing in TDR (does not include township, residential and commercial premises, roads and bridges)
Modes of Funding Overseas in Joint Venture / Wholly Owned Subsidiary
Proceeds of foreign currency funds raised through ADR / GDR issues
In exchange of ADRs / GDRs
Capitalization of exports
Swap of shares
Proceeds of ECBs / FCCBs
Drawal of foreign exchange from AD-Bank
Balance held in EEFC account of Indian party
Comprehensive Lifecycle Support for ODI
At Ebizfiling, we provide end-to-end assistance to ensure your cross-border ventures remain compliant and optimized. From initial structuring and navigating the Automatic or Approval routes to managing ongoing requirements like Annual Performance Reports (APR) and mandatory FLA Return filings, we handle the complexities for you. We also provide integrated corporate secretarial compliance and startup advisory to ensure your Indian parent entity remains in excellent standing while your international footprint grows.
For support, contact 09643203209 or email info@ebizfiling.com.
Helps Indian businesses establish an international presence while following RBI rules, allowing secure entry into global markets and long-term growth opportunities.
Capital Diversification
Enables companies to spread assets across foreign markets, reducing financial risks and increasing stability through diversified business portfolios.
Strategic Partnership
Allows collaboration with foreign entities to enhance technology, product development, and global competitiveness in international business environments.
Regulatory Clarity
Provides defined RBI norms and structured reporting processes under the automatic and approval route for safe cross-border investments.
Tax Opportunities
May offer access to more favorable international tax frameworks depending on jurisdiction, improving overall financial efficiency for Indian investors.
Improved Credibility
Builds stronger brand presence in global markets, helping attract investors, lenders, and foreign customers with an international business footprint.
Documents required for ODI Filing
Address proof of the Investor
Copy of PAN Card of all the investors
Income Tax Returns of the Investor (Last 3 years).
Board resolution for the proposed transaction/s.
A Request letter from the Indian Party (Investor) addressed to the designated AD bank.
ODI Declaration
ODI form Part I of all Individual Investors
LRS Form/declaration
Valuation from category 1 merchant banker or Chartered Accountant
Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association of JV/WOS
Project Feasibility Report
Note: If there are more than one individual investor, Declaration for ODI needs to be obtained from all the investors.
Stepwise Process of ODI Filing
1
Initial Assessment
2
Documentation and Valuation
3
Filing with AD Bank
4
RBI Review or Approval
5
Post-Filing Compliance
How Ebizfiling Processes ODI Filing?
We conduct a complete eligibility check under the overseas direct investment automatic route to ensure your transaction meets RBI norms before filing.
We prepare and verify all documents including valuation reports, board resolutions, and foreign entity papers to avoid AD Bank queries or delays.
We handle Form ODI filing, APR reporting, and submission through the appropriate AD Bank channel with accurate data and structured documentation.
We coordinate with banks and guide you through the ODI approval route if your investment falls outside automatic route conditions requiring RBI approval.
We ensure continuous ODI compliance by monitoring reporting deadlines, updating regulatory changes, and managing yearly APR submissions.
FAQs on Overseas Direct Investment
Get answers to all your queries
What is the maximum limit for Overseas Direct Investment under the automatic route?
Under the ODI automatic route, Indian companies can invest up to 400% of their net worth in overseas entities. Resident individuals can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), subject to RBI regulations.
What are the charges for ODI Compliance in India?
Professional costs for ODI filing depend on the documentation, investment structure, and reporting requirements. Our services generally start at ₹49,999, varying depending on the complexity of the transaction and subsequent APR filings.
What support does Ebizfiling provide for ODI compliance?
We provide end-to-end support, including ODI eligibility analysis, documentation preparation, valuation coordination, AD Bank liaison, and ongoing regulatory reporting such as Annual Performance Reports (APR) and FLA returns.
Can an Indian startup invest in a foreign subsidiary?
Yes, Indian startups can invest in foreign joint ventures or wholly owned subsidiaries, provided they comply with FEMA regulations and use internal accruals and not borrowed funds.
Can an existing foreign company receive investment from India through ODI?
Yes, Indian investors can acquire shares in existing foreign companies subject to arm’s-length valuation and RBI reporting guidelines.
Do Indian investors need to open a bank account abroad for ODI?
Remittances are typically made through an authorized dealer bank in India. Whether a foreign bank account is required depends on the specific investment structure and host country regulations.
Can ODI be made through share swap arrangements?
Yes, investments may be structured via share swap arrangements, subject to valuation requirements and RBI compliance.
Is a project feasibility report required for overseas investments?
In many cases, especially for new subsidiaries or joint ventures, AD Banks require a feasibility report to evaluate the commercial viability and bona fide nature of the investment.
What happens if ODI reporting is delayed?
Delayed reporting may lead to non-compliance under FEMA, potentially requiring compounding or penalty payments before future overseas investments are permitted.
What forms are required for ODI filing?
ODI filing typically requires Form ODI Part I, II, III and Annual Performance Report (APR) depending on the stage of investment.
Is overseas direct investment allowed for service-based businesses?
Yes, service sector companies such as IT firms, consulting businesses, and technology startups can invest abroad through the Overseas Direct Investment automatic route, provided the investment complies with FEMA and RBI ODI regulations.
Can ODI investments be increased later?
Yes, investors can increase their shareholding through additional investments, provided all reporting and compliance requirements are met.
What role does the Authorized Dealer Bank play in ODI?
The AD Bank acts as the primary intermediary. They verify documentation, process remittances, and submit mandatory reports to the RBI on your behalf.
Can Indian companies invest in multiple foreign subsidiaries?
Yes, Indian entities may invest in multiple overseas entities, provided each investment independently complies with ODI rules and net worth limits.
Is professional assistance recommended for ODI filing?
Yes, given the complexity of FEMA regulations, valuation norms, and strict reporting deadlines, professional assistance helps mitigate the risk of regulatory errors and financial penalties.
Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) through Automatic and Approval Route
Start your ODI filing and approval route applications at just 49,999/- only.
Ebizfiling assists businesses in overseas direct investment ODI, ODI compliance, and ODI approval route filing with accuracy.
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