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FDI

Investment through equity instruments by a person resident outside India in an unlisted Indian company, or at least 10% of the fully diluted post-issue equity capital of a listed Indian company.

Search terms: Foreign direct investment

A business example

An Indian company proposes to issue shares to an overseas investor.

Follow the exampleFictional business scenario
  1. Transaction facts

    Identify the investor, instrument, sector and proposed rights.

  2. Permissibility review

    Assess the applicable investment route and any restrictions or approvals.

  3. Completion and records

    Align receipt, issue documents and the reporting process.

What this shows

Receiving foreign money is not the only step. The underlying transaction must be assessed before it is treated as a compliant investment.

What it is often confused with

A foreign remittance is not automatically permitted FDI; instrument, sector, investor and route matter.

What to look at in your business

Use the linked guide to assess the transaction and related reporting.

Context and further reading

RBI Master Direction on Foreign Investment in India, paragraphs 2.8–2.9 distinguishes direct from portfolio investment. An existing FDI holding remains FDI if it later falls below 10%; investment permissions and reporting remain separate questions. Reference checked 2 October 2026.

This entry explains the business term. The related guide below provides the next layer of context; any applicable legal test depends on the transaction and relevant period.

FDI route and sector restrictions →

Related terms

IEC

A DGFT business identification code used in the foreign-trade system, with applicability determined by the relevant rules.

Bill of entry

A customs declaration used for imported goods and their assessment and clearance.

Shipping bill

A customs declaration containing details of goods presented for export.