As per FDI regulation a person resident outside India other than NRIs/PIO may make an application and seek prior approval of Reserve Bank for making investment by way of contribution to the capital of a firm or a proprietorship concern or any association of persons in India. The application will be decided in consultation with the Government of India.

A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) or a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) resident outside India may however can invest (without approval) by way of contribution to the capital of a firm or a proprietary concern in India on non-repatriation basis provided;

(a) Amount is invested by inward remittance or out of NRE/FCNR(B)/NRO account maintained with Authorized Dealers / Authorized banks.

(b) The firm or proprietary concern is not engaged in any agricultural/plantation or real estate business or print media sector.

(c) Amount invested shall not be eligible for repatriation outside India.

NRIs/PIO may seek prior permission of Reserve Bank for investment in sole proprietorship concerns/partnership firms with repatriation benefits. The application is decided in consultation with the Government of India.

An NRI or PIO is, however not allowed to invest in a firm or proprietorship concern engaged in any agricultural/plantation activity or real estate business (i.e. dealing in land and immovable property with a view to earning profit or earning income there from) or engaged in Print Media.