Approvals and registrations
The table lists the approvals and registrations specific to technology businesses. Incorporation, FDI reporting (FC-GPR) and the standard company registrations are covered under incorporation and approvals and timelines.
| Approval or registration | Authority and portal | When it is needed |
|---|---|---|
| STP unit approval | Director of the regional Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) centre | For units exporting software or IT-enabled services over data links. Needs an IEC and an export contract; the unit then signs an export obligation agreement. Domestic sales allowed up to 50% of exports. |
| SEZ unit approvals | Development Commissioner of the SEZ | For IT/ITeS units in an SEZ. Rule 43A (2022) allows work from home for up to 50% of staff for up to one year; the Development Commissioner can extend both. |
| Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) | Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) | Needed for STP approval and for imports of equipment; Invest India lists it among standard approvals. |
| GST registration | GST portal | Before making taxable supplies; Invest India lists it among standard approvals. |
| Telecom authorisation | Department of Telecommunications | Needed to establish, operate, maintain or expand a telecommunication network or to possess radio equipment, for example as an internet service provider. |
| Personal data compliance | Data Protection Board of India | No registration, but the DPDP Rules 2025 phase in: Board from 13 November 2025, consent managers from 13 November 2026, core duties from 13 May 2027. |
| Online game registration | Online Gaming Authority of India | Online money games are prohibited. Registration applies to e-sports and to online social games in categories the government notifies. The Act and its Rules came into force on 1 May 2026. |
| Notification for the data-centre tax exemption | Central Government (income tax) | A foreign cloud company must be notified, sell to Indian users only through an Indian reseller company and furnish prescribed information. |
Timelines
Timelines vary by authority and case; the brochure fixes none for the sector-specific approvals above. The incorporation sequence carries the fixed periods that do exist: shares allotted within 60 days of receipt of capital, Form FC-GPR within 30 days of issue, declaration of commencement within 180 days, and automated GST registration within three working days for low-risk applicants. See the set-up roadmap.
Choosing between STP, SEZ and a domestic unit
- STP unit. Approved by the regional STPI Director. Needs an IEC and an export contract, then signs an export obligation agreement. Gives export-unit status, customs duty exemption on imports and export certification; domestic sales are allowed up to 50% of exports.
- SEZ unit. Approved by the zone’s Development Commissioner. Rule 43A (2022) permits work from home for up to 50% of staff for up to one year, extendable by the Development Commissioner.
- Domestic unit. No export obligation; standard registrations only.
Data protection
The DPDP Rules 2025 were notified on 13 November 2025 and phase in over 18 months. The Data Protection Board of India started at once; consent managers register from 13 November 2026; core obligations on notice, consent and breach reporting apply from 13 May 2027. Penalties reach ₹250 crore for failing to take reasonable security safeguards. Cross-border transfers are allowed by default unless restricted by government notification. See what to watch.
Online gaming
Notifications of 22 April 2026 brought the 2025 Act and its Rules into force from 1 May 2026 and set up the Online Gaming Authority of India. Online money games are prohibited. E-sports, and online social games in categories the government notifies, register with the Authority (PIB, Apr 2026; Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, 25 Apr 2026).
What to check next
- Decide STP, SEZ or domestic unit before you sign a lease; the registration path and the export obligation differ.
- Obtain the IEC before applying for STP approval; it is a precondition.
- Register for GST before making any taxable supply.
- If any part of the business offers games, test the product against the money-game prohibition and the notified categories.
- Set internal milestones for the DPDP dates of 13 November 2026 and 13 May 2027.