How to Apply for a Foreign Individual & Organization DSC in India: Step-by-Step Guide
- e- Solutions
- Mar 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 12
With the growing global business landscape, many foreign individuals and organizations are engaging in Indian e-commerce, financial transactions, business registrations, and regulatory filings. The Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a crucial tool that enables foreign entities to securely sign online documents and participate in various government and private sector activities in India.
This guide will help foreign individuals and companies understand how to apply for a DSC in India, its benefits, and the required documentation.
What is a Foreign DSC?
A Foreign DSC is a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate issued to:
✅ Foreign Individuals (Non-Residents, NRIs, Foreign Nationals)
✅ Foreign Organizations (Foreign Companies operating in India or engaging in online transactions)
It allows them to:
✔ Digitally sign contracts, tenders, and agreements
✔ File tax returns, MCA forms, and GST filings
✔ Participate in e-Tendering, e-Auctions, and e-Procurements
Who Needs a Foreign DSC in India?
✔ Foreign Investors & Business Owners – Register businesses in India under MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs).
✔ Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) – Sign documents for tax filing, property dealings, and financial transactions.
✔ Foreign Companies – Sign contracts, e-Tenders, and legal documents for Indian operations.
✔ Overseas Directors & Shareholders – Required for company registration and compliance filings
✔ Foreign Professionals – Lawyers, consultants, and service providers working with Indian firms.
💡 If you are involved in Indian business transactions, a DSC is essential for compliance and digital security.
Benefits of Having a Foreign DSC
🔹 Legally Valid & Recognized: DSCs are accepted by all Indian regulatory bodies such as MCA, DGFT, Income Tax, GST, and e-Tendering platforms.
🔹 Paperless & Secure: Replaces the need for physical signatures, ensuring authenticity and data security.
🔹 Required for Business & Tax Compliance: Mandatory for foreign individuals and organizations filing business-related documents in India.
🔹 Efficient & Time-Saving: Facilitates instant online transactions and digital approvals, reducing paperwork and delays.
🔹 International Accessibility: Foreign DSCs enable overseas companies to operate in India without physical presence.
Types of Foreign DSC Available
When applying for a Foreign DSC, you need to choose the right type based on your business requirement:
1️⃣ Class 3 Foreign Individual DSC
🔹 Issued to non-resident individuals, NRIs, or foreign nationals.
🔹 Used for tax filings, contracts, legal documents, and business registrations.
💰 Price: ₹7,000.00
2️⃣ Class 3 Foreign Organization DSC
🔹 Issued to foreign companies, LLPs, or organizations operating in India.
🔹 Used for MCA filings, GST registrations, and e-Tendering participation.
💰 Price: ₹7,500.00
💡 Tip: Both DSC types require a FIPS-certified USB Token for secure storage and usage.
Documents Required for Foreign DSC
To apply for a Foreign DSC, the following documents must be submitted:
For Foreign Individuals:
✔ Passport (Mandatory) – Notarized copy required.
✔ Address Proof – Bank statement, utility bill, or driver’s license.
✔ Photograph – Passport-size photo.
✔ Email & Mobile Verification – OTP-based authentication.
For Foreign Organizations:
✔ Company Incorporation Certificate – Issued in the country of registration.
✔ Board Resolution – Authorizing DSC application.
✔ Authorized Signatory Passport & Address Proof.
✔ Business Address Proof – Utility bill or bank statement.
📌 Note: Documents must be notarized, apostilled, or attested by the Indian Embassy.
How to Apply for a Foreign DSC in India?
Applying for a Foreign DSC is a simple online process. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose an Authorized DSC Provider
Buy from a government-approved DSC provider like e-Solutions Digital Signature Company, which offers paperless Foreign DSC issuance.
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
Upload notarized or apostilled documents online for verification.
Step 3: Complete Mobile & Email Verification
An OTP-based verification ensures authentication.
Step 4: Complete Video Verification
A short video verification is required as per government regulations.
Step 5: Receive Your DSC
Once verified, you’ll receive your DSC in a USB Token, which can be used for signing documents online.
📌 Processing Time: 1-2 working days after successful verification.
How to Use Your Foreign DSC?
After receiving your Foreign Digital Signature Certificate, follow these steps to use it:
✔ Install USB Token Driver – Plug in and install the driver software.
✔ Register on MCA, GST, or e-Tendering Portals – Link DSC for official filings.
✔ Sign Online Documents – Use DSC to sign contracts, tenders, and business applications.
💡 Tip: Keep your USB Token secure and avoid sharing login credentials.
Where to Buy a Foreign DSC Online?
You can buy a Foreign DSC from e-Solutions Digital Signature Company, an authorized provider of Class 3 DSCs for Foreign Individuals & Organizations.
🚀 Why Choose e-Solutions?✔ Authorized Distributor – Trusted partner for XtraTrust, e-Mudhra, and more.
✔ Fastest Processing – Get your Foreign DSC within 1-2 days.
✔ Paperless Application – Complete online verification.
✔ Competitive Pricing – Best rates for Foreign DSCs.
✔ 24/7 Support – Assistance with DSC registration & compliance.
📞 Call Us: +91 7834815997 | 📧 Email: esoldsc@gmail.com
🔗 Buy Foreign DSC Online Now! 👉 Visit e-Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a foreign company apply for a DSC in India?
Yes, foreign companies can apply for a Class 3 DSC by submitting notarized company documents.
2. Can an NRI apply for a DSC in India?
Yes, NRIs can apply for a Foreign Individual DSC using a notarized passport and address proof.
3. How long is a Foreign DSC valid?
Foreign DSCs are typically valid for 2 years. Renewal is required after expiry.
4. Can I use a Foreign DSC for e-Tendering?
Yes, Class 3 Foreign DSCs are required for participating in Indian e-Tendering platforms.
5. What is the cost of a Foreign DSC?
Foreign Individual DSC – ₹7,000.00
Foreign Organization DSC – ₹7,500.00
