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本文由律咖网社群读者 quoll 投稿分享。
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I’m quoll — 21, from Fuzhou, graduated in HR management, and right now, I’m running a small batch of day-to-day skincare products out of Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

I didn’t come here for the beaches. I came because the paperwork was quieter than in Goa, and the rent was half of what I’d pay in Surat.

But last week, when I walked into the Daman District Industries Center to apply for my Business License (Udyam Registration), I asked the clerk:

“Can I pay with a credit card?”

He looked at me like I’d just asked if I could pay with Amazon gift cards.

And that’s when I realized — I’m not just trying to start a business. I’m trying to navigate a system that still runs on ink, stamps, and cash.

Why this matters — even if you’re not in Daman

Most of us Chinese entrepreneurs in India aren’t setting up factories. We’re small-scale traders, dropshippers, or private-label makers. We’re not Alibaba giants. We’re the ones trying to get 500 units of face wash through customs, register a company name that doesn’t already exist, and pay for it without getting charged 5% extra for “processing fees.”

In Daman, the Business License (Udyam Registration) is the first real hurdle. It’s free to apply online, but here’s the catch:

  • You need a GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number)
  • You need a bank account in India
  • You need to verify your address — which means a local rental agreement, or a letter from a registered landlord

And yes — you can apply online at udyamregistration.gov.in. But here’s what nobody tells you:

The final step — payment — often still requires cash or demand draft.

I checked three government portals. I called the Daman District Industries Office twice. I even asked a local lawyer I met at a chai stall.

No one could confirm if credit cards were accepted.

So I went in person.

I brought my Visa card. My Mastercard. My UnionPay.

The clerk said:

“We don’t have a card machine here. We take cash or bank transfer.”

I asked: “Can I transfer from my Indian bank account?”
He nodded.

“Yes. But only if it’s a local account. Not NRE. Not foreign.”

I didn’t have one.

So I walked to the State Bank of India branch, opened a current account with ₹2,000 as minimum balance, and transferred ₹500 to the government portal’s designated account.

Three days later, my Udyam Registration PDF landed in my inbox.

No credit card. No surprise. Just patience.

Three things I learned — and wish I knew before I came

  1. The system is digital on paper, but analog in practice
    You can fill out the Udyam form online, but the moment you need to pay or verify, you’re back to physical documents. Even if you’re in a union territory like Daman, local offices still rely on printed forms and wet signatures.

  2. Your Chinese bank card won’t work — even if it’s Visa/Mastercard
    Most Indian government portals don’t accept foreign cards for payments. Even if the site says “Pay via Card,” it usually redirects to NPCI-based UPI or domestic bank gateways.

  3. The real gatekeeper isn’t the website — it’s the clerk
    I’ve seen people wait 17 days because a clerk forgot to upload their document. No one emails you. No one calls. You have to go back.

So here’s what I do now:

  • I keep ₹3,000 cash in my wallet — always.
  • I’ve saved the contact number of the Daman District Industries Office: +91-832-224-1122.
  • I call them every Tuesday morning. That’s when they say they’re “least busy.”

🤔 FAQ: Common questions from fellow entrepreneurs

Q: Can I use my Chinese credit card to pay for India’s business license?
A: Unlikely. Most state portals (including Daman’s) only accept:

  • Local bank transfers (NEFT/RTGS)
  • UPI (if you have an Indian phone + bank account)
  • Cash at designated collection centers
    No foreign card gateways are listed on udyamregistration.gov.in. Always check the “Payment Options” section before submitting.

Q: Do I need to be physically present in Daman to apply?
A: No — you can apply online. But if your address proof is from China, you’ll need a local guarantor or rental agreement. Many use a friend’s address in Daman or hire a virtual office service (cost: ₹1,500–3,000/month).

Q: Is Udyam Registration the same as a business license?
A: Yes — in India, Udyam Registration is the official micro/small enterprise certificate. It’s not a “license to operate,” but it’s required for:

  • Government tenders
  • Bank loans
  • GST subsidies
  • Export documentation
    It’s not a substitute for a Shop & Establishment license — you need both if you’re renting a physical space.

✅ My 4 practical tips for anyone applying in Daman (or anywhere in India)

  1. Get a local bank account first — even if you don’t plan to use it daily. SBI or PNB are easiest for foreigners. Bring your passport, visa, rental agreement, and a reference letter from your Indian contact.
  2. Use UPI for small payments — if you have a local SIM, link your bank to PhonePe or Google Pay. Many clerks now accept UPI screenshots as proof of payment.
  3. Print everything — twice — government offices love paper. Even if you apply online, carry printed copies of your Aadhaar, GSTIN, and Udyam application.
  4. Go early, go local — visit the office before 10 a.m. Bring chai for the clerk. Ask for “Sri. Rajesh” — he’s the one who handles foreign applicants. He doesn’t speak English well, but he knows the system.

I’m not here to sell you a “secret trick.” There isn’t one.

What I found is that the people who succeed in India aren’t the ones with the most money. They’re the ones who show up. Again. And again.

I used to think “digital” meant fast. Now I know: in India, “digital” often just means “you don’t have to stand in line for the form.” The waiting? Still happens.

I’m still testing my product line. Still losing sleep over inventory. Still wondering if I’ll break even this month.

But I got my license.

And I didn’t need a credit card.

I just needed to be there.

If this felt helpful — even just a little — you’re not alone.

I’ve been in your shoes.

I know how lonely it gets when you’re trying to build something from scratch, halfway across the world, with no one to ask.

That’s why I share this.

If you’re in India right now — whether you’re in Daman, Jaipur, or Bangalore — and you’re stuck on paperwork, visas, or bank accounts…

You can message JingJing on WeChat: lvga2015.

She’s not a lawyer. She doesn’t guarantee results.

But she’s helped dozens of people like me — just by listening, asking the right questions, and pointing them to the right place.

No hype. No promises. Just real talk.

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