Types of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)Explained

When a company plans to grow outside its home country, it steps into foreign direct investment. This move helps a business build or buy operations in another market and gain long-term stability.

At its core, FDI is about taking real ownership in a foreign business. Through this companies can easily expand into new markets and can also acquire funds for supply chain, research, and other operations. 

But before making the move, every business must understand which path suits them. In this guide, you will learn the key types of FDI, how foreign direct investment types work, and where common FDI types fit in global expansion.

What Is FDI?

Foreign Direct Investment, or FDI, is one of the forms of investment. It is when a company or investor from one country puts money into a business in another country. The main aim of the FDI is to help in gaining control, ownership, or long-term influence. It is not just buying shares. It involves building facilities, opening branches, or acquiring an existing company.

FDI helps firms enter new markets and create stable global partnerships. The key features of the FDI are as follows:

• Investor gains ownership or controlling interest
• Long-term commitment to foreign operations
• Involves physical assets such as factories, offices, or acquisitions
• Allows direct decision-making power in the business
• Helps companies strengthen their global expansion plans

How FDI Works

FDI works when a company invests in another country and becomes directly involved in running the business. This can be done by buying an existing firm, opening a new unit, or forming a joint venture. The goal is long-term control, ownership, and steady expansion in the foreign market.

Now, to understand FDI better, it is important to know the works, which are as follows:

Step 1: Understand the Target Market

The company studies the country’s demand first. This is followed by knowing the rules, labour costs, taxes, and competition. This helps to see if expansion is practical.

Step 2: Select the Entry Route

If the results are positive, the company chooses to enter the market. The company now needs to decide on how to enter the market. This can be through partnership, merger, or even acquisition. The choice is based on the model that best matches. Opening a new unit altogether is also a choice.

Step 3: Allocate the Investment

Based on the choice of the route, the company commits capital. This is mainly to purchase assets, set up facilities, or buy a stake in the local business. This investment is basically to purchase the stake which offers you share access. This is what we call FDI.

Step 4: Obtain Ownership and Control

The investor secures voting rights, management control, or majority ownership to influence business decisions. This is one of the most important aspects that you must consider. It also involved certain rules and regulations to be implemented to ensure the rights of both parties are managed.

Step 5: Begin Operations

The new or acquired unit starts functioning with staff, production, services, and local compliance in place. As the operations begin, the company gain access to the local markets. This is mainly achieved by selling their products and services. 

Step 6: Monitor and Expand

The investor manages performance. They support in making strategic decisions for future growth opportunities in the host country. Based on the changes in the local market, demand, and other aspects, changes in the plan are made. This ensures there is positive growth.

Read Also: What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of FDI?

Factors That Affect FDI

When a company invests in another country, several conditions shape how attractive and viable that investment is. These factors influence both the amount of FDI and business performance. These include:

• Large and expanding markets that support growth.
• Political and economic factors that impact the reach and implementation.
• Supportive tax rules for better profitability.
• Sector incentives lower the costs of production and operation.
• Access to skilled and affordable labour.
• Strong infrastructure, like transport, power, and digital systems.
• Clear regulations and quick approvals to speed the work.
• Stable currency and open trade policies to reduce risk. 

Types of FDI

Foreign direct investment comes in several forms. But each type supports a different expansion goal. Some help a company enter a new market with the same business, while others strengthen the supply chain or open doors to new industries. Understanding these types of FDI in India helps businesses choose the right path for global growth.

1. Horizontal FDI

Horizontal FDI happens when a company invests in the same line of business abroad that it already operates at home. A cosmetics brand opening retail stores in another country is a good example. This type offers familiarity, as the company works within its existing expertise, product range, and business model. It is one of the most common FDI types because the risk is lower than entering a new industry.

USP: Best for expanding a proven business model into new markets with minimal structural change.

2. Vertical FDI

Vertical FDI involves investing in a foreign business that supports a different stage of the company’s supply chain. Backward vertical FDI focuses on raw materials or component suppliers, while forward vertical FDI focuses on distribution and sales units. This type helps reduce production costs and strengthens supply chain efficiency. It is widely seen among types of foreign direct investment in manufacturing and retail.

USP: Ideal for gaining supply chain control, improving efficiency, and reducing external dependency.

3. Conglomerate FDI

Conglomerate FDI occurs when a company invests in a completely different industry abroad. A healthcare firm investing in a clothing business is one example. This type is often considered riskier. This is mainly because the company is entering an unfamiliar market. But it also helps diversify revenue streams. Also, it reduces sector-specific risks.

USP: Useful for risk diversification and expanding into high-potential but unrelated industries.

4. Platform FDI

Platform FDI is one where a company invest to use the platform of another company. This means a company invests in one foreign country but uses it to export goods or services to other countries. For instance, a firm setting up a plant in India. Now, say it uses it to export products to Southeast Asia. This is often driven by trade agreements, cost advantages, or strategic access to nearby markets.

USP: Best for using a country as a strategic export hub due to cost or trade benefits.

5. Greenfield FDI

Greenfield FDI happens when a company builds new facilities. This is done from scratch in a foreign country. This includes setting up new factories, offices, or distribution centres. It gives complete control over operations, culture, and processes. This is why it requires high investment and time. But at the same time, it offers long-term stability and strong brand presence.

USP: Ideal for full control, job creation, and building operations tailored to the company’s standards.

6. Brownfield FDI

Brownfield FDI occurs when a company acquires or merges with an existing business abroad. This type gives the investor access to ready infrastructure, trained staff, and an existing market presence. It allows quick entry and is often chosen when time or regulatory approvals are critical.

USP: Best for fast market entry with lower setup time and easier access to established operations.

Read Also: FII vs FDI vs FPI: What Is the Difference Between FDI, FII, & FPI

Conclusion

Foreign direct investment supports global business growth. But this is only possible when you select the right types of FDI in India. At the same time, a focus on the amount of investment is also important. 

Using the right approach will ensure that the company grows exponentially and across borders. This is one of the finest ways that can help a company become a global brand. Hence, focus on using FDI to build plans, supply chain, operations, and manage talent. 

When used well, FDI helps companies grow faster and helps countries gain jobs, capital, and better technology. For clearer and useful finance guides, you can always explore more with Pocketful.

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