Develop Android applications and publish

[saisri2k2]

Couple of questions, different scenarios.

Senario: 1) I've developed Android application, Im planning to publish it next month. But, I know it is illegal to do business here in USA with H1B visa. Can we publish an app into market place without having to monetize on it?

Senario 2) If I have to monetize on the App, can I register a company in INdia and run it from there?(so, development + maintenance etc., will be done here in US). Should I even register a company to monetize on the Android app?

What are my options? Thanks.

[richielionel]

Android apps development is very popular business from last 5 years and many people are doing this business across the globe. If you want to sell your android app development services for US clients then you just must registered a small single office in US. You have an option to open big functional office in India and run your business from India to coordinate with US office.

[polles]

You can publish an app on the Google Play Store without monetizing it

[joshmason]

Great questions — a lot of devs on H1B face the same dilemma.

For Scenario 1, yes, you can publish your app without monetizing it — as long as you're not earning income or engaging in "active business," it generally doesn't violate H1B terms.

For Scenario 2, registering a company in India is a valid route. Many people do that and run everything remotely from the US, but make sure the income is legally tied to that Indian entity, not you directly in the US. Also, you don’t have to register a company to monetize — some use platforms like getmodsapk.com or Play Store ad networks with third-party payout arrangements, but it's best to talk to an immigration lawyer just to be safe.

Good luck with the launch!

[finleypritchard]

Yeah, you can publish the app without monetizing it—no issues there on H1B. But if you want to earn from it, setting up a company in India is a good option. Many devs do that, even for apps like instagram. Just be sure to stay within legal and tax guidelines.