Incorporating a Private Limited Company in India for a GCC
The step by step path from name reservation to operational entity, in 30 to 45 working days.
A Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.) is the default vehicle for a foreign owned GCC. Two shareholders, two directors (at least one resident Indian), no minimum paid up capital, full limited liability and full Foreign Direct Investment under automatic route.
The end to end timeline
A clean filing takes 30 to 45 working days from kickoff to operational bank account.
- Week 1: Director Identification Number (DIN) and Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for proposed directors.
- Week 2: Name reservation through the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service.
- Weeks 2 to 4: SPICe+ form filing (incorporation, PAN, TAN, GST, EPFO, ESIC, bank account in one shot).
- Weeks 4 to 6: Certificate of Incorporation issued. Apostilled parent documents arrive. Bank account activated.
- Weeks 5 to 7: Shop and Establishment registration, Professional Tax registration, Software Technology Parks of India (if applicable).
Documents from the foreign parent
Board resolution authorising the India subsidiary, Memorandum and Articles of Association, certificate of incorporation, identity and address proofs of directors, all apostilled or notarised per the Hague Convention.
Minimum capital and structure
No minimum paid up capital. Most GCCs start with INR 10 to 50 lakh authorised capital and infuse equity in tranches. Two shareholders required (the foreign parent and a nominee or a second group entity).
Special registrations
Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) registration for export benefits and easier GST refunds. Special Economic Zone (SEZ) unit registration for 100 percent tax holiday for the first 5 years (limited new SEZs post 2020; check current Sunset Clause). Startup India recognition for tax benefits if applicable.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, at least one director must be resident in India for at least 120 days in the financial year. We typically provide a professional nominee director until you appoint your India Managing Director.
USD 6,000 to 12,000 in professional fees and government charges for a clean filing. Add USD 3,000 to 5,000 if you opt for STPI registration.
More from the hub
Headline rates, the 22 percent concessional regime, Minimum Alternate Tax and what a Global Capability Centre actually pays.
Why a GCC is treated as an exporter, how to claim refunds and the Letter of Undertaking mechanism.
How a captive GCC is remunerated by its foreign parent, with the bare minimum compliance burden.
Inbound capital, External Commercial Borrowings, foreign currency accounts and dividend repatriation under the Foreign Exchange Management Act.
Provident Fund, Gratuity, the four Labour Codes and the real fully loaded cost of an India hire.
Need this mapped to your GCC plan?
Book a 30 minute call. We will translate the rules into your specific timeline, structure and cost plan.