Set Up a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India

Overview

Seraphic Advisors provides comprehensive legal and regulatory advisory to multinational corporations seeking to set up a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India. We assist global enterprises in structuring, establishing, and operating GCCs in compliance with Indian corporate, foreign exchange, labour, tax, data protection, and regulatory frameworks. Global Capability Centres in India have evolved from cost-arbitrage units into strategic hubs supporting technology development, research and development, data analytics, finance, compliance, and global operations. While India offers a mature ecosystem for GCCs, setting up a GCC in India involves navigating complex legal, regulatory, and operational considerations. Our team works closely with global promoters, legal teams, and senior management to deliver structured, compliant, and scalable GCC setup solutions aligned with long-term global business objectives.

GCC Setup Advisory in India

Setting up a GCC in India requires careful evaluation of the appropriate operating model, entity structure, regulatory approvals, workforce framework, and tax positioning. Seraphic Advisors advises clients across the full lifecycle of GCC establishment, from initial planning to operationalisation and ongoing compliance.

End-to-end GCC lifecycle advisory
Greenfield, captive, BOT, and hybrid setup support
Regulatory certainty and compliance mapping
Operational and growth-aligned implementation

We provide end-to-end advisory for greenfield GCC setups, captive centres, BOT models, and hybrid structures, ensuring regulatory certainty while supporting growth, control, and operational efficiency.

Start GCC Setup

GCC Operating Models and Structures

Our advisory on setting up a GCC in India includes evaluation and implementation of suitable operating models, including:

Wholly Owned Captive GCCs
Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Models
Hybrid GCC Structures
Joint Venture-Based GCCs
GCCs within SEZs, STPI units, and IFSC (GIFT City)

We assess control requirements, investment exposure, compliance obligations, scalability, and exit considerations before recommending an appropriate model.

Select Operating Model

Entity Formation and Corporate Structuring

Seraphic Advisors assists clients with entity formation and structuring for GCC operations in India, including:

Incorporation of wholly owned subsidiaries
Branch, liaison, and project office advisory
Joint venture structuring
Drafting constitutional documents
Shareholding and capital structuring
Board composition and governance advisory

Our advisory ensures compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and applicable sectoral regulations.

Structure GCC Entity

Entity Formation and Corporate Structuring

Foreign Investment and FEMA Compliance

Foreign entities setting up GCCs in India must comply with India's foreign exchange framework. Our services include:

FDI structuring under India's FDI policy
Advisory under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)
RBI filings and foreign investment reporting
Sectoral approval advisory, where applicable
Cross-border funding and repatriation structuring

We help clients structure GCC investments in a compliant and tax-efficient manner.

Plan FDI and FEMA

Employment and Labour Law Framework

A critical aspect of setting up a GCC in India is workforce structuring and labour compliance. We advise on:

Employment agreements and HR policies
Secondment and global mobility structures
Compliance with central and state labour laws
ESOP and incentive frameworks
Workforce restructuring and scaling advisory

Our approach balances regulatory compliance with commercial workforce objectives.

Design Workforce Framework

Tax, Transfer Pricing, and Operational Structuring

GCC operations in India involve ongoing tax and pricing considerations. Our advisory includes:

Transfer pricing framework and documentation
Permanent establishment risk assessment
GST applicability and structuring
Inter-company service agreements
Cost allocation and operational pricing models

We work closely with tax advisors to ensure legally sound and defensible structures.

Align Tax and Pricing

Data Protection, IP, and Technology Advisory

GCCs often handle sensitive data, proprietary technology, and intellectual property. Seraphic Advisors advises on:

Compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
Cross-border data transfers and governance
IP ownership and assignment frameworks
Technology licensing and development agreements
Cybersecurity and internal governance policies

This ensures protection of global IP and regulatory compliance.

Secure Data and IP

Data Protection, IP, and Technology Advisory

Ongoing Compliance and Governance Support

Beyond setup, we provide continuous legal support to GCCs in India, including:

Corporate secretarial compliance
Statutory filings and regulatory reporting
Board and shareholder governance
Risk management and compliance audits
Expansion, restructuring, and exit advisory

Our continuous advisory helps maintain regulatory discipline while enabling scalable and resilient GCC operations.

Maintain GCC Compliance

Industries We Support

Our GCC advisory supports multinational corporations across industries, including:

Technology and software services
Financial services and fintech
Healthcare and life sciences
Manufacturing and engineering
Media, telecom, and digital services

We tailor GCC setup and governance strategy to sector-specific regulatory and operational realities.

Explore Industry Advisory

Our Expertise

Our GCC practice provides integrated advisory for multinational clients across structuring, regulation, and operations.

Global Capability Centre setup advisory
Entity structuring and incorporation
FDI and FEMA compliance
Employment and labour law advisory
Transfer pricing and tax structuring
Data protection and IP governance
Ongoing regulatory compliance

We deliver practical and defensible legal frameworks to support long-term GCC growth in India.

View GCC Expertise

Our Locations

Set Up a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India Lawyers Across India

Industry Legal Services - Business and corporate legal advisory across industries

GCC Advisory in Bangalore

Technology and R&D centres
Product and innovation-led GCC structuring

GCC Advisory in Hyderabad

Engineering and analytics hubs
Scale-up governance and operational compliance

GCC Advisory in Delhi-NCR

Regulatory and shared services centres
FDI/FEMA and policy-linked advisory

GCC Advisory in Mumbai

Finance and compliance operations
Commercial structuring and governance support

GCC Advisory in GIFT City

IFSC and global in-house centres
Regulatory eligibility and setup support

Why Choose Us

Experienced cross-border corporate advisory team

Integrated legal support across GCC lifecycle

Strong regulatory and compliance expertise

Commercially aligned structuring solutions

Pan-India execution capability

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Global Capability Centre (GCC)?

A GCC is an offshore centre established by a multinational corporation to perform strategic functions such as IT, R&D, analytics, finance, and global operations.

Can a foreign company set up a GCC in India?

Yes. Foreign companies can set up GCCs in India through wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, or other permitted structures, subject to regulatory compliance.

What is the preferred structure for setting up a GCC in India?

Wholly owned subsidiaries are commonly preferred, but the appropriate structure depends on control, tax, and operational considerations.

Do GCCs require FDI approvals?

Many sectors permit 100% FDI under the automatic route, while some require sectoral approvals.

How long does it take to set up a GCC in India?

Timelines vary based on structure and approvals, but incorporation and initial setup can typically be completed within a few weeks.

Are labour laws applicable to GCC employees in India?

Yes. GCC employees are governed by Indian labour and employment laws.

Do GCCs need to comply with data protection laws in India?

Yes. GCCs must comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and applicable IT regulations.

Can GCCs operate from SEZs or GIFT City?

Yes. GCCs may operate from SEZs or the IFSC (GIFT City), subject to eligibility and compliance.

Do you provide ongoing compliance support for GCCs?

Yes. We provide continuous compliance, governance, and advisory support.

Do you advise GCCs across India?

Yes. We provide pan-India GCC advisory through offices in major commercial centres.

Set Up a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India

Overview

GCC Setup Advisory in India

End-to-end GCC lifecycle advisory
Greenfield, captive, BOT, and hybrid setup support
Regulatory certainty and compliance mapping
Operational and growth-aligned implementation

Start GCC Setup

GCC Operating Models and Structures

Our advisory on setting up a GCC in India includes evaluation and implementation of suitable operating models, including:

Wholly Owned Captive GCCs
Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Models
Hybrid GCC Structures
Joint Venture-Based GCCs
GCCs within SEZs, STPI units, and IFSC (GIFT City)

We assess control requirements, investment exposure, compliance obligations, scalability, and exit considerations before recommending an appropriate model.

Select Operating Model

Entity Formation and Corporate Structuring

Seraphic Advisors assists clients with entity formation and structuring for GCC operations in India, including:

Incorporation of wholly owned subsidiaries
Branch, liaison, and project office advisory
Joint venture structuring
Drafting constitutional documents
Shareholding and capital structuring
Board composition and governance advisory

Our advisory ensures compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and applicable sectoral regulations.

Structure GCC Entity

Foreign Investment and FEMA Compliance

Foreign entities setting up GCCs in India must comply with India's foreign exchange framework. Our services include:

FDI structuring under India's FDI policy
Advisory under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)
RBI filings and foreign investment reporting
Sectoral approval advisory, where applicable
Cross-border funding and repatriation structuring

We help clients structure GCC investments in a compliant and tax-efficient manner.

Plan FDI and FEMA

Employment and Labour Law Framework

A critical aspect of setting up a GCC in India is workforce structuring and labour compliance. We advise on:

Employment agreements and HR policies
Secondment and global mobility structures
Compliance with central and state labour laws
ESOP and incentive frameworks
Workforce restructuring and scaling advisory

Our approach balances regulatory compliance with commercial workforce objectives.

Design Workforce Framework

Tax, Transfer Pricing, and Operational Structuring

GCC operations in India involve ongoing tax and pricing considerations. Our advisory includes:

Transfer pricing framework and documentation
Permanent establishment risk assessment
GST applicability and structuring
Inter-company service agreements
Cost allocation and operational pricing models

We work closely with tax advisors to ensure legally sound and defensible structures.

Align Tax and Pricing

Data Protection, IP, and Technology Advisory

GCCs often handle sensitive data, proprietary technology, and intellectual property. Seraphic Advisors advises on:

Compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
Cross-border data transfers and governance
IP ownership and assignment frameworks
Technology licensing and development agreements
Cybersecurity and internal governance policies

This ensures protection of global IP and regulatory compliance.

Secure Data and IP

Ongoing Compliance and Governance Support

Beyond setup, we provide continuous legal support to GCCs in India, including:

Corporate secretarial compliance
Statutory filings and regulatory reporting
Board and shareholder governance
Risk management and compliance audits
Expansion, restructuring, and exit advisory

Our continuous advisory helps maintain regulatory discipline while enabling scalable and resilient GCC operations.

Maintain GCC Compliance

Industries We Support

Our GCC advisory supports multinational corporations across industries, including:

Technology and software services
Financial services and fintech
Healthcare and life sciences
Manufacturing and engineering
Media, telecom, and digital services

We tailor GCC setup and governance strategy to sector-specific regulatory and operational realities.

Explore Industry Advisory

Our Expertise

Our GCC practice provides integrated advisory for multinational clients across structuring, regulation, and operations.

Global Capability Centre setup advisory
Entity structuring and incorporation
FDI and FEMA compliance
Employment and labour law advisory
Transfer pricing and tax structuring
Data protection and IP governance
Ongoing regulatory compliance

We deliver practical and defensible legal frameworks to support long-term GCC growth in India.

View GCC Expertise

Our Locations

Set Up a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India Lawyers Across India

GCC Advisory in Bangalore

Technology and R&D centres
Product and innovation-led GCC structuring

GCC Advisory in Hyderabad

Engineering and analytics hubs
Scale-up governance and operational compliance

GCC Advisory in Delhi-NCR

Regulatory and shared services centres
FDI/FEMA and policy-linked advisory

GCC Advisory in Mumbai

Finance and compliance operations
Commercial structuring and governance support

GCC Advisory in GIFT City

IFSC and global in-house centres
Regulatory eligibility and setup support

Why Choose Us

Experienced cross-border corporate advisory team

Integrated legal support across GCC lifecycle

Strong regulatory and compliance expertise

Commercially aligned structuring solutions

Pan-India execution capability

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Global Capability Centre (GCC)?

A GCC is an offshore centre established by a multinational corporation to perform strategic functions such as IT, R&D, analytics, finance, and global operations.

Can a foreign company set up a GCC in India?

Yes. Foreign companies can set up GCCs in India through wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, or other permitted structures, subject to regulatory compliance.

What is the preferred structure for setting up a GCC in India?

Wholly owned subsidiaries are commonly preferred, but the appropriate structure depends on control, tax, and operational considerations.

Do GCCs require FDI approvals?

Many sectors permit 100% FDI under the automatic route, while some require sectoral approvals.

How long does it take to set up a GCC in India?

Timelines vary based on structure and approvals, but incorporation and initial setup can typically be completed within a few weeks.

Are labour laws applicable to GCC employees in India?

Yes. GCC employees are governed by Indian labour and employment laws.

Do GCCs need to comply with data protection laws in India?

Yes. GCCs must comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and applicable IT regulations.

Can GCCs operate from SEZs or GIFT City?

Yes. GCCs may operate from SEZs or the IFSC (GIFT City), subject to eligibility and compliance.

Do you provide ongoing compliance support for GCCs?

Yes. We provide continuous compliance, governance, and advisory support.

Do you advise GCCs across India?

Yes. We provide pan-India GCC advisory through offices in major commercial centres.

Overview

GCC Setup Advisory in India

GCC Operating Models and Structures

Entity Formation and Corporate Structuring

Foreign Investment and FEMA Compliance

Employment and Labour Law Framework

Tax, Transfer Pricing, and Operational Structuring

Data Protection, IP, and Technology Advisory

Ongoing Compliance and Governance Support

Industries We Support

Our Expertise

Set Up a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India Lawyers Across India

GCC Advisory in Bangalore

GCC Advisory in Hyderabad

GCC Advisory in Delhi-NCR

GCC Advisory in Mumbai

GCC Advisory in GIFT City

Why Choose Us

Experienced cross-border corporate advisory team

Integrated legal support across GCC lifecycle

Strong regulatory and compliance expertise

Commercially aligned structuring solutions

Pan-India execution capability

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Overview

GCC Setup Advisory in India

GCC Operating Models and Structures

Entity Formation and Corporate Structuring

Foreign Investment and FEMA Compliance

Employment and Labour Law Framework

Tax, Transfer Pricing, and Operational Structuring

Data Protection, IP, and Technology Advisory

Ongoing Compliance and Governance Support

Industries We Support

Our Expertise

Set Up a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India Lawyers Across India

GCC Advisory in Bangalore

GCC Advisory in Hyderabad

GCC Advisory in Delhi-NCR

GCC Advisory in Mumbai

GCC Advisory in GIFT City

Why Choose Us

Experienced cross-border corporate advisory team

Integrated legal support across GCC lifecycle

Strong regulatory and compliance expertise

Commercially aligned structuring solutions

Pan-India execution capability

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)