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 ModelEntity 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 EntityForeign 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 FEMAEmployment 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 FrameworkTax, 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 PricingData 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 IPOngoing 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 ComplianceIndustries 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 AdvisoryOur 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 ExpertiseOur 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
Integrated legal support across GCC lifecycle
Strong regulatory and compliance expertise
Commercially aligned structuring solutions
Pan-India execution capability
Accreditations & Honors
Industry Recognition
Consistently ranked and recommended by prestigious global legal directories for exemplary counsel, litigation mastery, and client dedication.
1/28