What is a Global Capability Centre (GCC)?

A GCC is an offshore centre established by a multinational corporation to perform strategic functions such as technology development, analytics, finance, research and development, compliance, and global operations.

Can a foreign company set up a GCC in India?

Yes. Foreign companies can establish 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 used, although the most suitable structure depends on business objectives, tax considerations, governance requirements, and operational needs.

Do GCCs require FDI approvals?

Many sectors permit 100% foreign investment under the automatic route, while others may require sector-specific approvals.

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

Timelines depend on the structure and approvals involved, but incorporation and initial setup are often completed within a few weeks.

Are labour laws applicable to GCC employees in India?

Yes. GCC employees are subject to applicable Indian labour and employment laws.

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

Yes. GCCs handling personal data must comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and other applicable regulations.

Can GCCs operate from SEZs or GIFT City?

Yes. Eligible GCCs may operate from Special Economic Zones (SEZs) or the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in GIFT City, subject to applicable requirements.

Do you provide ongoing compliance support for GCCs?

Yes. We provide continuing governance, compliance, regulatory reporting, and strategic advisory support.

Do you advise GCCs across India?

Yes. We provide GCC advisory and implementation support across major commercial and technology hubs throughout India.

Setting Up a GCC in India

Overview

Seraphic Advisors provides comprehensive legal and regulatory advisory to multinational corporations seeking assistance with Setting Up a GCC in India. We assist global enterprises in structuring, establishing, and operating Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in compliance with Indian corporate, foreign exchange, labour, tax, data protection, and regulatory frameworks. As GCCs evolve into strategic hubs for technology, analytics, finance, research, and global operations, our team delivers structured, compliant, and scalable solutions aligned with long-term business objectives.

GCC Setup Advisory in India

Setting up a GCC in India requires careful evaluation of operating models, legal structures, regulatory approvals, workforce frameworks, and tax considerations.

India GCC entry strategy
Operating model assessment
Regulatory approvals and compliance planning
Workforce and operational structuring
Cross-border business alignment
Scalability and growth planning
End-to-end GCC establishment support

We provide comprehensive advisory from planning and structuring through operationalisation and long-term compliance support.

Start Your GCC Journey

GCC Operating Models and Structures

Selecting the right operating model is critical to balancing control, efficiency, scalability, and compliance.

Wholly Owned Captive GCCs
Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Models
Hybrid GCC Structures
Joint Venture-Based GCCs
SEZ-based GCC Structures
STPI Units
IFSC (GIFT City) GCC Models

We evaluate investment exposure, governance requirements, operational flexibility, and exit considerations before recommending a suitable structure.

Evaluate GCC Structures

Entity Formation and Corporate Structuring

Our advisors assist multinational corporations with incorporation and legal structuring of GCC operations in India.

Wholly owned subsidiary incorporation
Branch office advisory
Liaison office structuring
Project office setup
Joint venture structuring
Shareholding and capital structuring
Board governance advisory

We ensure all GCC structures comply with the Companies Act, 2013 and applicable sector-specific regulations.

Structure Your GCC Entity

Entity Formation and Corporate Structuring

Foreign Investment and FEMA Compliance

Foreign companies establishing GCCs in India must comply with India's foreign investment and exchange control regulations.

FDI structuring and advisory
FEMA compliance review
RBI filings and reporting
Foreign investment approvals
Sectoral approval advisory
Cross-border funding structures
Profit repatriation planning

Our team helps clients establish GCC investments in a compliant, efficient, and commercially practical manner.

Ensure FEMA Compliance

Employment and Labour Law Framework

Workforce structuring is a critical component of successful GCC operations in India.

Employment agreement drafting
HR policy development
Secondment arrangements
Global mobility structures
Labour law compliance
ESOP and incentive frameworks
Workforce restructuring advisory

We help GCCs create compliant employment frameworks that support recruitment, retention, and operational growth.

Build a Compliant Workforce

Tax, Transfer Pricing and Operational Structuring

GCC operations involve ongoing tax and transfer pricing considerations that require careful planning and documentation.

Transfer pricing framework advisory
Permanent establishment risk assessment
GST structuring support
Inter-company service agreements
Cost allocation models
Operational pricing structures
Tax-efficient operational planning

We work alongside tax professionals to ensure GCC operations remain commercially effective and legally defensible.

Optimise GCC Operations

Data Protection, IP and Technology Advisory

GCCs frequently manage sensitive data, intellectual property, and technology assets that require robust legal safeguards.

Digital Personal Data Protection Act compliance
Cross-border data transfer frameworks
IP ownership and assignment structures
Technology licensing agreements
Software development agreements
Cybersecurity governance policies
Internal technology compliance frameworks

We help clients protect critical intellectual property and maintain compliance with evolving data protection requirements.

Protect Data and IP Assets

Data Protection, IP and Technology Advisory

Ongoing Compliance and Governance Support

Legal and regulatory obligations continue after the GCC becomes operational.

Corporate secretarial compliance
Statutory filings and reporting
Board governance support
Shareholder compliance
Risk management reviews
Compliance audits
Expansion and restructuring advisory

We provide ongoing legal support to ensure GCCs maintain regulatory compliance and operational efficiency throughout their lifecycle.

Maintain GCC Compliance

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