Set up your Representative Office
in India
We specialize in helping global companies establish and manage their Representative Offices in India. From setup to ongoing compliance, expat secondments, and Employer of Record (EOR) solutions, we ensure your India operations stay compliant, efficient, and hassle-free.
Which Type of Representative Office is Right for You in India?
Why Set Up a Liaison Office in India?
- Suitable for representing parent company without generating income in India
- No direct taxation or permanent establishment (PE) risks if activities stay within RBI guidelines
- Allows coordination with Indian suppliers, customers, and stakeholders
- Facilitates market research, brand visibility, and communication with HQ
Why Set Up a Branch Office in India?
- Can invoice Indian clients and generate revenue
- Authorized for activities like consultancy, R&D, export/import, and tech support
- Direct hiring of Indian employees permitted
- Builds a stronger operational footprint without full incorporation
Why Set Up a Project Office in India?
- Enables temporary setup to execute specific-funded contracts without forming a subsidiary
- Temporary presence without the burden of long-term compliance
- No full entity required- compliant with FEMA regulations
- Easy wind-up post project completion with minimal obligations
Common Challenges Representative Offices Face in India
Complex Compliance Requirements
Requires multiple authority approvals and management of frequent compliance filings and obligations, demanding consistent oversight to remain compliant.
Limited Operational Support
Restricted to approved activities, these entities cannot engage in full-scale commercial operations, limiting service expansion and business growth.
HR & Staffing Challenges
Managing local workforce, payroll, and benefits under Indian laws, while aligning with parent company’s HR policies, can be complex due to regulatory and cultural differences.
Financial and Taxation Constraints
Dependent on parent company funding, these offices operate under strict financial controls, with strict accounting and tax filing compliance reqirements adding to the administrative burden.
Our Specialised Solutions
We provide end-to-end support for your India operations
Compliance Management & Statutory Filings
Stay fully compliant with Indian laws across RBI, FEMA, MCA, and Income Tax.
- Timely submission of AAC, FLA Return and Form 49C(for LO’s)
- Filing of Form FC-3, FC-4 and annual income tax returns
- Ongoing support for regulatory changes and extensions
Payroll, Staffing & Employer of Record (EOR)
Manage your Indian team without setting up a full legal entity.
- Hire local and expatriate staff through our EOR platform
- Full payroll processing, tax and social security withholdings
- Avoid permanent establishment risk while retaining control
Expatriate Management & Secondment Support
Streamline the complexities of moving or managing foreign employees in India.
- Visa processing, FRRO registration, and PAN assistance
- Monthly TDS, annual tax filing, and social security compliance
- Ongoing advisory for secondments and outbound assignments
Local Infrastructure, Address & Logistics
Everything you need to operate your Representative Office efficiently.
- Virtual office setup with registered address required for registration
- Workspace, Commute, IT infrastructure, and administrative support
- Vendor coordination and onboarding for your local team
Expert Insights on Liaison Offices in India
Explore our curated guides and expert analyses to deepen your understanding of Liaison Office setup, compliance, and alternatives in India.
Representative Office or Employer of Record (EOR) - Which is the best for you?
Expat Orbit Advantage For Your Business Success In India
Unmatched customisation and expertise across any stage of your expansion into India
Customised, hands-on advisory for India market entry, with support in managing compliances, day-to-day operations, hiring, and payroll-tailored to your unique business needs.
Your one-stop partner for EOR, PEO, entity setup, and global mobility solutions, supporting your transition between domestic and global hiring models as your organisation grows.
Extensive local expertise in India’s complex compliance landscape, backed by Big 4-experienced consultants with over 20 years of global mobility and cross-border advisory.
Our Happy Clients On Our Services
Satisfactorily serving global companies, remote employees and expats, across all stages of international expansion
