A representative office that can promote the parent's business, gather market information and coordinate — but cannot earn income in India.
Who needs this
- Foreign companies testing the Indian market before committing to a subsidiary.
- Parents that need an India presence for sourcing, quality control or coordination only.
What we do
- Confirm eligibility: profit-making record in the immediately preceding 3 financial years and net worth of at least USD 50,000 (or a parent-company comfort letter where the applicant does not meet this).
- Prepare and file Form FNC through an AD Category-I bank to the RBI; manage bank and RBI queries.
- On approval: obtain the UIN, register with the ROC (Registrar of Companies) (Form FC-1 within 30 days), PAN, TAN, bank account, and state registrations.
- Set up the annual cycle: AAC (Annual Activity Certificate) to the AD bank by 30 September, ROC annual filing (FC-3/FC-4), income-tax return, FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) for expat staff.
- Handle renewal (initial approval is normally for 3 years) and eventual closure or conversion to a subsidiary.
What you receive
- RBI approval letter and UIN; ROC, PAN and TAN registrations.
- Operating do's-and-don'ts note for the LO (what it may and may not do).
- Annual compliance calendar.
Key deadlines / thresholds
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | 3-year profit record; net worth ≥ USD 50,000 |
| ROC registration (FC-1) | Within 30 days of establishment |
| Annual Activity Certificate | By 30 September each year |
| Approval validity | Normally 3 years, extendable |
Documents you'll need
- Certificate of incorporation and charter of the parent, attested by the Indian embassy/notary in the home country
- Audited financial statements of the parent for the last 3 years (English)
- Banker's report from the parent's bank showing the length of relationship
- Board resolution to open the LO and power of attorney to the India representative
- Details of the proposed office and activities; passport and KYC of the authorised signatory
Typical timeline
Typically 6–10 weeks from filing with the bank. Indicative. Government processing times vary.
Download the document checklist (PDF)
Questions we are asked most
Who needs Liaison office?
Foreign companies testing the Indian market before committing to a subsidiary. Parents that need an India presence for sourcing, quality control or coordination only.
How long does Liaison office take?
Typically 6–10 weeks from filing with the bank. Government processing times vary.
What documents do you need for Liaison office?
Certificate of incorporation and charter of the parent, attested by the Indian embassy/notary in the home country. Audited financial statements of the parent for the last 3 years (English). Banker's report from the parent's bank showing the length of relationship. Board resolution to open the LO and power of attorney to the India representative.
Last updated: September 21, 2026.