Non-Incorporated Presence
Explore India Before You Commit. Establish a Liaison Office, Branch Office, or Project Office to research the market and build relationships before setting up a full entity.
Office Types
Choose the non-incorporated presence that fits your India strategy
Liaison Office
Represent your company in India for market research, communication, and relationship building. Cannot engage in commercial activity.
- Market research & exploration
- Relationship building
- Brand awareness
- Gather market intelligence
- No commercial revenue
Timeline: 6-10 weeks (RBI approval)
Best For: Companies testing the India market
Branch Office
Carry out business activities as an extension of your parent company. Can earn revenue from export-related activities.
- Export of goods & services
- Professional & consultancy work
- Research activities
- Trade representation
- Revenue generation (limited)
Timeline: 6-10 weeks (RBI approval)
Best For: Service delivery and export contracts
Project Office
Execute a specific project in India. Automatically closed upon project completion.
- Project-specific operations
- Time-bound presence
- Direct project billing
- Equipment import
- Simpler compliance
Timeline: 4-6 weeks
Best For: Specific contracts or EPC projects
Key Considerations
Important factors when choosing a non-incorporated presence
RBI Approval Required
Liaison and Branch offices require approval from the Reserve Bank of India, which adds 4-6 weeks to the process.
Limited Activities
Liaison offices cannot generate revenue in India. Branch offices have activity restrictions. Understand the boundaries.
Path to Full Entity
Non-incorporated presence is often a stepping stone. We help you transition to a Private Limited Company when ready.
Annual Compliance
While lighter than a full entity, non-incorporated offices still have annual reporting requirements to RBI and tax authorities.
Explore India Without Full Commitment
Set up a lightweight presence to test the market and build relationships before scaling.