A representative window for a foreign company in India.
A Liaison Office (also called a Representative Office) acts purely as a communication channel between a foreign parent company and Indian customers or partners. It cannot undertake any commercial, trading or industrial activity and cannot earn income in India — all its expenses must be met through inward remittances from the parent. Typical functions include representing the parent, promoting exports/imports, promoting technical or financial collaborations, and coordinating between the head office and Indian businesses. Approval is granted by the RBI through an AD Category-I bank, and the parent must usually show a profit-making track record and adequate net worth.
Foreign companies wanting a market-presence and coordination office without commercial operations.
Timelines and government fees are indicative and subject to processing by the relevant authority. Approval and its timing are decided by the authority and cannot be guaranteed.
No. It cannot undertake commercial activity; all costs are funded by the parent through remittances.
Usually three years, renewable, subject to RBI conditions and annual activity certificates.
A branch can trade and earn income; a liaison office is purely representative and non-revenue.
Tax Guider — A unit of Corpzen Advisors Private Limited, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
+91 86950 08695 · info@taxguider.in · Mon – Sat · 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM