Project Office Registration in India

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Four Steps to Get Your Incorporation Certificate

Fill the Form

Provide business details

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Pay the required fee online

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Basic Plan

₹ 12,999
+GST
  • Company Name Approval
  • DIN for 2 Directors
  • DSC for 2 Directors
  • Company Incorporation Certificate
  • AOA & MOA
  • Company E-PAN & E-TAN
  • Company Master Data
  • Current Account Opening Support
  • Electronic Certificate Delivery

Standard Plan

₹ 15,499
+GST

Basic Plan
+

  • MSME/Udyam Registration
  • INC-22 Filing
  • Issuance of share certificates
  • Hard Copy Certificate Delivery

Premium Plan

₹ 26,499
+GST

Standard Plan
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  • Auditor Appointment
  • INC 20 A Filing
  • Trade License
  • Shops & Establishment License
  • GST Registration
  • Business Letterhead (10 copies)
  • Company Seals

What is a Liaison Office (LO)

A Project Office (PO) is a temporary setup by a foreign company in India to execute a specific project. It acts as an extension of the parent company and can only operate until the project is completed.

Key Features of a Project Office:

  • Established for a specific project only – Cannot engage in general business activities.
  • No separate legal identity – It functions as part of the foreign company.
  • Funded through foreign remittance or project revenues.
  • Must be closed after project completion.

Latest Update (2024): The RBI & Authorized Dealer (AD) Banks have made compliance checks stricter before approving PO registration to ensure regulatory alignment.

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Who Can Set Up a Project Office in India

A foreign company can set up a Project Office under two routes

Process for Project Office Registration

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  • If Automatic Route conditions are not met, apply for RBI approval via an Authorized Dealer (AD) Bank.
  • Submit Form FNC-1 with supporting documents.

Processing Time: RBI approval may take 4-6 weeks.

  • Submit all documents to an Authorized Dealer (AD) Bank, which will review compliance and conduct KYC verification.
  • AD Bank grants approval if conditions are met.

Tip: Choose an AD Bank experienced in handling foreign company setups for smoother processing.

  • File Form FC-1 with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) within 30 days of RBI/AD Bank approval.
  • Submit required documents, including RBI approval and lease agreement.
  • The ROC issues a Corporate Identification Number (CIN) for the PO.

Legal Requirement: Section 380 of the Companies Act, 2013 mandates this registration.

  • Apply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) with the Income Tax Department.
  • Open a dedicated bank account to receive project funds from the parent company.

Tax Compliance: PAN is mandatory for tax payments and financial transactions.

  • If the PO provides taxable services or supplies goods, GST registration is required.
  • Obtain other sector-specific approvals if necessary (e.g., construction projects may need additional clearances).

Latest Rule (2024 Update): The GST department is strictly verifying ITC claims for Project Offices to prevent fraudulent refunds.

Note: Need to Update

Documents Required for Project Office Registration

Company Incorporation & Legal Documents and Project-Specific & Financial Documents

Important: All foreign documents must be notarized & apostilled or consularized for legal validity in India.

Taxation & Compliance for Project Offices

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Tip: Proper tax planning can help avoid double taxation issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Project Office?

A Project Office is a temporary setup by a foreign company in India to execute specific projects. It acts as an extension of the foreign company and is established for the sole purpose of executing a specific project.

What are the permitted activities for a Project Office?

A Project Office is strictly limited to activities related to the specific project for which it is established. It handles the execution of that project, compliance with project-specific legal requirements, and financial management related to the project.

Who regulates the establishment of a Project Office in India?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulates the establishment of Project Offices under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 1999.

How can a foreign company apply for a Project Office in India?

The application to open a Project Office is submitted through an Authorized Dealer (AD) bank to the RBI. The application must detail the project to be executed, including its duration and funding sources.

What documents are required to register a Project Office?

The company needs to submit a detailed application along with the contract or agreement for the project approved by an Indian company or government entity, proof of funding, and the parent company's financials.

What is the validity period of the approval for a Project Office?

The approval is generally granted for the duration of the project. The office must be closed upon the project's completion unless extended or renewed with RBI approval.

Can a Project Office engage in commercial activities?

No, a Project Office cannot undertake any commercial activity other than those directly related to the execution of the specific project.

What are the annual compliance requirements for a Project Office?

A Project Office must file annual activity reports with the RBI, audited financial statements, and comply with tax filings as per Indian regulations.

Can a Project Office remit surplus funds back to its parent company?

Yes, upon the completion of the project, a Project Office can remit surplus funds back to the parent company after obtaining clearance from Indian tax authorities and the RBI.

What happens if the project duration extends?

If the project duration extends beyond the initially approved period, the Project Office must apply for an extension through the RBI with justified reasons and updated project details.