Liaison Office Registration in India
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What is a Liaison Office (LO)?
A Liaison Office (LO) is a representative office that acts as a communication bridge between a foreign company and India. It is allowed to:
✔ Promote the parent company’s business in India.
✔ Facilitate trade relations between the home country and India.
✔ Conduct market research and explore business opportunities.
✔ Act as a liaison between foreign HQ & Indian clients/suppliers.

Who Can Set Up a Liaison Office in India?
To establish a Liaison Office, the foreign company must
Have a profit-making track record for the last three years.
Maintain a minimum net worth of USD 50,000 (as per audited financials).
Use the LO only for permitted activities (as per RBI rules).
Approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is mandatory before starting operations.
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Process for Liaison Office Registration
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- Submit an application to the RBI through an AD Bank (your chosen Indian bank).
- File Form FNC (Foreign Entity Establishment in India Form) along with required documents.
Approval Time: 4 to 6 weeks.
- Once approved, RBI issues a Unique Identification Number (UIN).
- Your AD Bank must confirm this before proceeding further.
UIN is mandatory for compliance filings.
- File Form FC-1 with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) within 30 days of RBI approval.
- Submit all required company documents.
Delays in filing may lead to penalties under Section 392 of the Companies Act, 2013.
- Apply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN).
- Open a bank account in India (for funding operational expenses).
Only parent company funds (inward remittance) can be used for office expenses.
- Register under Shops & Establishment Act (if required in your state).
- Liaison Offices are generally exempt from GST, as they do not engage in taxable activities.
Compliance with tax & local laws depends on business activity.
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Documents Required from the Foreign Parent Company
To register a Liaison Office (LO) in India, both foreign company documents and India-specific documents are required. Below is the complete list
Certificate of Incorporation
Proof of legal existence of the parent company.Latest Audited Financial Statements
Showing profitability & net worth (minimum USD 50,000).Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA & AOA)
Governing rules of the company.Power of Attorney/Authorization Letter
Appointing a representative for LO registration.Board Resolution
Authorizing the establishment of the Liaison Office in India.KYC of Directors/Authorized Signatories
Passport, residential proof, and company details.Declaration from the Parent Company
Confirming compliance with RBI & FEMA guidelines.Important: All foreign documents must be notarized & apostilled as per Indian law.
Documents Required for the Indian Liaison Office
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Form FNC
Application for RBI approval (filed through AD Bank).PAN & TAN Application
Required for taxation & compliance purposes.Lease/Rent Agreement for Office Premises
Proof of registered office address in India.Authorized Representative’s KYC Documents
Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or other ID proof.Form FC-1
ROC registration form under the Companies Act, 2013.No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Property Owner
If the office is on rent.Tip: Ensure all documents are complete and verified to avoid delays in registration.
Foreign documents must be notarized & apostilled as per Indian laws.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Liaison Office?
A Liaison Office (also known as a Representative Office) is set up by a foreign company in India to carry out non-commercial activities, primarily acting as a communication channel between the parent company abroad and its Indian partners.
What are the permitted activities for a Liaison Office in India?
A Liaison Office in India is allowed to engage in activities such as promoting the parent company's business interests, spreading awareness of the company’s products/services, and facilitating technical/financial collaborations. It cannot undertake any commercial, trading, or industrial activities.
Who approves the establishment of a Liaison Office in India?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) 1999 approves the establishment of Liaison Offices in India.
How can a foreign company apply for a Liaison Office in India?
Applications for setting up a LO are submitted through the AD Category-I bank, which coordinates with the RBI to obtain approval. The application should include the parent company’s financial statement and the proposed activities of the LO.
What is the validity period of the approval for a Liaison Office?
Initially, the approval for a Liaison Office is generally granted for three years, and it can be renewed upon expiry.
Are there any annual compliance requirements for a Liaison Office?
Yes, a Liaison Office must file annual activity certificates, audited financial statements, and comply with other regulatory filings as prescribed by the RBI and the Income Tax authorities.
Can a Liaison Office earn revenue in India?
No, a Liaison Office is not allowed to earn any income in India. Its expenses must be met entirely through inward remittances from the foreign parent company.
What tax obligations apply to a Liaison Office in India?
Even though a Liaison Office cannot earn income in India, it may still need to comply with tax filings such as filing an annual income tax return in India.
How does a company close a Liaison Office in India?
To close a Liaison Office, the company must apply to the RBI through its designated AD Category-I bank, and obtain approval. The office must also ensure that all its legal and tax obligations are fully settled.
Can a Liaison Office be converted into a Joint Venture or Subsidiary in the future?
A Liaison Office cannot directly convert into a Joint Venture or Subsidiary. However, the parent company can incorporate a separate company in India while closing the Liaison Office.