The GCC Setup Checklist.

Before you incorporate

• Decide the entity: wholly-owned subsidiary, LLP, or branch office — for almost every GCC, this is a subsidiary.
• Confirm the funding route: equity, or equity plus external commercial borrowing (ECB).
• Choose the city and scheme (SEZ / STPI / non-STPI DTA) based on function, not just cost.

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Incorporation

• File incorporation documents (SPICe+) with the MCA.
• Obtain the Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, and TAN.
• Open the entity's Indian bank account.

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FEMA & RBI reporting

• Receive the inward remittance and obtain the FIRC from the bank.
• Obtain the valuation certificate (SEBI-registered merchant banker or CA, depending on pricing method).
• File the FC-GPR within 30 days of share allotment — figures must match the FIRC and valuation certificate exactly.

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Statutory registrations

• GST registration, if applicable to the entity's activity.
• Professional tax and Shops & Establishment registration for the state of operation.
• PF (Provident Fund) and ESI (Employee State Insurance) registration before the first hire.

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First hires & payroll

• Finalise the appointment letter template, including IP assignment clauses.
• Set up payroll processing and statutory withholding (TDS) before the first salary run.
• Confirm the employment contract's non-compete and confidentiality provisions are enforceable under Indian law.

Ongoing governance

• Set the transfer pricing policy for related-party transactions with the parent (cost-plus is the default for most GCCs).
• Calendar board meetings at the frequency required under the Companies Act.
• Maintain the statutory registers and minutes required for audit readiness.

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