What a liaison office can do.
A liaison office acts as a communication channel between your UK company and Indian parties. Its expenses are met entirely by money sent from the UK. It cannot carry on business, sign contracts on your behalf or earn income in India.
- Represent the UK companyAct as your point of contact in India.
- Promote exports and importsBetween India and the UK.
- Promote collaborationsTechnical and financial collaborations with Indian companies.
- Communication channelBetween the UK company and Indian customers and partners.
- Not allowedAny trading, commercial or industrial activity, or earning income in India.
- FundingOnly through inward remittances from the UK company.
Who is eligible.
Profits in the last three years
A profit-making record in each of the three financial years before applying.
At least USD 50,000
Paid-up capital plus free reserves, less intangibles.
Parent letter of comfort
A UK company that does not qualify can rely on a parent that does.
Special rules
Some sectors, and applicants from certain countries, need further approval.
How we set up your liaison office.
Eligibility and purpose
Track record, net worth and planned activities.
Form FNC through your bank
With apostilled documents, accounts and the bank's report.
RBI approval and UIN
Usually for three years.
ROC, PAN and bank account
Registration as a foreign company with a place of business, and the office bank account.
Annual compliance
Annual Activity Certificate, accounts and the income-tax statement.
Annual compliance.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Activity Certificate | Certified by a Chartered Accountant, confirming only permitted activities were carried out; sent to the AD bank and RBI |
| Audited accounts | Accounts of the liaison office, audited each year |
| Income-tax statement | An annual statement of activities to the Income Tax Department within 60 days of the year end |
| ROC filings | Foreign company filings where the office is registered with the ROC |
| Extension of validity | Can be extended by the AD bank for three years if filings are up to date |
When you are ready to grow.
When the market is proven, many UK companies close the liaison office and set up an Indian subsidiary or a branch office. Closure needs an auditor's certificate, confirmation of no pending liabilities and the AD bank's approval for remitting any balance.
Why UK companies choose us in India.
We work with your UK finance team, lawyers and auditors, and translate Indian requirements into plain English.
Every filing and certificate is checked by a second Chartered Accountant before it goes in.
A written scope, timetable and fee before work starts.
One calendar of every MCA, RBI, GST and income-tax deadline for your Indian entity.
Set-up, accounts, payroll, tax, audit and RBI filings handled together.
Encrypted document sharing and digital signatures. Directors never need to travel.
Liaison offices for UK companies everywhere.
We work with UK companies headquartered in every part of the UK, from start-ups in London and Manchester to established groups in the Midlands, Scotland and Wales. All the work is coordinated online with your UK team.
London
South East
Midlands
North of England
East and South West
Scotland, Wales, NI
Liaison office FAQs.
Want a presence in India before you commit?
Tell us your plans. We will confirm whether a liaison office fits and handle the approval.
This page is general guidance based on the Companies Act, 2013, FEMA, RBI directions and Indian tax law as they stand. It is not legal or financial advice for your situation. Rules, limits and deadlines can change, so please speak to us before acting on it.