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Home / Company Law & Secretarial Services / Liaison Office of a Foreign Company
Last updated: 2 October 2026
A liaison office lets a foreign company build contacts and represent itself in India before committing to a full business set-up. It cannot earn income. Our team handles the application through an authorised dealer bank, ROC registration and the yearly filings.
A liaison office (LO) acts as a channel of communication between the foreign company and parties in India. It can promote the parent’s products, explore business opportunities and support technical and financial collaboration. It cannot carry on any business or earn income in India — all its expenses are met by remittances from the parent.
RBI has published draft regulations that would change eligibility and tenure rules. We check the rules in force when you apply.
Based on FEMA regulations on branch, liaison and project offices and section 380 of the Companies Act, 2013. Last updated: 27 September 2026.
A liaison office cannot earn income in India
Minimum net worth of the parent under current rules
Profit-making track record needed under current rules
To register the office with the ROC in FC-1
Expenses are met from the parent’s inward remittances
Annual Activity Certificate filed through the AD bank
The most serious issue is drifting into business activity.
Invoicing Indian customers or receiving commission from India breaches the approval.
Extensions not applied for in time.
AAC and ROC filings overlooked because the office has no revenue.
When you are ready to trade in India, another structure fits better.
Trade and earn in India.
Permitted business activities.
Compare all routes.
Discuss your India plan.
We check the parent’s track record and net worth.
Application prepared and filed through your AD bank.
Queries answered until the approval or UIN is issued.
FC-1 filed within 30 days.
PAN and a bank account to receive remittances.
AAC and ROC filings every year.
Filings continue every year even though the office earns nothing.
Annual Activity Certificate through the AD bank.
Annual accounts and return for the Indian office.
Income tax filings as applicable.
Apply for an extension before expiry, or close the office properly.
Share your query and our team will reply during business hours.
No. It can only represent the parent and must meet its expenses from the parent’s remittances.
RBI, through an Authorised Dealer Category-I bank. Some applicants need prior government approval.
Approval is usually given for a limited period and can be extended on application.
Yes, in Form FC-1 within 30 days of setting up.
The foreign company can set up a subsidiary and then close the liaison office.
ACS – Director, Expertvuw Management Pvt Ltd
This work is handled by Expertvuw’s team, with filings made on the MCA portal. Certifications and audits required by law are issued by independent practising professionals engaged for your case.