GCC Setup for
Global SMEs in India
PARAMA & Co helps global SMEs set up Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India - from strategy and entity incorporation to EOR, payroll and ongoing compliance.
Right-sized engagement for companies with 50-2,000 employees. Strategy to operational in as little as 90 days. No large consulting teams, no bloated fees.
About GCCs
What is a Global Capability Centre?
A GCC is a captive, company-owned entity in India delivering business functions for the global parent - your team, your culture, your IP.
Unlike outsourcing to a third-party vendor, a GCC is fully owned and fully integrated with global operations. Functions include technology development, finance and accounting, HR, operations, customer support, data analytics, legal and compliance.
For global SMEs with 50-2,000 employees, a well-structured GCC can be transformative: enterprise-scale capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
Why India
Why India for
Your GCC?
World's Largest Talent Pool
5.4 million STEM graduates annually. Deep tech, finance and operations expertise available across major cities.
60-70% Cost Advantage
vs. equivalent roles in Europe, USA or Australia. Significant cost reduction without compromising quality.
1,700+ GCCs Already Operating
India is the world's number one GCC destination. Mature ecosystem, abundant vendors and co-working options.
SME-Friendly Policy
100% FDI automatic route for most functions. Fast-track incorporation. No minimum capital requirement.
Operational in 90 Days
Using EOR partners, first hire within 2-3 weeks. Entity incorporation in 30-60 days. Operations live in approximately 90 days.
Reference
GCC vs. Outsourcing
Understanding the difference helps global SMEs make the right strategic choice for their India operations.
| Factor | GCC (Captive Centre) | Outsourcing to a Vendor |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Company-owned entity | Vendor-owned |
| Team Loyalty | Your employees, your culture | Shared or dedicated staff |
| IP Ownership | Fully owned by your company | Requires explicit contractual protection |
| Control | Full operational and strategic control | Limited - governed by SLAs |
| Cost (long-term) | Lower total cost at scale | Higher per-FTE cost at scale |
| Flexibility | Longer to wind down | More flexible short-term |
| Data Security | Fully controlled environment | Shared infrastructure, more risk |
| Best For | Long-term India strategy, 15+ employees | Short-term or non-core functions |
Why PARAMA & Co
The SME Advantage
◎
Right-Sized Engagement
No bloated consulting teams. A dedicated partner-led squad working at your pace and budget - from 5-person pilot to 200-person full GCC.
⬡
EOR Before Entity
Start hiring in India within 2-3 weeks through our partner EOR service while your entity is being incorporated. No gap in momentum.
△
One Roof, End to End
Legal, tax, secretarial, payroll, HR and compliance - all under one roof. No coordination between your law firm, CA firm and HR vendor.
◈
Transfer Pricing Ready from Day One
We structure inter-company agreements and TP documentation from the start - compliant across all jurisdictions, no surprises later.
⊕
Shared CFO Until You're Ready
Until your GCC has its own finance function, we advise on accounting, MIS, payroll and treasury for your India entity.
◇
Partner Network - 70 Countries
Through IAPA, we coordinate with your home-country advisors across 70 countries - aligned reporting, no cross-border friction.
Our Process
6-Step GCC Process
Step 01
GCC Strategy & Feasibility
Define scope - which functions, which city, what size, what budget. Feasibility analysis covering talent availability, real estate options, cost modelling and realistic timeline.
Step 02
Legal & Tax Structuring
Advise on optimal entity structure (subsidiary vs. branch). Design tax-efficient inter-company arrangements, transfer pricing framework and profit repatriation structure.
Step 03
Entity Incorporation & Registrations
Incorporate the Indian entity with MCA through TCSP. Obtain all registrations: PAN, TAN, GST, EPF, ESIC, Shops & Establishment, IEC. Handle all FDI/RBI/FEMA filings.
Step 04
EOR & First Hires
Begin hiring immediately through our partner EOR service while the entity is being set up. We handle contracts, payroll, EPF, ESIC and full onboarding for your first team members.
Step 05
HR Infrastructure & Compliance
Build the HR backbone - HRMS implementation, HR policies, offer letter templates, employment agreements, POSH compliance, tax-efficient salary structuring and payroll setup.
Step 06
Ongoing Operations Support
Location
Our Services
GCC City Selection Guide
Each major GCC city has distinct strengths. PARAMA & Co advises on city selection as part of the feasibility study, and has on-ground presence in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Bangalore.
Bangalore
Best For: Tech, Engineering, R&D
India's number one GCC hub. Highest talent density for technology and product roles.
PARAMA & Co Office
Hyderabad
Best For: Tech, Pharma, Biotech
HITEC City is India's fastest-growing GCC cluster. Strong government support for investment.
Pune
Best For: Tech, Automotive, Manufacturing
Lower cost than Bangalore with strong engineering talent. Popular for GCCs with manufacturing functions.
Chennai
Best For: Tech, Automotive, Finance
Strong for manufacturing-linked GCCs and automotive sector. Cost-competitive talent market.
Delhi NCR (Gurugram / Noida)
Best For: Finance, Ops, HR, Legal
Strong for non-tech GCC functions. Close proximity to clients' India HQs and government bodies.
PARAMA & Co Office
Mumbai
Best For: Finance, BFSI, Media
Financial services and luxury brand GCCs. India's financial capital with deep BFSI talent pool.
PARAMA & Co Office
Capabilities
GCC Business Functions
We Support
Technology Development & Engineering
HR Shared Services
Data Analytics & Business Intelligence
Research & Development (R&D)
Marketing & Digital Operations
Finance & Accounting (F&A)
Legal & Compliance
Customer Support & Operations
Procurement & Supply Chain
Content, Design & Creative
FAQs
GCC Setup FAQs
What is a GCC and how is it different from outsourcing?
A GCC is a captive, company-owned entity - your team, your culture, your IP. Unlike outsourcing where a third-party vendor delivers a service, a GCC gives you full control and full integration with global operations.
How small is too small to set up a GCC in India?
There is no minimum size. Global SMEs are setting up GCCs with as few as 5-10 people. Our partner EOR service means you can start hiring within weeks without incorporating an entity. A full entity makes economic sense at 15+ employees.
How long does it take to go from decision to first hire?
Using our partner EOR, first hire within 2-3 weeks. In parallel, entity incorporation takes 30-60 days. You can have team members working in India while the legal entity is still being set up - no gap in momentum.
What are the transfer pricing implications of a GCC in India?
Your Indian GCC typically operates on a cost-plus model - charging the parent a marked-up rate for services. This must be documented in a TP study and inter-company service agreement. PARAMA & Co structures this from day one and prepares annual TP documentation.
Which city is best for a GCC?
Bangalore (tech/engineering), Hyderabad (tech/pharma), Pune (tech/manufacturing), Chennai (tech/automotive), Gurugram/Noida (finance/operations). We advise on city selection as part of the GCC feasibility study, with on-ground presence in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Bangalore.
Can PARAMA & Co assist with talent acquisition for the GCC?
Yes - through our empanelled HR recruitment partners, we can assist with talent search and onboarding for your India GCC team across functions and seniority levels.
Ready to Set Up
Your India GCC?
Contact Paramnoor Singh directly for a no-obligation GCC strategy conversation.