Setting up a Global Capability Centre in India

What is a Global Capability Centre?

A Global Capability Centre is a centre a foreign group runs in India to do work for its global operations. Typical work includes software engineering, data and analytics, finance and shared services, and support functions. The centre serves the parent. It does not sell to Indian customers.

Why do groups choose India?

India hosts a large concentration of these centres. The Nasscom-Zinnov India GCC Landscape Report 2026 estimates 2,117 GCCs, 3,728 units and 2.36 million professionals for FY26, with revenue of US$98.4 billion, and 1,200+ GCCs with AI and machine-learning capabilities. As per an estimate of IBEF, as of July 2025, India hosts roughly half of the world’s GCCs.

Which set-up model should you choose?

Three models come up in most conversations:

• Captive: you set up your own Indian subsidiary and build the centre yourself.
• Build-operate-transfer (BOT): a partner builds and runs the centre for an agreed period, then ownership transfers to you.
• Hybrid: a mix, such as a partner-run team while your own entity is readied. This is not a defined legal category and descriptions vary by provider.

The captive versus BOT comparison sets out when each suits you. These are commercial models, not legal categories, and providers describe them differently.

What legal vehicle does a GCC use?

Whichever model you pick, the operating vehicle is normally a wholly owned Indian subsidiary. In most sectors that is possible under the automatic route with 100% foreign ownership. See the wholly owned subsidiary page. For a small early team, the EOR versus subsidiary comparison explains the alternative.

Do state incentives matter?

Several states have announced GCC policies, but schemes differ, change and often need approval before you spend. Read the state incentives page before you treat any figure as certain.

How is ProLead connected with the GCC ecosystem?

ProLead is deeply connected with the GCC ecosystem in India. Beyond incorporation and compliance, we can connect you with ecosystem partners such as real estate service providers and co-working partners, so that space, entity set-up and early hiring can be planned together instead of one after another. These partner connections are on a complimentary, no-fee basis.

Where ProLead fits

ProLead Business Consulting supports 40+ GCC and GDC clients and lists GCC, GDC and SDC set-up among its market entry services. It has a presence across Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin and Amritsar. See the GCC set-up case study or book a free consultation.

Note: Rules and forms change often. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Check the current position with a practising Chartered Accountant or Company Secretary before you act.

General information only, not legal or tax advice. Rules and forms change, so confirm the current position with a practising Chartered Accountant or Company Secretary before you act. See our disclaimer.