What is the average cost to set up a Global Capability Center in India?
The average cost of setting up a GCC in India depends on the industry, location, and scale of operations. Mid-sized companies usually budget between $3M–$6M in the first year, covering office leases, IT infrastructure, and workforce ramp-up. Larger GCCs with 1,000+ employees can exceed $15M. Despite high initial investments, India’s talent availability and cost advantages make GCCs cost-effective in the long run.
How much investment do companies need to start a GCC in Bangalore or Hyderabad?
In Tier-1 hubs like Bangalore and Hyderabad, initial investments typically range from $4M–$8M for a 300–500 employee operation. Costs include Grade-A office rentals, IT infrastructure, talent acquisition, and employee benefits. Bangalore often comes at a premium due to demand for top tech talent, while Hyderabad provides slightly lower real estate costs. Both cities offer government incentives that help offset part of the setup budget.
What are the hidden costs of setting up a GCC beyond office space and salaries?
Many organizations underestimate hidden costs in their GCC planning. These include compliance and regulatory fees, employee relocation and training, cybersecurity infrastructure, cultural integration programs, and attrition-related recruitment expenses. Facility management, IT upgrade cycles, and governance costs also add up. Ignoring these factors can inflate budgets by 15–20% during the first two years of operations, making realistic planning essential for financial efficiency.
How do GCC setup costs in India compare with Poland, Mexico, or the UAE?
India remains the most cost-effective GCC destination. Poland is 25–40% more expensive due to higher salaries and real estate. Mexico offers competitive wages but smaller tech talent pools. The UAE provides world-class infrastructure and proximity benefits but requires nearly double the investment compared to India. For companies seeking scalability and cost efficiency, India’s GCC ecosystem continues to provide the strongest long-term advantage.
How long before a GCC setup breaks even on cost and starts showing savings?
Most GCCs reach break-even within 2–3 years of setup. ROI timelines depend on factors like speed of hiring, operational maturity, vendor management, and incentives secured from local governments. Large centers often start demonstrating cost savings as early as the 24th month, with long-term operational savings reaching 40–60% compared to onshore operations. This makes GCCs highly attractive for enterprises planning sustained growth.
What percentage of GCC setup costs go into talent vs infrastructure?
Talent-related expenses account for around 65–70% of GCC setup costs. This includes salaries, benefits, hiring, training, and retention. Infrastructure covering office real estate, IT systems, connectivity, and security, usually makes up 25–30%. The remaining share goes into compliance, governance, and administrative overheads. Since people are the single largest recurring cost, optimizing workforce planning is crucial for sustainable savings and long-term GCC performance.