MonoHRIntroduction
Foreign companies hire in India for talent density, cost efficiency, and time-zone coverage. This step-by-step guide is for operators abroad who need a compliant path from intent to onboarded employee — distinct from our general India hiring overview.
Step 1: Define the role and employment type
Confirm the role is genuine full-time employment (not a misclassified contractor). Document title, CTC range, location (state matters for professional tax), and start date.
Step 2: Choose EOR vs Indian entity
- EOR: Fastest path; no subsidiary required. See MonoHR EOR India.
- Own entity: Consider at scale (often 50+ employees) when fixed India presence justifies setup cost.
Compare costs in our EOR pricing guide and calculators.
Step 3: Select an EOR provider
Use our best EOR for India comparison. Verify PF/ESI filing ownership, contract templates, and IST support.
Step 4: Extend a compliant offer
Indian offers use CTC (Cost to Company) with components: basic, HRA, allowances, employer PF/ESI, gratuity accrual. Your EOR should structure this correctly.
Step 5: Onboard and register statutory benefits
Collect KYC, tax declarations (Form 12B), bank details, and prior employer PF/ESI numbers. EOR handles registrations and first payroll run.
Step 6: Run ongoing payroll and compliance
Monthly: salary processing, TDS deduction, PF/ESI remittance, payslips, Form 16 annually. See India payroll processing guide.
Timeline and cost snapshot
| Phase | Typical timeline (EOR path) |
|---|---|
| Provider selection | 1–2 weeks |
| Candidate offer to start | 2–4 weeks |
| First payroll | End of first full month |
Conclusion
Hiring from abroad into India is straightforward with the right EOR partner. Start your India hire with MonoHR or request a consultation.