Filing Form FC-GPR with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is an important compliance requirement for companies receiving foreign investment. The process, conducted through RBI’s FIRMS portal using the Single Master Form (SMF), involves detailed registration steps, document preparation, and coordination with the Authorized Dealer (AD) Bank. To simplify this complex procedure and ensure full regulatory compliance, the ODFC FEMA Helpdesk provides expert support at every stage—from FIRMS registration to FC-GPR documentation, digital filing, and liaison with AD Banks and RBI—helping companies meet FEMA compliance efficiently and on time.
Step 1: Registration on FIRMS Portal
1. Entity User Registration- Visit the RBI’s FIRMS portal and choose “Registration form for New Entity User.”- Enter the company’s details, CIN, and authorized signatory information.- Upload an authority letter or board resolution authorizing the signatory.- Wait for approval from the RBI.2. Business User Registration- After RBI approval of the entity user, proceed to register as a “Business User.”- Fill in the Business User form and select your Authorized Dealer (AD) Bank.- The AD Bank will review and verify the details before approval.
Step 2: Filing Form FC-GPR through SMF (Single Master Form)
1. Login to the FIRMS portal after both registrations are approved.2. Access SMF Workspace and click “Add Return.”3. Select FC-GPR to report the share issuance to the foreign investor.4. Fill in required details:- Common Details: CIN, company name, entry route (Automatic/Government), and sectoral cap.- Issue Details: Date, nature, and purpose of the issue.- Foreign Investor Information: Name, country, and address of the investor.- Amount and Particulars of Issue: Total remittance, number of shares, face value, and fair value.- Shareholding Pattern: Review and confirm pre- and post-allotment shareholding.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Before submission, ensure all documents are prepared and digitally signed. The typical list includes:
- Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC) issued by the bank- Know Your Customer (KYC) report of the foreign investor- Board Resolution authorizing the share allotment- Valuation Certificate from a Chartered Accountant or SEBI-registered Merchant Banker- Certificate from a Company Secretary (in prescribed format)- Government approval copy (if the investment is under the approval route)
Once uploaded, click “Submit” to send the FC-GPR for AD Bank review and onward submission to RBI.
Step 4: Timelines and RBI Compliance
- Filing Deadline: Within 30 days from the date of share allotment.- Rectification Window: If the AD Bank or RBI seeks clarification, respond promptly to avoid delays or penalties under FEMA regulations.
ODFC FEMA Helpdesk Services -
The ODFC FEMA Helpdesk assists companies and startups in ensuring timely and compliant filing with RBI by offering:
- End-to-end FIRMS portal registration support (Entity and Business User creation)- Preparation and review of FC-GPR details and supporting documents- Valuation and KYC coordination with bankers, and investors- CS certificate drafting as per RBI’s standardized format- Filing assistance through the Single Master Form- Follow-up and compliance tracking with AD Bank and RBI for acknowledgment or clarification- FEMA advisory for cross-border capital transactions, pricing guidelines, and sectoral limits
