India continues to be a preferred destination for foreign investment due to its growing economy, evolving regulatory environment, and investor-friendly reforms. However, foreign investment in India is governed by a strict regulatory framework under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
One of the most critical compliances in this area is FC-GPR (Foreign Currency–Gross Provisional Return) filing, along with ongoing RBI and FEMA compliances. Even a small delay or error in reporting can lead to penalties, compounding proceedings, and unnecessary scrutiny.
At Legal N Tax, we simplify FC-GPR Filing Services in India and RBI Compliance Services in India, ensuring that your foreign investment transactions are accurately reported, legally compliant, and stress-free.
Understanding FC-GPR and RBI Compliances
What Is FC-GPR?
FC-GPR is a mandatory return filed with the RBI when an Indian company issues shares or compulsorily convertible instruments to a foreign investor in exchange for foreign investment. It is filed on the FIRMS (Foreign Investment Reporting and Management System) portal within the prescribed timeline.
This reporting ensures that foreign capital inflows are transparently tracked and regulated under FEMA.
What Are RBI Compliances?
RBI compliances include all reporting and procedural requirements related to:
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI Compliance in India)
- Transfer of shares between residents and non-residents
- Pricing guidelines and valuation norms
- Sectoral caps and entry routes
- Ongoing reporting under FEMA
FC-GPR is just one part of a broader RBI compliance ecosystem.
When Is FC-GPR Filing Required?
FC-GPR filing is required in situations such as:
- Issue of equity shares to foreign investors
- Issue of compulsorily convertible debentures (CCDs)
- Issue of compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS)
- Conversion of convertible instruments into equity shares
- Issue of shares against share swap arrangements
The return must generally be filed within 30 days from the date of issue of securities, making timely compliance crucial.
Importance of FC-GPR and RBI Compliance
Non-compliance or delayed filing of FC-GPR can result in:
- Monetary penalties under FEMA
- Compounding proceedings with the RBI
- Delays in future funding rounds
- Adverse impact on investor confidence
- Increased regulatory scrutiny
Proper compliance protects both the Indian company and the foreign investor, ensuring smooth capital inflow and long-term operational stability.
Key Documents Required for FC-GPR Filing
FC-GPR filing involves detailed documentation, including:
- Board and shareholders’ resolutions
- Foreign inward remittance certificate (FIRC)
- Know Your Customer (KYC) report of the foreign investor
- Valuation report from a registered professional
- Declaration of compliance with pricing guidelines
- Share allotment details and statutory registers
Legal N Tax ensures that all documents are accurately prepared, verified, and aligned with RBI requirements.
RBI Compliances Covered by Legal N Tax
Our services extend beyond FC-GPR to cover a wide range of RBI and FEMA compliances, including:
1. FDI Advisory and Structuring: We help businesses understand sectoral caps, entry routes, and compliance requirements before receiving foreign investment.
2. FC-GPR Filing: Complete assistance from documentation to filing and acknowledgement on the FIRMS portal.
3. FC-TRS Filing: Reporting of transfer of shares between residents and non-residents.
4. Annual Return on Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA): Mandatory annual reporting of foreign assets and liabilities.
5. Downstream Investment Reporting: Compliance for Indian companies receiving foreign investment and investing further in other entities.
6. Compounding of FEMA Contraventions: Assistance in cases of delayed or missed filings, including RBI compounding applications.
Step-by-Step FC-GPR Filing Process
Step 1: Eligibility and Transaction Review
We review the nature of foreign investment, instrument type, and sectoral compliance.
Step 2: Documentation and Valuation
We assist in preparing and validating all supporting documents, including valuation reports.
Step 3: FIRMS Portal Registration
If required, we help with entity and user registration on the RBI FIRMS portal.
Step 4: Filing of FC-GPR
The return is filed accurately within timelines, ensuring all data validations are met.
Step 5: Follow-Up and Acknowledgement
We track RBI approvals and handle queries or clarifications, if raised.
Why Choose Legal N Tax for FC-GPR & RBI Compliances?
- Expertise in FEMA & RBI Regulations: Our expert Consultant for FC-GPR & RBI Compliances in India stays updated with evolving FEMA regulations and RBI circulars to ensure accurate compliance.
- End-to-End Support: From pre-investment advisory to post-allotment reporting, we handle everything under one roof.
- Error-Free and Timely Filings: We focus on precision and timelines to help you avoid penalties and regulatory issues.
- Investor-Friendly Approach: Our compliance process is designed to instil confidence in foreign investors and stakeholders.
Who Can Benefit from Our Services?
Our FC-GPR & RBI compliance services are ideal for:
- Startups receiving foreign funding
- Companies issuing shares to NRIs or foreign entities
- Businesses undergoing fundraising rounds
- Joint ventures with overseas partners
- Indian subsidiaries of foreign companies
Whether it’s your first foreign investment or a complex transaction, we tailor our services to your needs.
Our Commitment to Regulatory Clarity and Growth
At Legal N Tax, we believe that regulatory compliance should support growth—not hinder it. Our approach combines technical expertise with practical business understanding, ensuring that foreign investment compliances are handled smoothly and transparently.
We act as your trusted compliance partner, enabling you to focus on expansion while we manage regulatory complexities.
Stay Compliant with RBI – Start with Legal N Tax
Foreign investment compliance is a critical responsibility that demands accuracy, timeliness, and expert knowledge. With Legal N Tax by your side, you can be confident that your FC-GPR filings and RBI compliances are in safe hands.
Email: mail@legalntaxindia.com
