India Climbs! India now ranks 39th in the World Competitive Index — a 4-position rise attributed to increased FDI inflows, eased policies & wider automatic route access.
What is FCGPR?
The Foreign Currency-Gross Provisional Return (FCGPR) is a form filed by Indian companies to report the receipt of foreign investment to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as per FEMA, 1999.
Who Must File?
- Indian companies (Private, Public, Listed, Unlisted)
- Received foreign funds or issued shares to foreign investors
- Must file via RBI's FIRMS portal within 30 days from share allotment
FDI Entry Routes
Automatic Route
No prior approval needed from the Government. Applicable sectors allow direct FDI without intervention.
Government Route
Investor must seek prior permission through the concerned ministry before investing.
Prohibited FDI Sectors
- Lottery and gambling (incl. online)
- Tobacco manufacturing
- Chit funds, Nidhi companies
- Real estate (excluding broking & development)
- Atomic energy & core railway operations
Maharashtra’s Goal: Become a $1 Trillion economy by 2030 by driving FDI in infrastructure, digital tech, and job creation.
Steps to Register on RBI FIRMS Portal
- Visit firms.rbi.org.in
- Register both Entity User & Business User
- Submit AD bank details and an Authority Letter
- Wait for approval and receive credentials via email
Documents Required for FC-GPR
- CS Certificate (certifying FEMA compliance)
- Board Resolution for share allotment
- FIRC & KYC of investor
- Declaration Letter by Authorized Signatory
- List of Allottees & MOA
- Delay Explanation (if applicable)
How to File Form FC-GPR
- Login → File Return → SMF → FC-GPR → Add Return
- Input: entry route, sector, issue & investor details
- Upload: valuation report, shareholding pattern
- Verify everything → Submit online
Annual FLA Return
The FLA Return is due by July 15 every year for entities that received FDI or made ODI, as per RBI directions under FEMA.
Applicable to:
- Companies under Companies Act, 2013
- LLPs under LLP Act, 2008
- Registered AIFs, Firms, and PPPs
Penalties for Delay
- ₹7,500 LSF before enforcement
- Up to ₹2 lakh or 300% of amount involved
- ₹5,000/day for continued violation
Form FC-TRS for Share Transfers
Used to report share transfers between Residents and Non-Residents. Must be filed within 60 days of the transaction on FIRMS portal.
When RBI Prior Approval is Required
- Company is in financial service sector
- Falls under SEBI Takeover code
- Outside automatic route or pricing norms
- Transfers by gift or NRI to NR
Did You Know? FDI began in India under FEMA 1991, introduced by Dr. Manmohan Singh. It remains a cornerstone for industrial expansion, tech growth, and job creation.