A FIRC request letter asks your bank to issue a Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (or advice) for one or more foreign payments credited to your account. List each remittance with its date, amount, currency, remitter name and bank reference, state the purpose, and have an authorised signatory sign it on your letterhead. A sample you can adapt is below.
Key takeaways
- A FIRC or FIRA is the bank's evidence that foreign money reached your account, normally with a purpose code.
- Exporters need it for GST zero-rating support, closing EDF entries above ₹10 lakh and audit trails.
- One letter can cover several remittances if you list them in a table.
- Include the purpose code you expect, and ask the bank to confirm or correct it.
- Banks set their own process and charges; the letter simply makes your request clear and traceable.
When you need a FIRC request letter
Many banks issue an advice automatically for each inward remittance, or let you download one online. A formal letter helps when:
- you need certificates for older remittances that never got an advice
- a client, auditor or authority asks for a "certificate" rather than an advice
- your GST refund application needs payment evidence for a batch of invoices
- you are closing EDPMS entries for invoices above ₹10 lakh and the bank needs evidence on file
- the purpose code on an existing advice needs checking alongside the request
Under the FEMA (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026, invoices up to ₹10 lakh can be closed on your declaration of realisation, but above that the bank works from the invoice, payment evidence such as a FIRA or FIRC, and matching instructions. A complete set of FIRCs makes that step quick.
What the letter should contain
| Element | What to write | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Letterhead | Your business name, address, contact details | Identifies the requester |
| Date and reference | Today's date, an internal reference | Easy follow-up |
| Addressee | Branch Manager, bank name, branch address | Routes it correctly |
| Subject | "Request for FIRC for inward remittances" | Clear purpose |
| Account details | Account name, number, customer ID if any | Lets the bank locate credits |
| Remittance table | Date, amount, currency, remitter, bank reference | Pinpoints each credit |
| Purpose | Export of services; the purpose code you expect | Supports correct coding |
| Use | GST, EDF closure, audit | Context for the bank |
| Signature | Authorised signatory, name, designation, seal if used | Validates the request |
Keep the tone factual. You are asking for a document the bank routinely issues; there is no need to justify it at length.
Sample FIRC request letter
[Your business letterhead]
Date: 14 November 2026 Ref: NL/BANK/2026-27/031
The Branch Manager [Bank name] [Branch address]
Subject: Request for Foreign Inward Remittance Certificates (FIRC) – Current Account No. [XXXXXXXX1234]
Dear Sir/Madam,
We, Nimbus Labs Pvt Ltd, hold the above current account with your branch. We have received the following inward remittances towards export of software services and request you to issue Foreign Inward Remittance Certificates (or advices) for each:
Sr. Date of credit Remitter Currency Amount Bank reference 1 06-10-2026 [Client A], USA USD 9,500.00 [ref] 2 21-10-2026 [Client B], UK GBP 4,200.00 [ref] 3 03-11-2026 [Client C], Germany EUR 6,750.00 [ref] These remittances relate to export of services (software consultancy and implementation). We understand the applicable purpose code to be P0802; kindly confirm or let us know if a different code has been applied.
The certificates are required for our GST records, for closure of the related EDF entries and for our statutory audit.
Kindly let us know any applicable charges, which may be debited to the above account.
Yours faithfully, For Nimbus Labs Pvt Ltd
[Signature] [Name], [Designation] Authorised Signatory
Our FIRC request letter generator builds this with your details and as many rows as you need, on your own letterhead if you have one set up.
Getting the details right
Dates and amounts. Use the credit date and amount from your bank statement, not the invoice. If the client paid USD 9,500 but intermediaries deducted USD 25, the bank's record shows USD 9,475; write that.
Remitter name. Write it as it appears on the statement or SWIFT advice. If a payment platform or parent company paid on behalf of your client, write the actual remitter and, if helpful, add "on behalf of [client]".
Purpose code. Common codes for service exporters include P0802 (software consultancy and implementation), P0807 (off-site software exports), P1006 (business and management consultancy), P1007 (advertising and market research) and P1009 (architectural, engineering and other technical services). Confirm the right one with your bank; the purpose code finder can help you shortlist.
Signatory. For a company or LLP, use the signatory authorised in the bank's records. For a proprietorship, the proprietor signs.
After you send it
- Submit the letter through your bank's accepted channel: branch, email to your relationship manager, or a service request online.
- Note the date and keep a copy.
- When the FIRCs arrive, check each one against your list: remitter, amount, currency, date and purpose code.
- File each FIRC with the matching invoice and record its reference in your EDF register.
- If any code is wrong, ask for correction in writing straight away.
Turnaround and charges vary by bank, so ask your branch rather than assuming. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is a FIRC request letter?
It is a short letter on your letterhead asking your bank to issue Foreign Inward Remittance Certificates or advices for specified foreign payments credited to your account. It lists each remittance so the bank can locate it.
Can one letter cover many remittances?
Yes. List each remittance in a table with date, amount, currency, remitter and bank reference. Most banks prefer one consolidated request to several separate letters.
Who should sign the FIRC request letter?
The authorised signatory on the account: the proprietor for a sole proprietorship, or a director, partner or employee authorised in the bank's records for companies, firms and LLPs.
Should I mention the purpose code in the letter?
It helps. State the code you believe applies, such as P0802 for software consultancy, and ask the bank to confirm. That gives you a chance to correct any wrong code early.
Is a FIRA the same as a FIRC?
Both evidence foreign inward remittances. A FIRA is usually the bank's advice for a credit, while a FIRC is a certificate often requested formally. For most exporter purposes either is accepted; check with whoever is asking.
Bottom line
A good FIRC request letter is short, specific and signed by the right person. List every remittance precisely and ask the bank to confirm the purpose code. Generate one in minutes with the free FIRC request letter tool.
This guide is general information for Indian businesses, not legal or tax advice. Rules and bank processes change — confirm specifics with your AD bank or chartered accountant.