A FIRA (Foreign Inward Remittance Advice) or FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) from State Bank of India is SBI's written proof that foreign money reached your account, showing the amount, currency, remitter and purpose code. You get it by asking the SBI branch that received the payment, through whatever channel it offers, and you should check every detail on it the day it arrives, because it feeds your EDF realisation, GST refund and accounting.
Key takeaways
- FIRA and FIRC both evidence a foreign inward remittance. Banks use the terms in slightly different ways; what matters is that the document carries the details you need.
- You need it to show realisation of export proceeds, to support GST export refunds and to match payments to invoices.
- Ask the SBI branch that credited the money. Its process (branch request, email, online statement) is set by SBI.
- Check the purpose code, remitter name, amount and date against your invoice. Errors are easier to fix early.
- For invoices above ₹10 lakh, payment evidence like FIRA is part of closing the EDPMS entry.
FIRA or FIRC: does it matter?
Traditionally, a FIRC was a formal certificate and a FIRA an advice issued for each credit. In practice, many banks now issue an advice, and many exporters still say "FIRC" when they mean whatever document the bank provides. Our explainer on FIRA vs FIRC covers the history.
For your purposes, the question is not the label but the contents. A useful inward remittance document shows:
| Detail | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| Your name and account number | Ties the credit to your business |
| Remitter (client) name and country | Matches the payment to the right invoice and recipient |
| Foreign currency and amount | Matches the invoice currency and value |
| Rupee amount and rate | Feeds your books and GST records |
| Date of credit | Proves realisation within the 9-month window |
| Purpose code | Shows the payment is for export of services |
| Bank reference number | Lets you and SBI trace the transaction later |
Why you need it
Closing the export in EDPMS
After you file the EDF, SBI enters it into EDPMS. When your client pays, the entry must be matched and closed. For invoices up to ₹10 lakh, the bank may close the entry on your declaration that money has come in. Above ₹10 lakh, the process uses the invoice, payment evidence such as FIRA or bank advice, and your matching instructions. Either way, you want the FIRA on file.
GST refund
If you export under LUT and claim a refund of input tax credit, or pay IGST and claim it back, you must show payment was received in convertible foreign exchange. A FIRA is the standard evidence.
eBRC
The electronic Bank Realisation Certificate is issued after realisation is matched in EDPMS and DGFT systems. Accurate FIRA details make that matching smoother. See the eBRC glossary entry.
How to request a FIRA from SBI
We will not describe SBI menu paths or fees, because they change and vary by account type. The reliable approach:
- Ask your branch or relationship manager how SBI issues inward remittance advices for your account: automatically, on request at the branch, by email, or downloadable online.
- If you need to request it in writing, list the transaction date, amount, currency, remitter name and the SBI reference if you have it. Our FIRC request letter has a ready format.
- Ask once for the routine. If SBI can send advices automatically for every inward remittance, set that up so you are not chasing each one.
- Ask about charges at the branch rather than assuming there are or are not any.
Worked example
Vistara Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd banks with SBI. Say that in December 2026, a US client pays two of its October invoices in one transfer: INV-118 for USD 6,000 and INV-121 for USD 4,500. After intermediary charges, USD 10,470 reaches SBI.
Vistara's accountant requests the advice the next day. When it arrives, she checks:
- Remitter: the client's legal name, correct.
- Amount: USD 10,470, which is USD 30 short of the two invoices. That shortfall is intermediary bank charges.
- Purpose code: P0802 (software consultancy/implementation). Vistara's work is software development for the client, and its CA has confirmed this code fits.
- Date: within 9 months of both invoice dates.
She then writes to SBI explaining that the receipt covers both invoices, attaches the client's remittance advice listing them, and explains the USD 30 difference as bank charges. She files the FIRA with both invoices and the October EDF copy. Because both invoices are under ₹10 lakh each, she includes them in the next quarterly realisation declaration.
When something on the FIRA is wrong
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Wrong purpose code | Write to SBI promptly asking for correction. Use our purpose code correction letter. |
| Remitter name differs from client | Common when a parent or affiliate pays. Explain to SBI and check whether third-party fields on the EDF should have been filled. |
| Amount short | Usually bank charges or the client deducting fees. Keep the client's remittance advice. |
| Single receipt covers several invoices | Give SBI a written split by invoice. |
| Credit in the wrong account | Tell the branch immediately, in writing. |
Correcting a purpose code months later is harder than correcting it the week the money arrives. Build the check into your routine.
Keep it organised
Store each FIRA with the invoice it settles and the EDF on which that invoice appeared. At year end, reconcile invoices, FIRAs and EDFs so nothing is left open. If you receive payments in more than one bank, keep separate folders per bank.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. SBI's own process governs how it issues inward remittance documents.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between FIRA and FIRC from SBI?
Both evidence that foreign money reached your account. A FIRC is traditionally a formal certificate and a FIRA an advice for each credit. Check what SBI issues for your account and make sure it carries the remitter, amount, currency, date and purpose code.
How do I request a FIRC from SBI?
Ask the branch that received the remittance how it issues these documents for your account. If a written request is needed, include the date, amount, currency, remitter and reference. Our FIRC request letter template provides a format.
Do I need a FIRA for every export invoice?
You need payment evidence for realisation and GST purposes. One FIRA may cover several invoices if the client paid them together, as long as you can show the split. For invoices up to ₹10 lakh, the bank may close EDPMS entries on your declaration.
What if SBI shows the wrong purpose code?
Ask SBI to correct it as soon as you notice, in writing, explaining the nature of your service. A wrong code can cause questions in GST refunds and export matching later.
Is FIRA needed for GST refund on exports?
You must show receipt of payment in convertible foreign exchange or permitted rupees, and a FIRA is the usual proof. Confirm with your CA what your jurisdictional officer expects.
Bottom line
Ask SBI for a FIRA on every export receipt, check it the same day, and file it with the invoice and EDF. Prepare your EDF with the SBI EDF form generator so the paper trail starts clean.
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.