FLA Filings in India – Annual Compliance for Companies with Foreign Investments What is FLA Filing in India? Every Indian company that has received FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) or made overseas investments must file an FLA Return with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) every year. This is a mandatory compliance requirement, regardless of whether the company has outstanding foreign investment at the end of the financial year. At The StartupLab, we help startups and companies with FLA filing services in India, ensuring error-free submissions and timely compliance with RBI guidelines.
Why is FLA Filing Important for Indian Companies?
✅ Mandatory compliance under FEMA ✅ Avoid penalties & legal consequences ✅ Transparent reporting of foreign investment ✅ Supports fundraising & investor confidence ✅ Integration with Corporate Compliance Services ✅ Expert guidance on FEMA, FDI, and RBI regulations
Our compliance experts ensure your FLA return is filed accurately, allowing you to focus on scaling your business without worrying about regulatory hurdles.
Who Needs to File FLA Return? ● Indian companies receiving Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) ● Companies issuing shares to non-residents ● Businesses making overseas investments (ODI) ● LLPs with foreign investment (as per RBI notifications)
● Companies with external commercial borrowings (ECBs)
Step-by-Step FLA Filing Process 1. Check Applicability – Confirm if your company has received foreign investment or ODI. 2. Collect Data – Prepare financial statements, shareholding details, FDI inflows/outflows. 3. Download FLA Form – From the RBI portal. 4. Fill & Validate – Provide details of liabilities, assets, and foreign investments. 5. Submit Online – Send the FLA return to RBI via email portal before the due date (July 15 every year). 6. Confirmation from RBI – Record filing acknowledgment for compliance proof.
Documents & Information Required for FLA Filings ● Audited/Provisional Balance Sheet & P&L ● Foreign Investment details (FDI inflow, ODI outflow, ECB) ● Shareholding pattern ● Details of non-resident shareholders/investors ● RBI reference numbers (if applicable)
Due Date for FLA Filing The last date for filing FLA return is 15th July every year for the previous financial year. Even if audited accounts are not ready, companies must submit based on provisional financials.
Penalty for Non-Compliance in FLA Filings Non-filing or incorrect filing of FLA return is considered a violation under FEMA, 1999. Companies may face: ● Monetary penalties ● Legal scrutiny by RBI ● Restrictions on future foreign investments
Cost of FLA Filing Services in India ● Basic FLA Filing – ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 ● FLA Filing with FEMA/FDI Advisory – ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 ● Annual Compliance Package (FLA + ROC + FEMA) – Custom Pricing
Related Compliance Services ● Corporate Compliance Services ● Annual Compliance Services ● Fundraising Advisory Services ● Virtual CFO Services ● Business Valuation Services ● Company Registration in India
FAQs on FLA Filings in India Q1. What is the due date for FLA Return filing? A: The deadline is 15th July every year for the previous financial year. Q2. Is FLA filing mandatory for companies with no fresh FDI? A: Yes, if foreign investment exists in previous years, FLA filing is still mandatory. Q3. Can FLA filing be done without audited financials? A: Yes, provisional figures can be used if audited accounts are not available. Q4. What happens if FLA return is not filed? A: Non-filing leads to penalties under FEMA and may affect foreign investment approvals. Q5. How can The StartupLab help with FLA filings? A: We provide end-to-end FLA filing services, including document preparation, RBI submission, and compliance advisory.
Final Thoughts FLA filing is a crucial compliance requirement for Indian companies with foreign investments. Missing deadlines or errors can attract strict FEMA penalties. With The StartupLab’s expert FLA filing services in India, you can ensure timely, accurate, and hassle-free compliance.
📞 Get in touch with us today for FLA filings, FEMA compliance, and RBI reporting services tailored for startups and growing businesses.
