When a foreign client pays you through Deel, the EDF still goes to the Indian bank where the money finally lands, because that bank is your AD bank and the one that will match the payment. The invoice row names your actual client, while the payment may arrive from Deel or one of its payment partners, so expect to explain that link in the third-party fields and remarks. Check Deel's current India help pages for exactly how it routes withdrawals.
Key takeaways
- Your client is still your service recipient; Deel is the payment route, not usually the buyer of your services.
- The AD bank for your EDF is the Indian bank that receives the withdrawal.
- The remitter shown on your bank's advice may be Deel or a partner, not your client; use fields 1.15–1.16 and remarks.
- Fees and exchange differences can reduce what lands; record net realisable value honestly.
- Individuals contracting personally should note RBI's 7 October 2026 statement; businesses should file monthly.
How money moves through Deel
Deel is widely used by foreign companies to pay contractors in other countries. In broad terms, your client funds Deel, Deel records the payment against your contract, and you withdraw to a method you choose. For Indian contractors that often means a transfer to an Indian bank account, though Deel may offer other withdrawal options too.
We are not going to describe Deel's internal flows, entities, fees or withdrawal options in detail, because those are Deel's policies and they change. Before you file your first EDF, read Deel's current India help pages and note three things:
- Which entity or payment partner actually sends money to your Indian bank.
- Whether withdrawals arrive in foreign currency or already converted to rupees.
- What statement or receipt Deel provides for each payment and withdrawal.
Those three answers decide how your EDF and your bank's matching will work.
Who is your AD bank?
Under the FEMA (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026, service exporters outside an SEZ file with their AD bank, the Authorised Dealer Category-I bank where the foreign money normally lands. With Deel, that is the Indian bank account you withdraw to.
If you withdraw some months to one bank and other months to another, you have created two possible AD banks. Pick one account for Deel withdrawals and stick to it.
Filling the EDF for Deel-paid invoices
Most fields work exactly as they would for a direct wire. The ones that need thought:
| EDF field | What to enter with Deel |
|---|---|
| 1.12 Mode of realisation | Others |
| 1.13 Consignee / recipient | Your client company, the one you contract with and invoice |
| 1.15 Third party | Deel or its payment partner, if it is the remitter your bank sees |
| 1.16 Relationship | For example, "payment platform engaged by the client" |
| Part 2B recipient and country | Your client's name, address and country |
| Part 2B NRV | The value you expect to realise after any known deductions |
| Part 2B remarks | "Paid via Deel; Deel payment ref. to be quoted" |
The remarks column is where you make life easy for the bank. If you know the Deel payment reference or statement number, record it in your register so you can send matching instructions quickly.
Ask your AD bank how it prefers platform payments shown. Some banks may want a short letter linking platform remittances to invoices; others may need nothing more than the remarks. Our article on third-party payments in the EDF explains the fields in more depth.
Your evidence: FIRA, advice and Deel statements
Your bank's FIRA or inward remittance advice is the core evidence of realisation. Check:
- Remitter. It may show Deel or a partner rather than your client. That is expected; keep your Deel statement to link the two.
- Purpose code. It should fit your service, for example P0802 for software consultancy or P1006 for management consultancy. If it does not, ask your bank to correct it.
- Amount and currency. Compare with your invoice and the Deel statement.
If the money arrives already converted to rupees by the platform, ask your bank how that affects the documentation, since the EDF and GST zero-rating both depend on the receipt being properly evidenced. Our FIRC request letter is useful if you need advices for several credits at once.
Fees and net realisable value
Platform fees, currency conversion margins and bank charges all chip away at what reaches you. The EDF's net realisable value column is where you show what you actually expect to realise.
Example. Sahyadri Product Labs LLP, a Pune design and engineering firm, contracts with a US startup that pays through Deel. On 31 October 2026 Sahyadri invoices USD 7,000 for October's work. The client funds Deel, and Sahyadri withdraws to its current account at its AD bank. After platform and conversion charges, the bank credits the equivalent of roughly USD 6,940.
Sahyadri's October EDF, due by 30 November 2026, shows:
- Recipient: the US startup, United States
- Invoice: SPL/26-27/058, 31-10-2026, USD 7,000
- Third party: Deel (or the partner shown on the advice), "payment platform engaged by client"
- Remarks: "Paid via Deel; withdrawal to [bank], charges deducted"
When the credit arrives, Sahyadri sends matching instructions linking the advice to the invoice. The invoice is below ₹10 lakh, so it can be closed through a periodic realisation declaration. Sahyadri keeps the Deel statement showing the fees so the shortfall is explained.
Who bears platform fees is a commercial term in your contract. If your client is meant to bear them and you receive less, raise it with the client rather than quietly absorbing it.
Contractor of record versus direct contract
Sometimes Deel acts only as a payment platform; sometimes contracting arrangements are structured differently, with an intermediary entity contracting with you. Read your agreement. If you are actually contracting with, and invoicing, a Deel entity rather than the end client, then that entity is your service recipient on the EDF, and its country goes in the country column. If you are unsure, ask Deel and your bank before filing, and get your CA's view on the GST position. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Individuals on Deel
Many Indian contractors on Deel are individuals. On 7 October 2026, RBI's Governor said individuals providing services abroad are not required to report, and RBI promised FAQs. The Regulations had not been amended at the time. If you work on Deel in your personal capacity, confirm with your bank until the FAQs are out. If you invoice through a proprietorship, firm, LLP or company, assume the EDF applies.
Frequently asked questions
Do I file my EDF with Deel?
No. Deel is a payment platform, not an Indian AD bank. Your EDF goes to the Indian bank that receives your Deel withdrawals, which acts as your AD bank, or to the SEZ Development Commissioner if you are an SEZ unit.
Who is the service recipient on the EDF if Deel pays me?
Normally your client, the company you contract with and invoice. Deel or its partner is shown as a third-party payer if it is the remitter. If you actually contract with a Deel entity, that entity is your recipient.
Will my bank's FIRA show my client's name?
It may show Deel or a payment partner instead. That is common for platform payments. Keep your Deel statements to link each credit to the right invoice, and add a remark on the EDF.
How do I handle Deel fees on the EDF?
Show the invoice amount and use the net realisable value column and remarks to reflect known deductions. Keep the Deel statement that shows fees, so your bank can see why less arrived.
Do individual contractors paid through Deel need to file?
RBI said on 7 October 2026 that individuals providing services abroad are not required to report, with FAQs to follow. Until then, check with your bank. Businesses should file monthly.
Bottom line
Deel changes the route your money takes, not who your client is or which bank gets your EDF. Pick one withdrawal account, explain the platform in the third-party fields, and keep Deel statements with your FIRAs. Then prepare the monthly form with the free EDF form generator.
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.