What is FIRA?
FIRA stands for Foreign Inward Remittance Advice. When money from abroad lands in your Indian bank account, the bank can issue a FIRA as its formal confirmation of that credit. It typically shows the remitter, the foreign currency amount, the rupee amount credited, the date and the purpose code under which the remittance was classified. Many banks now issue FIRAs electronically, and some generate them automatically for every inward credit.
Why it matters for exporters
The FIRA is your core payment evidence. Under the 2026 export regulations, for invoices above ₹10 lakh the bank closes the EDPMS entry using the invoice, payment evidence such as a FIRA, FIRC or bank advice, and your matching instructions. So a missing or wrong FIRA can keep an export entry open. FIRAs also support GST refund claims, since payment in convertible foreign exchange is one of the conditions for an export of services.
Check the purpose code on every FIRA. A software consultancy fee booked under the wrong code can cause confusion later. Use our purpose code finder to see which code fits, and confirm it with your bank.
Example
Orbit Dev Studio receives USD 5,000 from a client in Canada. The bank converts it at the day's rate and credits ₹4,38,500. The FIRA shows the remitter's name, USD 5,000, ₹4,38,500, the credit date and purpose code P0802. Orbit saves the FIRA against the invoice in its EDF register for matching.
Common confusion
FIRA and FIRC are often used interchangeably. Loosely, an advice (FIRA) is treated as a lighter document than a certificate (FIRC), and banks differ on which one they issue by default. If someone asks for a FIRC and your bank gives FIRAs, ask the branch what it can provide. More in FIRA vs FIRC.