How to Get Your FIRC Certificate from PayPal in India: 2025 Guide

If you're a freelancer or business owner in India receiving international payments through PayPal, this guide is essential. We'll explain how to obtain a crucial document called a Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA) – often referred to as a FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) – from PayPal. This document is vital for tax purposes, claiming government benefits, and ensuring compliance.

As an alternative, we'll also introduce you to Wise Business Account for freelancers and businesses in India that can help you save on receiving international payments with low, transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates.

What is a PayPal Monthly Digital FIRA (Commonly Called FIRC)?

A Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA) is an official record confirming that you've received money from outside India via PayPal. In India, PayPal provides this document as a Monthly Digital FIRA. This means you receive a single, consolidated advice for all eligible international payments credited to your PayPal account during a calendar month. It's a digital document accessible directly through your PayPal account.

Important Note: While PayPal officially calls this document a FIRA, it's widely known and referred to as a FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) in India. You'll likely encounter both terms used interchangeably.

Why Do You Need a FIRA/FIRC from PayPal?

This document is crucial for several reasons:

• Claiming GST Refunds: If you provide services to clients outside India (and are registered for GST), you might be eligible for a refund on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) you've paid. The FIRA/FIRC serves as proof of your foreign earnings, which is often required for claiming these refunds.
• Accessing Export Benefits: The Indian government offers various incentive schemes for businesses exporting goods or services. To claim these benefits, you typically need to demonstrate your foreign income, and the FIRA/FIRC acts as supporting documentation.
• Regulatory Compliance: Government authorities or other institutions may sometimes require proof of your international transactions. The FIRA/FIRC fulfills this requirement.
• Tax Accuracy: When declaring your income to tax authorities, especially income from international sources, the FIRA/FIRC provides clear documentation that the funds originated from abroad. This ensures accurate tax reporting and helps maintain transparent financial records.

How to Get Your FIRA from PayPal in India

Obtaining your Monthly Digital FIRA from PayPal is a straightforward process. Follow these steps on the official PayPal website:

Eligibility for a PayPal Monthly Digital FIRA

Before you begin, ensure that:

• You've received international payments into your PayPal account.
• The payments you've received are eligible for a FIRA according to the guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Not all payments qualify.
• Your PayPal account is verified (meaning you've completed PayPal's identity verification process).

Step-by-Step Guide

Here's how to download your PayPal Monthly Digital FIRA (FIRC):

1. Log In: Go to https://www.paypal.com/in/ and log in to your PayPal business account.
2. Navigate to Reports: Click on "Reports" in the main menu.
3. Select Statements: In the Reports section, choose "Statements."
4. Find FIRA: You should see an option for "Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA)." Click on this to download your advice.

PayPal typically makes the Monthly Digital FIRA available each month, and you'll usually receive an email notification when it's ready for download.

Custom FIRA Requests:

If you need a FIRA for a specific transaction or a custom period, you can request one directly from PayPal for a nominal fee. For more details, visit the "Custom FIRA" section on the PayPal FIRC page.

Important Points About PayPal FIRA/FIRC

• Monthly Issuance: You'll receive one consolidated FIRA/FIRC covering all eligible international payments received in a given month.
• Digital Format: The document is a digital file, making it easy to store, share, and print.
• Availability: Typically, your FIRA/FIRC for a particular month will be available within the first few days of the following month (e.g., the May FIRA/FIRC will be available in early June).
• Accurate Information: Ensure your name and address details in your PayPal account are accurate, as this information will appear on your FIRA/FIRC.
• No Extra Charge (for Monthly FIRA): PayPal provides the automated Monthly Digital FIRA free of charge.

Remember that PayPal has its own fees for receiving international payments. These fees are separate from the FIRA/FIRC and are applied to the amount you receive. For detailed information, refer to our guide on PayPal fees in India and how to save on them.

Meet Wise Business: A Convenient Alternative for International Payments in India

If you're a business or freelancer in India regularly receiving payments from overseas, Wise Business offers an alternative way to receive payments from abroad. A Wise Business account provides you with:

• Multi-Currency Account Details: Get local account details in multiple major currencies (like USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, and more). This means your clients can pay you as if they were sending a local bank transfer in their own currency, avoiding expensive international wire fees on their end.
• Mid-Market Exchange Rate: Your received payments are converted to INR with mid-market exchange rate (the same one you see on Google), with no hidden markups.
• Automated e-FIRC- Automatically receive your e-FIRC via email within 3 business days of the funds being processed, with no action required on your part.
• Low, Transparent Fees: Wise charges, including applicable taxes, are clearly displayed upfront: View Wise Business Pricing 👉

Get started with Wise Business🚀

Conclusion

Obtaining your PayPal Monthly Digital FIRA (FIRC) is a straightforward online process. This document is essential for various financial and legal purposes if you receive international payments. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to easily access your FIRA/FIRC through your PayPal account.

For businesses and freelancers dealing with frequent international transactions, consider exploring Wise Business as a cost-effective and efficient alternative for receiving payments from abroad, with the added benefit of automatic e-FIRC delivery.