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FDI Reporting for Transfer of shares

About of Service

Services offered for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reporting for transfer of shares typically include:

  1. Documentation and Compliance: Assisting in the preparation and filing of required forms with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) for reporting the transfer of shares involving foreign investors.

  2. Legal Advisory: Providing legal guidance on FDI regulations, including compliance requirements, permissible limits, and sector-specific restrictions applicable to the transfer of shares.

  3. Transaction Structuring: Advising on the optimal structuring of share transfers to ensure compliance with FDI policies and maximize operational flexibility and benefits.

  4. Due Diligence and Documentation Review: Conducting due diligence on transaction documents, reviewing agreements, and ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements for FDI reporting.

  5. RBI Liaison and Coordination: Facilitating communication and coordination with RBI authorities, including obtaining necessary approvals, clarifications, or exemptions related to FDI reporting.

  6. Post-Transaction Compliance: Monitoring post-transaction compliance obligations, including reporting requirements, filings, and disclosures to regulatory authorities within stipulated timelines.

  7. Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks associated with FDI reporting and share transfer transactions, ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines and avoiding penalties or legal implications.

  8. Advisory on Documentation: Providing guidance on the preparation of supporting documentation, such as share transfer agreements, board resolutions, shareholders' agreements, and disclosures required under FDI regulations.

  9. Strategic Guidance: Offering strategic advice on navigating complexities related to cross-border transactions, tax implications, transfer pricing, and structuring investments to optimize returns and minimize risks.

  10. Training and Education: Conducting training sessions for internal stakeholders on FDI regulations, compliance best practices, and implications of share transfers involving foreign investors.

Uses and Benefits

  • Documentation Preparation: Assisting in the preparation of all necessary documentation required for FDI reporting, such as share transfer agreements, board resolutions, and KYC documents of foreign investors.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines pertaining to the transfer of shares involving foreign investors.
  • Form FC-TRS Filing: Facilitating the electronic filing of Form FC-TRS on the RBI's FIRMS portal within stipulated timelines, providing accurate details of the share transfer transaction.
  • FIRC Coordination: Liaising with authorized dealer banks to obtain the Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC) confirming receipt of foreign remittance for the shares transferred.
  • Valuation and Reporting: Advising on valuation requirements and ensuring accurate reporting of share transfer transactions, including any adjustments for non-cash considerations or differential pricing.
  • Board and Shareholder Support: Providing support in obtaining necessary approvals from the board of directors and shareholders for the share transfer transaction.
  • Comprehensive Due Diligence: Conducting due diligence to ensure all documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with regulatory requirements before submission.

Additional Disclosure

1. Overview of FDI Reporting for Share Transfer:

  • Purpose: To report the transfer of shares involving foreign investors to ensure compliance with RBI regulations and FDI policies.
  • Regulatory Basis: Reference to the relevant sections of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, and RBI guidelines for FDI.

2. Transaction Details:

  • Date of Transfer: The date on which the share transfer transaction took place.
  • Number of Shares: Total number of shares transferred.
  • Share Transfer Price: The price at which the shares were transferred, including any valuation reports or pricing details.
  • Transferor and Transferee Details:
    • Transferor: Details of the existing shareholders transferring the shares (name, address, nationality, etc.).
    • Transferee: Details of the new shareholders (name, address, nationality, etc.).

3. Compliance Documentation:

  • Valuation Report: A report from a certified valuer detailing the valuation of shares at the time of transfer, if applicable.
  • Share Transfer Agreement: Copy of the agreement or contract detailing the terms and conditions of the share transfer.
  • Board Resolutions: Resolutions from the board of directors approving the share transfer and its terms.
  • Share Certificates: Copies of the share certificates being transferred.

4. Reporting Forms and Filing:

  • Filing Forms: Completed forms for reporting to the RBI, such as the Form FC-GPR (Foreign Collaboration – General Permissions) or any other relevant forms as prescribed by RBI.
  • Submission Details: Information on how and where the forms are to be submitted (online or physical submission to RBI).

5. Shareholding Structure:

  • Pre- and Post-Transfer Structure: Detailed information on the shareholding structure before and after the transfer of shares, including percentages of foreign shareholding.
  • Changes in Ownership: Any changes in ownership or control of the company as a result of the share transfer.

6. Compliance with Sectoral Caps:

  • Sectoral Cap Compliance: Confirmation that the share transfer complies with sectoral caps or limits on foreign investment as stipulated by the government.

Documents & Detail Required

The documents required for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reporting for the transfer of shares typically include:

  1. Share Transfer Agreement: A copy of the executed share transfer agreement between the transferor (seller) and transferee (buyer), detailing the terms and conditions of the transfer.

  2. Board Resolution: A certified copy of the board resolution passed by the board of directors of the Indian company approving the transfer of shares to a foreign investor.

  3. FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate): A copy of the FIRC issued by the authorized dealer bank confirming receipt of foreign inward remittance for the shares transferred.

  4. KYC Documents: Know Your Customer (KYC) documents of the foreign investor, including passport copy, address proof, and other identification documents.

  5. Shareholding Pattern: Updated shareholding pattern of the Indian company post-transfer, reflecting the change in shareholding due to the transfer.

  6. Valuation Certificate (if applicable): In case of non-cash consideration or transfer at a price different from fair market value, a valuation certificate issued by a Chartered Accountant or approved valuer may be required.

  7. Form FC-TRS: Form FC-TRS (Foreign Currency Transfer of Shares) needs to be filed electronically on the RBI's FIRMS portal within stipulated timelines, providing details of the transfer, parties involved, and remittance particulars.

  8. Other Regulatory Approvals (if applicable): Any specific approvals or NOCs (No Objection Certificates) required from regulatory authorities or government departments, depending on the sector or nature of the investment.

  9. Annual Return on Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA): For reporting entities, submission of the Annual Return on Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) to the RBI may be required, providing comprehensive data on foreign investments and liabilities.

  10. Additional Documents: Any other documents as may be required by the RBI or regulatory authorities based on the specific circumstances of the share transfer transaction

FAQ'S

What is FDI reporting for the transfer of shares?

FDI reporting for the transfer of shares refers to the requirement of reporting to regulatory authorities, such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), when shares of an Indian company are transferred from or to a foreign investor.

Who needs to file FDI reporting for share transfers?

Any Indian company involved in a share transfer transaction with a foreign investor, either as a transferor or transferee, needs to file FDI reporting with the RBI.

Which forms are used for FDI reporting of share transfers?

Form FC-TRS (Foreign Currency Transfer of Shares) is used for reporting the transfer of shares between a resident and a non-resident or vice versa. This form needs to be filed electronically on the RBI's FIRMS portal.

What is the timeline for filing Form FC-TRS?

Form FC-TRS must be filed within 60 days from the date of receipt of funds or within such extended period as permitted by the RBI.

Are there any sector-specific regulations for FDI reporting of share transfers?

Yes, certain sectors such as banking, defense, telecom, and media have specific guidelines and restrictions regarding FDI. Compliance with sectoral caps and conditions is crucial for share transfers in these sectors.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with FDI reporting requirements?

Non-compliance can lead to penalties, fines, and delays in regulatory approvals for future transactions. It's important to adhere to the reporting requirements to avoid legal and financial implications.