EMF & SMF Reporting
EMF & SMF Reporting
Foreign investments in India come with one non-negotiable responsibility: accurate reporting to RBI. That’s where the Entity Master Form (EMF) and Single Master Form (SMF) come in. They ensure your company’s foreign shareholding data is updated, compliant, and visible to the government on FIRMS.
Many businesses miss reporting timelines, assume their consultant has already done it, or misunderstand the filing category — and end up with compounding penalties. Let’s break it down so it feels manageable.
What is EMF?
EMF is a one-time reporting requirement where a company declares its complete foreign investment structure, percentage holdings, and investor details. Without an approved EMF, SMF filings won’t be allowed.
What is SMF?
SMF is used for ongoing reporting of foreign investment transactions — like share allotment, transfer, rights issue, bonus issue, buyback, or ESOP. It includes forms such as FC-GPR, FC-TRS, LLP(I), LLP(II), CN, DI, DRR etc.
Why it matters
Required under FEMA
Enables future foreign investment filings
Prevents late-fee exposure and compliance notices
Builds transparency for banking, investors, due diligence, and audits
What we help you with
EMF creation, verification, and submission on FIRMS
SMF filings for all types of FDI transactions
Documentation, valuation certificates, and shareholding reconciliation
Coordination with banks and AD Category-I branches
Rectification, resubmissions, and delayed reporting compliance
FEMA advisory before issuing or transferring shares
Typical documents required
COI, MoA, AoA
Shareholding pattern and cap table
Investor KYC and incorporation documents
FIRC, KYC from remitting bank, debit/credit advice
Board resolutions, share allotment documents, valuation report
Our process
Understand the transaction and investment structure
Review documents and identify gaps
Prepare, validate, and upload forms
Coordinate with bank/RBI if clarifications arise
Close filing and share acknowledgment
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you have any foreign shareholding, even 1 percent, EMF filing is compulsory.
Generally within 30 days of share allotment or transfer. Delays may attract late fees.
No. SMF access is granted only after EMF is successfully registered.
RBI may levy compounding penalties and request explanations from the company.
Yes. LLPs accepting foreign capital must report through the relevant SMF forms.