Softex Explained: What Indian Software Exporters Must Know About RBI Compliance
What Is the Softex Form, and Why Should You Care?
If you export software or IT services from India, you've probably come across the term Softex form and wondered whether it applies to you.
The truth? Not everyone needs to file it. And if you do, the process can feel confusing.
In this blog, we’ll break it all down:
- ✅ What is the Softex form, and why does it exist?
- ✅ Who actually needs to file it, and who doesn’t?
- ✅ Step-by-step guide for STPI and SEZ units
- ✅ What freelancers and agencies outside STPI/SEZ should do instead
- ✅ How platforms like Skydo simplify compliance without needing Softex
Whether you’re just getting started with international clients or are already exporting at scale, this guide will help you figure out exactly what applies to you and how to stay fully compliant without the paperwork mess.
What Is a Softex Form?
The Softex form is a regulatory document issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to track the export of software and IT services from India.
When Indian businesses or individuals export software, they earn foreign currency, and the RBI wants to ensure that:
- This money is legitimately earned through exports, and
- It is repatriated (brought back) to India within the allowed time (typically 9 months).
The Softex form acts as a declaration of:
- Who exported the software/service
- What was exported (project, service, deliverable)
- The foreign client involved
- The amount earned and remitted
- The details of the contract and invoice
Once filed, the Softex form is certified by STPI or SEZ authorities and then submitted to your Authorized Dealer (AD) bank, completing the export reporting process under RBI guidelines.
Think of it as a software exporter’s equivalent of a shipping bill — necessary only if you operate under certain schemes (STPI/SEZ), and crucial for compliance, refunds, and audits.
Who Needs to File Softex?
Softex filing is a regulatory requirement set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to track and certify the export of software and IT-enabled services (ITeS) from India. This obligation applies not only to large IT companies but also to individual freelancers and small businesses.
You Must File Softex if:
- You export software, IT services, or IT-enabled services (ITeS):This includes developers, agencies, BPOs, SaaS providers, designers, etc., if your client is located outside India and pays you in foreign currency.
- You operate as a company, partnership, sole proprietorship, or even as an individual freelancer
- You are registered as an STPI or SEZ unit:All registered STPI (Software Technology Parks of India) and SEZ (Special Economic Zone) units must always file Softex.
- You are a “non-STPI unit” (i.e., not registered in STPI/SEZ):Even without STPI or SEZ registration, you must still register with the local STPI as a non-STPI exporter for Softex processing and compliance
Practical scenario where Softex will be required:
A SaaS (Software as a Service) company based in India sells subscriptions on a recurring basis to international clients. The software is delivered purely online via cloud hosting, and customers access the platform through their web browser or a mobile app. Payments from clients arrive in USD via Stripe, PayPal, or direct wire transfer to the company's Indian bank account.
- Purpose code assigned: For SaaS and digital software products, banks and RBI generally mandate purpose code P0801 (“Export of software”).
- Why Softex is required: For purpose codes like P0801, the RBI requires a SOFTEX form for each invoice or for a set of recurring invoices. This form is used to document the export of intangible software through electronic transmission.
- Key details: The SaaS company, regardless of STPI/SEZ status, size, or how it receives payments, must file Softex, or risk non-compliance, banking issues, and GST refund denial
Who Does NOT Need to File Softex?
Some transactions and service types are exempt from Softex filing:
- Exports unrelated to software or IT/ITeS: If you export physical goods, non-tech services, crafts, or products, regular export documentation (such as FIRA, invoices) suffices—Softex is not required.
- Domestic sales only: Softex never applies to rupee payments from Indian clients or entirely domestic business activity.
- Personal remittances, gifts, and non-business payments: These are not subject to Softex.
- Software services covered under RBI Purpose Code P0802: This is a critical, often-misunderstood exemption. If your inward foreign remittance uses the Purpose Code P0802 ("software implementation/consultancy (other than those covered in SOFTEX form)"), Softex filing is NOT required.
P0802 distinguishes remittances for software services not covered under Softex reporting. Banks process these by tagging them with P0802, and you stay compliant without the Softex process.Examples: Freelance consultancy, minor bespoke scripting, certain support and maintenance remittances, and some SaaS-type payments can fall under P0802—as long as they are expressly not covered by the Softex regime.
Always cross-check with your bank: If they instruct you to use Purpose Code P0802, typically only documentation such as an invoice or contract is required—not a Softex form
Why Does Softex Filing Matter?
You might be wondering: Why does it matter to file Softex? What difference does it make? We rounded up the four strong reasons behind filing the Softex
1. Repatriation Tracking
Repatriation refers to bringing the earnings from abroad back to your Indian bank account. RBI mandates that all foreign currency earned through software or IT service exports must be returned to India within nine months. This empowers the RBI to track the money sent by your clients and confirm if it has been received in India.
RBI tracks repatriation to:
- Prevent illegal money transfers or “hawala” routes.
- Combat tax evasion and money laundering.
- Ensure India’s foreign exchange reserves are properly credited.
2. GST Refund Eligibility for STPI/SEZ Units
Exports under STPI or SEZ are zero-rated, meaning you are eligible to get back the GST you pay on business expenses related to your exports. By filing the Softex form, you prove to the authorities that your transaction is a valid export.
3. Bank Clearances and Regulatory Audits
Your bank relies on Softex forms to certify the authenticity of inward remittances. The bank verifies the details in the Softex form, like invoice number and remittance advice with the actual remittance received.
Without proper Softex documentation:
- Banks may halt further foreign remittance credits.
- They can restrict your ability to receive future payments.
- During statutory or regulatory audits (by RBI, tax, or compliance authorities), Softex filings serve as proof that all export transactions were genuine and funds were received legally
How to File Softex?
For STPI-Registered Units
Step 1: Generate Softex Number from RBI
Before you can file any Softex form, you need to obtain a Softex number from the Reserve Bank of India. Visit the RBI website and generate either single or bulk Softex numbers. This RBI-generated number will be used to link your export declaration to the banking system
Step 2: Access the STPI Online Portal
Log in to the STPI online portal using your registered credentials. If you have not registered your unit, you can follow this detailed user guide to learn how it’s done. Log in to the portal using your credentials. Click on the Export button on the left side of the dashboard, and then Export Certification (Softex)
Step 3: Fill Out the Online Softex Form
Download the CSV format, which consists of details like contract number, contract date, invoice number, invoice date, currency code, export value and more. We have shared the entire list below:
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Fill the CSV file accurately and upload it to the online portal. Once that is done, you will find a View option to upload the following documents:
- Export invoices (scanned copies)
- Contract details (if not pre-registered with STPI)
Step 5: Review and Submit
After you have uploaded all the documents, you will see a Final Submit button. Tap on the button, and you will see another screen open. Here, you must upload the RBI letter related to the Softex numbers, the Internet bill, and the location of the unit from which the goods were exported. Click on the Final Submission button.
Step 6: Digital Signature and Softex PDF document
Once the final submission is done, you will see the application number displayed under the Submit Request screen. Click on the application number, and a PDF document will be generated, which you must download to your computer. On the last page of the downloaded document, you must add your digital signature. Now go back to the screen, and upload this digitally signed PDF. Click on the Final Submit button to complete the process.
The form goes through a maker-checker process where a designated approver from your company digitally signs and submits the application to STPI officials for final certification.
For SEZ-Registered Units
Step 1: Get RBI Softex Numbers
Generate Softex numbers, single or bulk from the RBI EDF portal. These are mandatory for every Softex submission and must be included in the SEZ system.
Step 2: Assign User Access
Ensure "Unit Maker" and "Unit Approver" roles are set up with access to the Softex module in the SEZ Online system.
Step 3: Prepare the Softex Form
The Unit Maker must log in to the SEZ Online portal and open the Softex form. Enter export details, invoice period (maximum 90 days), authorized dealer name and code, and select Single or Bulk Softex, depending on the number of buyers. In case you are unaware of the authorized bank information, you can use the search picker denoted by a magnifying glass 🔍
Step 4: Upload Invoices
Download Excel templates from the SEZ Online website and fill in the invoice and royalty data as required. You can upload the Excel templates using the system's invoice uploader; the system will confirm once the upload is successful
Step 5: Enter Declaration and Save
In the next step, go to the Declaration tab. Confirm remittance details and declaration of export compliance, and save the form to generate a Request ID
Step 6: Submit for Internal Approval
The Unit Approver must review the saved Softex form. If all details are correct, they confirm and digitally sign using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). The form is then submitted to the Development Commissioner’s (DC) office
Step 7: Respond to Queries (if any)
If the DC office raises queries or marks deficiencies, the form is sent back for corrections. Make required changes and resubmit through the same process
Step 8: Get Approval and Certification
Once verified, the DC office certifies the Softex form. You may take a printout (Original, Duplicate, Triplicate) from the portal for your records
Step 9: Submit to the Bank
Send the certified Softex form to your Authorized Dealer bank. This completes the RBI reporting and foreign remittance compliance process
Common Misconceptions Around Softex
There are a few common misconceptions about Softex filing. We have picked the top three and set the record straight :
“All service exporters need to file it” — This is not true. Only exporters exporting software and IT-enabled services (ITeS) from India, and not covered under purpose code P0802, need to file softex
“My bank takes care of it” — This is partly correct. Banks handle the processing of foreign remittance documents, but do not file the Softex form on your behalf.
“Freelancers need to worry about it” — Not necessarily. Suppose you’re a freelancer or service provider exporting software and IT-enabled services (ITeS) from India and not covered under p0802, you will need to file SOFTEX.
Why Exporters Choose Skydo for Simpler Compliance
Whether or not Softex filing applies to your business, staying audit-ready and compliant is non-negotiable when you’re dealing with international clients.
That’s where Skydo helps.
With features like:
- Instant FIRA generation
- Automated eBRC for Amazon global sellers
- Auto-saved purpose codes
- Invoice-payment reconciliation
- GST-ready invoicing
- And full RBI and FEMA compliance under the PA-CB license
Skydo takes the paperwork and uncertainty out of your export operations — so you can focus on building your business, not chasing documents.
