Guide to Sending and Receiving Cash Internationally for India [2025]
Learn how to send and receive cash internationally from India, compare providers, fees, and exchange rates, plus discover digital alternatives like Wise.
RBI Purpose Codes for Inward Remittance to India: Reference List
When sending money to India, it's important to understand the compliance requirements that ensure smooth transactions. One of these requirements is the use of Purpose Codes. These codes, defined by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), categorize the reason for the transfer. This article will guide you through the purpose codes for inward remittances to India and introduce Wise as a convenience for international transfers to India.
What is a Purpose Code of Remittance to India?
A Purpose Code is a classification system used to label the reason for international transfers to India. These codes are mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to monitor and regulate foreign exchange transactions.
Guide to Understanding RBI Purpose Codes 👉
Inward Remittances Purpose Codes in India
Inward remittances refer to money sent from abroad to India. To maintain transparency and comply with regulatory requirements, you have to specify the purpose of each transfer using the correct Purpose Code. For you, it just means you need to select the code that best describes your reason for sending the money.
The good news? Your money transfer service will usually prompt you to pick one when you set up your transfer. Platforms like Wise build this step right into their process, making it easy to select the right code.
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RBI Purpose Codes for Inward Remittances in India
The RBI has defined specific purpose codes for different types of inward remittances. Here is a simplified table explaining some of the key purpose codes:
| Purpose Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0001 | Return of Indian investment abroad in equity (shares) |
| P0002 | Return of Indian investment abroad in debt |
| P0003 | Return of Indian investment abroad in branches |
| P0004 | Return of Indian investment abroad in subsidiaries |
| P0005 | Return of Indian investment abroad in real estate |
| P0006 | Foreign investment in India in equity |
| P0007 | Foreign investment in India in debt |
| P0008 | Foreign investment in India in real estate |
| P0009 | Foreign portfolio investment in India in equity (shares) |
| P0010 | Foreign portfolio investment in India in debt |
| P0011 | Repayment of loans to non-residents |
| P0012 | Loans from non-residents to India |
| P0013 | Short-term loans from non-residents |
| P0014 | Non-resident deposit receipts (FCNRB/NRERA etc.) |
| P0015 | Bank loans & overdrafts |
| P0016 | Purchase of foreign currency |
| P0017 | Sale of intangible assets by Indian companies |
| P0018 | Other capital receipts |
| P0101 | Export bills negotiated/purchased/discounted |
| P0102 | Realisation of export bills (goods) |
| P0103 | Advance receipts against exports (goods) |
| P0104 | Receipts for exports not covered by shipping bill |
| P0105 | Export bills (goods) sent on collection |
| P0106 | Conversion of overdue export bills |
| P0107 | Realisation of overdue export bills |
| P0201 | Surplus freight/passenger fare by Indian shipping companies |
| P0202 | Operating expenses of foreign shipping companies in India |
| P0205 | Operational leasing (with crew) - Shipping companies |
| P0207 | Surplus freight/passenger fare by Indian airlines |
| P0208 | Operating expenses of foreign airlines in India |
| P0211 | Operational leasing (with crew) - Airlines companies |
| P0213 | Other transportation services |
| P0301 | Payments for travel |
| P0308 | Foreign currency surrendered by Indian tourists |
| P0401 | Postal services |
| P0402 | Courier services |
| P0403 | Telecommunication services |
| P0404 | Satellite services |
| P0501 | Receipts for construction projects in India |
| P0601 | Life insurance premium receipts |
| P0602 | Freight insurance receipts |
| P0603 | General insurance premium receipts |
| P0604 | Reinsurance premium receipts |
| P0605 | Insurance auxiliary services receipts |
| P0606 | Settlement of insurance claims |
| P0701 | Financial intermediation service charges |
| P0702 | Investment banking fees |
| P0703 | Financial auxiliary services fees |
| P0801 | Hardware consultancy |
| P0802 | Software implementation/consultancy |
| P0803 | Data processing charges |
| P0804 | Computer repair and maintenance |
| P0805 | News agency services |
| P0806 | Other information services |
| P0901 | Franchise service fees |
| P0902 | Licensing arrangement receipts |
| P1001 | Merchanting services receipts |
| P1002 | Trade-related services commission |
| P1003 | Operational leasing services (without crew) |
| P1004 | Legal services |
| P1005 | Accounting, auditing, bookkeeping services |
| P1006 | Business and management consultancy services |
| P1007 | Advertising, trade fair, market research services |
| P1008 | Research & Development services |
| P1009 | Architectural, engineering services |
| P1010 | Agricultural, mining, on-site processing services |
| P1011 | Inward remittance for office maintenance in India |
| P1012 | Distribution services |
| P1013 | Environmental services |
| P1019 | Other services |
| P1101 | Audio-visual and related services |
| P1102 | Personal, cultural services |
| P1201 | Maintenance of foreign embassies in India |
| P1203 | Maintenance of international institutions in India |
| P1301 | Remittance from non-residents for family |
| P1302 | Personal gifts and donations |
| P1303 | Donations to religious and charitable institutions |
| P1304 | Grants and donations to governments and institutions |
| P1306 | Tax receipts/refunds |
| P1401 | Employee compensation |
| P1403 | Interest on loans to non-residents |
| P1404 | Interest on debt securities |
| P1405 | Interest receipts of banks |
| P1406 | Repatriation of profits to India |
| P1407 | Receipt of dividends by Indians |
| P1501 | Refunds/rebates on imports |
| P1502 | Reversal of wrong entries, refunds for non-imports |
| P1503 | Remittances by residents under international bidding |
| P1590 | Other - receipts below USD 10,000 |
Note: This table is not exhaustive but covers a significant portion of purpose codes for inward remittances to India.
Meet Wise: International Transfer to UPI and Bank Accounts in India
With Wise you get the mid-market exchange rate (the one you usually see on Google) and low, transparent fees shown upfront. No hidden costs, just straightforward transfers to Indian bank accounts or UPI IDs. Wise supports a variety of purpose codes for INR remittances, making it a convenient option for sending money to India.
Send Money to India with Wise 👉
Getting Paid from Abroad? If you're a freelancer or run a business in India, receiving international payments also involves purpose codes (like P0802 for software services or P1002 for commissions). A Wise Business account can help. Get local account details (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.) so clients pay you easily. Wise converts the money at the mid-market rate with low fees and sends it to your Indian bank. Plus, Wise automatically emails you an e-FIRC, which helps with your paperwork.
Check out Wise Business in India
Source: RBI Annexure II - NEW PURPOSE CODES FOR REPORTING FOREX TRANSACTIONS RECEIPT PURPOSES (pdf)
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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