If your company exports software or IT-enabled services (ITES) from India, you’ve likely heard of SOFTEX. But here is the catch: to file a SOFTEX form and legally recognize your export earnings, you first need to be registered with the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI).
For companies that don’t need the physical infrastructure of a “Tech Park,” the Non-STPI Registration is the mandatory legal bridge.
What is Non-STPI Registration?
Non-STPI registration is a statutory requirement under FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act). It allows companies operating outside of designated STP zones to certify their software exports through the STPI.
Who Needs STPI Registration?
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Any entity (Private Limited, LLP, Partnership, or Proprietorship) exporting software products or services via data communication links.
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Even small SaaS firms and agencies must register if they want their foreign remittances to be treated as “Export Income” rather than “General Income”.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Setting up as a Non-STPI unit is a digital process that usually takes 10–15 business days.
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Online Application: Register on the jurisdictional STPI portal (e.g., STPI Bengaluru, Noida, etc.) and select “New Unit Registration”.
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Fee Payment: Pay a one-time processing fee of ₹1,000 + GST.
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Document Submission: Upload the required legal and financial documents for scrutiny.
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Verification: The STPI Director reviews the application. They may request a brief “Project Report” on your export plans.
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Issuance of LoP: Once approved, you receive a Letter of Permission (LoP) or Certificate of Registration, typically valid for 3 years.
Documents Needed for Non STPI registration
Keep these scanned copies ready for a smooth application:
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Company Basics: PAN Card, IEC (Import Export Code), and GST Certificate.
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Constitutional Docs: Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA/AoA) or Partnership Deed.
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Board Resolution: Authorizing the setup of the Non-STP unit and identifying authorized signatories.
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Proof of Premises: Lease or Rental Agreement of the office.
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Bank Details: Bank certificate showing the AD (Authorised Dealer) Code.
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Company Profile: A brief project report outlining your business activities and export projections.
Annual Service Charges (ASC)
Unlike the registration fee, the Annual Service Charge is a slab-based fee calculated on your export turnover for the financial year.
| Annual Export Turnover | Annual Service Charge (INR) |
| Up to ₹12.5 Lakhs | ₹4,000 |
| ₹12.5 Lakhs – ₹25 Lakhs | ₹8,000 |
| ₹25 Lakhs – ₹50 Lakhs | ₹16,000 |
| ₹50 Lakhs – ₹3 Crores | ₹55,000 |
| ₹3 Crores – ₹10 Crores | ₹1,10,000 |
| Above ₹10 Crores | ₹6,50,000 |
Note: Charges are usually paid in advance based on your projected exports for the year.
Compliance: Monthly & Annual Filings
Registration is just the beginning. To stay compliant, you must follow this reporting calendar:
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SOFTEX Filing (Monthly/Per Invoice): Must be filed within 30 days of the last invoice raised in a month to certify the export value.
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Quarterly Progress Report (QPR): A summary of your export performance and foreign exchange realization for the quarter.
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Annual Progress Report (APR): A detailed yearly report, usually due by September 30th, summarizing the entire year’s activities.
Things Founders Usually Miss
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Contract Registration: Before you file your first SOFTEX, you must register each individual export contract or Master Service Agreement (MSA) with the STPI.
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The 3-Year Renewal: The registration isn’t lifetime. You must apply for renewal 3 months before the 3-year expiry date.
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GST Refund Link: Without certified SOFTEX forms, banks often struggle to issue a BRC (Bank Realisation Certificate), which is a mandatory document for claiming GST Refunds on exports.