STPI Registration for Software and IT Exporters
STPI registration is how an Indian software or IT services exporter gets recognised by Software Technology Parks of India, either as a full STP unit with duty benefits or as a non-STP exporter for export certification. We prepare the application, coordinate with your STPI centre and handle the compliance that follows.
What it is
Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) promotes software and IT-enabled services exports. Registering with it puts your company on one of two tracks. A STP unit is a 100% export-oriented unit that gets a Letter of Permission and can import capital goods duty-free, in return for bonding and export commitments. A non-STP registration is lighter. It is meant for exporters who sit outside a STP or an SEZ and need STPI certification of their export earnings.
The scheme runs under the Foreign Trade Policy, Chapter 6 (export oriented units, EHTP and STP), and the Handbook of Procedures. You apply on the STPI online portal to the STPI centre that covers your office. We confirm which centre handles your office before filing.
Who it applies to
You export software or IT services
A company, LLP or branch office that develops software, runs a data-processing or BPO operation, or sells IT-enabled services to clients abroad. Payment should come in foreign exchange.
You want duty-free imports
A Gurugram development shop buying servers and laptops for an export contract can ask for STP status to import capital goods without paying customs duty, provided it accepts the bonding terms.
You only need export certification
If you sit outside a STP and SEZ and just need your export proceeds certified, the non-STP route is usually the lighter fit. Many small IT companies start here.
Why it matters
Certification of your exports
STPI has long certified software export receipts through SOFTEX. From 1 October 2026 a unified Export Declaration Form (EDF) replaces it, and authorised dealer banks can also act as the certifying authority. Registration still helps when your bank or customs asks for proof.
Duty benefits on the STP route
STP units can import goods for export production without customs duty and IGST, as long as they stay inside the bond and meet net foreign exchange earnings.
A clear compliance footing
Registered units file periodic reports with STPI. Knowing the calendar from day one is cheaper than rebuilding records later.
Documents required
Company papers
- Certificate of incorporation, MoA and AoA
- PAN and TAN
- GST registration
- Import Export Code (IEC)
Premises and plan
- Lease or ownership proof of the office or development centre
- Project report with export projections
- Details of the software or services you will export
Authorisation and accounts
- Board resolution authorising the application
- Audited financial statements, where the company already has them
- Digital signature certificate of the signatory
How it works
Pick the right track
We compare STP unit status with non-STP registration against your imports, export volume and how soon you need duty relief.
Fix the base registrations
If your IEC, GST or office lease is missing, we sort that first, because the application depends on them. The import export code is usually the first gap.
Prepare and file on the STPI portal
We draft the project report, assemble the documents, fill in the application and pay the fee you approve.
Answer queries and collect the permission
We answer STPI officers, coordinate any inspection of the premises and track the Letter of Permission or registration certificate. Here is the catch: a missing lease or IEC is what stalls most files, so we check those first. Customs bonding follows for STP units.
Timelines
Application to permission
There is no fixed statutory period we can promise. Processing depends on the STPI centre, the completeness of your file and any inspection of the premises. In practice, a tidy file moves faster.
EDF from 1 October 2026
Exporters of services move to monthly consolidated Export Declaration Forms, filed within 30 days of the end of the month, under the new FEMA export rules notified in January 2026.
Renewal
Your permission or certificate states its own validity. We diarise renewal well before expiry, because an expired status stops the benefits.
What happens if you miss it
Duty benefits can be withdrawn
An STP unit that falls short of its export obligations or net foreign exchange target can lose its status, and customs may recover duty on goods imported under the bond.
Export proceeds stay uncertified
If you have neither a registration nor another certifying route, your bank may ask for more paperwork before it credits or reports software export receipts.
FEMA exposure
Delayed realisation or reporting of export proceeds can invite action under FEMA. Our FEMA compliance service covers the reporting side, so the delay never builds up.
Frequently asked questions
What is STPI registration and who needs it?
STPI registration is recognition by Software Technology Parks of India for companies that export software or IT-enabled services. A STP unit gets duty-free import of capital goods against a bond, while a non-STP exporter registers mainly for export certification. Any Indian company, LLP or branch office with foreign-currency software exports can apply. We check which route suits you before filing, so you do not take on a bond you do not need.
What is the difference between a STP unit and a non-STP registration?
A STP unit is a 100% export-oriented unit with a Letter of Permission, customs bonding and duty-free imports. A non-STP registration is for exporters outside a STP or SEZ who need certification of export receipts and no import benefits. The STP route carries export obligations and periodic reports. Choose it only when your imports justify them. We compare both on your numbers.
Is the income tax holiday under section 10A or 10B still available?
No. The 10A and 10B exemptions for STP and EOU units ended on 31 March 2011, so new registrations do not carry an income tax holiday. The benefits today are customs and IGST concessions on goods used for export, and the certification role. Do not rely on any page that promises a tax holiday. We explain the current benefits clearly before you apply.
Is SOFTEX still filed after October 2026?
SOFTEX is replaced from 1 October 2026 by a unified Export Declaration Form (EDF) under the FEMA export rules notified in January 2026. Service exporters file consolidated monthly declarations within 30 days of month-end, and authorised dealer banks can certify alongside STPI. Your reporting changes but your records matter more than ever. We set up the monthly routine for you.
Which documents does STPI ask for?
You need the certificate of incorporation, MoA and AoA, PAN, GST registration, IEC, a lease for the premises, a project report with export projections, a board resolution and audited accounts where available. A DSC is needed to sign online. A missing IEC or lease is the usual delay. We collect and check the full set before the portal filing.
Can a startup or a new company register with STPI?
Yes. A newly incorporated company can apply once it has its PAN, GST, IEC and premises, and the project report carries projected exports instead of past figures. Audited accounts are required only if they exist. A new private limited company can usually be ready in a few weeks. We prepare the projections in the format STPI expects.
How long does a STPI Letter of Permission last?
The Letter of Permission or registration certificate states its own validity, and it can be renewed on application. The period depends on the scheme and the STPI centre, so read the validity line on your document. Renew before the date, because a lapsed status stops the benefits. We diarise renewal and file the application well in advance.
What happens if I miss my export obligations as a STP unit?
STPI can act against the unit, including cancelling its status, and customs can recover duty on goods imported under the bond. The remedy depends on the shortfall and the reasons for it. Early reporting and a clear explanation help your case. We track your net foreign exchange position through the year so there are no surprises.
What it costs
Our fee plus the government fee that applies to your case, quoted before you commit. Tell us the situation and we will price it exactly.
Government fees depend on the scheme and your export turnover slab and are set by STPI. We confirm the current schedule with your centre and show you the figure before you pay it.
Ready to begin?
Tell us what you export, where your office is and what you plan to import, and we will recommend the STPI route and start the application.