FFMC License

Full Fledged Money Changer (FFMC) license from RBI to purchase foreign currency from residents and non-residents and sell to residents for private/business travel.

RBI Authorized
Foreign Exchange Dealer
60–90 Days
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What is an FFMC License?

A Full Fledged Money Changer (FFMC) is authorized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 to deal in foreign currency notes, coins, and travelers' cheques. Unlike an Authorized Dealer (Bank), an FFMC has a limited scope — it can purchase foreign currency from public (tourists, travelers) and sell foreign currency to residents for travel purposes only. FFMC is the most accessible foreign exchange license for private businesses. A single branch license requires minimum net owned funds of ₹25 Lakhs.

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Types of FFMC Authorization

Single Branch FFMC

For one branch location. Minimum NOF ₹25 Lakhs. Ideal for single-location forex businesses.

Multiple Branch FFMC

For chain of forex outlets. Minimum NOF ₹50 Lakhs. Can operate multiple branches.

Purchase Only

Buy foreign currency from the public — tourists can exchange foreign notes for Indian Rupees.

Buy & Sell Authorization

Full FFMC can both buy and sell foreign currency for approved purposes like travel.

Eligibility & Requirements

Company or Firm registered in India
Minimum Net Owned Funds (NOF) of ₹25 Lakhs
PAN Card of company and directors/partners
Clean CIBIL records for all directors
Audited balance sheets for last 3 years
Business plan for forex operations
Premises with safe/vault for currency storage
No criminal record for promoters

How to Get FFMC License from RBI

FFMC license applications are submitted to the Regional Office of RBI in the state where the business is located.

1Step 1: Meet Financial Eligibility

Ensure minimum NOF of ₹25L (single branch) or ₹50L (multiple branches) reflected in audited balance sheet.

2Step 2: Prepare Business Plan

Draft business plan covering target locations, anticipated transaction volumes, and compliance procedures.

3Step 3: Submit Application to RBI

File application to the Regional Office of RBI with all financial documents and company details.

4Step 4: RBI Due Diligence

RBI verifies all documents, checks promoter backgrounds, and may conduct an inspection of proposed premises.

5Step 5: FFMC Authorization Letter

RBI issues the FFMC Authorization Letter specifying the branch(es) and permitted activities.

FFMC license takes 60–90 days. RBI scrutinizes financial soundness and promoter background very carefully.

Documents Required

Company Documents

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • MOA & AOA
  • PAN Card
  • Audited balance sheets (last 3 years)

Promoter Documents

  • KYC documents of all directors/partners
  • Net worth certificate from CA
  • CIBIL reports
  • Banker's references

Business Premises

  • Premises ownership/rental proof
  • Safe/vault specifications
  • Security arrangements
  • Location details

Post-Registration Compliance

Monthly RBI Returns

Submit monthly returns on forex transactions to RBI Regional Office.

Transaction Records

Maintain record of every forex transaction with customer identification (Aadhaar/Passport) for 10 years.

KYC & AML Compliance

Strictly follow KYC and AML guidelines — report suspicious transactions to FIU-India.

Annual Renewal

FFMC authorization must be renewed annually upon submission of audited accounts and compliance reports.

Common Questions

Everything you need to know

Authorized Dealers (Banks) can deal in the full range of forex transactions. FFMCs can only purchase foreign currency from public and sell for travel — a more limited scope.

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