GST Registration for Export of Services

Ready to grow your global business? Get your GST Registration for Export of Services today and unlock benefits like tax refunds, legal compliance, and smoother international payments. Don’t miss out—register now and take your service exports to the next level! Start your GST journey hassle-free.

Apply for GST Registration

999/-
  • GST Registration Certificate
  • GST User id and Password
  • Call, Chat , Email Support

GST Registration for Export of Services: Overview

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) has significantly changed the way businesses operate. If you’re a service provider who deals with international clients, you might have come across the term “GST registration for export of services.” But what exactly does that mean? Do you need GST registration to export services? What benefits or responsibilities come with it?

What is Export of Services Under GST?

As per the GST law, a service is considered an “export” when it satisfies the following conditions:

  1. Supplier is located in India.
  2. Recipient is located outside India.
  3. The place of supply is outside India.
  4. The payment for such services is received in convertible foreign exchange (or in Indian rupees wherever permitted by the Reserve Bank of India).
  5. The supplier and recipient are not merely establishments of the same person.

For example, if you’re a graphic designer in Mumbai and you provide design services to a client in Canada, and they pay you in US dollars, that qualifies as an export of service under GST.

GST Registration for Export of Services

Is GST Registration Mandatory for Export of Services?

Yes. GST registration is mandatory if you are exporting services and your annual turnover exceeds the threshold limit (₹20 lakhs for most states and ₹10 lakhs for special category states).

However, even if your turnover is below the threshold, it is still advisable to get GST registration if you’re exporting services. Why? Because:

  • Without GST registration, you cannot claim a refund of the GST paid on input goods or services.
  • You may need to issue a tax invoice with your GSTIN for overseas clients.
  • Some overseas clients may require a GSTIN for compliance or documentation purposes.

In short, GST registration for export of services is crucial for claiming refunds and staying compliant.

Types of Export of Services Under GST

There are two main ways to export services under GST:

1. Export Without Payment of Tax (Under LUT or Bond)

This is the most common and preferred method. Under this method:

  • You don’t charge IGST (Integrated GST) on your export invoice.
  • You must file a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) with the GST department.
  • You can claim refund of the input tax credit (ITC) you have paid on goods/services used in providing the export service.

2. Export With Payment of IGST

In this method:

  • You charge IGST on your invoice to the foreign client.
  • Later, you can claim a refund of the IGST paid.

This method is less common because most exporters prefer not to block their working capital in tax and instead use the LUT method.

Fees and Required Documents for GST Registration

GST Registration Fees

999/-
  • GST Registration Certificate
  • GST User id and Password
  • Call, Chat , Email Support
  • Personally Assigned GST Experts

Documents Required for GST Registration

For Rented Property

For Owned Property

What is a Letter of Undertaking (LUT)?

A Letter of Undertaking (LUT) is a declaration that you’ll follow all the rules and conditions of exporting services without paying tax. It needs to be filed online on the GST portal.

Who can file LUT?

  • Any registered person who intends to supply services outside India without payment of IGST can file a LUT.
  • No bank guarantee or bond is required (unlike the older process).

The LUT is valid for one financial year and needs to be renewed every year.

Advantages of GST Registration for Exporters of Services

Here are some benefits of getting GST registration for export of services:

  • Eligibility to claim refunds on input taxes
  • Compliance with law and no legal complications
  • Boosts business credibility with foreign clients
  • Enables opening export bank accounts and availing foreign remittances
  • Easier to apply for export-related incentives or schemes from the government

What Happens After You Get GST Registered?

1. Display GSTIN

Your GSTIN must be displayed on:

  • Invoices
  • Business premises
  • Website or online store (if applicable)

2. Start Filing GST Returns

Registered startups need to file regular GST returns such as:

  • GSTR-1 (outward supplies)
  • GSTR-3B (summary of sales and input tax credit)
  • GSTR-9 (annual return)

3. Maintain Records

You should maintain proper records of sales, purchases, input tax credit, and invoices for at least 6 years.

Get GST Registration for Export of Services

Register now to export services legally, claim tax refunds, and grow your business globally with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is GST registration mandatory for exporting services?
Yes, if your annual turnover exceeds the threshold limit (₹20 lakh/₹10 lakh), GST registration is mandatory. Even below that, it’s beneficial.

2. Can I export services without paying GST?
Yes. You can export services without paying GST by filing a Letter of Undertaking (LUT).

3. What is a Letter of Undertaking (LUT)?
An LUT is a declaration filed online that allows you to export services without charging IGST.

4. Do I need to file GST returns if I export services?
Yes, registered exporters must file regular GST returns like GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B.

5. Can freelancers and consultants export services under GST?
Yes. Freelancers, consultants, and small service providers can export services and register under GST.

6. How can I claim a refund on export of services?
You can claim a refund of input tax credit (ITC) by filing Form RFD-01 on the GST portal.

7. What documents are needed for GST registration?
PAN, Aadhaar, business proof, bank details, and address proof are commonly required for registration.

8. How long does it take to get GST registration?
Typically, GST registration is approved within 7–10 working days, if all documents are correct.

9. Is IGST applicable on export of services?
No, if exporting under LUT. If not, IGST applies but can be claimed as a refund later.

10. What happens if I export services without GST registration?
You may lose refund eligibility, face compliance issues, and risk legal penalties.