Answers to your
pressing NRI queries
From taxation and property to investments and legal formalities find clear, expert answers to the questions NRIs ask us most. Can’t find yours? Our team is just a message away.
Financial & Tax
From April 2026, the threshold for Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident (RNOR) status is 120 days in India for those with Indian-sourced income exceeding ₹15 lakh.
NRIs must file ITR online for any Indian-sourced income (rent, interest, dividends) exceeding the exemption limit; Form 15CA/15CB is required for repatriation.
NRE is for foreign earnings (tax-free, fully repatriable). NRO is for Indian earnings (taxable, $1M repatriation limit). FCNR is for holding funds in foreign currency.
Yes, NRIs can open joint accounts with resident Indians, typically on a ‘Former or Survivor’ basis.
No, only income earned or accrued in India is taxable for NRIs.
Provide a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) from your country of residence to your Indian bank to benefit from lower withholding tax rates.
It is required for financial activities in India like buying property, investing in Mutual Funds, or opening NRO accounts.
NRE funds are fully repatriable. NRO funds are repatriable up to $1 million per financial year after paying applicable taxes.
The TDS rate is generally 20% (plus surcharge and cess) for unlisted debt instruments.
SWPs are tax-efficient as only the capital gains portion of each withdrawal is taxable, unlike the full amount of FD interest.
Investments
NRIs can invest in Mutual Funds, PMS, REITs, and AIFs via NRE/NRO accounts, subject to FATCA/CRS compliance.
Yes; minimum ticket size is typically ₹1 crore with lock-in periods of 3 to 5 years.
They offer inflation-hedged income with lower capital entry and better liquidity than physical property.
Allowed primarily for hedging purposes via the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) or custodial accounts.
Yes, NRIs can use NRE/NRO accounts. At retirement, part is taken as a lump sum and part must buy an annuity for a pension.
Fresh NRI purchases of SGB are currently not allowed, though they can hold inherited bonds.
Yes, it is highly safe (SEBI/IFSCA regulated) with 100% free and fast repatriation.
ETFs target 8–10% returns with higher liquidity compared to the 6–7% standard NRO FD rates.
Property
No, purchasing these is strictly prohibited; however, NRIs/OCIs can inherit them.
There is no limit on the number of residential or commercial properties an NRI can purchase.
Search the state RERA portal using the project registration number to check plans, timelines, and litigations.
Usually 20% plus surcharge/cess for long-term gains, though a “Lower TDS Certificate” can be applied for.
Yes, via a Power of Attorney (PoA) which allows local representatives to handle leases, maintenance, and division.
Business
Yes, in most sectors under the automatic route for Private Limited Companies.
Yes, at least one director must have stayed in India for 182+ days in the previous year.
Generally no; NRIs are restricted to companies or LLPs unless they have specific RBI approval.
No, the registration is electronic via the SPICe+ form, though foreign documents must be apostilled.
It is recommended to hire a local “Health Concierge” or “Care Manager” to coordinate hospital care and insurance.
Care & Wellness
Yes, NRIs/OCIs can buy plans for themselves or family members residing in India.
It is recommended to hire a local “Health Concierge” or “Care Manager” to coordinate hospital care and insurance.
Documentation
It validates non-resident status for education quotas and specific bank accounts.
Passports are renewed via “Passport Seva” at Indian Missions. NABC is a legal birth certificate substitute for visas.
Immigration
Mandatory re-issuance only once after turning 20. Other updates (like new passports after 50) are simple online notifications.
No; you are either an Indian citizen (NRI) or a foreign citizen (OCI).
Legal
NRIs can make India-compliant Wills abroad or use revocable Trusts for tax optimization and control.
Hospitality
Yes; fractional ownership is a growing trend, and homes can be managed as homestays if registered under local tourism laws.