Why Financial Planning?

Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it NOW.

India is an attractive destination for investors. There is potential for good returns in the Indian stock markets. Therefore, NRIs, PIOs, and OCI cardholders also want to participate in the Indian market to earn income and grow their wealth.

can nris invest in indian stocks

Read Investment restrictions for NRIs In India

How Can NRIs Invest in Indian Stocks?

NRIs, PIOs, and OCI cardholders can purchase shares of an Indian Company through Indian Stock exchanges. They need to have a portfolio investment scheme (PIS) account for their transactions.

NRIs can invest in equity shares of listed and unlisted companies, subject to certain conditions laid down by RBI.

How can an NRI, PIO, or OCI cardholder invest in Indian stock market?

NRIs, PIOs, or OCI cardholders can open an NRE or NRO account along with a PIS (Portfolio Investment Scheme) account in any designated branch of a bank that is authorized by RBI to manage PIS. They also have to open a trading account with a registered broker. (PIS is not required for Mutual Funds)

They can contact the relevant bank and fill in the requisite forms and submit documents as required. The typical documentation required is-

  • Passport
  • Photographs
  • Bank account statements
  • Depository account statements
  • Valid visa and/or PIO/OCI card (as applicable)
  • Proof that the person is born in India,
  • PIS Permission Letter from the respective designated bank
  • PAN Card and
  • Proof of address for an overseas address

How Can NRIs Invest in Indian Stock Market

Read – How Change in Residential status affects different Accounts

What are the rules regarding NRI investing Indian stock market?

Indian Stock market Invest by NRIs, PIOs, and OCI cardholders are subject to certain conditions –

  • Intra-day trading is not allowed. Transactions in the cash segment have to be settled by delivery.
  • Short-selling is not allowed which means securities should be available before executing any sell order
  • There cannot be transactions in securities that are on the RBI ban list.
  • The payout on the sale of securities should be transferred to the respective NRE or NRO account based on whether the purchases were made on a repatriation/non-repatriation basis.

Must Read – HSBC Report Review

What are the taxation considerations on investing in stock markets in India?

The present long-term capital gains tax rate is 10% on listed shares. This is applicable to stocks that have been held for more than 12 months. This applies to gains over Rs. 1,00,000 in a financial year. Gains up to Rs 1,00,000 in a financial year are exempt from tax.

The short-term capital gains tax rate is 15% and that is applicable for shares held for 12 months or less.

The dividend rate of tax is 20% for non-residents and this has to be withheld by the company while making payment of dividends,

The taxation is subject to the provisions of the respective Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (tax treaty), as applicable.

invest in indian stock market

Is repatriation of sales proceeds allowed?

If the NRI/PIO, sold shares that were held on a repatriation basis, the sale proceeds (after deduction of taxes) can be credited to his NRE /FCNR(B) accounts of the NRI/PIO. The sales proceeds of shares held on a non-repatriation basis can be credited only to NRO accounts.

What other information should I know about NRI Invest in the Indian Stock market?

  • NRIs can have two trading accounts each on an NRE and NRO basis.
  • NRIs can invest in futures & options using funds held in INR in India on a non-repatriation basis, subject to the limits defined by SEBI.
  • There is a ceiling on the extent of NRI invest in the Indian stock market.
  • NRIs can continue to hold securities purchased as resident Indians, even after they have become non-resident Indians, on a non-repatriable basis.
  • People who have their status changed to ‘resident Indian’ have to inform about it to the bank branch where they have the PIS account and the DP where they have their Demat account.

NRIs have many investment options in India, and they should make use of these options to their advantage so that they can earn returns and build financial assets. also if you have any questions about “investing Indian stock market” you can add them to the comment section.

Published on February 28, 2022

Hemant Beniwal


Hemant Beniwal is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and his Company Ark Primary Advisors Pvt Ltd is registered as an Investment Adviser with SEBI. Hemant is also a member of the Financial Planning Association, U.S.A and registered as a life planner with Kinder Institute of Life Planning, U.S.A. He started his Financial Planning Practice in 2009 & is among the first generation of financial planners in India. He also authored Bestseller book "Financial Life Planning". 

    • Hey Shambhu,
      Trading stocks from outside India using your wife’s savings account may have legal and tax implications. It’s essential to consult with a qualified financial advisor and familiarize yourself with the regulations in both India and the country where you plan to trade.

    • Hi Pooja,
      Yes,
      But Intra day trading is not allowed for NRIs. NRIs can trade only in delivery-based transactions. BTST(Buy Today Sell Tomorrow) is not allowed to NRIs. NRIs need to have 100% funds at the time of buying.

  • I live in the US ( NRI) so i wanted to know how can i bring back the money from the proceeds of a sale of apartment / flat that I own in India ? I want to sell it and bring the money into USA.

    • Hi Girish,
      First, you need to transfer money to NRO Account and then to NRE Account and then it can be transferred to Foreign Bank Account

    • For NRIs savings accounts are not legal as per my understanding as it is a violation of FEMA law. You need to convert it into NRO account asap. NRIs can only have NRI and NRO accounts.

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