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How Can NRIs Invest in Mutual Funds in India?

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) looking to grow their wealth often explore investment opportunities in India. Given the country's strong economic growth, investing in mutual funds has emerged as an attractive option for NRIs. The good news is that NRIs can invest in mutual funds in India, benefiting from professional fund management and long-term capital appreciation.

NRIs can invest in mutual funds either on a repatriable basis (allowing the transfer of investment proceeds abroad) or a non-repatriable basis (where funds remain in India). To get started, an NRI must comply with regulations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The process involves completing Know Your Customer (KYC) formalities, choosing the right mutual fund for NRI investors, and ensuring compliance with tax and repatriation rules.

Eligibility for NRIs to Invest in Mutual Funds

Before diving into investments, it is essential to understand the eligibility criteria. NRIs must meet specific conditions to participate in mutual fund investments in India.

Who is Considered an NRI?

An individual qualifies as an NRI under the following circumstances:

  • As per the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 2000, an NRI is an Indian citizen residing outside India.

  • According to the Income Tax Act, 1961, an Indian citizen is considered an NRI if:

    • They spend less than 120 days in India during a financial year, provided their taxable Indian income is below ₹15 lakh.

    • If their Indian-sourced income exceeds ₹15 lakh, they will be classified as an NRI only if their stay in India is less than 181 days in the financial year.

Key Eligibility Criteria for Mutual Fund Investments

NRIs can invest in mutual funds in India under specific conditions:

  • Bank Account Requirement:

 An NRI must have either an NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account for investments.

  • Investment Mode:

 Investments can be made on a repatriable or non-repatriable basis.

  • KYC Compliance: 

Submission of essential documents such as a PAN card, passport, proof of overseas residence, and a bank statement is mandatory. Some fund houses may also require in-person verification.

  • Regulatory Compliance: 

Mutual fund for NRI investors must adhere to FEMA, SEBI, and RBI guidelines.

  • Restrictions Based on Country of Residence: 

NRIs residing in the USA and Canada may face restrictions due to FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) regulations. However, some Indian mutual fund houses facilitate investments from these countries with additional documentation.

NRI investment in mutual funds offers a well-regulated and structured approach to wealth creation, making it a viable option for those looking to capitalise on India's financial markets.

Steps for NRI Investment in Mutual Funds

Investing in mutual funds can be a great opportunity for NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) looking to grow their wealth in India. However, the process of NRI investment in mutual funds involves several essential steps to ensure compliance with regulations and smooth transactions. NRIs can invest in mutual funds through either a direct approach or by appointing a Power of Attorney (PoA) to handle their investments. Completing the Know Your Customer (KYC) process and understanding the redemption process are also crucial to hassle-free investments.

The eligibility and process may vary based on the country of residence, particularly for NRIs residing in the US and Canada. Some mutual fund companies allow investments from these regions, while others have restrictions due to compliance regulations. Understanding the process in a structured manner will help NRIs make informed decisions and streamline their mutual fund for NRI investment journey.

Step 1: Open Account

The first step for NRIs looking to invest in mutual funds is opening an NRE or NRO account. These accounts serve as a link between an NRI’s overseas income and their investments in India. While an NRE (Non-Resident External) account allows full repatriation of funds, an NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account is used for income earned in India with restricted repatriation limits.

NRIs must ensure their bank accounts are linked to their mutual fund investments, as per RBI regulations. This ensures smooth transactions and compliance with Indian financial laws. Depending on the nature of their earnings and repatriation requirements, NRIs can opt for either an NRE or NRO account.

Opening the right account is crucial, as it determines how funds are transferred, withdrawn, and taxed. Choosing the correct account structure ensures the best experience while investing in mutual funds.

NRE Account

  • This account allows NRIs to invest in mutual funds with full repatriation benefits.

  • Investments made through an NRE account can be transferred back to the country of residence without restrictions.

  • The principal and interest earned in an NRE account are exempt from Indian tax laws.

NRO Account

  • An NRO account is used for income earned in India, such as rent, dividends, or salary.

  • While investments from an NRO account can be made in mutual funds, repatriation is restricted to $1 million per financial year.

  • Interest earned in an NRO account is subject to Indian taxation as per applicable laws.

Direct Approach

For NRIs looking for a hassle-free NRI investment in mutual funds, a direct approach can be a viable option. Here are the steps involved:

  • Choose a mutual fund: Select a fund house that allows NRI investments.

  • Open an NRE or NRO account: Link your bank account for investment purposes.

  • Complete the KYC process: Submit relevant documents such as passport, address proof, PAN card, and recent photographs.

  • FATCA declaration: US and Canada-based NRIs need to comply with FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) regulations.

  • Online or offline investment: Invest in mutual funds via direct online portals or visit designated branches in India.

  • Monitor and manage funds: Use online platforms to track investments and make informed decisions.

Via Power of Attorney (PoA)

NRIs who wish to delegate investment decisions can opt for a Power of Attorney (PoA). Here’s how it works:

  • Appoint a trusted individual: Choose a close relative or financial expert to manage investments.

  • Legal documentation: Draft and notarise a PoA agreement to authorise transactions.

  • PoA submission: Submit the document to the respective fund house along with KYC details.

  • Investment on behalf of NRI: The appointed PoA holder can buy, sell, and manage mutual fund investments.

  • Limited or full control: Depending on the agreement, PoA can have limited access or full transaction rights.

Step 2: Complete KYC Process

The Know Your Customer (KYC) process is a mandatory step for NRI investment in mutual funds. It ensures compliance with anti-money laundering regulations and allows seamless fund transactions. Without completing KYC, NRIs cannot invest in mutual funds in India.

To complete the KYC process, NRIs must submit the following documents:

  1. Passport Copy: A self-attested copy with the relevant visa page.

  2. PAN Card: A copy of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card.

  3. Overseas Address Proof: A utility bill, bank statement, or driving licence.

  4. Indian Address Proof (if applicable): If the NRI has a local address, it should be provided.

  5. FATCA Compliance: US and Canada-based NRIs need to fill FATCA declaration forms.

  6. In-Person Verification (IPV): Some fund houses require NRIs to complete an online or offline IPV process.

NRIs can complete the KYC process through offline submission at designated fund house offices or opt for e-KYC verification through Aadhaar-based authentication.

Step 3: Redemption Process

Redeeming mutual fund investments as an NRI is a straightforward process but must be done in compliance with tax and repatriation norms. The redemption amount is credited to the linked NRE or NRO account as per the investment structure.

  • NRE Account Redemptions: Funds can be freely repatriated to the NRI’s country of residence.

  • NRO Account Redemptions: The amount can be repatriated up to $1 million per year after obtaining necessary tax clearances.

For NRIs from the US and Canada, some fund houses may have additional compliance requirements before processing redemption requests.

List of Mutual Fund Companies That Allow Investments from NRIs Residing in the US and Canada

Here are some fund houses that facilitate mutual fund for NRI investments from the US and Canada:

  • Bajaj Finserv Asset Management

  • ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund

  • SBI Mutual Fund

  • UTI Mutual Fund

  • Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund

  • Nippon India Mutual Fund

  • L&T Mutual Fund

Before proceeding, NRIs should check the latest investment guidelines with respective fund houses to ensure compliance with FATCA and other regulatory requirements.

Taxation Considerations for NRIs

When considering NRI investment in mutual funds, understanding the tax implications is crucial. The taxation of mutual funds in India depends on the type of fund and the holding period. If an NRI redeems mutual fund units within the short-term holding period, they are subject to Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) tax, while investments held beyond the long-term threshold attract Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax. The applicable tax rates vary based on whether the fund is equity-oriented, balanced, or debt-oriented.

NRIs are also subject to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on capital gains, which is deducted at the time of redemption. For equity and balanced funds, STCG is taxed at 15%, while LTCG above ₹1 lakh is taxed at 10% without indexation. Debt mutual funds are taxed as per the investor’s income slab for STCG, while LTCG is subject to 20% tax with indexation benefits. The tables below provide a clear summary of these taxation rules:

Holding Periods for Different Types of Mutual Funds

Type

Short-term holding

Long-term holding

Equity mutual funds

Less than 12 months

12 months and more

Balanced mutual funds

Less than 12 months

12 months and more

Debt mutual funds

Less than 36 months

36 months and more

Capital Gains Taxation on Different Types of Mutual Funds

Type

Short-term capital gains (STCG) tax

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax

Equity-oriented mutual funds

15%

10% without Indexation

Balanced mutual funds

15%

10% without indexation

Debt-oriented mutual funds

As per tax slab

20% after Indexation

Key Points NRIs Should Remember

Before making any NRI investment in mutual funds, it is essential to keep a few critical factors in mind:

  • Repatriation Rules: 

NRIs can invest on a repatriable (funds can be transferred abroad) or non-repatriable (funds remain in India) basis using NRE or NRO accounts.

  • KYC & Compliance: 

Completing the Know Your Customer (KYC) process is mandatory. This includes submitting documents like a PAN card, passport, proof of overseas address, and FATCA declaration. Some fund houses may require in-person verification.

  • Taxation & TDS Deduction: 

NRIs are subject to TDS on capital gains at the time of redemption. While resident investors need to pay tax only at the time of filing returns, NRIs have TDS deducted upfront.

  • Impact of Country of Residence: 

Investors from the USA and Canada may face additional compliance requirements due to FATCA regulations. However, mutual funds for NRI investors from these countries are still possible with some fund houses facilitating investments.

  • Investment Modes: 

NRIs can invest in mutual funds through Direct Investment, Power of Attorney (PoA), or via online platforms.

  • Currency Exchange Risk: 

Since investments are in INR, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates may impact returns when funds are repatriated.

Keeping these factors in mind will help NRIs make informed decisions while investing in mutual funds in India.

Conclusion

Investing in mutual funds offers NRIs an excellent opportunity to participate in India’s financial markets and benefit from professional fund management. The process of NRI investment in mutual funds is straightforward but requires compliance with KYC norms, taxation policies, and country-specific regulations. While NRIs need to be aware of taxation and repatriation rules offer seamless investment solutions, making it easier to manage portfolios from abroad. With proper planning, NRIs can optimise their returns while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

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