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What is a Non-Repatriable Demat Account? Meaning and Definition

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The meaning of “non-repatriable” signifies the inability to transfer financial securities from one country to another, specifically from the host country to the country of residence. A Demat account is a crucial tool for holding shares, bonds, and other financial securities in electronic form.

A Non-Repatriable Demat account serves NRIs, but it comes with restrictions on transferring funds back to their country of residence. Understanding the non-repatriable meaning is crucial for NRIs as it affects their ability to access and use their investment returns outside of India

Investments made through a non-repatriable Demat account cannot be converted into foreign currency. This type of account is also known as the NRO Demat account and is typically linked to a Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) savings bank account. The NRO account is designed to manage income earned by NRIs in India, including bonuses and dividends from investments.

With a non-repatriable Demat account, NRIs are limited in their ability to transfer proceeds from the sale of securities and profits from investments. They can only transfer the principal amount and the interest earned after Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is deducted. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) permits remittances of up to $1 million per financial year once applicable taxes are paid.

According to RBI regulations, NRIs cannot hold more than 5% of the paid-up capital in an Indian company. Additionally, NRIs can use a non-repatriable Demat account for transactions related to equity shares and mutual funds through the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PINS).

How Non-Repatriable Demat Accounts Work

A Non-Repatriable Demat account, also known as an NRO Demat account, is specifically designed for NRIs to manage investments within India. Here's how these accounts operate:

  • Local Investment: NRIs use non-repatriable Demat accounts to invest funds earned in India into shares, bonds, and mutual funds.
  • Restricted Fund Transfer: The proceeds from these accounts aren't freely transferable abroad. Principal and interest can be remitted overseas, but only after tax deductions and up to an annual limit of $1 million, as per RBI guidelines.
  • Linked to NRO Account: Only a Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) bank account can be linked with a Non-Repatriable Demat account.
  • Investment Limits: RBI regulations limit NRI ownership in a company to 5% of its paid-up capital through these accounts.

These points clarify the operational aspects and regulations governing a non-repatriable Demat account.

Explaining Non-Repatriable Demat Account with Example

Consider Aniket, an Indian resident who recently retired and relocated to the USA to be with his son. After settling there, his status changed to Non-Resident Indian. However, he still holds a non-repatriable Demat account in India with investments totaling Rs. 80 million. When he decided to sell his investments in India, he received net proceeds of Rs. 24 million. Now, he wishes to transfer this amount to his US account. Unfortunately, he cannot freely transfer the full Rs. 24 million due to restrictions associated with a non-repatriable Demat account. He must adhere to RBI guidelines for such transfers.

To comply with these requirements, a non-repatriable Demat account functions under the following RBI regulations:

  • Only the principal amount and earned interest can be transferred abroad, after appropriate tax deductions.
  • The annual transfer amount is limited to $1 million as per RBI regulations.
  • NRIs must maintain distinct Demat accounts for repatriable and non-repatriable investments.
  • Non-repatriable Demat accounts must be exclusively linked to NRO bank accounts.

How do I choose the right Demat Account?

Check your residency and investment plans before opening a Demat account; resident Indians can opt for a regular Demat account that covers equity and debt trades. NRIs should decide between a non repatriable Demat account (linked to an NRO bank account) for domestic investments and a repatriable (PIS-enabled) Demat account to transfer sale proceeds abroad. Maintain separate accounts for each objective and name a nominee to safeguard your holdings. Compare broker fees, trading tools, and customer support. Finally, select the account type that suits your trading style and long‑term goals to keep your investments compliant and effective.

How are Repatriable and Non-Repatriable Accounts Different?

Parameter

Repatriable Demat Account

Non-Repatriable Demat Account

Fund Transfer

Allows sale proceeds and dividends to be transferred abroad freely.

Restricts transfers; principal and interest repatriable up to $1 million annually after tax.

Linked Bank Account

Must link to a Non-Resident External (NRE) bank account.

Must link to a Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) bank account.

Basis of Investment

Permits both domestic and overseas portfolio diversification under PIS.

Limited to funds sourced within India, for local investment only.

Fund Repatriation

Fully repatriable subject to PIS scheme and RBI approvals.

Non-repatriable by default; repatriation capped as per RBI guidelines.

Purpose of Savings Account

NRE account serves as both a savings and repatriation vehicle.

NRO account functions as a domestic savings account with limited repatriation.

This table underscores the key distinctions between a repatriable Demat account and a non-repatriable Demat account for NRIs.

In contrast to non-repatriable Demat accounts, repatriable Demat accounts enable NRIs to transfer their funds abroad. A repatriable Demat account requires a linked Non-Resident External (NRE) savings account, which is designed for depositing foreign currency and allows funds to be repatriated as needed.

NRIs can use a Repatriable Demat account and bank account for investing in Initial Public Offers (IPOs) or other financial assets on a repatriable basis. Conversely, a non-repatriable Demat account and bank account are used for non-repatriable investments.

Any non-resident Indian wishing to invest in India must have either an NRE or NRO account.

Key Facts About NRO Demat Accounts (Non-Repatriable)

  • A non-repatriable Demat account must be linked to an NRO savings account.
  • Separate accounts are required for repatriable and non-repatriable investments.
  • NRIs cannot transfer proceeds from the sale of securities and investment gains.
  • NRIs can transfer the principal amount and interest earned from the NRO account.
  • RBI permits remittances of up to $1 million per financial year once applicable taxes are paid.

Summarising

In summary, a non-repatriable Demat account allows NRIs to hold securities on a non-repatriable basis, enabling them to invest and trade in the Indian financial market. However, the transfer of funds is restricted, and strict RBI regulations apply. Despite the regulatory constraints, NRIs can still benefit from market diversification by investing in the Indian stock market, provided they adhere to the Foreign Exchange Management Act and other relevant regulations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between non repatriable and NRI repatriable accounts?

Answer Field

repatriable accounts restrict fund transfers abroad, while NRI repatriable accounts allow full repatriation of investment proceeds to the resident country.

What is NRI non-repatriation?

Answer Field

NRI non-repatriation means funds in specific accounts cannot be transferred abroad and must remain within the host country.

Is NRO non-repatriable?

Answer Field

Yes, NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) accounts are typically non-repatriable, limiting fund transfers abroad, except for certain specified limits.

Can joint accounts be opened as non-repatriable demat accounts?

Answer Field

No, joint accounts cannot be opened as non-repatriable demat accounts.

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