Who is Eligible to Open a Demat Account in India?

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Summary:


Opening a Demat account is essential for participating in India’s digital capital markets. This guide explains what a Demat account is, why it is useful, who is eligible to open one, and the key criteria involved. It also highlights the benefits of dematerialisation, helping investors trade securely, efficiently, and without physical paperwork.


The recent shift towards digitalisation has resulted in an increased adoption in the popularity of Demat accounts, which, in turn, has transformed the way people hold and trade securities in India. A Demat account serves as an electronic repository for holding shares, bonds, mutual funds, and other financial instruments in a digital format. This digital alternative to physical share certificates has streamlined the process of buying, selling, and transacting securities.

Understanding who can open a Demat account in India is crucial for anyone seeking to participate in India’s dynamic capital markets. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Demat accounts, how they function, and the eligibility criteria for opening such an account in India.

What is a Demat Account? 

A Demat account is an electronic form of holding securities, eliminating the need for physical share certificates. It serves as a centralised depository where investors can hold, monitor, and transact in various financial instruments, including equities, government securities, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). By converting physical securities into electronic form, a Demat account simplifies the trading and investment process, making it convenient, secure, and efficient.

Why is a Demat Account Useful?

A Demat account functions like a virtual bank account for securities. When an investor purchases shares or other financial instruments, the securities are credited to their Demat account. Conversely, when they sell securities, the corresponding units are debited from their account. This electronic transfer of securities ensures seamless and prompt settlement of trades, eliminating the risks and delays associated with physical share certificates.

A Demat account is connected to the investor’s trading account and helps with carrying out transactions. It enables investors to buy and sell securities in electronic form through stock exchanges, such as the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), as well as participate in other investment avenues like initial public offerings (IPOs) and rights issues.

Who Can Open a Demat Account in India?

A Demat account can be opened by various categories of individuals, including:

  • Resident Individuals: Any Indian citizen residing in India can open a Demat account. This includes salaried individuals, self-employed professionals, homemakers, students, and retirees.

  • Non-Resident Indians (NRIs): NRIs possessing a valid Indian passport or Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card can open a Demat account. They can choose between repatriable (NRE) and non-repatriable (NRO) Demat accounts based on their investment objectives. NRIs, who hold a valid Indian passport or Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card, are eligible to open a Demat account. NRIs can hold both repatriable (NRE) and non-repatriable (NRO) Demat accounts, depending on their investment objectives.

  • Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs): HUFs, consisting of a family headed by a Karta (the eldest male member), can open a Demat account in their collective name. This allows HUFs to invest in securities collectively and enjoy the benefits of ownership.

  • Minor Individuals: A Demat account can also be opened on behalf of a minor by their parents or legal guardians. However, minors cannot directly operate the account until they reach the age of majority.

  • Corporate Bodies: Corporates, such as companies, partnerships, and registered societies, can open Demat accounts to hold securities for their investment or business purposes.

It is important to note that the person or entity who opens a Demat Account requires fulfilling certain documentation and procedural requirements. These typically include identity proof, address proof, and a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card. The specific documents may vary depending on the category of the applicant.

Additional Read: Income Tax Implications on Demat Account

Eligibility Criteria to Open a Demat Account

One of the key steps to getting into the stock market is to open a Demat account. The eligibility parameters for opening a demat account are rather broad, allowing many different kinds of investors to take part.

  • Residents: Anyone who lives in India can register an account. This includes children, who can establish an account with the help of a legal guardian.

  • Non-Residents: Indians residing outside of India are also eligible. But they need to connect their Demat account to an NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) bank account.

  • Hindu Undivided Families (HUF): The Karta (head of the family) can create an account for a HUF. It needs a stamped deed and certain familial statements.

  • Partnership Firms: A company can't create an account in its own name. The partners must open and handle the account together, as stated in their partnership agreement.

  • Companies that are registered in India: They need to give the approved signatories the board decisions, the Memorandum of Association, and tax papers.

Benefits of Opening a Demat Account

There are a number of structural benefits to keeping your assets in a Dematerialised (Demat) account that make trading safer and easier.

  • Elimination of Physical Risks: Safety is the most evident advantage. Digital holdings reduce the risks associated with physical certificates, such as misplacement or forgery.

  • Cost Efficiency: Investors typically don't see these savings. Unlike physical transfers, electronic transfers don't have to pay stamp duty. This makes the total cost of your transactions decrease.

  • Streamlined Corporate Actions: It's easy and passive to manage your portfolio. Your account is automatically updated with dividends, stock splits, and bonus issues. You don't have to keep track of letters or worry about mail delays.

  • Immediate Liquidity and Speed: Electronic holding speeds up the settlement procedure. The time it takes to possess shares after making a deal is substantially less than the time it takes to handle tangible deeds.

  • Odd Lot Trading: It used to be hard to sell "odd lots" (quantities smaller than the usual market lot), and the price was often lower. You may simply trade even one share using a Demat account.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Bajaj Broking Financial Services Ltd. (BFSL) makes no recommendations to buy or sell securities.

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Published Date : 29 Nov 2023

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Content Partner - Dalal Street Investment Journal Wealth Advisory Private Limited



This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Market investments are subject to risks. DSIJ Wealth Advisory Private Limited is a SEBI-registered Research Analyst (Reg. No: INH000006396) and Investment Adviser (Reg. No: INA000001142). Please consult your financial adviser before investing. 

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