I’ll save you 10 minutes of reading and tell you the answer right upfront.
No. Groww does not support NRI accounts. Not for stocks. Not for mutual funds. Not for anything.
As of 2026, Groww does not offer NRI demat accounts, NRI trading accounts, or any investment services for non-resident Indians.
The platform is available only to resident Indians.
I know. This is frustrating. Especially because Groww has one of the best apps in the Indian market.
Every week, someone in our WhatsApp community asks: “I used Groww in India, can I still use it from the US?” or “Groww is so easy, why don’t they support NRIs?”
Let me explain what’s going on, what you need to do if you already have a Groww account, and what alternatives actually work for NRIs.
What Is Groww?
For those who aren’t familiar, a quick overview.
Groww is a Bangalore-based online investment platform. It started as a mutual fund investment app in 2016, added stock trading in 2020, and has since grown into India’s largest stockbroker by active users.
Some numbers to put this in perspective:
- 14+ crore (140 million+) registered users
- 1.4 crore (14 million+) active users as of mid-2025
- India’s #1 broker by active users on NSE
- 4.5+ rating on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store
- SEBI registered (INZ000301838)
- Member of NSE, BSE, and MCX
- CDSL Depository Participant
Groww is known for three things: a beautiful, simple app, very low fees (₹20 flat brokerage per trade), and zero account opening charges.
It’s genuinely one of the best platforms for resident Indians.
The interface is clean, the mutual fund selection is excellent, and the learning resources are some of the best in the industry.
But for NRIs? It’s a non-starter.
Why Doesn’t Groww Support NRIs?
Groww hasn’t publicly explained their reasoning in detail. But from what we know, the likely reasons are:
Regulatory complexity.
NRI accounts require compliance with FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act), RBI guidelines, PIS (Portfolio Investment Scheme) permissions, and FATCA/CRS reporting for US/Canada-based NRIs.
This adds significant operational overhead.
KYC challenges.
NRI KYC is more complex than resident KYC.
It requires overseas address verification, foreign passport copies, NRE/NRO bank account linkage, and additional documentation that Groww’s current paperless system isn’t designed for.
Different account structure.
NRI demat accounts (NRE-linked and NRO-linked) work differently from regular demat accounts.
They need separate infrastructure for repatriable vs non-repatriable transactions, TDS deduction at source, and compliance reporting.
Business focus.
With 14+ million active resident Indian users to serve, Groww has clearly prioritized scaling its core market.
NRI services represent a smaller segment with higher compliance costs per user.
At some point, Groww had a waitlist page for NRIs interested in future services. But nothing has materialized as of early 2026.
Will Groww eventually support NRIs?
Maybe. But I wouldn’t hold my breath.
And you definitely shouldn’t delay your investment decisions waiting for it.
“I Had a Groww Account Before I Became an NRI. What Now?”
This is the situation that hits closest to home for many in our community.
You were living in India, loving Groww’s app, had SIPs running, a portfolio building up. Then you moved abroad on an H1B, work permit, or for higher studies. You’re now an NRI.
Here’s the hard truth: you are legally required to stop using your resident Groww account.
Under FEMA, it is illegal for NRIs to operate a regular resident demat account. Non-compliance can attract penalties.
What you need to do:
Step 1: Inform Groww about your change in residential status. Contact them at [email protected].
Step 2: Stop all SIPs and new transactions immediately. Don’t buy or sell anything through the account.
Step 3: Groww will guide you on closing or freezing the account.
Step 4: Transfer your existing holdings to a new NRI demat account with a broker that supports NRIs.
Step 5: Open an NRE/NRO bank account if you haven’t already. You’ll need this linked to your new NRI demat account.
The transfer of securities from your old demat to a new NRI demat typically takes 4-5 business days. Your existing broker (Groww) may charge a small fee for the transfer.
I know this is inconvenient. But the alternative – getting caught operating a resident account as an NRI – is far worse.
SEBI and tax authorities are increasingly cross-referencing residency data.
Groww AMC vs Groww the Broker – An Important Distinction
This confuses a lot of people. So let me clarify.
Groww the broker (Groww Invest Tech Pvt Ltd) is the trading and investment platform.
This is the app you download. This does NOT support NRIs.
Groww AMC (Groww Asset Management Ltd) is a mutual fund house.
It manages mutual fund schemes – like Groww Nifty 50 ETF, Groww Value Fund, etc.
As an NRI, you cannot invest through the Groww app.
But you can invest in Groww AMC’s mutual fund schemes through other platforms that do support NRIs – like your bank’s mutual fund distribution service, SBNRI app, or directly through the AMC with NRI KYC.
So if someone says “NRIs can invest in Groww mutual funds,” they mean the fund house’s schemes, not the Groww platform itself.
The process to invest in Groww AMC schemes as an NRI:
- Complete NRI KYC (PAN, overseas address proof, NRE/NRO account details, FATCA declaration)
- Register with the AMC directly or through an NRI-compatible distributor
- Invest from your NRE or NRO account
This is no different from investing in any other AMC like HDFC, SBI, or ICICI Prudential.
US/Canada NRIs: Be aware that not all AMCs accept investments from US/Canada residents due to FATCA compliance requirements. Check whether Groww AMC accepts US/Canada NRIs before starting the process.
What Groww Does Well (For When You Return)
Let me be fair to Groww. If you’re planning to return to India, Groww will be an excellent option once you become a resident again.
Here’s what makes Groww stand out:
Pricing:
- Account opening: Free
- Annual maintenance: Zero
- Equity delivery brokerage: ₹20 per trade (or 0.05%, whichever is lower)
- Intraday: ₹20 per trade
- F&O: ₹20 per trade
- Mutual funds: Zero commission (direct plans)
- No hidden charges
Compare this with bank-based brokers that charge ₹500-750 for account opening, ₹300-500 annual maintenance, and 0.25-0.55% brokerage per trade. The savings are significant.
App quality:
- Clean, intuitive interface
- One-click buy/sell
- Excellent mutual fund screener and comparison tools
- IPO application in 2 minutes
- Line and candlestick charts
- Company fundamentals easily accessible
- Educational content built into the app
Product range (for residents):
- Stocks (NSE, BSE)
- F&O
- US Stocks
- Mutual funds (direct plans)
- ETFs
- IPOs
- Digital gold
- Fixed deposits
- Corporate bonds
Security:
- SEBI registered
- Securities held in CDSL depository (not by Groww)
- 256-bit encryption
- 4-digit PIN security
If you’re coming back and plan to start investing after establishing residency, put Groww on your shortlist.
What Groww Doesn’t Do Well
Even for resident users, Groww has limitations worth knowing:
No advanced trading tools.
No bracket orders, no cover orders, no detailed portfolio analysis. Active traders often find it limiting.
Performance issues during volatility.
Users report lag during peak trading hours, delayed order execution, and occasional app crashes. In our community, returning NRIs who trade actively have mentioned this as a frustration.
Customer support.
Email-only support ([email protected]). No 24/7 phone support. Chat and ticket-raising are available but response times can be slow.
No research or advisory.
Groww is a discount broker. No stock picks, no recommendations, no research reports. If you want hand-holding, this isn’t the platform.
No NRI support.
The obvious one. And no clear timeline for when (or if) this will change.
What NRIs Should Use Instead
Since Groww isn’t an option, let me walk you through what actually works.
The right choice depends on where you live, what you want to invest in, and how hands-on you want to be.
For Stocks and Trading
ICICI Direct
- Full NRI support with 3-in-1 account (bank + trading + demat)
- Dedicated NRI helpline
- Works for US/Canada NRIs (with some restrictions)
- Higher brokerage (0.25-0.55%) but comprehensive service
- Best for: NRIs who want full-service, bank-backed reliability
HDFC Securities
- Similar 3-in-1 offering linked to HDFC Bank
- Good NRI support
- Premium research reports
- Best for: HDFC Bank NRI account holders
Zerodha
- India’s other giant discount broker
- NRI accounts available (Non-PIS only)
- ₹200 flat fee per trade for NRIs
- Does NOT support US/Canada NRIs for most services
- Best for: Non-US/Canada NRIs who want low-cost trading
Angel One
- NRI demat accounts available
- Competitive brokerage
- Good app interface
- Best for: NRIs looking for a discount broker alternative
For a full comparison, check our best demat accounts for NRIs guide.
For Mutual Funds
Direct through AMCs
- Most AMCs accept NRI investments directly
- You deal with the fund house, not a broker
- Requires NRI KYC with each AMC separately
- US/Canada NRIs: Limited AMCs accept (SBI, UTI, PPFAS, and a few others)
ICICI Direct / HDFC Securities
- Mutual fund investments alongside your trading account
- Convenience of one platform for everything
- May offer regular plans (higher expense ratio) by default
SBNRI App
- Built specifically for NRIs
- Mutual funds, stocks, and other NRI services
- NRI KYC assistance
- Best for: NRIs who want a platform designed for their specific needs
INDmoney
- Wealth tracking across Indian and US investments
- Mutual funds and US stocks
- Net worth aggregation
- Best for: NRIs who want to track everything in one place
For detailed options, see our guide on mutual fund apps for NRIs.
The US/Canada NRI Problem
If you’re in the US or Canada, your options are more limited due to FATCA compliance.
Many Indian brokers and AMCs simply don’t want to deal with the additional reporting burden. Here’s what typically works:
For stocks: ICICI Direct, HDFC Securities (with PIS account)
For mutual funds: Direct with FATCA-compliant AMCs (SBI MF, UTI MF, PPFAS, Tata MF accept US NRIs). Use our mutual fund brokers guide for the full list.
For a modern experience: GIFT City-based platforms (newer options that bypass some traditional restrictions)
Groww vs Zerodha for NRIs
Since both are discount brokers and frequently compared, here’s a quick NRI-specific comparison.
NRI Account: Groww – No. Zerodha – Yes (Non-PIS only, not for US/Canada).
NRI Mutual Funds: Groww – No (platform). Zerodha – Yes, via Coin (limited, non-US/Canada).
NRI Brokerage: Groww – N/A. Zerodha – ₹200/trade flat.
Account Opening for NRI: Groww – Not available. Zerodha – Available online.
App Quality: Groww – Excellent. Zerodha – Good (Kite app).
US/Canada NRI Support: Groww – No. Zerodha – No (stock trading restricted due to FATCA).
Bottom line: If you’re an NRI (not in US/Canada), Zerodha is the closest equivalent to what Groww offers residents.
If you’re a US/Canada NRI, neither works – go with a bank-based broker like ICICI Direct.
What Happens When You Return to India?
Good news. Once you become a resident Indian again, you can absolutely open a Groww account.
Here’s the sequence:
Step 1: After returning, complete the NRI to resident status change with your bank.
Step 2: Convert your NRI demat account to a regular resident demat account with your existing broker. Or close it.
Step 3: Download the Groww app and open a new account. It takes about 15 minutes with Aadhaar-based e-KYC.
Step 4: Transfer any existing holdings from your old (now converted) demat to your Groww demat if needed.
Step 5: Start investing on Groww as a resident.
Many returning NRIs in our community have done exactly this.
The Groww account opening process is genuinely one of the smoothest in the industry. Most accounts are active within 24 hours.
The key thing is: make sure your NRI status is officially changed first.
Don’t open a resident Groww account while you’re still technically an NRI.
Get the paperwork done, update your bank accounts, and then proceed.
Should You Wait for Groww to Add NRI Support?
My honest answer: No.
I’ve seen NRIs delay investing for months (sometimes years) waiting for a “perfect” platform. That delay costs far more than any fee difference between platforms.
If Groww eventually adds NRI support, great.
You can always switch later. Demat-to-demat transfers are straightforward.
But in the meantime, your money should be working for you. Open an account with a broker that supports NRIs today.
Start your SIPs. Build your portfolio. Don’t let platform preference become an excuse for inaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can NRIs use Groww in 2026?
No. Groww does not offer any services to NRIs. No demat account, no trading, no mutual fund investment through the Groww app.
Q: Can I continue using my Groww account after moving abroad?
No. Once you become an NRI, you must stop using your resident demat account. It’s illegal under FEMA. Inform Groww and transfer your holdings to an NRI-compatible broker.
Q: Can NRIs invest in Groww Mutual Fund schemes?
Yes, but not through the Groww app. Groww AMC (the fund house) is separate from Groww the broker. You can invest in Groww AMC mutual fund schemes through other NRI-compatible platforms or directly with the AMC after completing NRI KYC.
Q: Is Groww safe?
Yes. For resident Indians, Groww is SEBI-registered, uses CDSL for depository services, and employs 256-bit encryption. Your securities are held in the depository, not with Groww. Even if Groww were to shut down, your holdings would be safe.
Q: What’s the best Groww alternative for NRIs?
It depends on your needs. For a full-service experience: ICICI Direct. For low-cost trading (non-US/Canada): Zerodha. For mutual funds: Direct AMC route or SBNRI app. For US NRIs wanting stocks: ICICI Direct or HDFC Securities with PIS.
Q: Will Groww support NRIs in the future?
There’s no official announcement. Groww had a waitlist page at one point, but no timeline has been shared. Don’t make investment decisions based on this possibility.
Q: Can I open a Groww account with my Indian PAN card from abroad?
Technically the KYC might go through (some users have reported this), but it would be opening a resident account while being an NRI – which is illegal. Don’t do this.
Q: How do I transfer my Groww holdings to another broker?
Initiate an off-market transfer from Groww’s CDSL demat to your new NRI demat account. You’ll need a DIS (Delivery Instruction Slip) or can do it through CDSL’s Easiest portal. Groww may charge a small fee per transfer. The process takes 4-5 business days.
Q: Is Groww’s mutual fund app better than others?
For resident Indians, Groww arguably has the best mutual fund app in India – clean interface, great filters, zero commission on direct plans. But since NRIs can’t use it, the comparison is academic for now.
Q: What should I do with my Groww mutual fund SIPs after becoming an NRI?
Stop all SIPs immediately. Redeem your mutual fund units from Groww (after any exit load period). Reinvest through an NRI-compatible platform using your NRE/NRO account.
The Bottom Line
Groww is a fantastic platform. For resident Indians.
For NRIs, it simply doesn’t exist as an option in 2026. No account opening, no trading, no mutual fund investing through the app.
If you’re currently abroad, use a broker that actually supports NRIs. ICICI Direct, HDFC Securities, Zerodha (non-US/Canada), or Angel One are all viable options depending on your situation.
If you’re planning to return, Groww should be on your list of platforms to explore once you’re back and have completed your status change.
And if you had a Groww account from your pre-NRI days, please convert or close it. FEMA compliance isn’t optional.
Disclaimer: Investment platforms, fees, and features change frequently. Always verify current terms and NRI eligibility directly with the platform before making investment decisions. This is informational content, not investment advice.
If you’re figuring out investments, demat accounts, or anything else about managing money across borders, join our WhatsApp community at https://backtoindia.com/groups – 20,000+ NRIs helping each other with real, lived experience. It’s free and volunteer-run.
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