Return To India Checklist For NRIs (2025 Update)

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When I decided to return to India after a decade in the US, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of things I needed to figure out. Taxes, bank accounts, shipping, schools for the kids, finding a place to live – the list seemed endless.

Over the years of running BacktoIndia.com and helping thousands of NRIs through their return journey, I’ve put together this comprehensive checklist that covers every major aspect of moving back.

This isn’t just a random list – it’s built from real experiences of our community members who’ve walked this path before you. Each item here has been validated by someone who’s been through the process.

Use this as your master guide, and remember: you don’t have to tackle everything at once. Break it down into manageable chunks, and take it one step at a time.

1. Timeline and Strategic Planning

Before diving into specific tasks, you need a clear timeline. Most NRIs I’ve worked with benefit from starting their planning 12-18 months before their target move date. Here’s how to structure your approach.

12-18 Months Before Move

Define your primary reasons for returning (career, family, lifestyle, retirement)
Discuss the move with your immediate family and set expectations
Research potential cities to settle in based on job opportunities, family proximity, and lifestyle preferences
Start building a financial buffer – aim for 6-12 months of living expenses in liquid savings
Begin researching job market if you’re planning to work (not retire)
Consult a cross-border tax advisor to understand implications for your specific situation
Take stock of all your assets – property, investments, retirement accounts, insurance policies
Research school options if you have children – admission cycles start early

If you’re unsure about which city to settle in, check out our guide on choosing the best city to live in India.

6-12 Months Before Move

Lock in your target city and start researching specific neighborhoods
Begin job search in earnest – update LinkedIn, reach out to recruiters, tap into your network
Apply to schools for your children – many international schools have long waitlists
Start decluttering and deciding what to ship, sell, or donate
Get quotes from international moving companies
Ensure all passports have sufficient validity (6+ months recommended)
Apply for or renew OCI cards for foreign passport holders in the family
Open NRE/NRO accounts if you don’t have them already
Start transferring funds to India gradually to take advantage of exchange rate fluctuations

For a detailed breakdown, see our return to India planning guide.

3-6 Months Before Move

Finalize your moving company and shipping arrangements
Book your one-way flights – prices tend to be better 3-4 months out
Arrange temporary housing for your first few weeks in India
Give notice at work (timing depends on your employment contract)
Notify your landlord if you’re renting
Schedule medical and dental checkups for the whole family
Get copies of all medical records and prescriptions
Start saying goodbyes and attend farewell gatherings

1-3 Months Before Move

Sell vehicles and large items you’re not shipping
Cancel or transfer utilities, subscriptions, and memberships
Set up mail forwarding
Close or modify bank accounts (keep at least one US account if possible)
Update address with financial institutions you’re keeping
Confirm school admission for children and complete enrollment formalities
Pack and ship your belongings
Obtain school transfer certificates and academic records for children

Tip: Create a shared document or spreadsheet with your family to track all tasks. I use Google Sheets with columns for task, owner, deadline, and status. It helps avoid the “I thought you were handling that” conversations!

2. Financial Planning and Money Matters

Money is often the most stressful aspect of returning to India. The complexity of cross-border taxation, account conversions, and asset transfers can feel daunting. Here’s a systematic approach to get your finances in order.

Tax Planning and Compliance

Your tax residency status has massive implications. In India, you become a tax resident if you spend 182 days or more in a financial year (April-March). Plan your move date carefully. For more details, read our guide on the 182-day rule for NRIs.

Consult a chartered accountant who specializes in NRI taxation – this is not optional
Understand the 182-day rule and how it affects your residential status in the year of move
File your final US tax return (you’ll still need to file for the year you leave)
Understand FBAR requirements – you must report foreign accounts exceeding $10,000 even after leaving the US
Review DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) benefits between India and your country of residence
Plan capital gains timing strategically – selling assets before or after becoming a resident has different implications
Keep meticulous records of all financial transactions during your move year

Learn more about FBAR requirements and DTAA benefits.

Bank Accounts and Conversions

Your NRE and NRO accounts will need to be converted to resident accounts within a reasonable time after becoming a resident. Here’s what to handle:

Convert NRE savings account to regular resident savings account
Convert NRE fixed deposits to resident FDs (or let them mature at NRE rates)
NRO accounts also convert to resident accounts
FCNR deposits can continue until maturity
Update KYC with new residential status at all banks
Decide whether to keep your US bank account (useful for any remaining US income or payments)
Apply for credit cards in India while you still have NRI status – it’s easier

For detailed guidance, see converting NRE/NRO accounts and our NRI account guide.

Investment Portfolio Management

Review your US brokerage accounts – some may need to be closed for non-residents
Understand 401(k) and IRA options – you can usually leave them in the US
Convert NRI demat accounts to resident demat accounts
Re-designate mutual fund holdings from NRI to resident status
Review PPF eligibility – NRIs cannot open new PPF accounts, but existing ones can continue
Consider starting a National Pension Scheme (NPS) account after becoming resident

Check out best investment options for returning NRIs and NPS details.

Insurance Planning

Purchase health insurance in India before or immediately upon arrival – don’t have a gap
Consider a floater policy covering the entire family
Factor in pre-existing conditions and waiting periods when choosing plans
Review your US life insurance policies – some may lapse for non-residents
Purchase term insurance in India – rates are often better than foreign policies
Cancel COBRA coverage after Indian health insurance is active

Read our comprehensive guide on best health insurance for returning NRIs and term insurance plans.

Tip: Many returning NRIs underestimate how quickly they’ll need health insurance. One community member had an accident in their second week and faced a huge bill because their Indian policy hadn’t kicked in yet. Don’t let this happen to you.

3. Documentation and Paperwork

Paperwork is the unsexy but crucial part of returning. Missing documents can cause major delays and headaches. Here’s everything you need to have in order.

Essential Identity Documents

Indian passport – ensure 6+ months validity; renew if needed
OCI cards for family members with foreign passports
PAN card – apply if you don’t have one; update address if you do
Aadhaar card – NRIs can apply using Indian passport; OCI holders are eligible too
Voter ID – apply after establishing residence if you’re an Indian citizen
International driving license – useful for the first few months

Learn how to apply for PAN card as NRI and Aadhaar for NRIs.

Financial and Legal Documents

Last 3-5 years of tax returns (US and India)
Investment statements from all accounts
Property documents if you own real estate in India
Will and estate planning documents
Power of Attorney documents if needed for property or legal matters
Credit reports from the US (useful for rental applications in India)
Social Security statement showing your earnings history

For property matters, see our guide on General Power of Attorney for NRIs.

Employment and Education Records

Resume/CV updated for Indian job market
Experience letters from all employers
Educational certificates and transcripts (original and copies)
Professional certifications and licenses
Reference letters from supervisors and colleagues
Children’s school records, report cards, and transfer certificates
Vaccination records for children (required for school admission)

Medical Records

Complete medical history for all family members
Vaccination records (adults and children)
Prescription copies for ongoing medications
Dental records and X-rays
Vision prescriptions
Lab reports and diagnostic results from recent tests
Insurance claim history (useful for new Indian policies)

Tip: Scan and store all documents digitally in the cloud. I recommend organizing them in folders by category. Having digital copies saved me when my physical documents got delayed during shipping.

4. Housing and Accommodation

Finding the right home is crucial to your settling-in experience. Whether you’re renting or buying, there are specific considerations for returning NRIs.

Pre-Move Housing Decisions

Decide between renting vs buying – most experts recommend renting first for 6-12 months
Research neighborhoods based on work commute, schools, and lifestyle preferences
Check proximity to hospitals, especially if you have elderly parents or young children
Consider gated communities for safety and amenities – popular among returning NRIs
If buying property, start the process early – it takes 3-6 months minimum
Verify RERA registration if buying in a new development

For city-specific guidance, check out best gated communities in Bangalore and our buying vs renting guide.

Rental Checklist

Arrange temporary accommodation (serviced apartment, hotel, or Airbnb) for your first 2-4 weeks
Use reputable property portals (MagicBricks, 99acres, NoBroker) to shortlist properties
Prepare for 2-3 months security deposit plus 1 month advance rent
Get rental agreement registered (mandatory in many states)
Verify landlord’s ownership documents before signing
Take photos/videos of property condition before moving in
Transfer utilities to your name or ensure they’re included in rent

Setting Up Your Home

Apply for electricity connection or transfer existing one
Get gas connection (piped gas or cylinder)
Set up broadband internet – this is critical for remote workers
Arrange for water supply (municipal or tanker, depending on area)
Purchase or rent essential furniture and appliances
Install water purifier – essential in most Indian cities
Consider inverter/UPS for power backup if your area has frequent outages
Set up air conditioning/cooling before summer if moving to a hot region

5. Children’s Education and School Admission

If you have children, their education is probably your biggest concern.

The Indian education system has evolved significantly, and there are now excellent options. Start early – some schools have waitlists of over a year.

Understanding School Boards

India has multiple education boards, each with different curricula and approaches:

Board	Key Characteristics
CBSE	Central Board – widely recognized, good for competitive exams (IIT-JEE, NEET), standardized across India
ICSE/ISC	Comprehensive curriculum, strong in English and literature, more subjective assessments
IB (International)	Global curriculum, inquiry-based learning, expensive, good for international university applications
IGCSE/Cambridge	British curriculum, recognized worldwide, flexible subject choices, rigorous standards
State Boards	Varies by state, often in regional language, usually less expensive

For detailed comparisons, read CBSE vs ICSE, CBSE vs IB, and CBSE vs IGCSE.

School Selection Checklist

Research schools in your target neighborhoods 12-18 months before moving
Visit shortlisted schools if possible during a trip to India
Consider curriculum continuity – IB to IB or American curriculum might be easier transitions
Check NRI quota availability – many schools have reserved seats
Understand fee structure including admission fees, tuition, transport, and hidden costs
Ask about support systems for children transitioning from abroad
Check school timings and calendar – they vary significantly from Western schools

See our guides on best international schools in Bangalore and Hyderabad.

Required Documents for School Admission

Birth certificate (original and copies)
Passport copies (child and parents)
Previous school records and report cards
Transfer certificate from previous school
Equivalency certificate (if required by school/board)
Vaccination records
Passport-sized photographs
Address proof and parent ID documents

For college-age children, check NRI quota in Indian colleges and admission process for NRI students.

Helping Children Adjust

Start preparing children emotionally months before the move – talk about what to expect
Maintain connections with friends abroad through video calls
Be patient with academic adjustment – Indian schools often have different pacing
Consider tutoring support for subjects where curriculum differs significantly
Encourage extracurricular activities to help build new friendships
Watch for signs of adjustment difficulties and seek counseling if needed

Tip: In our community, we’ve seen that children who have some exposure to India through regular visits tend to adjust much better. If possible, plan extended visits to India before the final move to help them build familiarity and connections.

6. Career and Employment

Your career transition is often the linchpin of a successful return. Whether you’re job hunting, starting a business, or working remotely, here’s what you need to know.

Job Search Strategy

Start job search 6-9 months before your target move date
Update LinkedIn profile to reflect your interest in India-based opportunities
Tailor your resume for the Indian market – include photo, date of birth, and marital status (still common)
Register on job portals: Naukri, LinkedIn India, Indeed India, Monster India
Connect with executive recruiters who specialize in NRI placements
Reach out to your alumni network in India
Consider internal transfers if your company has India operations
Be realistic about salary expectations – packages are typically 30-50% lower than US

Check out best recruitment agencies in India and how NRIs can find jobs in India.

Remote Work Considerations

Working remotely for a US company from India is increasingly common, but comes with complexities:

Confirm your employer allows remote work from India (visa and tax implications for them)
Understand how your salary will be paid and taxed (India taxes global income for residents)
Plan for time zone challenges – overlapping work hours can be difficult
Ensure reliable internet – consider backup connections (fiber + mobile)
Set up a proper home office or consider coworking spaces
Keep US bank account active for receiving salary

Read our detailed guide on remote work from India for US companies.

Starting a Business in India

Research business structures: sole proprietorship, LLP, private limited company
Register for GST if applicable (threshold varies by business type)
Open a current account for business transactions
Understand professional tax and shop establishment registration requirements
Consider Startup India benefits if eligible
Join local business networks and chambers of commerce

Explore entrepreneurship opportunities in India.

Adapting to Indian Work Culture

Expect more hierarchical structures in most organizations
Communication styles tend to be more indirect – read between the lines
Work-life balance varies significantly by company and industry
Relationship-building is crucial – take time for chai conversations
Be patient with processes – things often take longer than you’d expect

For more insights, see transitioning from US to Indian work culture and work-life balance comparison.

7. Shipping and Logistics

Moving your belongings across continents requires careful planning. The cost and complexity depend on what and how much you’re shipping.

Deciding What to Ship

Not everything is worth shipping. Here’s a general framework:

Worth Shipping	Consider Carefully	Usually Not Worth It
Sentimental items, family heirlooms	Quality furniture (check voltage)	Large appliances (voltage issues)
High-quality kitchenware	Electronics (dual voltage)	IKEA furniture (not durable)
Books and personal collections	Bedding and linens	Cheap furniture
Special hobby equipment	Children’s favorite items	Items available cheaper in India

Shipping Process Checklist

Get quotes from at least 3 international moving companies
Choose between sea freight (cheaper, 6-8 weeks) and air freight (expensive, 1-2 weeks)
Decide between full container load (FCL) vs less than container load (LCL)
Create detailed inventory list with photographs for insurance and customs
Understand customs duties – returning NRIs get duty-free allowance on used personal effects
Ship items 4-8 weeks before your arrival for sea freight
Purchase comprehensive marine insurance
Arrange for customs clearance agent in India

Read our comprehensive shipping to India from USA guide.

Customs and Duty Guidelines

Transfer of Residence (TR) rules allow duty-free import of used household goods
You must have lived abroad for at least 2 years to qualify for full TR benefits
Items must be owned and used for at least 1 year
Electronics and appliances may attract duties even under TR
Gold import has separate rules and limits – check current allowances
Keep purchase receipts for expensive items to prove they’re not new

For gold specifically, see how much gold is allowed from Dubai to India and gold customs duty.

What to Carry in Luggage

Pack strategically for your flight – these items should be with you, not in shipment:

All important documents (originals and copies)
Medications for 3-6 months supply
Laptops and essential electronics
Jewelry and valuables
Children’s comfort items and essentials
2-3 weeks of clothing for the destination season

Tip: One thing I wish someone had told me: ship less than you think you need. Half of what we shipped ended up being donated within a year because it just didn’t fit our new life. Your tastes and needs will change once you’re in India.

8. Healthcare and Medical Preparation

Healthcare in India has transformed dramatically. Major cities now have world-class hospitals, but navigating the system requires some preparation.

Before You Move

Schedule comprehensive medical checkups for all family members
Complete any pending dental work – quality is good in India but familiarity matters
Update vaccinations if needed
Stock up on 6 months of prescription medications with prescriptions
Get new eyeglasses/contacts with current prescription
Collect all medical records in digital format
Ask your doctors for referrals to specialists in India if possible

Health Insurance Considerations

Purchase Indian health insurance before arrival – no waiting period for accidents
Understand waiting periods for pre-existing conditions (typically 2-4 years)
Consider a super top-up plan for catastrophic coverage
Check if corporate insurance from new employer covers family adequately
Evaluate plans from Star Health, HDFC Ergo, ICICI Lombard, and Max Bupa
Get parents on a separate senior citizen policy if not covered under floater

See our detailed guide on best medical insurance in India.

After Arrival

Identify hospitals in your area – emergency room, pediatric, general
Find a general practitioner/family doctor for routine care
Locate a pediatrician if you have children
Register with hospitals that are on your insurance network
Download pharmacy apps (1mg, PharmEasy) for convenient medicine delivery
Find equivalent medications for your prescriptions – generics are often available

9. Vehicles and Transportation

Getting around in India is different from what you might be used to. Traffic, road conditions, and even driving styles vary significantly by city.

Driving License

You can drive with a valid foreign license for up to one year as a visitor
Apply for Indian driving license after becoming resident – foreign licenses can be converted
Process requires written test, driving test, and medical certificate
International Driving Permit is useful for the initial months
Keep your US license valid – useful for driving on US trips and as ID

Read our guide on applying for driving license and driving license for NRIs.

Buying a Vehicle

Wait 2-3 months before buying – understand your actual needs first
Consider automatic transmission – more common now and easier in traffic
Research fuel types: petrol, diesel, CNG, or electric based on usage and city
Evaluate new vs used – used car market is robust in India
Factor in insurance costs (mandatory third-party plus comprehensive)
Consider leasing or subscription models for flexibility

Check out best car in India and best scooter in India.

Alternative Transportation

Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Ola) are widely available and affordable
Metro systems in major cities are efficient and expanding
Auto-rickshaws for short distances – use apps for fair pricing
Consider hiring a driver – often more practical than self-driving
Bike/scooter rental services available in most cities

10. Technology and Connectivity

India is a mobile-first country with excellent digital infrastructure. Getting connected is one of the first things you’ll do.

Mobile and SIM

Get an Indian SIM card immediately upon arrival – available at airports
Choose between Jio, Airtel, or Vi based on network strength in your area
e-KYC with Aadhaar makes activation quick
Data plans are incredibly affordable – unlimited plans cost around Rs 500-700/month
Consider keeping your US number on a cheap plan for verification purposes
Port your US number to Google Voice before leaving (free incoming, cheap outgoing)

Internet at Home

Fiber connections (Jio Fiber, Airtel Xstream, ACT, local ISPs) offer speeds up to 1 Gbps
Installation takes 2-7 days depending on provider and location
Keep mobile data as backup for outages – bundle with primary provider
Ask neighbors which provider works best in your building/area

Essential Apps to Download

UPI payments: Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm (digital payments are ubiquitous)
Transportation: Uber, Ola, Rapido (for bike taxis)
Food delivery: Swiggy, Zomato
Groceries: BigBasket, Blinkit, Zepto, JioMart
Healthcare: Practo (doctor appointments), 1mg, PharmEasy (pharmacy)
Services: UrbanCompany (home services), Dunzo (delivery)
Banking: Your bank’s app, CRED (credit card management)

Check out our list of best apps in India and personal finance apps.

Digital Life Adjustments

Link Aadhaar to bank accounts and mobile number for seamless verification
Set up UPI – it’s how India pays for everything now
Register on DigiLocker for digital copies of government documents
Download UMANG app for government services
Get WhatsApp set up with Indian number – it’s essential for communication

Tip: The UPI payment system is one of India’s genuine technology successes. Within a week of arriving, you’ll be paying for chai at street stalls by scanning QR codes. It’s brilliant.

11. Emotional and Cultural Adjustment

This is often the most underestimated aspect of returning. You’ve changed, India has changed, and the process of re-adjustment takes time and patience.

Preparing Mentally

Acknowledge that reverse culture shock is real – it’s not “going home,” it’s moving somewhere new
Set realistic expectations – India has both improved and remains challenging
Give yourself a 6-12 month adjustment period before making any major judgments
Don’t compare everything to how things work abroad – accept differences
Plan for periodic frustration – traffic, bureaucracy, and pollution are real challenges

Read about problems faced by returning NRIs and tips to survive in India after moving from USA.

Common Challenges and How to Handle Them

Based on years of community conversations, here are the most common adjustment issues:

Missing conveniences: Focus on what India does better (domestic help, food delivery, social connections)
Family expectations: Set boundaries early but gently with extended family
Children’s adjustment: Be patient and consistent, seek counseling if needed
Career frustrations: Accept that workplace culture is different, not wrong
Social isolation: Actively build new networks – it doesn’t happen automatically
Spouse adjustment: If your spouse is from abroad, their transition needs extra support

Building Your New Life

Join communities of fellow returnees – our WhatsApp groups are great for this
Reconnect with old friends but also make new ones
Find activities and hobbies that give you joy
Explore your city with fresh eyes – discover local gems
Volunteer or give back to community – it builds connections and purpose
Maintain some connections abroad – video calls with friends matter
Seek professional help if adjustment feels overwhelming – there’s no shame in it

For Families with Children

Validate their feelings – they didn’t choose this move
Help them maintain friendships abroad through video calls
Create new traditions while honoring old ones
Involve them in exploring the new city and country
Don’t force cultural adaptation – let it happen naturally
Watch for signs of depression or anxiety and seek help early

For parents with US-born children, read about benefits for US-born kids living in India.

Final Thoughts

Returning to India is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life. It’s exciting, terrifying, challenging, and rewarding all at once.

There will be days when you question your decision and days when you can’t believe you waited so long to make the move.

I’ve been running BacktoIndia.com since 2017, and I’ve seen thousands of NRIs go through this journey.

The ones who succeed share some common traits: they’re flexible, patient, and open to reinventing parts of their lives. They don’t expect India to be what they left behind or what they imagined. They accept it as it is – messy, vibrant, frustrating, and beautiful.

Use this checklist as your guide, but remember that every return journey is unique.

What works for someone else might not work for you. Trust your instincts, lean on your community, and give yourself grace during the transition.

Join Our Community

If you’re planning your move back, you don’t have to do it alone. Join 20,000+ NRIs helping each other daily in our free WhatsApp groups.

Join the BacktoIndia Community

It’s free, volunteer-run, and full of people who’ve been exactly where you are now.

For more resources, visit BacktoIndia.com or check out our complete return to India checklist.

The Ultimate Return to India Checklist for NRIs