Return to India: Decision & Planning

Can NRI invest in Indian stocks

Mani KarthikUpdated 3 min readDeciding

Reviewed by returnees. Cross-checked with RBI, Income Tax Department and MEA. Editorial policy.

Yes, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can invest in Indian stocks. The Indian government allows NRIs to invest in Indian stocks and other financial instruments like mutual funds, debt instruments, and derivatives, provided they meet certain requirements.

NRIs are allowed to invest in Indian stocks through two different routes: the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) and the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Under the PIS, an NRI can buy and sell shares of any listed Indian company through their bank account in India. The FDI route allows NRIs to make direct investments in Indian companies and build a larger portfolio.

To be eligible for investing in Indian stocks, NRIs must have a valid PAN card and a designated bank account in India, known as a Non-Resident External (NRE) or Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account.

They must also obtain a Certificate of Registration from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) before they can start investing. Additionally, they must also file tax returns in India in case they earn any income from their investments.

Once the paperwork is done, NRIs can start investing in Indian stocks either online or through their designated bank account.

Online trading platforms such as Upstox, Zerodha, and Angel Broking offer easy access to the Indian stock markets. They also provide research tools and insights to help investors make informed decisions.

In conclusion, NRIs can invest in Indian stocks and other financial instruments, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and obtain the necessary paperwork from the RBI.

Online trading platforms offer an easy and convenient way to access the Indian stock markets.

Can NRI have a Demat account in India?

NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) can open a Demat account in India, however, there are certain restrictions and regulations that must be followed.

Firstly, NRIs must have an Indian passport to open a Demat account. The NRI may also need to provide proof of residency in the country they currently reside in. Additionally, the NRI must provide proof of address in India, such as a utility bill or a bank statement.

The NRI must also provide documents that prove their identity and address, such as a passport, a PAN card, and a driver’s license. Additionally, the NRI must submit a copy of their Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card issued by the Indian Government.

Once all of the necessary documents have been submitted, the NRI can open a Demat account with an Indian broker or depository participant. The NRI will then need to link their Demat account with their bank account so that funds can be transferred between the two accounts.

Once the Demat account has been opened, the NRI can start trading stocks, bonds, and other securities. As with any investment, there is risk involved and it is important for the NRI to understand the risks associated with each type of security.

In addition to trading securities, the NRI may also use the Demat account to hold shares and other investments. The NRI can also transfer shares from one Demat account to another.

It is important for the NRI to understand the tax implications of investing in India as these may differ from their home country. There may also be restrictions on the amount of money that can be invested in India and the number of transactions that can be made.

Overall, NRIs can open a Demat account in India but they must ensure that they comply with all applicable laws and regulations. It is also important for them to understand the risks associated with investing in India and the tax implications of doing so.

Written by

Mani Karthik

Mani Karthik

Founder, BackToIndia · Returnee since 2016

Mani Karthik is an entrepreneur who moved back to India in 2016 after nearly a decade living and working in the US and the Middle East. He started BackToIndia to help other NRIs navigate the move — banking, taxes, schooling, careers and the everyday reality of resettling in India.

Rules for NRI banking, tax and residency change often. We update guides when policy or our lived experience changes. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice — always confirm with a qualified professional in India.

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