Return To India From USA - Complete Guide For NRIs (2026)

Content Index

I still remember the night I decided to move back.

It was 2017. I was sitting in my apartment in the US, staring at a Skype call with my mom in India. She was alone. My dad had passed away when I was in college, and she’d been on her own ever since.

My younger son was born in California.

My older one was growing up fast. I was on an H-1B visa with no clear path to a green card. The wait times were ridiculous.

And I couldn’t start a business of my own while on that visa.

That night, I made the call.

Since then, I’ve helped thousands of NRIs make the same move through BacktoIndia.com and our WhatsApp community. I’ve heard every fear, every question, every “but what about…” scenario you can think of.

And I can tell you this – it’s doable. It’s messy, yes. It’s emotional, absolutely. But with the right planning, it’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

This guide is everything I know – from my own experience and from the experiences of 20,000+ community members who’ve walked this path before you.

Why NRIs Are Moving Back

Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.”

In our community, I see the same reasons come up again and again.

Family.

This is the #1 reason. Aging parents. Kids growing up without knowing their grandparents. Missing festivals, weddings, funerals. The guilt of being 8,000 miles away when someone needs you.

Visa uncertainty.

The H-1B lottery, the green card backlog, the constant anxiety of “what if my visa doesn’t get renewed?” I lived this for 10 years.

Career freedom.

On an H-1B, you can’t start a business. You can’t freelance. You’re tied to one employer. Many NRIs want to build something of their own. India’s startup ecosystem has exploded in the last few years.

Cost of living.

Healthcare costs in the US are terrifying. Childcare is expensive. Housing in cities like San Francisco or New York is brutal. Your dollar goes much further in India.

Quality of life.

Household help, proximity to family, a sense of belonging, cultural connection for your kids. These things matter more as you get older.

India is changing.

Infrastructure, digital payments, metro systems, international schools, coworking spaces. India in 2026 is not the India you left.

If you’re still on the fence, we’ve written about the right time to return to India that might help you decide.

When to Start Planning

Here’s what I tell everyone in our community calls: start planning 12-18 months before your target move date.

That might sound like a lot. But once you see how many things need to happen in parallel, you’ll understand.

Here’s a rough timeline.

Timeframe	What to Focus On
12-18 months before	Research cities, schools, job market. Start financial planning. Talk to family.
9-12 months before	Consult a CA/tax advisor. Open/update NRI bank accounts. Decide what to sell vs. ship.
6-9 months before	Start selling items in the US. Research schools. Get documents in order. Book movers.
3-6 months before	Finalize housing in India. Notify US entities (bank, credit cards, subscriptions). Ship items.
1-3 months before	Book flights. Pack essentials. Close or update US accounts. Say goodbyes.
After arrival	Convert bank accounts. Apply for Aadhaar. Enroll kids in school. Set up health insurance.

This isn’t rigid. Some people do it in 6 months. Some take 2 years. But having a timeline keeps you sane.

Choosing the Right City in India

This is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. And it depends on your priorities.

If Your Priority Is…	Consider These Cities
Tech jobs / startup ecosystem	Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune
Financial sector / corporate jobs	Mumbai, Gurgaon (NCR)
Family proximity	Wherever your parents/family are
International schools	Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai
Low cost of living	Tier-2 cities like Coimbatore, Kochi, Chandigarh, Jaipur
Retirement / peaceful life	Mysore, Pondicherry, Goa, Dehradun
Climate / air quality	Bangalore, Kochi, Coimbatore, Mysore

A word of caution from our community: Don’t assume you know a city just because you grew up there. India has changed dramatically. Visit first. Spend a few weeks. Talk to people already living there.

We have detailed guides for choosing the best city to settle back in India and a popular comparison of Bangalore vs Hyderabad if you’re torn between the two tech hubs.

The Money Part – Financial Planning

This is where most NRIs get the most anxious. And honestly, it’s the area where mistakes can cost you the most.

Let me break it down into pieces.

How Much Money Do You Need?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But here’s a framework many in our community use.

Emergency fund: 12-18 months of living expenses in India. Not 3 months. Not 6 months. Give yourself a real cushion because job hunting and settling in takes time.

One-time setup costs: Housing deposit (6-12 months rent upfront in many cities), furniture, car purchase, school admission fees. Budget Rs 10-25 lakhs depending on your city and lifestyle.

Monthly living expenses: This varies wildly. A family of four can live comfortably in Bangalore for Rs 1.5-2.5 lakhs per month. In Mumbai, add 30-50% more.

We’ve put together a detailed cost of living comparison between India and USA that will help you plan.

US Bank Accounts and Credit Cards

Should you keep US bank accounts? Yes, absolutely. At least one.

You’ll need a US bank account for tax refunds, any remaining income, 401(k) withdrawals, and occasional US transactions. Many community members recommend keeping a checking and savings account at a bank that doesn’t charge inactivity fees.

We’ve covered this in detail – should you keep your US bank accounts after moving to India.

Credit cards: Some US credit cards can remain active even after you move. They’re useful for US-based subscriptions and building credit history if you ever return. But check the terms – some issuers require a US address.

Also, know that your US credit score doesn’t transfer to India. You’ll essentially start from zero in India. Building an Indian credit score takes 6-12 months.

Converting NRE and NRO Accounts

This is a big one.

Once you become a resident of India (182+ days in a financial year), your NRE and NRO accounts must be converted to regular resident accounts. This is an RBI regulation. Ignoring it can lead to penalties.

Here’s the process at a high level:

Inform your Indian bank about your change in residential status
Your NRE savings becomes a regular savings account
Your NRE fixed deposits can continue at the same rate until maturity, then convert to resident FDs
Your NRO account becomes a regular savings account

The interest you were earning tax-free on NRE accounts? That tax exemption ends once you become a resident.

Our full guide on converting NRE/NRO accounts walks you through every step.

What Happens to Your 401(k) and IRA

This is one of the most common questions I get. And the good news is – you don’t have to do anything immediately.

You can leave your 401(k) and IRA in the US. There’s no rule that forces you to withdraw or transfer when you leave.

Here’s what you should know:

Withdrawals are subject to US tax regardless of where you live
Early withdrawals (before 59.5) attract a 10% penalty plus tax
You can roll over your 401(k) to an IRA for more flexibility
Once you become a full resident of India (ROR status), you’ll need to report worldwide income, including US retirement account withdrawals, to Indian tax authorities
India-US DTAA allows you to claim credit for US tax paid on these withdrawals

Pro tip from our community: Many returning NRIs withdraw from retirement accounts during their RNOR years (more on this below) to minimize Indian tax impact.

We have a dedicated guide on what happens to your 401(k) when returning to India.

Sending Money to India

If you have large sums to transfer, plan this carefully.

The exchange rate, transfer fees, and tax implications (TCS on remittances from India’s side) all matter.

For large transfers, wire transfers or services like Wise offer the best combination of speed and rates. Don’t use Western Union for large amounts – the exchange rate markup will eat into your savings.

We’ve reviewed several options in our guide on sending large amounts from USA to India.

Tax Planning – The Critical Piece

I can’t stress this enough: hire a CA (Chartered Accountant) who understands both US and Indian tax law. This is not optional.

I’ve seen people lose lakhs because they didn’t plan their tax transition properly.

The 182-Day Rule

Your tax residency in India is determined by how many days you spend in India in a financial year (April 1 to March 31).

Less than 182 days in India = NRI (only Indian income is taxable in India)
182 days or more = Resident (either RNOR or ROR, with different tax implications)

This means the timing of your move matters enormously.

If you move to India in January or February, you’ll be an NRI for that financial year (because you’ll have less than 182 days). You get the full NRI tax benefits for that year.

If you move in April or May, you’ll likely cross 182 days in that financial year and become a resident.

Read our detailed explanation of the 182-day rule to plan strategically.

RNOR Status – Your Tax Shield

RNOR stands for Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident.

This is a transitional status that most returning NRIs qualify for. And it’s incredibly valuable.

When you’re RNOR:

Your Indian income is fully taxable in India
Your foreign income is generally NOT taxable in India (if earned and received outside India)

You can be RNOR for 2-3 years after returning, depending on how long you were abroad.

To qualify as RNOR, you need to fail at least one of these tests:

You were resident in India for at least 2 out of the 10 preceding years, AND
You spent 730 or more days in India in the 7 preceding years

If you were abroad for 8+ years, you almost certainly qualify.

RNOR Strategy: Withdraw from US retirement accounts, sell US assets, and realize foreign capital gains during your RNOR years. This income won’t be taxed in India.

US Tax Obligations After Leaving

If you’re not a US citizen or green card holder, your US tax obligations reduce significantly after you leave.

You need to:

File a final US tax return for the year you leave (partial year)
Continue to file if you have US-sourced income (rental income, 401k withdrawals, etc.)
File FBAR if your foreign accounts (now Indian accounts) exceed $10,000 at any point

If you are a US citizen or green card holder, you must continue filing US taxes on worldwide income even after moving to India. You may also need to consider canceling your green card and the tax implications of doing so.

Understanding the DTAA between India and US is essential for avoiding double taxation on income earned in both countries.

Our guide on how US NRIs should report Indian income on IRS returns covers the US side in detail.

Documentation Checklist

Paperwork can make or break your move. Here’s what you need to have in order.

Before Leaving the US

Personal Documents:

Indian passport with 6+ months validity (renew if needed)
US visa/green card – keep copies even after leaving
Social Security card – store safely, you’ll need the number for tax filing
Birth certificates (yours, spouse, children)
Marriage certificate (apostilled if needed)
OCI card for US-born children
US driver’s license – useful for getting Indian license faster

Financial Documents:

Last 3-5 years of US tax returns
Form 16 / W-2 from US employer
401(k) and IRA account statements
US bank account details and statements
Indian bank account details (NRE/NRO)
PAN card (apply if you don’t have one)
Investment account statements (both US and India)

Other Important Papers:

Medical records for the whole family
Children’s school records and transcripts
Vaccination records
Pet vaccination records (if bringing pets)
US employment verification letters
Professional licenses and certifications
Academic transcripts and degree certificates

If you need to renew your Indian passport in the USA, start at least 3-4 months before your planned departure.

For US-born children who need Indian documentation, check our guide on OCI card application process.

After Arriving in India

Priority #1: Aadhaar Card

NRIs can now apply for Aadhaar using their Indian passport. Here’s how NRIs can get an Aadhaar card. For US citizen children with OCI cards, there’s a separate process for Aadhaar for OCI holders.

Priority #2: Bank Account Conversion

Inform your bank about your residential status change. Convert NRE/NRO to resident accounts.

Priority #3: Phone and Internet

Get an Indian mobile number. You’ll need it for everything – Aadhaar verification, UPI payments, bank OTPs. India runs on mobile OTPs now.

Priority #4: Driving License

Your US driver’s license is not valid for long-term driving in India. You’ll need an Indian license. Our guide on how to apply for a driving license explains the process.

Shipping Your Life to India

What to bring, what to sell, what to leave behind. This is where emotions meet logistics.

The Big Decision: Ship or Sell?

Here’s my honest advice based on what works for most community members.

Ship these:

Sentimental items (photos, gifts, memorabilia)
High-quality electronics (laptops, cameras) – but check voltage compatibility
Children’s favorite items (helps with emotional transition)
Important documents and paperwork
Small kitchen appliances with dual voltage

Sell these in the US:

Large furniture (cheaper to buy new in India)
Large appliances (voltage issues, different standards)
Cars (not worth shipping, Indian cars are different)
Excess clothing (you’ll need different clothes in India’s climate)

Think twice about:

TVs (voltage issues, different warranty, heavy to ship)
Kitchen appliances (110V won’t work in India without expensive transformers)

We have a detailed guide on shipping to India from USA that covers the logistics.

Shipping Costs and Options

For household goods, ocean freight is the way to go. Air freight is too expensive for large shipments.

Rough cost estimates (2025-2026):

Shipment Size	Estimated Cost
Few boxes (LCL – shared container)	$1,500 – $3,000
20-foot container (FCL)	$3,500 – $7,000
Full household (40-foot container)	$6,000 – $12,000

These costs don’t include insurance, customs duty, and last-mile delivery in India.

Transfer of Residence (TR) benefit: If you’ve lived abroad for 2+ years and are returning permanently, you can import used personal household goods duty-free under the TR provision. The duty-free limit has been increased to Rs 7.5 lakhs in 2026.

One electronic item per category (1 TV, 1 laptop, 1 fridge) is generally duty-free. Duplicates may attract customs duty.

Customs tip from our community: Keep a detailed inventory with approximate values. Indian customs officials can be unpredictable. Having a clean, organized list helps smooth the process.

What About Gold?

Many NRIs buy gold in the US to bring to India. There are specific limits. We’ve covered this in our guide on how much gold you can carry on international flights.

Finding a Job in India

If you’re not retiring, you need to think about income.

The Salary Reality Check

Let me be honest. Your Indian salary will likely be lower than what you earned in the US.

A software engineer earning $150,000 in the US might get Rs 30-50 lakhs in India ($35,000-$60,000). That looks like a massive pay cut.

But when you factor in lower cost of living, no healthcare premiums, lower childcare costs, household help, and family support, the effective lifestyle can be comparable or even better.

We’ve put together an industry-wise salary guide for returning NRIs to set realistic expectations.

Where to Find Jobs

Top job portals for returning NRIs:

LinkedIn (update your profile to show India interest)
Naukri.com (India’s largest job portal)
iimjobs.com (for senior roles)
Instahyre (tech-focused)
Direct company career pages

Our guide on job portals in India for returning NRIs has the complete list.

Networking matters. India’s job market is relationship-driven. Reach out to former colleagues, alumni networks, and our WhatsApp community groups for city-specific connections.

Other Income Options

Not everyone goes back to a traditional 9-to-5. Here are paths that work well for returning NRIs.

Remote work for US companies: If your current employer allows it, this is the dream scenario. You keep your US salary (or close to it) and live in India. But there are tax implications – read our guide on remote work from India for US companies.

Freelancing/Consulting: Your international experience is valuable. Many returning NRIs build consulting practices. See our guide on pivoting to consulting or freelancing.

Starting a business: India’s startup ecosystem is thriving. If you’ve always wanted to build something, this might be the time. Check out entrepreneurship opportunities in India.

Adjusting to Indian Work Culture

This catches many people off guard.

Indian work culture is different from the US. Meetings start late. Hierarchy matters more. Communication can be indirect. The concept of “work-life balance” exists but looks different.

Our guide on transitioning from US to Indian work culture will help you navigate this shift.

Kids and Education

This is the second-biggest source of anxiety after finances. Especially for parents with kids born in the US.

School Options in India

India has multiple school board options:

Board	Best For	Key Points
CBSE	Most widely available, good for competitive exams	Structured curriculum, Hindi emphasis
ICSE	Strong in English, balanced curriculum	Fewer schools, respected board
IB (International Baccalaureate)	Global curriculum, critical thinking	Expensive, limited availability
IGCSE (Cambridge)	International standard, flexible	Good middle ground
State Board	Regional focus	Strong in local language

For kids coming from the US, IB or IGCSE schools often provide the smoothest transition because the teaching style is more familiar.

We have detailed comparisons of CBSE vs ICSE, CBSE vs IB, and CBSE vs IGCSE to help you decide.

For city-specific school recommendations, check our guides on the best international schools in Bangalore and best international schools in Hyderabad.

Admission Timelines

Indian school admission cycles are different from the US.

Most schools admit for the new academic year starting in April or June (varies by board)
Applications often open 6-12 months before the academic year
Some popular schools have waitlists. Apply early.

If you’re moving mid-year, call schools directly. Many will accommodate transfer students, especially international ones.

Helping Kids Adjust

I’ll be honest with you – this is hard. My younger son, born in California, struggled for the first few months.

Here’s what helped us and what I’ve seen work for hundreds of families in our community:

Don’t dismiss their feelings. They’re leaving the only home they know. It’s okay for them to be sad or angry.
Keep something familiar. Their favorite toys, books, snacks from the US.
Choose the right school. International schools with other returning-NRI kids make a huge difference.
Give it time. Most kids adjust within 6-12 months. Some faster, some slower.
Connect with other NRI families. Our community has many parents going through the same thing. It helps.

For US-born children who are US citizens, make sure you understand the benefits and considerations for US-born kids living in India.

Housing – Rent or Buy?

Short answer: Rent first. Always.

Even if you’re 100% sure about the city, rent for at least 6-12 months before buying. Here’s why.

You don’t yet know which neighborhood works for your commute, kids’ school, and lifestyle
Real estate prices in India can be tricky. You need local knowledge.
Renting gives you flexibility if things don’t work out

Typical rental deposits in India are 6-12 months of rent (yes, that’s a lot). In Bangalore, 10 months’ deposit is standard. In Mumbai, it’s usually 3-6 months.

When you’re ready to explore buying, read our comparison of buying vs renting in India for NRIs.

Gated communities are popular among returning NRIs because they offer amenities similar to US living – gym, pool, security, community spaces. If you’re looking at Bangalore, check out our list of best gated communities in Bangalore.

Health Insurance and Healthcare

Do not arrive in India without health insurance. Period.

One of our community members had an emergency appendectomy in his third week back. Without insurance, the bill was Rs 3 lakhs out of pocket. That’s a nightmare you can avoid.

Getting Insurance

Buy a comprehensive health insurance plan before or immediately upon arrival. Here’s what to look for:

Minimum Rs 10-20 lakh cover per family
No waiting period for accidents (most policies have this)
Low waiting period for pre-existing conditions (typically 2-4 years, but some policies offer shorter)
Cashless treatment at good hospitals
Family floater plans save money

We’ve reviewed the options in our guide on best health insurance for returning NRIs.

Healthcare in India

Private hospitals in India’s major cities are world-class. Apollo, Fortis, Manipal, Max, Narayana Health – these networks provide excellent care.

Government hospitals are improving but still have long wait times and inconsistent quality.

A practical tip: Register at a good multi-specialty hospital near your home as soon as you arrive. Get a family physician. Many hospitals now have apps for appointments and records.

The Emotional Side

Nobody talks about this enough. So I will.

Reverse Culture Shock

You will experience this. Even if you grew up in India.

The traffic will overwhelm you at first. The noise. The crowds. People not respecting queues. Staring. Personal space boundaries that are different from what you’re used to.

Your family and friends in India may not understand why you’re struggling. They might say, “But you’re home now. What’s the problem?”

It’s normal. Give yourself grace. Give yourself time. It usually gets better after 3-6 months.

We’ve written about how different daily life in India is compared to the US and how to adjust to life in India after years in the USA.

Family Expectations

This one is tricky.

Your parents may expect you to live with them or nearby. Extended family may expect you to be available for every event. In-laws may have opinions on everything.

Set boundaries early. Communicate clearly. It’s okay to say, “We need some time to settle in.”

Building a Social Circle

Your old friend group may have moved on. Making new friends as an adult is hard anywhere, but especially in a country where social circles are often set.

What works: join parent groups at your kids’ school, attend community events, connect with other returning NRIs in our WhatsApp groups, join fitness classes or hobby groups.

Our guide on making friends in India after moving back has more practical suggestions.

Practical Life in India – What’s Changed

If you’ve been away for 5-10+ years, you’ll be surprised by how much has changed.

Digital India

UPI is everywhere. You can pay for chai from a street vendor using your phone. Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm have replaced cash for most daily transactions.

Online grocery delivery (BigBasket, Blinkit, Zepto), food delivery (Swiggy, Zomato), cab services (Uber, Ola) – these work seamlessly in most cities.

Government services have gone digital too. Aadhaar-linked everything. DigiLocker for documents. Online utility payments.

Getting Around

If you’re moving to a metro city, you’ll likely need a car. Public transport has improved in Bangalore (Namma Metro), Delhi (Metro), Hyderabad (Metro), and others. But for daily commuting with kids, a car is practical.

Buying a car: Budget Rs 8-20 lakhs for a decent family car. The used car market (Cars24, Spinny) has improved significantly. Our guide on car ownership in India covers what you need to know.

Household Help

This is one of the biggest quality-of-life upgrades when you move to India.

A full-time cook, a housekeeper, a nanny – all of this is affordable for most returning NRIs. It frees up enormous amounts of time and makes the transition smoother, especially for families with young kids.

Internet and Connectivity

India’s internet infrastructure has improved dramatically. JioFiber, Airtel Xstream, and ACT Fibernet offer 100-300 Mbps plans at Rs 500-1500/month. That’s a fraction of US broadband costs.

Mobile data is dirt cheap by global standards. Unlimited 4G/5G plans for Rs 300-600/month.

The First 90 Days – A Quick Action Plan

Here’s a focused checklist for your first three months in India.

Week 1-2:

Get an Indian SIM card
Open/reactivate your Indian bank account
Set up UPI on your phone
Apply for Aadhaar
Enroll kids in school (if term is starting)
Register at a hospital/get a family doctor

Month 1:

Start driving license process
Set up home internet
Hire household help
Update your address with banks, PAN, etc.
Begin health insurance application

Month 2-3:

Convert NRE/NRO accounts (once you’re sure about residency)
Start job search / set up business
Explore investment options in India
File any pending US tax returns
Join local communities, parent groups, social circles

For a complete task-by-task breakdown, use our return to India from USA checklist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve seen these mistakes hundreds of times. Learn from others’ experiences.

1. Not planning taxes early enough.

The year you move is the most complex tax year of your life. Get a CA involved 6-12 months before the move.

2. Moving without health insurance.

Don’t even consider it. One medical emergency can wipe out your savings.

3. Bringing too much stuff.

Shipping costs add up fast. And half the stuff you ship, you won’t use in India.

4. Not managing expectations – yours and your family’s.

India will frustrate you. Family dynamics will be complicated. Kids will struggle initially. This is normal.

5. Burning bridges in the US.

Keep your US bank accounts. Maintain your professional network. Keep your credit history alive. You never know.

6. Not giving it time.

The first 6 months are the hardest. I’ve seen people go back to the US after 3 months, only to regret it later. Give India a full year before making any drastic decisions.

7. Ignoring FBAR and US tax filing.

Even after leaving the US, you may need to file FBAR for foreign accounts. Penalties for non-filing are steep. Read our FBAR guide to stay compliant.

8. Skipping the RNOR strategy.

If you qualify for RNOR status, use it. Plan your asset sales and withdrawals during these years.

What I Wish I’d Known

Looking back at my own move in 2017, here’s what I wish someone had told me.

The adjustment takes longer than you think.

I thought I’d be settled in a month. It took almost a year to feel truly “home.”

Your kids are more resilient than you fear.

My sons struggled initially. But they adapted. Kids always do, if you give them the right environment.

India rewards patience.

Things don’t work as efficiently as in the US. Bureaucracy is real. But once you accept the pace, life is good.

Community makes all the difference.

Having people who understand what you’re going through – that’s everything. It’s why I started BacktoIndia.com.

The move is not just physical, it’s emotional.

Budget time and energy for the emotional transition. It’s as important as the financial one.

You don’t have to figure it all out before moving.

Some things will only fall into place after you’re on the ground. And that’s okay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much savings do I need before moving back?

It depends on your situation. But as a general rule, have at least 12-18 months of Indian living expenses saved, plus one-time setup costs. For a family of four moving to a metro city, Rs 30-50 lakhs as a cushion is reasonable.

Q: Can I keep my US job and work remotely from India?

Yes, many NRIs do this. But there are tax implications. Once you become a tax resident of India, your US salary is taxable in India too (with DTAA credit for US taxes paid). You also need to consider your employer’s policy on remote international work.

Q: What about my US Social Security benefits?

If you’ve worked in the US for 10+ years (40 credits), you’re eligible for Social Security benefits regardless of where you live. There’s no totalization agreement between India and the US, so FICA contributions from shorter stints may not be recoverable.

Q: Do I need an OCI card for my US-born child?

Your US-born child is a US citizen. To live in India long-term, they need either a visa or an OCI card. OCI is recommended – it gives them lifelong visa-free travel to India with most resident benefits (except voting and government jobs).

Q: Will I regret moving back?

I won’t sugarcoat this. Some people do. About 10-15% of returning NRIs in our community eventually go back to the US. But the vast majority – especially those who planned well and gave it enough time – are happy with their decision.

Q: What if my spouse doesn’t want to move?

This comes up a lot. It has to be a joint decision. Visit India together. Have open conversations about fears and expectations. Some couples do a “trial run” of 3-6 months before committing fully.

Q: Is India safe for women?

Safety concerns are valid and worth addressing honestly. Metro cities have improved significantly in terms of safety infrastructure, though challenges remain. Many women in our community report feeling safe in gated communities, tech parks, and well-lit commercial areas. As with any country, awareness and precautions matter.

Q: What about pets? Can I bring my dog/cat to India?

Yes, but the process involves health certificates, microchipping, rabies vaccination documentation, and a No Objection Certificate from India’s Animal Quarantine authorities. Start the paperwork 3-4 months before departure.

Resources and Next Steps

I’ve built BacktoIndia.com to be your single resource for this journey. Here are some of the most-used guides.

Financial Planning:

Taxes:

Lifestyle:

One Last Thing

Moving back to India is not just a change of address. It’s a change of life.

There will be hard days. Days when the traffic makes you scream. Days when bureaucracy makes you want to pull your hair out. Days when your kids say, “I miss America.”

But there will also be incredible days. Diwali with the whole family. Your parents seeing your children every day. The freedom to build something of your own. The feeling of belonging.

I made this move in 2017. It changed my life.

You can do this.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Tax laws, immigration rules, and regulations change frequently. Always consult qualified professionals (Chartered Accountant, immigration lawyer, financial advisor) for advice specific to your situation. Verify all information with official sources like the IRS (irs.gov), Income Tax Department of India (incometaxindia.gov.in), RBI, and USCIS.

If you’re planning your move back, 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.

Return to India from USA – Complete Guide for NRIs (2026)