Hey,
I moved to the US in 2007 on an H1B visa. Worked there for a decade. Built a life.
Then in 2017, I packed it all up and moved back to India with my wife and two sons. My younger one was born in California. My elder one is Indian-born and now in college.
It was one of the hardest – and best – decisions I’ve ever made.
Since then, I’ve helped thousands of NRIs make this journey through BacktoIndia.com and our WhatsApp communities.
I’ve given a TEDx talk about it. I’ve seen families thrive. I’ve also seen what happens when people don’t plan well.
This page is your starting point.
If you’re even thinking about returning to India, bookmark this.
I’ve laid it all out in the order you’ll actually need it – step by step.
No fluff. Just the real stuff.
Step 1: Ask Yourself – Is This the Right Move?
This is where it all begins. And honestly? There’s no universal right answer.
Some people move back for aging parents.
Some want to start a business they couldn’t on an H1B.
Some are tired of the visa uncertainty.
Some just miss home.
I’ve written about the common reasons NRIs return to India – and they’re more varied than you’d think.
The real question isn’t “Should I go back?” It’s “What am I going back for?”
If you’re stuck in that loop of indecision, read this honest piece on how to make the decision.
It walks you through a framework that actually helps.
And if you want a reality check on what daily life looks like after the move, here’s a comparison of life in India vs. the US that covers everything from groceries to commute.
Step 2: Understand Your NRI Status and Timing
Once you’ve made up your mind (or are leaning strongly), timing becomes critical. And timing is tightly linked to your tax residency status.
Here’s what you need to know: your NRI status in India is based on how many days you spend in the country during a financial year.
Read this explainer on the 182-day rule to understand how India determines whether you’re a resident or non-resident for tax purposes.
This matters because it affects everything – your bank accounts, investments, tax obligations, and even how your salary gets taxed.
If you’re wondering when exactly your NRI status changes after you land, this article on when resident status changes to NRI breaks it down.
Planning your move around the Indian financial year (April to March) can save you a lot of headaches.
Many community members plan their return for early April so they get a clean start.
Here’s a practical guide on the right time to return to India.
Step 3: Get Your Documents in Order
I can’t stress this enough. Start your paperwork months before your move. Not weeks. Months.
Here’s what you’ll likely need:
PAN Card – If you don’t have one, or if it’s linked to an old address, sort this out first. It’s the foundation for everything financial in India. Here’s a step-by-step PAN card application guide for NRIs.
Aadhaar Card – Yes, NRIs can get an Aadhaar card. You’ll need it for bank accounts, SIM cards, and a dozen other things.
Follow this guide on how NRIs can get an Aadhaar card.
OCI Card – If your spouse or US-born child needs one, start the OCI card application process early.
Processing times can be unpredictable.
Passport – Make sure your Indian passport is valid.
If you’re in the US and need to renew, here’s how to renew your Indian passport from the USA.
In the UK? Here’s the UK renewal process.
Driving License – You’ll need an Indian license eventually. Here’s a guide on driving license for NRIs.
Quick note: India doesn’t allow dual citizenship.
If you’re an Indian citizen returning, you’re good. If you’ve taken foreign citizenship, the OCI card is your route.
Step 4: Sort Out Your Finances (The Big One)
This is where most NRIs feel overwhelmed. I get it. There’s a lot to untangle.
But if you take it one piece at a time, it’s very doable. Here’s the sequence I recommend:
Open the Right Bank Accounts
If you don’t already have one, open an NRI bank account – specifically an NRE and NRO account.
This makes it easy to move money and manage your finances during the transition.
Here’s a comparison of NRI banking options across SBI, ICICI, HDFC, and others.
If you’re in the US, you can even open accounts through SBI branches in the USA or ICICI branches in the USA.
After you move, you’ll need to convert your NRE/NRO accounts to resident accounts.
Don’t skip this step.
Transfer Your Money
Sending money from the US to India? Read this guide on transferring large amounts.
It covers wire transfers, best rates, and what to watch out for.
Coming from the UAE? Here’s a UAE-to-India money transfer guide.
Know your purpose codes for inward remittance – your bank will ask for them.
Also, watch out for money transfer scams. They’re more common than you’d think.
Handle Your US Assets
Should you keep your US bank accounts after moving?
Most people in our community say yes – at least for a while.
If you have a 401(k), read this before doing anything: What happens to your 401(k) when returning to India.
Thinking about liquidating your US assets? There’s a smart way to do it and a costly way. The guide helps you pick the smart way.
And here’s a question everyone asks: How much money should I save before moving back?
Understand Your Tax Situation
Taxes are probably the most anxiety-inducing part.
But here’s the thing – with the right information, it’s manageable.
Start with this US NRI tax filing guide. It’s the most complete resource I’ve put together on this topic.
You’ll also want to understand the DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) between India and the US.
This is what prevents you from getting taxed twice on the same income.
Don’t forget FBAR filing – if you have foreign accounts exceeding $10,000 at any point during the year, you must report them to the IRS.
If you own property in India, understand TDS on property sale for NRIs and capital gains tax.
Here’s a solid financial checklist for returning NRIs to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Step 5: Plan Your Career
This is a big worry for many. “Will I find a comparable job in India?”
The honest answer: it depends.
But the Indian job market has changed a lot. There are real opportunities, especially if you plan ahead.
Start with first steps for NRIs job hunting in India.
Then look at the industries hiring NRIs and companies that value international experience.
If you’re senior, here’s specific advice on what to do if you’re overqualified.
Salary is a common concern. Here’s an industry-wise salary guide and tips on negotiating your salary as a returning NRI.
Thinking about working remotely for a US company from India? That’s becoming very common.
Read this remote work guide.
Want to start your own business? Here’s the complete legal guide for NRIs starting a business in India.
And if you’re dealing with the cultural shift at work, this guide on transitioning from US to Indian work culture will save you some frustration.
Step 6: Pick Your City
Where you settle matters more than most people realize.
The city you choose affects your job options, kids’ schooling, cost of living, social life, and overall happiness.
Start with this overview of the best cities for NRIs to settle in India. It covers metros and upcoming cities alike.
Can’t decide between Bangalore and Hyderabad?
You’re not alone. Here’s a detailed Bangalore vs Hyderabad comparison.
If Bangalore is your pick, read how to settle in Bangalore and check out the best gated communities in Bangalore.
Interested in a quieter life? Here are the best small towns in India to retire.
And for those who want a data-driven comparison, here’s a look at cost of living: India vs. USA.
Step 7: Figure Out Schools for Your Kids
If you have children, this will likely be your biggest concern. It was for me.
My younger son was born in the US. Transitioning him into the Indian education system was a real challenge.
But it worked out – with the right school and some patience.
First, understand the different boards: CBSE vs ICSE, CBSE vs IB, and CBSE vs IGCSE.
Each has pros and cons depending on your child’s age and future plans.
If you want your kids in an international school, here are guides for international schools in Bangalore and Hyderabad.
For US-born children specifically, read about the benefits and considerations for US-born kids living in India.
Thinking about college?
Here’s everything about the NRI quota in Indian colleges and the college admission process for NRI students.
And if you’re considering it, yes – homeschooling in India is an option too.
Step 8: Housing – Rent or Buy?
My advice to almost everyone in our community: rent first.
Don’t rush into buying a property before you’ve lived in the city for at least 6-12 months.
You need to understand the neighborhoods, commute patterns, and what works for your family.
Here’s a detailed look at buying vs. renting for NRIs.
If you’re thinking of investing in property, understand the real estate laws for NRIs first. There are restrictions you need to know about.
Need a home loan? Check if NRIs can get a home loan in India.
For finding properties, here are the best real estate websites in India.
Step 9: Health Insurance and Healthcare
One of the first things to do after landing – get health insurance.
Don’t assume your US insurance covers you in India. It almost certainly doesn’t.
Here’s a guide to the best health insurance for returning NRIs.
Many in our community go with a comprehensive plan from a major Indian insurer.
Also consider term insurance as part of your financial safety net.
Worried about the quality of healthcare? India has some excellent specialized hospitals.
The private healthcare system, especially in metros, is world-class.
If your parents are visiting the US, here’s a guide on travel insurance for parents visiting USA.
Step 10: The Actual Move
Okay. Documents ready. Finances sorted. City chosen. School finalized.
Now it’s time to actually move.
Shipping Your Stuff
Don’t ship everything. Seriously.
Here’s a practical guide on shipping to India from the USA. It covers what to ship, what to sell, and how to pick a mover.
Wondering about electronics? Read should you take your electronics when returning.
Before you leave, here’s a list of things to do before returning.
And if you need to sell stuff, here are the best apps to sell your things in the US.
Bringing gold from Dubai? Know the customs duty rules on gold.
The Pre-Move Checklist
This is the one resource I’d print out and pin on your wall: the Return to India Checklist.
It covers everything – from closing accounts to notifying agencies to packing essentials. Hundreds of community members have used it.
If you’re coming from specific countries, we also have dedicated guides:
- Return to India from USA
- Return to India from UAE
- Return to India from UK
- Return to India from Canada
Step 11: Your First 90 Days in India
You’ve landed. Now what?
The first three months are an adjustment period. Be gentle with yourself and your family.
Here’s what I recommend prioritizing:
Week 1-2: Get your Aadhaar updated, open/convert bank accounts, activate a local SIM, and set up UPI payments through personal finance apps.
Week 3-4: Start building your credit score in India.
This matters when you eventually need a credit card or loan. Also look into credit cards for returning NRIs.
Month 2-3: Get your investments started. Understand the new tax regime slabs and start financial planning after returning.
Also know that you’ll face some challenges. Traffic, bureaucracy, pollution in some cities – these are real.
Read about the problems NRIs commonly face so you’re mentally prepared.
On the emotional side, reverse culture shock is real. Here’s how to adjust to life in India after years abroad.
And if family dynamics feel tricky, this piece on dealing with family and friends after returning is one of our most-read articles.
Take it slow. It gets better.
One More Thing
You don’t have to do this alone.
I started BacktoIndia.com because I was lonely during my own return journey. I couldn’t find anyone who had done it and was willing to share honestly.
Today, we have over 20,000 NRIs in our WhatsApp communities – across city-specific groups, finance groups, schooling groups, and more.
All volunteer-run. No sales. Just real people helping each other.
Whether you’re two years away from your move or two weeks – come say hi.
Join the community at https://backtoindia.com/groups.
20,000+ returnees helping each other daily. It’s free (e and volunteer-run.
See you there.
– Mani Karthik, Founder, BacktoIndia.com