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  1. Home
  2. Return to India: Decision & Planning
  3. What is an NRE Account & Why is it Important
Return to India: Decision & Planning
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  1. 1Deciding
  2. 2Getting ready
  3. 3Making the move
  4. 4Life after landing

You're in the deciding phase — figuring out if, when and how a move back works for your family.

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What is an NRE Account & Why is it Important

Mani Karthik·December 4, 2022·Updated November 23, 2024·5 min read·Deciding

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

An NRE Account is a type of bank account specifically designed for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). This type of account allows NRIs to save and invest their money in India, while still keeping it tax-free. An NRE Account can be opened by any Indian citizen who has been living abroad for more than six months, and it can be used to transfer funds from overseas to India.

The primary benefit of an NRE Account is that the funds deposited into it are exempt from Indian taxes, meaning that the NRI does not have to pay any taxes on the income earned in the account.

Additionally, the money held in the NRE Account is freely repatriable, meaning it can be sent back to the NRI’s country of residence without any additional taxes or fees.

This makes NRE Accounts very attractive to NRIs who want to save and invest in India without having to worry about taxation.

NRE Accounts can be used for a variety of different purposes, such as making investments in India, transferring money to family members in India, saving money for retirement, and even starting a business in India.

In addition to being tax-free, NRE Accounts also offer attractive interest rates and provide customers with access to a wide range of banking products and services.

Overall, an NRE Account is a great option for NRIs looking to save and invest in India, as it allows them to do so without having to worry about Indian taxes or repatriation restrictions.

What is the benefit of an NRE account?

NRE (Non-Resident External) accounts are bank accounts opened in India by individuals who are non-residents of the country. The main purpose of this type of account is to enable NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) to hold and manage their income earned outside India, as well as to facilitate the remittance of funds from abroad.

The key benefits of an NRE account are:

1. Tax Benefits:

Income earned through an NRE account is completely tax-free in India. This means that you can enjoy the benefits of earning money without having to pay any taxes on it.

2. Transferability of Funds:

Funds held in an NRE account can be freely transferred to any other NRE or FCNR (Foreign Currency Non-Resident) account maintained with the same bank. This makes it easy to transfer funds between different accounts, as well as to other countries.

3. Convenience:

An NRE account offers a convenient way to manage your finances from anywhere in the world. You can access your account online, transfer funds, and perform other banking transactions from the comfort of your home.

4. Safety:

Your funds are safe in an NRE account as it is protected by the Indian Government.

5. Interest Earnings:

NRE accounts offer higher interest rates than regular savings accounts, making them a great option for earning more from your funds.

Read next in this topic

Can NRI have savings account in India

NRI, or Non-Resident Indians, are allowed to open savings accounts in India. In fact, NRI savings accounts are designed specifically to meet the needs of NRIs who have left India, but still have financial interests in the country. NRI savings accounts can be opened with both public and private sector banks in India. The process […]

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In conclusion, an NRE account provides NRIs with the flexibility and convenience to manage their finances, as well as the peace of mind that their money is safe and secure. It also offers tax benefits, allowing NRIs to earn money without having to pay any taxes on it.

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How does an NRE account work?

An NRE (Non-Resident External) account is a bank account that is opened in India by an individual who is a non-resident Indian (NRI).

This type of account is specifically designed to facilitate the transfer of funds from abroad to India. The account holder can deposit foreign currency into the account, and the funds will be converted into Indian rupees.

All income earned on the account, such as interest, is taxable according to Indian laws.

An NRE account can be opened with any of the major banks in India. Typically, the account holder must present proof of identity and residence, such as a passport, driver’s license, or voter ID card.

The applicant must also provide proof of NRI status, such as a valid visa or work permit from the country in which they are residing.

The main benefit of having an NRE account is that all deposits made in foreign currency are fully convertible into Indian rupees.

This allows the account holder to access their funds quickly and easily when needed.

It also eliminates the need for multiple bank accounts in different countries. Additionally, any income earned on the account is repatriable to the account holder’s home country.

Another key benefit of an NRE account is that it offers tax benefits. Any income earned on the account is not subject to taxation in India.

This makes it an attractive option for NRIs who want to earn a return on their savings without incurring additional tax liability.

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Finally, NRE accounts offer certain other advantages. For example, they provide access to overdraft facilities and loans, which can be used to finance investments in India. They also offer a wide range of banking services, such as online banking, ATM withdrawals, and debit cards.

Overall, an NRE account is a great option for NRIs looking to manage their finances in India. It provides easy access to funds, tax advantages, and a variety of other banking services.

Keep reading
Can NRI Invest in PPF? Here’s the Straight AnswerLet me give you the direct answer first. No, NRIs cannot open a new PPF account in India. If you’re already an NRI looking to start a PPF account – it’s not allowed. But there’s a catch. If you opened a PPF account before becoming an NRI, you can continue it until maturity. Let me […]Can NRIs Get a Credit Card in India? Your Questions AnsweredThis is one of the most common questions I get. “Mani, I’ve been in the US for 8 years. Can I even get a credit card in India?” Short answer: Yes. Absolutely. Long answer: It depends on your situation – whether you’re still abroad, planning to return, or already back. Each scenario has a different […]

Which account is better NRE or NRI?

NRE (Non-Resident External) and NRI (Non-Resident Indian) accounts are two different types of bank accounts available to non-resident Indians (NRIs) living abroad.

The main difference between them is that an NRE account can be used to hold and manage foreign currency, while an NRI account can only be used to hold and manage Indian rupees.

The NRE account is ideal for NRIs who have a steady income or savings in foreign currencies. This account allows them to freely deposit and withdraw money in any currency. Money in this account is repatriable, which means it can be converted back to the currency of origin and taken out of the country if needed.

On the other hand, an NRI account is designed for those who want to invest in India but do not want to convert their foreign currency into Indian rupees. This account allows NRIs to invest in stocks, mutual funds, bonds, etc. in India.

However, money in this account is non-repatriable, which means it cannot be converted back into the currency of origin and taken out of the country.

When deciding which type of account is better for you, consider your financial goals and needs. If you are looking for a way to store and manage foreign currency, then an NRE account is the best option.

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If you are looking to invest in India without converting your foreign currency into Indian rupees, then an NRI account is the right choice.

Ultimately, the type of account you choose will depend on your individual financial goals and needs. Make sure to weigh all the pros and cons before making your decision.

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.

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Continue Return to India: Decision & PlanningCan NRI have savings account in IndiaTrack it in the appStart your Return PlanSave your notes, timeline and decisions in one place.Ask other returneesJoin the Deciding communityReal Q&A with people at your stage of the move.
Can NRI get a home loan in IndiaCan NRI have savings account in India