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Who qualifies as an NRI, OCI, or PIO?
NRI (Non-Resident Indian): An Indian citizen residing outside India for more than 182 days in a financial year.
OCI (Overseas Citizen of India): A foreign national of Indian origin who has been granted a lifelong visa to India.
PIO (Person of Indian Origin): This category has been merged into OCI. All PIO cards are now considered OCI cards.

Can OCI and PIO cardholders invest in India like NRIs?
Yes, OCI and PIO cardholders have the same investment rights and responsibilities as NRIs.
What types of accounts can OCI/PIO/NRIs open in India?
NRE Account: For foreign earnings; fully repatriable and tax-free.
NRO Account: For income earned in India; taxable and repatriable up to USD 1 million/year.
FCNR Account: Fixed deposits in foreign currency; fully repatriable and tax-free.
Do NRIs/OCIs need a PAN card to invest?
Yes, a PAN card is mandatory for most financial investments in India, including mutual funds, stocks, and real estate.
Are there any restrictions on investments for US or Canadian NRIs/OCIs?
Yes, some mutual fund houses impose restrictions due to FATCA compliance. It's advisable to check with individual fund houses.

Can NRIs/OCIs invest in Indian stock markets?
Yes, but only under the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) through a designated bank account.
Can they invest in mutual funds?
Yes, NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs can invest in Indian mutual funds. However, US/Canada-based investors may have limited options due to additional compliance.
Are capital gains taxable for NRIs/OCIs?
Yes:
- Short-term capital gains on equities: 15%
- Long-term capital gains (above ₹1.25 lakh): 12.5%
- Debt funds: Taxed based on holding period and slab.

Can NRIs/OCIs/PIOs buy property in India?
Yes:
- Permitted: Residential and commercial property.
- Not permitted: Agricultural land, plantations, or farmhouses.
Can they sell property and repatriate proceeds?
Yes, subject to:
- The property was purchased in accordance with FEMA rules.
- Repatriation is allowed up to USD 1 million per financial year from NRO accounts.

How much money can be repatriated from India?
From NRE/FCNR: Unlimited.
From NRO: Up to USD 1 million per financial year (post-tax).
Are NRIs/OCIs taxed in India on their income?
Yes, income earned or accrued in India (rent, capital gains, interest from NRO) is taxable. Income from NRE/FCNR is tax-exempt.

Is FATCA applicable to NRIs and OCIs?
Yes, especially for those based in the US. Financial institutions in India report investments held by US taxpayers to the IRS.
Can investments be made jointly with residents?
Yes, but only the NRI/OCI can repatriate funds. The resident co-holder cannot repatriate their share.
Do NRIs/OCIs need to file tax returns in India?
Yes, if:
- Their income in India exceeds ₹2.5 lakh in a financial year.
- They have capital gains, rental income, or need to claim tax refunds.