NRI – visiting INDIA

Visiting India – NRI

If you are an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) visiting India, consider reviewing and completing these steps for a comfortable, hassle-free stay.

Verify and Update your Passport and Visa: Ensure your passport and visa are up-to-date before you leave for India. Check the expiry date and renew them if needed.

Register with the FRRO: If you remain in India for more than 180 days, you must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). This action is necessary. This must be done within 14 days of arrival. You can do this online or in person at the nearest FRRO office. This registration is mandatory under the Foreigners Act 1946. Failing to register can lead to penalties, fines, or even deportation.

The FRRO or FRO registration is required to keep track of the duration and purpose of your stay in India. During registration, you must provide your personal and visa-related details and your intended period of stay in India. You may also be required to provide your biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs.

For more, refer to https://indianfrro.gov.in/eservices/home.jsp

Get an Aadhaar card: NRIs don’t need one, but having one is recommended. If you don’t have an Aadhaar card, get one soon. It is a 12-digit unique identification number. This is required for many services in India. These include opening a bank account, contacting a SIM card, and more.

Consider if you have an Aadhaar Card

  • Data entry errors in Aadhaar Cards, if any, should be rectified
  • Refresh your Aadhaar card with fingerprints if there is any change in Address, mobile# 

Get a PAN Card: If you do not have one, apply now. You can also obtain an e-PAN card or have it delivered to an Indian or overseas address.

Consider if you have a PAN Card

  • data entry Error to rectify.
  • it is illegal to hold multiple PAN Cards. Cancel extra PAN cards.
  • record the NRI Status on your PAN Number on the IT website if not done

Investment Account or Demat account – a Demat account is mandatory for any investment in India’s stock market.

Consider that if you have a Demat Account

  • or a resident Demat Account, you must convert the same to an NRO Demat Account.
  • stop SIP to MF or withdraw SIP if mature. NRI isn’t supposed to invest in MF

Bank Account-related work: If you have any bank accounts in India, you may need to update your personal information. You may also need to complete KYC.

Consider if you have a Bank Account

  • closing all unwanted Bank Accounts
  • if you have a savings account, convert it into NRO
  • reinstruct Liability EMIs To Be Collected from NRO A/c
  • demand a loan closure letter from the Bank
  • take back the documents of collateral given to the Bank
  • insist on a Nil balance letter from the Bank

An NRI can have multiple NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) accounts in India. However, it is essential to note that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations require NRIs to maintain only one NRO account per Bank.
So, while opening multiple NRO accounts with different banks is possible, ensuring that all NRO accounts comply with the RBI regulations and Income Tax laws is also essential.

Get a local SIM card to stay connected with your family in India. You can also keep in touch with your friends. You will need your passport, visa, and Aadhaar card to get a SIM card.

Consider if you have an India Mobile Number

  • Enable mobile service providers to receive SMS messages while abroad; they may charge a fee for this.

Real Estate and Property-related work: If you plan to invest in India’s real estate market, consider purchasing new properties.

Consider if you have Property in India

  • getting the property registered in your name
  • checking your property obligations
  • checking the payment of taxes
  • paying the association dues
  • attending to maintenance issues
  • finding a good service person for future work

Investments and Taxes: If you plan to invest in India, you may need to complete formalities such as;

  • opening a Demat Account
  • filing income tax returns
  • obtaining a Permanent Account Number (PAN). 
  • also, consider meeting with a financial advisor to discuss investment options.

Visit to an Accountant or a Chartered Accountant

  • check if you need to file a tax return
  • check if any TDS is done against your PAN number
  • Check the tax Benefits you may get under DTAA agreements
  • check if you need to make any overseas asset disclosure

Family-related work: If you have family members in India, you may need to complete tasks such as;

  • renewing their passports
  • updating their identity documents
  • arranging for healthcare services.

Other Points to consider;

  • India is a diverse country with rich cultures and traditions. Familiarizing yourself with the local culture and customs is essential to avoid misunderstandings or cultural faux pas.
  • India has many beautiful places to visit, but it is also a vast country. Plan your travel to make the most of your time in India.
  • India has a distinct climate and environment compared with many other countries. To stay healthy during your stay, ensure you complete the necessary vaccinations and take the necessary precautions before your trip.
  • Keep all your important documents, such as Passport, Visa, Aadhaar Card, and other identity proofs, safe and secure.
  • Stay up to date on the latest news and events in India during your stay to avoid unforeseen issues.