Your returns don’t matter if taxes eat 40%.

For NRIs, getting the portfolio right is only half the job. The other half is making sure your tax residency, your DTAA, and your repatriation structure are not quietly eating your returns. That is where we start.

Book a Tax-First Portfolio Review

Tax-optimised investing is not optional for NRIs. It is the strategy.

Managing India investments from abroad isn’t complicated because of the markets. It’s complicated because of taxes, compliance, and repatriation rules that change based on where you live. A generic “best funds for NRIs” approach will cost you money. I start with tax efficiency, then optimize the portfolio.

The PFIC trap that cost a fortune

A US-based NRI had invested heavily in Indian mutual funds. He didn’t know that from the US tax perspective, these were PFIC (Passive Foreign Investment Company) securities. The result: punitive taxation on unrealized gains, mandatory Form 8621 filings, and a tax bill that ate away years of returns.

Solution: We moved all holdings to PMS (which aren’t PFIC-classified) and structured future investments accordingly. Now his returns are taxed at normal capital gains rates. The difference on a portfolio of that size can be substantial.

Tax-first strategies by your location

The right products depend on where you live.

US-based NRIs

PFIC classification means mutual funds are taxed on unrealized gains. Solution: PMS and GIFT City products avoid PFIC treatment. We navigate account setup, tax filing (Form 8621 and FBAR), and ensure compliance with both Indian and US rules.

Singapore & Dubai-based

Zero capital gains tax on investments in most cases. Active management through mutual funds and PMS makes sense here. We focus on returns without tax drag. Repatriation is simpler, but we still coordinate for clean documentation.

Australia, Nigeria & Others

Tax treatment varies. Some countries have DTAAs with India, others don’t. We assess your residency tax laws, coordinate with your local wealth managers, and structure investments to minimize double taxation.

Repatriation: Demystified

NRE accounts: Unlimited repatriation, clean transfers. FCNR accounts: No repatriation limits, good for hedging currency risk. NRO accounts: Up to $1 million per financial year, requires Form 15CA (and Form 15CB for amounts over ₹50 lakh). We coordinate all of this with your CA.

DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement): If your country has a DTAA with India, you can claim tax credits on capital gains. Requires a Tax Residency Certificate filed by your local wealth manager. For most NRI clients, DTAA benefits are worth ₹meaningful annually in tax savings.

How we work together

Understand You

I ask detailed questions about your tax residency, how long you’ve been NRI, which country you’re in, and what you’ve been investing.

Tax Assessment

We assess your DTAA benefits, identify any tax traps like PFIC if you’re in the US, and map out the tax-efficient approach.

Portfolio Review

Full audit of your existing holdings. Are they PFIC? Tax-efficient? Aligned with your residency status? We find the gaps.

Build Strategy

Based on tax residency first, then returns. Which products make sense for your location? How do we structure repatriation?

Ongoing Support

Quarterly reviews, rebalancing as needed, coordination with your CA on DTAA claims and repatriation paperwork.

NRI questions we answer

Get clarity on common concerns.

What’s an NRI investment account? Can you help me open one?

NRI accounts come in types: NRE (completely repatriable), NRO (limited repatriation), and FCNR (foreign currency). I guide you on which makes sense for your situation and coordinate with banks to make sure you open the right type.

Can I invest if I just became an NRI?

Yes. The moment you become an NRI, you can open NRI accounts and invest. We’ll structure it optimally based on when you left India and your tax residency status in your new country.

What if my country doesn’t have a DTAA with India?

Then you might face double taxation. Strategy: We focus on tax-efficient products like PMS and GIFT City that minimize your India-side tax burden. Your local wealth manager can then assess what credits your country offers.

How do I know if my mutual funds are PFIC?

If you’re a US tax resident, almost all Indian mutual funds are PFIC-classified. The solution: Stop buying new mutual funds; invest through PMS or GIFT City products instead. We help you transition existing holdings.

Can I repatriate money whenever I want?

From NRE: Yes, unlimited. From FCNR: Yes, unlimited. From NRO: Up to $1 million per financial year. We help you plan repatriation, file the required forms (15CA, 15CB), and coordinate with your CA.

What if I plan to return to India?

We’ll restructure your accounts and portfolio accordingly. When you become a resident again, your investments can shift into direct equities and other resident-only products. We plan this transition well in advance.

Ready to optimize your India investments?

Let’s start with a tax-first review. You’ll understand exactly which products are right for your tax residency, how to avoid PFIC traps if you’re in the US, and what your repatriation strategy should be.

Book a Tax-First Portfolio Review