Skip to content
Surabhi Oberoi, Investment advisor NRI Invest in India

Over reliance on FDs and Real estate

Investing from a distance

Confliction and general advice

About

  1. What are the best investment options for NRIs in India 2025?

    The “best” investment for NRIs is one that aligns with your specific financial goals, not just market trends. The top NRI investment options for 2025 are:

    For Sophisticated Investors: Consider specialized products like PMS for NRIs or Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) for higher-risk, higher-reward strategies.
    For Wealth Growth: Equity mutual funds through SIPs remain the top choice for long-term growth.
    For Income & Stability: NRE fixed deposits offer tax-free interest, while commercial real estate may provide passive income.
    For Currency Protection: A Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) account is your best tool to hedge against currency risk.
    For the cultured: Consider investing in Indian art.
    Don’t build a generic portfolio. Consult a professional to build an NRI investment plan tailored to your specific goals.

  2. How is my NRI investment income taxed in India?

    Understanding NRI tax is not optional; it’s the difference between profit and loss. The rules on NRI capital gains tax have recently changed

    Stocks & Equity Mutual Funds: Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) are taxed at a flat 20%. Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) are now taxed at 12.5% on gains above ₹1.25 lakh.
    Debt Funds: Gains are now taxed at your income slab rates, regardless of the holding period. This makes them a less tax-efficient option than before.
    Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA): To avoid paying tax on the same income twice, you must leverage your DTAA for NRIs by providing a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC).

    Download my free “NRI Tax Checklist” for UAE and Singapore based NRIs to ensure your portfolio is fully compliant.

  3. How can an NRI repatriate funds from Indian investments?

    The process of NRI repatriation depends entirely on the source account. While funds from NRE and FCNR accounts are fully repatriable, there’s a strict USD 1 million repatriation limit per financial year from an NRO account. To process this, you must file a Form 15CA and, for transfers over a certain amount, a certified Form 15CB from a Chartered Accountant. This is the single most critical step to ensure a smooth, tax-compliant transfer.
    Don’t get lost in paperwork. For peace of mind, book a call with a CA to get your repatriation documentation professionally handled.