Mutual Funds for NRIs: Many Indians migrate abroad in search of better job opportunities. Unsurprisingly, they harbour a dream of coming back home one day. A majority of these Non-Resident Indians have dependents in India. In such a scenario, making investments in India seems a smart option. Mutual funds are a great way for a non-resident Indian (NRI) or a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) to participate in the growth of the country and reap benefits.
Who Is Considered An NRI (Non-Resident Indian)?
Non-Resident Indian is a person who is not a resident of India. An individual is deemed to be a resident, if:
Who is considered a PIO (Person of Indian Origin)?
A PIO refers to a citizen of any country (other than Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) if:
Can NRI Invest in Mutual Funds in India:
NRIs and PIOs are allowed to invest in mutual funds in India on a full repatriation as well as non-repatriation basis – as long as they adhere to the rules of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Also, NRIs would have to comply with all regulatory requirements such as completion of KYC before investing. However, some AMCs do not accept mutual fund applications from NRIs in Canada and the USA.
KYC for NRIs:
To complete the KYC process, NRIs must submit a copy of his/her passport. The relevant pages with name, date of birth, photo, and address. It is also compulsory for NRIs to submit their overseas address. Essentially, the correspondence address or permanent address should be an overseas address.
Procedure To Start Investing In Mutual Funds for NRIs in India:
Asset management companies (AMC) in India are not allowed to accept investments in foreign currencies. Hence, the first step to investing in Indian mutual funds is to open an NRO account, NRE account, or a Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) account with an Indian bank.
In case of investments made via drafts or cheques, the application form must have an attachment of a confirmation letter obtained by the bank or a FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate). The other KYC documents that must be submitted include address proof and PAN.
You can invest by any of the below methods:
Redemption of Mutual Funds:
The proceeds from redemption of mutual funds are either credited directly to the bank account of the investor or are paid via cheques. All the earnings will be received by the investor in rupees. Investments made from FCNR/NRE accounts or via inward remittances are totally repatriable. Therefore, earnings accrued through dividends or by the redemption of mutual funds' units are totally repatriable.
With regards to investments made via NRO accounts, however, the principal amount will not be repatriable, but the capital appreciation will be.
Taxation:
Interestingly, there is no differential taxation rate for resident Indians and NRIs. NRIs also have to pay tax on short-term capital gains on debt funds as per the person's income tax slab and that on equity funds at a flat rate of 15%. On long-term capital gains on debt funds, they have to pay 20% tax with indexation and 10% tax without indexation, and no tax on the sale of long-term equity funds.
However, for NRIs the tax is deducted at source while resident Indians have to make tax payments as per the advance tax schedule. Also, NRIs who live in countries that do not have a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with India will have to pay tax both in India and in their country.
Advantages for NRI Investing In Mutual Funds in India:
As one of the main emerging economies of the world, India attracts several thousand foreign investors who invest in its economy. The following are some of the benefits that NRIs can enjoy by investing in Indian mutual funds: