Welcome to NRI Information
Now over 10 years on the web for NRIs . . .
Welcome to NRI Information. This website is designed specifically for NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) worldwide, with the aim of providing comprehensive support in understanding and addressing the issues faced by non-residents dealing with their NRI status in India. The purpose of this website is to provide readers with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the unique challenges that arise as an NRI. With over 50 years of personal experience as a non-resident, I am committed to giving back to the community. This website is completely free of charge. No login or subscription is required. There are no commercial advertisements on this website to ensure a positive reading experience. Included in the website are over 1000 frequently asked questions (FAQs), received from NRIs worldwide, addressing a diverse range of topics. We strive to assist you in making informed decisions and overcoming obstacles. Once again, welcome to NRI Information. V. K. Chand
Lower or NIL TDS on Sale of
NRI Property
Suppose an NRI sells property in India for Rupees 1 Crore. The TDS deducted by the buyer in such a case would be 23 Lakhs, 92 Thousand. A lot of money when compared to 1% TDS deducted when the sale involves resident Indians In most cases where NRI property is sold the TDS deducted @ 23.92 is quite higher than the tax liability of the NRI seller. To get relief the NRI seller can apply for a lower TDS certificate from the Indian income tax department. How to apply for lower TDS on sale of NRI property. Read More >>What is Self-Certification of
NRI Bank Account?
Why is Self-Certification of NRI bank accounts required? How NRIs abroad can complete self-certification if they have not done so to avoid their accounts being blocked.Supreme Court Verdict on
Aadhaar Card
Supreme Court of India on September 25, 2018 finally issued a verdict on the validity and requirement of Aadhaar Card. Now not required to open bank account etc.Tax on NRI property in India
Higher tax for those who hold two or more properties in India. NRIs tax on rental income. As per Indian Income Tax Act, there is no income tax charged on properties that are self occupied. If a person owns more than one property . . .Pros & Cons of NRI bank
accounts
As reporting of foreign bank accounts of non-residents between governments moves forward & the requirement to provide documents repeatedly to keep NRI bank accounts increases, some NRIs may be wondering if its time to close their NRI bank accountsNRI Bank Account in India?
Account details will be sent to
your home country
India will now share NRI bank account holders information with the account holders home countries. FATCA & CRS reporting requirements for USA . . .Repatriate money from sale of
property - Transfer funds
abroad
How to transfer money from the sale of property to your bank abroad. Legal method to repatriate money from India to a foreign destination . . .Birth Registration of child
born abroad
A decision parents many Indian parents make for their foreign born children. Is registration compulsory? Options for parents when making citizenship decisions for their childTaking Jewelry to India
Taking Jewelry to India from abroad. Customs duty on gold in India. Taking gold jewelry to India for personal use. Tips for NRIs who take gold to India. Taking gold jewelry in or out of India. Duty free allowances and more . . .NRI Bank Accounts
Every thing you should know about NRI Bank Accounts in India and on return to India.Capital gain on sale of
property if indexing
number not available
Calculating capital gain on sale of property purchased prior to 1980 when cost inflation index number is not available. Fair market value calculatingGovernment grants for new
business
Governments offer grants and incentives to help new business entrepreneurs as it helps job creation. In India both the central and state governments offer incentives such as cheap land, loans at favorable rates.Buying Travel Medical
Insurance in India?
Buying travel medical insurance in India can sometimes turn out to be quite an ordeal. Buying insurance from the country you visit can help with speedy claims . . . Before you buy Travel Medical Insurance in India Read this article.Buying a used car in India -
NRIs be alert
Buying a used car may be the easiest purchase one can make in the western world. In North America, in most cases you can just walk into the dealership and the chances are you may be able to even drive out with your purchase. However NRIs buying used cars in India need to be alert about financial loss as well as legal issues they may run into . . .How to Acquire Indian
Citizenship
How to acquire Indian citizenship, Information on the various modes by which Indian citizenship can be acquired.Scrutiny of tax return filed by
NRIs in India
NRIs who file tax in India are subject to all income tax laws similarly applied to Indian tax filers. Just because a tax return has been filed and even if a tax refund has been issued based on the tax return filed by an NRI the refund can in some instances be questioned and further clarification sought by the Indian tax authorities.Elderly Parents Going Abroad
Do a Reality Check!
Senior citizens who have children settled abroad and are considering permanently moving to foreign countries to be with them are strongly advised to evaluate their decision realistically. On numerous occasions elderly parents sell all their possessions in India and relocate overseas, only to discover later that they have made a grave mistake. They find themselves stranded thousands of miles away, with no possibility of turning back and unable to express their true emotions or thoughts due to family pressure, self-respect, or shame.Taking gold to India and
Customs duty in India
Taking gold to India and how much customs duty that one has to pay on arrival in India is one of the frequent questions being asked by many NRIs across the world. Rules keep changingChange date of birth on Indian
Passport
Information on changing date of birth on your Indian passport. Making corrections to Indian passportProblems finding OCI
documentation? - Get a
Nativity Certificate
Having difficulty getting documentation to prove your Indian origin? There is an alternative to get other type of documentation to prove your relationship to your ancestors, even if they left India before several years ago.
Canadians get 10 year visa
& e-visa for India
PM Mr. Modi announces 10 year visa for Canadians similar to USA citizens. From May 1, 2015 Canadians will be included in the list of countries eligible for the previously announced visa on arrival scheme e- Tourist Visa.Money stolen from your
NRI bank account! what
are your options?
What are the chances you will get your money back? Will your bank in India help? Will you have to file a civil lawsuit against your bank to recover your money?Countries Accepting
Immigrant's
Which countries today are accepting new immigrants? Which country should you immigrate to? Don’t get scammed by questionable immigration consultants and end up as an illegal immigrantTaking a car to India from
Dubai
CIF Value used for customs duty on car’s in India taken by NRIs. Depreciation allowed when calculating used car valueProof of Indian origin if documents
not available . . .
Many OCI or PIO applicants have difficulty obtaining acceptable documentation showing that they are indeed of Indian origin. This leads to an extended delay in processing applications, many applicants are denied OCI registration, due to lack of proper proof, showing their Indian origin. A Nativity Certificate may help . . .Are Cash payments for
real estate sales making
a comeback in India?
Despite new stringent regulations, unless everyone in India starts declaring their true income and paying taxes black money will again result in cash payments forReverse Immigration
NRIs Returning to India: The improving economic situation in India and the increase in unemployment levels in many western countries, has resulted in many NRIs already returning to India.OCI, PIO abroad can file
tax without Aadhaar Card
Government has clarified that mandatory quoting of Aadhaar shall apply only to a person who is eligible to obtain Aadhaar number.Agricultural Land in India - Alert!
Be alert when buying agricultural land in India. Buying agricultural land that may be converted to residential land. NRIs who own agricultural land prior to becoming NRI can continue to hold land, no requirement to sell.How to Replace OCI Card
Lost or damaged your OCI Card? Filing a police report, interview for new documents, applicable fee and where to apply. Here are step by step instructions on replacing your OCI documents. Easy to follow step by step procedure.Procedure to transfer from
NRO to NRE
Article on how to transfer funds from NRO to NRE is available HEREHow you can lose your
Indian Citizenship!
Those who acquire Indian citizenship can under some situations lose their citizenship. The government of Indian can revoke your citizenship under some . . .Canadians retiring in India -
Canadian Pensions payable
abroad
Canadian government pensions that are payable for Canadian retires who chose to retire in India. Benefits available or lost if retiring abroad.Study in India -
Foreign students
Government has clarified that mandatory quoting of Aadhaar shall apply only to a person who is eligible to obtain Aadhaar number.
Foreign doctors working in
India
How foreign doctors can get approval to practice medicine in India. Foreign doctors can work in India provided they fulfill two conditions.File Police complaint (FIR) on-line
Filing a police complaint in India on-line has been announced quite a few times, Is this really possible?Choosing Medical
Health Insurance
Medical costs in India are rising, as Indians seek to protect themselves with medical insurance, are they wasting their money? Checklist for choosing a medical health insurance company
Procedure to repatriate
pension & information
for NRI pensioners
Pensioners who are currently receiving pensions in India and move abroad permanently or acquire foreign citizenship can have their pension sent abroad to them. Furthermore, NRIs/PIOs who do not maintain NRO Account and have no taxable income in India need not submit a Chartered Accountant’s certificate for remitting their current income like pension.How much money can
students make abroad?
Paying their way through university is often heard from students abroad. How much money can foreign students make. Can they really pay their way through college by working simultaneously.Illegal Immigration
Many countries are now facing problems with illegal immigrants. Yet potential immigrants continue to become victims of unscrupulous immigration consultants. Instead of legally immigrating they find themselves trapped in a foreign country.
How to get a driving license in
India
How do you get a driving license in India. Smart card driving licenses are now being issued in major cities of India.Status of NRI bank
accounts in India after
NRIs returning to India
Accounts such as NRO, NRE & FCNR must be closed but returning NRI can continue to keep foreign currency in other bank accounts.Status of PIO Card Holders now!
How do you get a driving license in India. Smart card driving licenses are now being issued in major cities of India.Car Imports by NRI - Taking
car to India
from abroad
Information and guide on who can take a car to India and the procedure involved. Customs duty and depreciation allowed on car taken to India.New Visa Rules to make
getting Indian Visa faster
In an effort to give a boost to Indian tourism and business sectors, the Government of India has given notification of new visa rulesRequirement to Transfer OCI
Visa to New Passport
The requirement to carry your old passport showing the OCI ‘U’ visa has been discontinued by the govt of India. As of January 29, 2015.Person of Indian Origin -
PIO Card Scheme
canceled by govt.
What exactly is a PIO card, Are you a PIO if you do not have a PIO card. Who can apply and how to apply for a PIO cardThousands of Crore Rs. in
Unclaimed Bank Accounts -
How to check lists
Forgotten bank accounts hold thousands of crore rupees in accounts designated as unclaimed. How to check unclaimed account lists of banks.
US Citizens in India Taxation
What assets are required to be reported and what is exempt from such reporting under FATCA rules
Selecting a school in India,
which syllabus is best!
Parents trying to select a school in India may have to decide which school syllabus they want their child to follow. Information on study courses. More Information >>>
NEW!
EDITION
Available Worldwide
UPDATED
FOR
2023-24
Travel India Information Guide & Tips
Complete travel information for tourists visiting India. Information to make your visit to India safe and enjoyable experience. Full guide to touring India. Check Now >>
Transfer from NRO to NRE in
two days!
On July 5, 2023 we approached Axis Bank to transfer funds from our NRO account to our NRE account and submitted the required documents. The transfer was done on July 7, 2023 in just two days! The ease and speed of such transactions could vary depending on the bank employee's familiarity with the procedure. Knowledgeable staff could facilitate the process efficiently, but if the person handling the documents is unaware of the procedure, it may lead to delays and frustrations for NRI account holders. Read full article.Speedy Justice Initiatives India
The Bureau of Police Research & Development India communicated pivotal advancements by the Government of India toward expediting the justice system. Notable changes outlined include: Implementation of a maximum three-year time-frame for justice delivery, eradicating prolonged waiting periods. Mandatory registration of e-FIR within three days for electronically submitted complaints. Framing of charges within 60 days from the initiation of the first hearing on the charge and many more changes. OPEN ARTICLE To view all changes.
Welcome to NRI Information
Now over 10 years on the web for NRIs
Welcome to NRI Information. This website is designed specifically for NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) worldwide, with the aim of providing comprehensive support in understanding and addressing the issues faced by non-residents dealing with their NRI status in India. The purpose of this website is to provide readers with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the unique challenges that arise as an NRI. With over 50 years of personal experience as a non-resident, I am committed to giving back to the community. This website is completely free of charge. No login or subscription is required. There are no commercial advertisements on this website to ensure a positive reading experience. Included in the website are over 1000 frequently asked questions (FAQs), received from NRIs worldwide, addressing a diverse range of topics. We strive to assist you in making informed decisions and overcoming obstacles. Once again, welcome to NRI Information. V. K. ChandScrutiny of tax return filed by NRIs in India
NRIs who file tax in India are subject to all income tax laws similarly applied to Indian tax filers. Just because a tax return has been filed and even if a tax refund has been issued based on the tax return filed by an NRI the refund can in some instances be questioned and further clarification sought by the Indian tax authorities. For instance you may get a notification . . .Lower or Nil TDS on Sale of NRI Property
Suppose an NRI sells property in India for Rupees 1 Crore. The TDS deducted by the buyer in such a case would be 23 Lakhs, 92 Thousand. A lot of money when compared to 1% TDS deducted when the sale involves resident Indians. In most cases where NRI property is sold the TDS deducted @ 23.92 is quite higher than the tax liability of the NRI seller. To get relief the NRI seller can apply for a lower TDS certificate from the apply for lower TDS on sale of NRI property.
Custom Search
Search NRI Information
Supreme Court Verdict on Aadhaar Card
Supreme Court of India on September 25, 2018 finally issued a verdict on the validity and requirement of Aadhaar Card. Now not required to open bank account etc.Tax on NRI property in India
Higher tax for those who hold two or more properties in India. NRIs tax on rental income. As per Indian Income Tax Act, there is no income tax charged on properties that are self occupied. If a person owns more than one property . . .Pros & Cons of NRI bank accounts
As reporting of foreign bank accounts of non- residents between governments moves forward & the requirement to provide documents repeatedly to keep NRI bank accounts increases, some NRIs may be wondering if its time to close their NRI bank accountsElderly Parents Going Abroad Do a Reality
Check!
Parents planning on moving overseas to live with their children who are presently settled abroad. Before you dispose off your property and burn your bridgesNRI Bank Account in India? Account details
will be sent to your home country
India will now share NRI bank account holders information with the account holders home countries. FATCA & CRS reporting requirements for USA . . .Repatriate money from sale of property -
Transfer funds abroad
How to transfer money from the sale of property to your bank abroad. Legal method to repatriate money from India to a foreign destination . . .Birth Registration of child born abroad
A decision parents many Indian parents make for their foreign born children. Is registration compulsory? Options for parents when making citizenship decisions for their childTaking Jewelry to India
Taking Jewelry to India from abroad. Customs duty on gold in India. Taking gold jewelry to India for personal use. Tips for NRIs who take gold to India. Taking gold jewelry in or out of India. Duty free allowances and more . . .Capital gain on sale of property if indexing
number not available
Calculating capital gain on sale of property purchased prior to 1980 when cost inflation index number is not available. Fair market value calculatingGovernment grants for new business
Governments offer grants and incentives to help new business entrepreneurs as it helps job creation. In India both the central and state governments offer incentives such as cheap land, loans at favorable rates.Buying Travel Medical Insurance in India?
Buying travel medical insurance in India can sometimes turn out to be quite an ordeal. Buying insurance from the country you visit can help with speedy claims . . . Before you buy Travel Medical Insurance in India Read this article.Buying a used car in India - NRIs be alert
Buying a used car may be the easiest purchase one can make in the western world. In North America, in most cases you can just walk into the dealership and the chances are you may be able to even drive out with your purchase. However NRIs buying used cars in India need to be alert about financial loss as well as legal issues they may run into . . .NRI Bank Accounts
Every thing you should know about NRI Bank Accounts in India and on return to India.How to Acquire Indian Citizenship
How to acquire Indian citizenship, Information on the various modes by which Indian citizenship can be acquired.
Transfer from NRO to NRE in two days!
On July 5, 2023 we approached Axis Bank to transfer funds from our NRO account to our NRE account and submitted the required documents. The transfer was done on July 7, 2023 in just two days! The ease and speed of such transactions could vary depending on the bank employee's familiarity with the procedure. Knowledgeable staff could facilitate the process efficiently, but if the person handling the documents is unaware of the procedure, it may lead to delays and frustrations for NRI account holders. Read full article.US Citizens in India Taxation
US citizens living in India are expected to file their US taxes every year. Not complying with US tax laws can turn out to be a costly affair . .Procedure to transfer from NRO to NRE
Article on how to transfer funds from NRO to NRE is available HEREWhat & When foreign assets must be
reported to IRS
under FATCA
NRIs, PIOs & OCI holders who hold passports of Australia, Canada, Germany, UK and many more countries will soon have their Indian NRI bank account information made available to the tax authorities of their home countries. A step by many countries to stop people from evading taxes by . . . Read full article.Elderly Parents Going
Abroad Do a Reality Check!
Parents planning on moving overseas to live with their children who are presently settled abroad. Before you dispose off your property and burn your bridges
Taking gold to India and Customs duty in India
Taking gold to India and how much customs duty that one has to pay on arrival in India is one of the frequent questions being asked by many NRIs across the world. Rules keep changing
Change date of birth on Indian Passport
Information on changing date of birth on your Indian passport. Making corrections to Indian passportProblems finding OCI documentation? -
Get a Nativity Certificate
Having difficulty getting documentation to prove your Indian origin? There is an alternative to get other type of documentation to prove your relationship to your ancestors, even if they left India before several years ago.Canadians get 10 year visa & e-visa for India
PM Mr. Modi announces 10 year visa for Canadians similar to USA citizens. From May 1, 2015 Canadians will be included in the list of countries eligible for the previously announced visa on arrival scheme e- Tourist Visa.Money stolen from your NRI bank account!
what are your options?
What are the chances you will get your money back? Will your bank in India help? Will you have to file a civil lawsuit against your bank to recover your money?
Countries Accepting Immigrant's
Which countries today are accepting new immigrants? Which country should you immigrate to? Don’t get scammed by questionable immigration consultants and end up as an illegal immigrantTaking a car to India from Dubai
CIF Value used for customs duty on car’s in India taken by NRIs. Depreciation allowed when calculating used car value
Proof of Indian origin if documents not
available . . .
Many OCI or PIO applicants have difficulty obtaining acceptable documentation showing that they are indeed of Indian origin. This leads to an extended delay in processing applications, many applicants are denied OCI registration, due to lack of proper proof, showing their Indian origin. A Nativity Certificate may help . . .
Are Cash payments for real estate sales
making a comeback in India?
Despite new stringent regulations, unless everyone in India starts declaring their true income and paying taxes black money will again result in cash payments for
Reverse Immigration
NRIs Returning to India: The improving economic situation in India and the increase in unemployment levels in many western countries, has resulted in many NRIs already returning to India.
OCI, PIO abroad can file tax without Aadhaar
Card
Government has clarified that mandatory quoting of Aadhaar shall apply only to a person who is eligible to obtain Aadhaar number.
Agricultural Land in India - Alert!
Be alert when buying agricultural land in India. Buying agricultural land that may be converted to residential land. NRIs who own agricultural land prior to becoming NRI can continue to hold land, no requirement to sell.
How to Replace OCI Card
Lost or damaged your OCI Card? Filing a police report, interview for new documents, applicable fee and where to apply. Here are step by step instructions on replacing your OCI documents. Easy to follow step by step procedure.Procedure to transfer from NRO to NRE
Article on how to transfer funds from NRO to NRE is available HERE
How you can lose your Indian Citizenship!
Those who acquire Indian citizenship can under some situations lose their citizenship. The government of Indian can revoke your citizenship under some . . .
Canadians retiring in India - Canadian
Pensions payable abroad
Canadian government pensions that are payable for Canadian retires who chose to retire in India. Benefits available or lost if retiring abroad.Study in India - Foreign students
Government has clarified that mandatory quoting of Aadhaar shall apply only to a person who is eligible to obtain Aadhaar number.
Foreign doctors working in India
How foreign doctors can get approval to practice medicine in India. Foreign doctors can work in India provided they fulfill two conditions.
File Police complaint (FIR) on-line
Filing a police complaint in India on-line has been announced quite a few times, Is this really possible?Choosing Medical Health Insurance
Medical costs in India are rising, as Indians seek to protect themselves with medical insurance, are they wasting their money? Checklist for choosing a medical health insurance company
Procedure to repatriate pension &
information for NRI pensioners
Pensioners who are currently receiving pensions in India and move abroad permanently or acquire foreign citizenship can have their pension sent abroad to them. Furthermore, NRIs/PIOs who do not maintain NRO Account and have no taxable income in India need not submit a Chartered Accountant’s certificate for remitting their current income like pension.
How much money can students make
abroad?
Paying their way through university is often heard from students abroad. How much money can foreign students make. Can they really pay their way through college by working simultaneously.
Illegal Immigration
Many countries are now facing problems with illegal immigrants. Yet potential immigrants continue to become victims of unscrupulous immigration consultants. Instead of legally immigrating they find themselves trapped in a foreign country.
How to get a driving license in India
How do you get a driving license in India. Smart card driving licenses are now being issued in major cities of India.Status of NRI bank accounts in India after
NRIs returning to India
Accounts such as NRO, NRE & FCNR must be closed but returning NRI can continue to keep foreign currency in other bank accounts.
Status of PIO Card Holders now!
How do you get a driving license in India. Smart card driving licenses are now being issued in major cities of India.Car Imports by NRI -
Taking car to India from
abroad
Information and guide on who can take a car to India and the procedure involved. Customs duty and depreciation allowed on car taken to India.
New Visa Rules to make getting Indian Visa
faster
In an effort to give a boost to Indian tourism and business sectors, the Government of India has given notification of new visa rules
Requirement to Transfer OCI Visa to New
Passport
The requirement to carry your old passport showing the OCI ‘U’ visa has been discontinued by the govt of India. As of January 29, 2015.Person of Indian Origin - PIO Card Scheme
canceled by govt.
What exactly is a PIO card, Are you a PIO if you do not have a PIO card. Who can apply and how to apply for a PIO cardSelecting a school in India, which syllabus
is best!
Parents trying to select a school in India may have to decide which school syllabus they want their child to follow. Information on study courses.Thousands of Crore Rs. in Unclaimed Bank
Accounts - How to check lists
Forgotten bank accounts hold thousands of crore rupees in accounts designated as unclaimed. How to check unclaimed account lists of banks.
What is Self-Certification of NRI Bank
Account?
Why is Self-Certification of NRI bank accounts required? How NRIs abroad can complete self-certification if they have not done so to avoid their accounts being blocked.
Disclaimer: Information provided is for general knowledge only and should not be deemed to
be professional advice. For professional advice kindly consult a professional accountant,
immigration advisor or the Indian consulate. Rules and regulations do change from time to
time. Please note that in case of any variation between what has been stated on this website
and the relevant Act, Rules, Regulations, Policy Statements etc. the latter shall prevail.
© Copyright 2006 Nriinformation.com
UPDATED
FOR
2023-24
NEW!
EDITION
Worldwide
Travel India Information
Complete travel information for tourists visiting India. Information to make your visit to India safe and enjoyable experience. Full guide to touring India. Check Now >>
