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
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

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 accounts

NRI 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 child

Taking 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 calculating

Government 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 changing

Change date of birth on Indian

Passport

Information on changing date of birth on your Indian passport. Making corrections to Indian passport

Problems 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 immigrant

Taking 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 card

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.

US Citizens in India Taxation

What assets are required to be reported and what is exempt from such reporting under FATCA rules
N RI Information

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 >>>
THE NRI GUIDE        V. K. CHAND THE NRI GUIDE Policies - Procedures - Guide For NRI - OCI - PIO Book for all NRIs PIO & OCI nri guide
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. Chand

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. 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.
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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 accounts

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

NRI 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 child

Taking 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 calculating

Government 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 HERE

What & 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 passport

Problems 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 immigrant

Taking 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 card

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.

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
THE NRI GUIDE        V. K. CHAND THE NRI GUIDE Policies - Procedures - Guide For NRI - OCI - PIO Book for all NRIs PIO & OCI nri guide
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 >>