Equity has generally rewarded diligent long-term investors, whether in India or abroad. It is perhaps the greatest long-term-oriented asset class, historically producing an annualized gain of 10-12 percent for Indian investors. As an NRI, you may be thinking if and how much you should invest in Indian stock.
An investment plan is a strategy for allocating money to future-generating activities such as bonds, equities, real estate holdings, or businesses. The investor thinks that through investing in an asset, his or her money will increase or improve in value in the future.
Investment options for NRI investors
There are several investment choices available in India for NRIs based on their needs and financial objectives. Here are just a few examples:
1. Fixed-Income Investments
This is the most prevalent type of investment among Canadian NRIs. The investor may keep his money secure for an indefinite amount of time while earning average returns. The bank determines the interest rate, the term of the FD, and the amount of something like the deposit. Fixed deposits could be opened using an NRE, NRO, or FCNR account.
Also Read: RBI Guidelines For NRI Investments In Real Estate
2. Investing in mutual funds
To participate in mutual funds in India, an NRI must have an NRE or NRO account. For NRIs, investing in mutual funds is indeed a cost-effective alternative. However, because of rigorous requirements imposed by the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, several mutual funds do not accept applications from NRIs resident in the United States and Canada (FATCA).
Non–resident and ordinary Indian investors face the same tax rates. Short-term capital gains from stock and equity-oriented hybrid funds are taxed at 15%, whereas long-term capital gains above Rs 1 lakh are taxed at 10%.
Non-equity fund short-term capital gains are added to the personal income tax rate at a flat rate. After indexation, the tax for long-term capital gains is 20%. TDS is levied on NRI investments when mutual funds are redeemed. The TDS on long-term capital gains from equities and equity-oriented hybrid funds is 10%. Similarly, the TDS for debt funds including hybrid plans with debt-oriented assets is 20%.
3. Scheme National de Pensiones (NPS)
Canadian NRIs can invest in stock, debt, or a mix of the two under this plan. An NRI can register an NPS account provided he is between the ages of 18 and 60 and has an Aadhaar card and a PAN card. An NRI must have an NRE or NRO account.
Also Read: All The Banking Details To Know For NRI Investments In India Real Estate
4. Direct Investment
Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) allows NRIs to invest inside the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd and earn better returns. To engage in the stock market, the investor must maintain a constant eye on the market condition, which can be tumultuous at times. NRIs can invest in the stock market if they have a Demat and trading account, an NRE, an NRO account, and a PIS account.
NRIs can buy equity instruments without any limitations, either on the stock market or outside of it, subject to some sectoral limitations and non-repatriation.
5. Real Estate
Real estate has traditionally been the greatest investment choice for non-resident Indians (NRIs) in India. There are several real estate investment possibilities accessible, including plots, villas, independent houses, and social apartments. The value of the rupee versus the dollar, however, and the Indian real estate market, dictate the returns and assessments.
Rental income from property in India is taxed, and a standard deduction of 30% is made. The remainder is added to the total personal income tax rate at ordinary rates. NRIs must file Form 15CA to remit rental income.
6. Securities issued by the federal government
Government Securities (G-Secs) are indeed a risk-free investment for NRIs since the government guarantees both the interest and principal amount. Through the Fully Accessible Route, NRIs may invest in this plan (FAR). NRIs can invest in the Government of India’s 5-, 10-, and 30-year bonds beginning in fiscal year 20-21.
Also Read: Documents Required For PIO, OCI, NRI Investments In India
7. PPF (PPF)
A PPF account cannot be opened by anyone with NRI status. If you held a PPF account before leaving India and are now an NRI, you can keep it. An NRI visiting Canada can spend up to 1.5 lakh dollars every fiscal year now and continue to do so till the investment matures. He will be unable to extend the account after it has reached maturity. If an NRI files I-T returns in India, he is entitled to Section 80C income tax deductions for PPF deposits.
The NRI must provide the PPF withdrawal form, picture identity card, and PPF bank passbook if they want to cancel the PPF account. They must also present a canceled cheque from his NRO account, which will be credited with the PPF amount. The bank manager must certify all papers. If the account holder is unavailable to complete all procedures, they can submit an authorization letter to a home branch through their agent.
Important Considerations for Non-Resident Indians
- NRIs should bear in mind that they must create an NRE and NRO account before any transactions may take place.
- Foreign currency Non-Resident accounts should be formed to prevent volatility in the exchange rates of foreign money earned.
- When purchasing real estate, an NRI should examine if it’ll be owned by the joint owner or a single owner, as tax responsibility is borne by the first owner.
- To make investments in India, NRIs must obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN card).
- An NRI must get a Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) letter from the Reserve Bank of India before investing in the Indian equities market under the PIS scheme.
- Although NRIs have various investment alternatives open to them, including mutual funds, bonds, or direct equity, they need to educate themselves on the schemes first.
- NRIs must be aware of the rules governing repatriation. According to FEMA guidelines, in the case of a real estate purchase, repatriation of sale profits is limited to a maximum of $1 million every fiscal year. They may, however, repatriate over $1 million per year if it is property being donated.
These are the numerous investment opportunities available to NRIs in India. They can weigh the advantages and downsides and use their judgment before investing in one or both of those possibilities.
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