How can NRI invest in Mutual Funds?

All NRI’s (other than from USA/Canada), can invest in most of the Mutual fund schemes, available in the market. NRI from USA/Canada are also allowed, but in selective Mutual Fund schemes, due to different compliance requirement of USA/ Canada regulators. To invest in Mutual Funds, investor must first complete the KYC (know your client) documentation, as per SEBI guideline, which involves copy & details of; 

· Overseas address proof

· Pan card proof

· Merchant Navy employee - copy of CDC proof

How to shortlist Mutual Funds?

Shortlisting a Mutual Fund for NRI is very similar to a resident, especially if NRI is not from USA/Canada. For NRI from USA/Canada, the basket of fund is limited, and one has to cherry pick funds from what is available. It’s always recommended to consult (speak/ video-chat) with an advisor to shortlist funds, based on your preference, risk, charges & various other parameters. Regular reviews with your advisors, will give you the extra comfort & confidence, due to ever changing equity markets.

Can NRI repatriate redemption?

If the investment is made from a NRE Account, and during the redemption phase the investor is still an NRI, then one can take the credit back to the NRE account. Redemption proceeds (after deduction of taxes) are paid in rupees by cheque to the account number provided. Some banks also offer direct credit of redemption proceeds to the NRE/NRO account. Investments made via a NRO account, can’t be redeemed in NRE account. The investments carry the right of repatriation of capital invested and capital appreciation, only till the investor remains an NRI.

What are the tax applicability for NRI?

TDS is deducted at source on the redemption proceeds for any short-term gain. A TDS certificate is also issued digitally for every redemption made by the respective Mutual Fund Company. Short-term Investments in Debt Fund are taxed as per slab rates, whereas in Equity funds it’s at flat 15% p.a. currently. The definition of a short-term fund is holding it for less than 3 years for debt fund, and 1 year for equity and balanced funds (equity oriented).