Tax, Banking & FEMA · Repatriation

Repatriating Money from India: A Guide for NRIs

Moving sale proceeds, inheritance, rent or savings from India to your country of residence — within RBI limits, with tax compliance done first.

  • Property sale proceeds
  • Inherited money and assets
  • NRO balances and rent
  • Bank and tax paperwork

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Plan Your Repatriation

Tell us where the money comes from and roughly how much.

In short

The basic rules

Money in an NRE or FCNR account is generally freely repatriable. Money in an NRO account — including property sale proceeds, inheritance and rent — can usually be remitted up to USD 1 million per financial year, subject to tax compliance and documents. Banks normally ask for Forms 15CA/15CB before they remit.

Common situations

Common Situations

The source of the money decides the route.

Sold a flat

Moving the sale proceeds abroad.

Inheritance

Money or property inherited from parents.

Rent

Rental income credited to an NRO account.

Investments

Fixed deposits, shares or mutual funds in India.

Bank refused

A bank asking for more documents or declining a remittance.

Over the limit

Amounts above USD 1 million in a year.

Your options

What Can Be Done

Sequence matters: tax first, then remittance.

Tax computation

Working out and paying the tax due.

Forms 15CA/15CB

A chartered accountant’s certificate and the online declaration.

NRO to NRE or abroad

Transfer within the annual limit.

Supporting documents

Sale deed, inheritance papers and bank statements.

RBI approval

Applying to the RBI where an amount exceeds the limit.

Property bought in foreign exchange

Repatriating the original investment, subject to conditions.

The law

Laws That Commonly Apply

Foreign exchange law with tax compliance.

Foreign exchange

  • Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
  • Remittance of Assets Regulations — the USD 1 million per financial year facility for NRIs and PIOs.
  • Deposit Regulations — rules for NRE, NRO and FCNR accounts.
  • Sale proceeds of residential property bought in foreign exchange may be repatriated up to the amount paid, for up to two properties.

Tax

  • Tax on the income or gain must be paid or provided for before remittance.
  • Forms 15CA/15CB are usually needed for remittances from NRO accounts.
  • The Income-tax Act, 2025 applies from 1 April 2026.
  • Treaty relief may reduce double taxation.

Step by step

How Repatriation Usually Works

Typical stages

  1. Identify the source of funds and the account.
  2. Compute and pay tax.
  3. Obtain the CA certificate and file the online declaration.
  4. Submit the remittance request with documents to your bank.
  5. Bank remits within the annual limit.
  6. Keep records for both countries’ tax returns.

Documents usually needed

  • Sale deed or inheritance documents
  • Purchase documents and proof of foreign exchange paid
  • Bank statements
  • Tax returns and TDS certificates
  • Forms 15CA/15CB
  • PAN and passport

From abroad

Handling It While You Live Overseas

Online banking

Many banks accept remittance requests online.

Chartered accountant

A CA in India can prepare the certificate.

Home-country tax

Report the receipt as required where you live.

Plan by financial year

The limit runs April to March.

Keep the trail

Keep every document linking the money to its source.

Power of Attorney

A specific POA helps with bank formalities.

Avoid these

Common Mistakes

Common pitfalls

  • Trying to remit before paying tax.
  • Missing documents linking the money to its source.
  • Exceeding the annual limit without approval.
  • Mixing NRO and NRE funds.

How LegalCops can help

  • Explain the routes available for your situation and state
  • Connect you with a lawyer in India from the LegalCops directory
  • Arrange a phone or video consultation across time zones
  • Point you to guides on documents signed abroad

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I repatriate from my NRO account?

Up to USD 1 million per financial year, subject to tax compliance and documents.

Can I repatriate inherited money?

Yes, within the same annual limit, with proof of inheritance.

Is NRE money freely repatriable?

Generally yes, including interest.

What if my amount is larger?

Spread it over financial years or apply to the RBI.

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Move Your Money the Right Way

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The information provided is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Applicable laws and procedures may vary depending on the facts, jurisdiction, and circumstances of each matter. Consult a qualified legal professional before taking action. Last reviewed: November 2026.