Are NRIs allowed to trade in equity intraday and F&O segments?

Are NRIs allowed to trade in equity intraday and F&O segments?

NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) are not permitted to trade equity on an intraday basis in India. All equity transactions must be delivery-based in line with FEMA and RBI regulations. NRIs are allowed to trade in the Futures & Options (F&O) segment through an NRO Non-PIS account, which can be opened directly with FYERS. The same account can also be used for equity delivery.

Equity trading restrictions for NRIs

The table below summarises the permitted and restricted equity activities for NRIs.

ActivityPermittedNotes
Intraday tradingNoEquity orders must result in delivery settlement.
Short sellingNoSelling without owning shares is not permitted.
Delivery-based tradingYesAllowed via PIS or Non-PIS accounts based on repatriability.

Account setup for F&O trading

NRIs can trade in the F&O segment through an NRO Non-PIS account opened directly with FYERS. This account also supports delivery-based equity trading.

  • Route: NRO Non-PIS (market trades settled with non-repatriable funds)
  • Account opening: F&O-enabled NRO Non-PIS account can be opened directly with the broker
  • Note: PIS accounts do not support F&O trading

If you currently operate a PIS account for equity delivery, F&O trading is not available on that route. To trade F&O, you must open an NRO Non-PIS account with F&O access.

What if…

ScenarioSolution
You place an intraday equity orderIt may be rejected or handled per platform safeguards to ensure delivery-based settlement.
You want to trade frequentlyEquity trades must remain delivery-based; F&O trading is available via an NRO Non-PIS account.
You’re unsure about the product typeUse Delivery/Overnight for equities to remain compliant.
You have a PIS accountF&O trading is not supported on PIS accounts.
You want to start F&O tradingOpen an NRO Non-PIS account with F&O access directly with FYERS.

Last updated: 20 Jan 2026