What is the investment limit for NRIs in India?

What is the investment limit for NRIs in India?

NRIs are permitted to invest substantial amounts across a wide range of asset classes in India. There is no fixed upper cap on how much they can invest, provided they comply with applicable Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations and channel funds through permitted accounts.

Investment scope for NRIs

  • Unlimited investments allowed in:
    • Equity shares of listed companies
    • Mutual funds
    • Corporate bonds and NCDs
    • Real estate (excluding agricultural land)
    • IPOs and NCD offerings via NRO accounts
  • Mode of investment:
    • Repatriable basis: Via NRE accounts
    • Non-repatriable basis: Via NRO accounts

Restrictions to note

  • NRIs are not permitted to invest in:
    • Public Provident Fund (PPF)
    • National Savings Certificates (NSC)
    • Other small savings schemes

These restrictions ensure alignment with FEMA regulations that prevent access to certain tax-exempt schemes designed specifically for resident Indians.

What if...

ScenarioWhat you should know
You held a PPF account before becoming an NRIYou may continue holding it but cannot extend or contribute further
You wish to repatriate profitsFunds must originate from an NRE account or follow RBI repatriation rules for NRO income
You want to invest in IPOs as an NRIApply through the FYERS platform using your NRO account and UPI for Debt IPOs or equity offerings
To track investment avenues approved under the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS), consult the RBI’s updated circulars or contact us for guidance on NRI-compliant instruments.
Last updated: 23 Jun 2025
    • Related Articles

    • What are the investment limits for NRIs under the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS)?

      Under the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS), Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are allowed to invest in listed shares and convertible debentures of Indian companies on recognised stock exchanges. These investments must be routed through Authorized Dealer ...
    • What is the Portfolio Investment Scheme for NRIs?

      The Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) is an initiative by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) that allows Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to invest in Indian stock markets through designated accounts. Under this scheme, NRIs can buy and sell shares and ...
    • How are NRI investment positions in Indian companies monitored?

      To ensure compliance with sectoral investment limits, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) actively monitors the investment positions of NRIs and Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) in listed Indian companies. This oversight safeguards against breaches ...
    • Is currency derivatives trading allowed for NRIs?

      As per current regulatory guidelines, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are not permitted to trade in currency derivatives on Indian exchanges. This restriction is enforced to ensure compliance with FEMA regulations and to limit speculative exposure ...
    • Are NRIs permitted to trade in the commodity segment?

      Currently, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are not permitted to participate in the commodity trading segment in India. This restriction is enforced by Indian regulatory authorities to ensure adherence to the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and ...