Repatriation & FEMA
Quick answerMoney flows for NRIs run through two account types: NRE (foreign earnings, freely repatriable) and NRO (Indian income, rent, sale proceeds, plantation receipts, repatriable within limits and with documentation). The headline rule: up to USD 1 million per financial year may generally be remitted from NRO balances, supported by tax compliance including Form 15CA and a chartered accountant’s certificate in Form 15CB, with TDS often deducted at source on Indian receipts. Rules and thresholds change, and DTAA relief may apply depending on your country, so treat this page as orientation and route the specifics through a CA experienced with NRI remittances.
Orientation only: Limits, forms and TDS rates change. Confirm current rules with a chartered accountant experienced in NRI taxation before moving funds. This is not legal or tax advice.
The two accounts
- NRE, holds foreign earnings remitted to India; principal and interest freely repatriable.
- NRO, holds income earned in India (e.g. plantation receipts, sale proceeds); repatriation is permitted within limits with documentation.
Moving money out
- Up to USD 1 million per financial year may generally be remitted from NRO balances/eligible assets.
- Remittances are supported by Form 15CA (declaration) and typically Form 15CB (CA certificate).
- TDS is commonly deducted on Indian receipts to NRIs; DTAA relief may apply based on your residence country.
Practical sequence
- Route Indian receipts to your NRO account.
- Have your CA compute tax, prepare 15CB, and file 15CA.
- Instruct the bank remittance within the scheme limits.
Entry-side rules are covered in how NRIs can invest; general tax context in taxation pointers.
Plan the round trip before you start
Entry and exit should be designed together, bring your CA into the consultation.