NRI repatriation rules: moving money from India abroad
NRI Dash Research Team · Last reviewed: 2026-06-28
The account and source of funds determine the repatriation route. Eligible NRE and FCNR(B) balances are generally repatriable, while NRO current income and other eligible NRO balances require additional tax and bank documentation.
The account and source determine the route
NRE and FCNR(B) balances are generally repatriable. NRO current income can generally be remitted after tax compliance, while other eligible NRO balances may use the USD 1 million per financial year facility subject to conditions and bank documentation.
Key points
- NRE / FCNR(B) — Generally repatriable when the funds retain eligible status.
- NRO — Current income and the permitted remittance facility follow additional checks.
- Documents matter — The authorised dealer bank verifies source, tax and transaction evidence.
What the USD 1 million facility means
RBI rules allow eligible NRIs and PIOs to remit up to USD 1 million per financial year from balances in NRO accounts and specified sale proceeds or assets, subject to the conditions in the remittance-of-assets regulations. This is an overall annual facility, not a per-bank allowance.
Current income such as rent, dividend, pension and interest is treated separately in RBI guidance, but the bank still checks taxes and supporting records before remittance.
Prepare the transfer before asking for a quote
Identify whether the money is NRE/FCNR, current income, inheritance, property proceeds or another NRO balance.
Collect bank statements and evidence showing how the money was acquired.
Confirm Indian tax has been paid or provided for; ask whether Forms 15CA/15CB or other certification applies.
Check whether prior remittances in the same financial year reduce the available USD 1 million facility.
Compare the authorised dealer bank's FX rate and outward-remittance fee before converting.
Property proceeds need transaction history
Property repatriation can depend on how the property was purchased, the original inward remittance, number and type of properties, capital gains tax and the portion being remitted. Amounts beyond a directly repatriable component may need to move through the NRO route and the permitted annual facility.
Because banks apply source-of-funds and tax checks, speak to the authorised dealer bank and a qualified CA before the sale completes rather than after the funds arrive.
Frequently asked questions
Can an NRI remit more than USD 1 million from India in a year?
The USD 1 million per financial year facility covers specified NRO account balances and certain India-sourced assets. NRE and FCNR(B) balances are generally freely repatriable outside this limit because they were originally funded with eligible overseas earnings. If you need to remit an amount above USD 1 million from NRO or asset-sale proceeds, you need RBI approval via an authorised dealer bank.
Can NRO money be transferred to an NRE account?
Yes. RBI guidance allows eligible NRO funds to be credited to the same NRI's NRE account within the USD 1 million annual facility, subject to applicable taxes having been paid and the bank completing its documentation checks including Form 15CA and a CA certificate. The transferred funds then become freely repatriable as NRE funds.
Is a bank statement sufficient documentation for repatriation?
Rarely. Banks acting as authorised dealers under FEMA are required to verify the source of funds, confirm that applicable Indian taxes have been paid, and check whether the remittance falls within any annual facility limit. Required documents typically include tax returns or TDS certificates, property sale agreement and registration documents if applicable, and a Chartered Accountant's certificate (Form 15CB) for certain transactions.
Does NRI Dash execute outward remittances?
No. NRI Dash is an information and planning platform. Repatriation transactions are regulated under FEMA and must be executed through an authorised dealer bank or regulated money transfer operator. NRI Dash provides educational guidance to help you prepare the right documentation and understand the process before speaking to your bank.