6 things NRIs should know before investing in India

As a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), investing in India offers a unique opportunity — the chance to participate in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies while securing your financial future. But with multiple options, varying regulations, and brokers competing for your attention, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

The key is to invest wisely by understanding not just what to invest in, but also how to safeguard your money. Here are six essential things every NRI should know before investing in India.

6 tips for NRIs before investing in India
 

While the investment process may seem cumbersome, here are six tips that can simplify the process.

1. Understand the difference between a product and a process
 

When investing your money, one of the first things to note is the difference between a product purchase and a process.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

When investing your money, one of the first things to note is the difference between a product purchase and a process. You are purchasing a product if you invest in real estate (say, a house) but this is a one-time step. There are no continued formalities. IDFC FIRST Bank offers a comprehensive solution for NRIs planning to buy a property in India.

Real estate purchase is drastically different from stock trading or mutual fund investments through a systematic investment plan (SIP), where you may invest your money every now and then and may need an account with a broker or a mutual fund company. In this case, you are not just purchasing an asset but initiating a process.

2. Follow the trail of your investments regularly
 

Investing money is not enough. You must also know exactly where your money ends up. NRIs are a prime investor category. By the simple virtue of earning in a foreign currency, brokers may approach you with slightly off-beat investment opportunities. However, before you invest your hard-earned money in any of these products, make sure to run a background check and trace the money in the scheme. 

It will be of immense benefit to inquire about the investment’s scope of growth, understand where your money will be invested, go through the plan’s portfolio, and consult a professional financial advisor. You can consider going through the website of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to be up to date on monetary policies, regulations, market trends, etc. This way, you can be more informed.

3. Know your intermediary and their role
 

The intermediary is another crucial component in an investment. For instance, if you are investing in stocks, you would be buying them through a broker. In this case, the broker becomes the intermediary, and their role can directly impact your returns. Here’s what to evaluate before choosing one:

Each broker may charge a brokerage- inclusive of service fee, commission, etc. The costs can differ from broker to broker and hence comparing different platforms and their prices can be helpful. 

Comprehending the role of an intermediary also helps you understand how your money will be managed.

4. Ask as many questions as you want
 

Your investment can help you generate additional Indian income that can support you and your loved ones. This can be a substantial part of your portfolio and account for a significant chunk of your overall savings. So, try asking as many questions as possible about the product. Do not hold yourself back if you have doubts or concerns about the broker, investment, past performance, future returns, etc. You can inquire about the taxation rules for each financial year, the risk level involved, the redemption rules, penalties for early withdrawals, etc.

5. Verify the credentials of the broker
 

Many brokers may approach you. So, verifying their authenticity is critical. You can check their websites to get a better idea of their track record and that of their company. Suggestions or recommendations from family and friends can also be helpful. It may not be advisable to deal with an unverified broker, as the stakes are too high, and it can be difficult to follow up with legal action when you are living a busy life in another country.

6. Check your money’s final destination
 

When investing in stocks, check the company and their core principles to have a clear picture of where your money is being invested. For instance, apart from financial growth, you may want to know if your money is invested in a company that believes in ethical work practices, fair wages, sustainability, etc. This can help you make more informed investment decisions. So, try to find out the final destination of your money.

Conclusion
 

NRI investments in India can be highly rewarding when backed by clarity, caution, and credible financial partners. By differentiating between one-time products and ongoing processes, keeping track of your money, and carefully selecting intermediaries, you can avoid pitfalls and grow your wealth responsibly.

With IDFC FIRST Bank’s tailored NRI solutions — from convenient home loans to seamless investment accounts — you can invest in India with the trust, safety, and flexibility you deserve.