A Visual Guide for U.S. NRIs

Repatriating Funds from India, Simplified.

Your Journey Starts Here: Which Account Holds Your Funds?

The entire process—steps, rules, and costs—depends on the account type. India's regulations create two very different paths for your money.

NRE: The Express Lane

For your **foreign earnings** held in India. This path is built for speed and simplicity.

✅ Source: Foreign inward remittances only.
✅ Interest Tax: 100% Tax-Free in India.
✅ Repatriation: Fully & Freely Repatriable.
✅ Annual Limit: No Limit.
✅ Tax Docs: None required (Simple FEMA declaration).

NRO: The Regulated Route

For your **income earned in India** (rent, dividends, property sales). This path requires careful compliance.

📄 Source: Income earned in India.
📄 Interest Tax: Taxable in India.
📄 Repatriation: Restricted & Regulated.
📄 Annual Limit: Capped at USD 1 Million.
📄 Tax Docs: Mandatory (Forms 15CA & 15CB).

Visualizing the Transfer Process

The NRE Express Lane: 3 Simple Steps

Add U.S. Beneficiary

Initiate Transfer

After a brief activation period, select the beneficiary and enter the amount in INR you wish to send.

Digital FEMA Declaration

Select the purpose of remittance from a dropdown menu. This completes your regulatory requirement online. Done!

The NRO Regulated Route: Key Checkpoints

Engage a Chartered Accountant (CA)

Provide proof of fund source (e.g., sale deed) and proof of tax payment.

CA Files Form 15CB

Your CA certifies that all applicable Indian taxes on the funds have been paid.

You File Form 15CA

You (or your CA) file this self-declaration on the Income Tax portal, referencing the CA's certificate.

Submit to Bank & Transfer

Provide the bank with both forms and supporting documents. The bank verifies and then processes the transfer.

The True Cost of Your Transfer

The biggest cost isn't the fee; it's the hidden FX markup. This chart reveals the total estimated cost to transfer **₹10,00,000** (approx. $12,000) to the U.S.

This simulation shows that lower, transparent fees and a better exchange rate can save you over ₹14,000 on a single transfer.

Key Strategies & Myth Busters

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NRE = FinTech First

For simple NRE transfers, use services like Wise or Remitly. The savings from better exchange rates are substantial.

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NRO = Bank for Simplicity

For complex NRO transfers, using your existing bank can streamline the heavy documentation process, even if it costs more.

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Pro-Tip: The NRO-to-NRE Hop

Complete the NRO compliance process once to move funds to your NRE account. From there, they become freely repatriable anytime.

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Myth Busted: LRS & TCS Do NOT Apply to NRIs

The widely discussed LRS limit (USD 250k) and high TCS tax rates are for **Indian residents only**. Your NRE/NRO transfers are governed by a completely separate set of rules. You are exempt from these provisions.