How to Open an NRE Account
NRE खाता कैसे खोलें
An NRE (Non-Resident External) account lets NRIs hold and repatriate foreign income tax-free in India. Opening one is straightforward — this guide walks through the documents and the process.
Who is Eligible for an NRE Account?
NRE खाते के लिए कौन पात्र है?
You qualify if you are an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) — an Indian citizen living abroad for work, business or vocation — or a Person of Indian Origin (PIO). Your NRI status is determined by days of stay in India under the Income Tax and FEMA rules.
Documents Required
आवश्यक दस्तावेज
- Proof of NRI status: Valid passport, visa, work permit, or residence permit from your country of residence.
- PAN Card — mandatory for financial accounts.
- Aadhaar / Voter ID — identity proof.
- Passport-size photographs — usually 2–3.
- Address proof — for both your Indian and foreign addresses (e.g., utility bill, bank statement).
- Existing savings account details — some banks need a resident account for reference.
How to Apply
आवेदन कैसे करें
Method 1: Online with Video KYC
विधि 1: वीडियो KYC के साथ ऑनलाइन
- Visit your chosen bank's NRI account opening page.
- Fill the online form with personal, passport and address details.
- Upload scanned copies of your passport, visa, PAN and address proof.
- Complete video KYC with a bank officer.
- The account is opened and you receive your account number and details by email — usually within a few days.
Method 2: At a Branch in India
विधि 2: भारत में शाखा में
- Visit any branch of the bank, ideally one with an NRI desk.
- Fill the NRE account opening form.
- Submit the KYC documents and initial deposit.
- Receive your passbook and account details.
After Your Account is Opened
खाता खुलने के बाद
- Note your account number and the branch's IFSC code — you'll need both to receive money from abroad. Look up any branch IFSC free here.
- Link your mobile number and enable NEFT/RTGS/IMPS for transfers within India.
- To receive foreign funds, use Wise/Remitly/Xoom or a SWIFT wire to your NRE account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न (FAQs)
Q1. Can I open an NRE account online from abroad?
प्र1. क्या मैं विदेश से ऑनलाइन NRE खाता खोल सकता हूं?
Yes. Most major banks (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis) offer online NRE account opening with video KYC, completed entirely from abroad.
Q2. What documents are needed to open an NRE account?
प्र2. NRE खाता खोलने के लिए किन दस्तावेजों की आवश्यकता है?
Proof of NRI status (passport, visa), PAN, Aadhaar, address proof, and passport-size photos.
Q3. How long does it take to open an NRE account?
प्र3. NRE खाता खोलने में कितना समय लगता है?
With online application and video KYC, usually 2–7 working days. Branch applications can be near-instant.
Q4. Is there a minimum balance for an NRE account?
प्र4. क्या NRE खाते के लिए न्यूनतम शेष राशि है?
Most banks require a minimum average balance (₹10,000–₹25,000 for NRE savings), though some offer zero-balance NRE variants. Check with your bank.
Q5. Do I need a separate IFSC code for my NRE account?
प्र5. क्या मुझे अपने NRE खाते के लिए अलग IFSC कोड चाहिए?
No — the NRE account uses the IFSC code of the branch where it is held, same as any other account at that branch.
Sources: RBI FEMA guidelines; bank NRI pages. Requirements vary by bank — confirm before applying.