Pravasi Pension Scheme for NRIs

The Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme is a retirement scheme managed by the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board and is designed to help NRKs working abroad save for their retirement when they return to Kerala. As the largest portion of the Indian diaspora in the UAE, Keralites living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other Emirates can use this scheme to create a healthy source of income once they return to Kerala after retirement.

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What is the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme?

The Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme (PPS) is a social welfare scheme launched by the Kerala government to provide financial assistance to NRI Keralites or Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) aged above 60 years. 

This program operates under the administration of the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board, with funding sourced from the Pravasi Welfare Fund.

If you actively contribute to the Pravasi Welfare Fund as a member of the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme, you are entitled to a minimum monthly pension (Pravasi Kshemanidhi) of Rs. 2,000 upon reaching the age of 60. 

This provision serves as a crucial financial safety net for NRKs contemplating a return to Kerala from overseas, ensuring a guaranteed income during their retirement years.

What are the Features of the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme?

The key features of the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme are mentioned in the table below:

Particulars Features of Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme
Launched By Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala
Introduced On April 21, 2018
Scheme Under the Act Keralites' Welfare Act, 2008
Managed By Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board
Funded By Pravasi Kshemanidhi/ Pravasi Welfare Fund, Kerala
Entry Age 19-60 years
Beneficiaries Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) and their families
Monthly Contribution by Beneficiaries
  • Eligible NRKs who are working abroad: Pay Rs. 350 per month for a period of 5 years
  • Eligible NRKs who are settled in Kerala: Pay monthly Rs. 200 for 5 years
  • Eligible NRKs settled elsewhere in India: Pay monthly Rs. 200 for 5 years
Pension Benefits
  • Monthly pension (Pravasi Kshemanidhi): Rs. 2,000 from the age of 60 years onwards
  • Additional pension benefits for more than 5 years of contributions
  • Minimum additional pension: Minimum 3% of entitled monthly pension of Rs. 2000
  • Maximum additional pension: Up to twice of the entitled Rs. 2000

Contributions to the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme in AED

Since the UAE houses a large amount of Kerelite diaspora, the following table lists the contributions by NRKs, translated into AED. Note that the figures are approximate and not definite due to the changing value of currency.

Category Contributions in INR Contributions in AED
One Time Registration Fee ₹200 7.72 AED
Monthly Contribution by NRKs from abroad under Form 1A ₹350 13.51 AED
Monthly Contribution by NRKs returned to India ₹200 7.72 AED

AED figures calculated at ₹25.90/AED as of August 2026; check a live converter for the current rate before making payments

Pravasi Pension vs. PPF vs. Gratuity: Which is Best for Retirement Planning?

End-of-service gratuity is a compulsory employee benefit which includes a lump-sum payment to eligible employees by the employer when their employment ends based on their basic salary and term of employment.

The following table differentiates between the Pravasi Pension Scheme, PPF and the end-of-service gratuity.

Parameter Pravasi Pension Scheme PPF End of service gratuity
Who is it for? NRKs working abroad Resident Indians (NRIs can only continue existing accounts) Foreign employees working in the private sector in the UAE
Can an NRI open an account now? Yes. NRKs can open from anywhere in the world No, only residents can open. Automatically applies if eligibility criteria are met
Portability Fully manageable from abroad Contributions can be made via NRE/NRO/FCNR from abroad. Tied entirely to the employer.
Tax Treatment Taxable under standard indian tax rules. Interest and maturity are completely tax-free. Not taxed in the UAE

Is End-of-Service Gratuity Enough for NRKs living in UAE?

For NRKs living in the UAE and working in the private sector, the end-of-service gratuity provides the payment of a lump sum amount based on their final basic salary. It is paid as a one-time payment and not as a pension. The end-of-service gratuity does not depend on the individual and changes as the employer changes. However, the base-level retirement benefits might not be enough due to the rising cost of living.

For a long-term retirement plan, NRKs are advised to supplement terminal benefits with a long-term pension plan, such as the PPF, private pension plans or the Pravasi Pension Scheme.

Wrapping It Up

The Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme is a comprehensive social security scheme for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Keralites or the NRKs. It provides financial assistance to NRKs and their families in the event of retirement, death, disability, and other contingencies. The scheme is a valuable asset for NRKs and their families, and it helps to ensure that they have a secure future.

FAQ's

  • How much is the Pravasi pension amount in Kerala?

    The Pravasi pension amount in Kerala is a minimum of Rs. 2,000 per month. However, the actual pension amount depends on the number of years the NRK has contributed to the scheme and the amount of contributions they have made.
  • What is the monthly payment of the Pravasi pension?

    The monthly payment of Pravasi pension is a minimum of Rs. 2,000. Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) who contribute regularly for more than 5 consecutive years will receive an additional 3% pension on the minimum pension amount or Rs. 4000, whichever is lower.
  • Who is eligible for the Pravasi pension scheme?

    The following people are eligible for the Pravasi Pension Scheme:
    • Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) who are Indian citizens

    • NRKs who are between 19 and 60 years of age

    • NRKs who are registered members of the Pravasi Welfare Board

    • NRKs who have made regular contributions to the scheme for a minimum period of five years

  • How can I check my Pravasi pension status online?

    To check your Pravasi pension status online, you can follow these steps:
    To check your pension status, you can go to the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board website, click on the pension link and then navigate to Check Pension Status. You will have to enter your PPPS account number, and you can check your pension status.
  • Do I need an NRE account to invest in Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme?

    Yes, you need an NRE account to invest regularly in Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme from the UAE. In case you return to India permanently, your NRE account will change to a savings account, while your monthly contributions in the scheme remain undisturbed.
  • What happens to my Pravasi Pension if I return to Kerala permanently?

    If you return from the UAE to Kerala permanently, your Pravasi Pension status changes to NRKs who have returned to settle in Kerala (Form 1B). Upon returning to Kerala permanently, your monthly contribution drops from ₹350 to ₹200, and your pension amount reduces to ₹3000 from ₹3500.
  • Can I apply for the Pravasi Pension Scheme online from Dubai?

    Yes, you can apply in a completely online manner from anywhere around the world by visiting the official website of the Kerala Welfare Board
  • What is the minimum duration of investment to receive pension under Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme?

    The minimum duration of investment to be eligible to receive pension under the Pravasi Pension Scheme is 5 years for NRIs living in the UAE.
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*Past 10 Year annualised returns as on 01-10-2026
*All savings plans are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Tax benefit is subject to changes in tax laws. Standard T&C Apply
^The tax benefits under Section 80C allow a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakhs from the taxable income per year and 10(10D) tax benefits are for investments made up to ₹2.5 Lakhs/ year for policies bought after 1 Feb 2021. Tax benefits and savings are subject to changes in tax laws.
¶Long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax (12.5%) is exempted on annual premiums up to 2.5 lacs.
**Returns are based on past 10 years' fund performance data (Fund Data Source: Value Research).
^Returns as on 10th Jan'25. 18% returns for Tata AIA Life Top 200 for the last 10 years.The past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. Source: Morningstar

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