Investment Options for OCI in India

Read this article till the end to know all the investment options for OCI in India. 

Different Investment Options for OCI in India

There are five main options for overseas Indians to invest in India. These are:

1. NPS

   Individuals can subscribe to the NPS and make regular contributions towards their retirement. During retirement, they can take a portion of their corpus and can invest the remaining amount in the annuity. This will fetch the individual regular payments post-retirement. This is an efficient and tax-saving investment option. Overseas Citizens of India are also entitled to the above-stated benefits.

   Moreover, as an OCI, you can change the type and amount of your NPS and specify the amount you wish to contribute.

   Mentioned below is the eligibility terms for subscribing in NPS:

   • You need to be an Indian citizen.
   • You must be between 18-65 years of age. 
   • You need to have completed your KYC. 
   • If you quit Indian citizenship, you will lose your NPS benefits.

2. Stocks

   As an OCI, you can find great opportunities in the Indian stock market. You can buy stocks in India's primary and secondary markets for fractions of the cost of foreign shares. The high currency exchange rate makes this possible.

   Moreover, Indian stock markets are experiencing a boom despite occasional downturns. The industry has been boosted by a stable political environment and various initiatives to attract foreign investors to India. So, you, as an OCI looking to retire in India, can look at stocks as a great investment option that will provide good returns.

   To invest in stocks, you need to open a bank account. You can open one of three bank account types according to the Indian government and Reserve Bank of India rules.

   • Non-Resident External (NRE)
   • Non-Resident Ordinary Account (NRO)
   • Foreign Currency Non-Resident Account (FCNR)

   ​Of these, you can use only NRO, and NRE accounts to invest in Indian stock markets.

   Investing in the equity markets of India requires that you deposit funds in Indian rupees to an NRO/ NRE account held at an Indian bank. You must send this money through regular banking channels, such as wire transfers, cheques, demand drafts, and cheques.

3. IPO

   NRIs and OCIs can purchase stocks of Indian companies via Initial Public Offerings. These offerings can be made through stock brokerages, AMCs, banks, and AMCs. Online applications must be made through your NRO/ NRE account that is linked to Demat or Trading accounts. Some companies have a quota set aside for OCI and NRI investors.

4. Real Estate

   According to the Reserve Bank of India guidelines, OCI or NRI cardholders can invest in residential or commercial properties. According to the guidelines, one can purchase any number of commercial or residential properties. They are not allowed to invest in agricultural land, plantation land, or farmland. They can, however, inherit the farmland/plantation land/farmland.

   Documents required:

   • OCI card (In case of OCI)
   • Pan card (Permanent account number)
   • Passport size photographs
   • Address proof

5. Proxy Investments

   You can also invest by proxy as an OCI in the Indian stock market. This allows you to authorize a friend or family member to trade in the stock markets on your behalf. For this, you will need to sign a Power of Attorney, which is a document that you have signed before a Notary Public. It must also be registered in Indian courts of law.

   Additionally, you may also have to provide relevant certificates to banks, AMCs, and stock brokerages, notifying them about the Power of Attorney given to your relative or friend for trading in Indian stock markets.

Wrapping Up

All the investment Options for OCI in India listed above imply that there is no shortage of options for Overseas Indian Citizens to invest and grow their money in India. All the above options are great for providing financial security for the future, wealth development, and excellent retirement options.