Understanding Regular Demat Account
If you live in India, you can open a regular Demat account with a SEBI-registered broker. When you buy shares, they are stored here in digital form. This makes transactions quick and safe.
You don’t need a Demat account for futures and options because they have fixed expiry dates. A Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA) is also available. It works like a regular account but has lower charges.
Key Features of an NRI Repatriable Demat Account
Allows NRIs to invest in Indian shares, mutual funds, and IPOs on a repatriable basis, enabling profits to be sent abroad after meeting all necessary regulations.
Must be linked with an NRE bank account for proper functioning, as this connection ensures funds can move between your bank and your investments without restrictions from Indian authorities.
Permits transferring profits and income from selling securities overseas, giving NRIs flexibility to access their earnings abroad without needing to keep them within the Indian banking system unnecessarily.
Allows repatriation of up to USD 1 million annually in a calendar year, giving NRIs significant freedom to manage funds internationally within the limits allowed by law.
How to Open a Repatriable Demat Account?
Select a Depository Participant (DP):
Choose a SEBI-approved stockbroker or DP that offers NRI Demat account services.
Fill the Application Form:
Complete the account opening form designed for NRIs with accurate details.
Submit Documents:
Provide self-attested copies of your passport, overseas address proof, PAN card, NRE bank account details, and FEMA declaration.
Get PIS Approval (For Stocks):
Apply for Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) permission from RBI to invest in equities. (Not required for ETFs or mutual funds).
Undergo Verification:
Some brokers may conduct in-person or video KYC verification.
Activate Your Account:
Once verified, the Repatriable Demat Account is activated, allowing you to invest and trade in Indian securities.
Benefits of a Repatriable Demat Account
Enables NRIs to invest in Indian stock markets while staying abroad.
Allows seamless repatriation of both principal and returns abroad.
Facilitates trading in equities, mutual funds, and IPOs.
Provides secure and paperless holding of securities.
Eliminates risks of physical certificates like theft or loss.
Simplifies portfolio tracking and management online.
Ensures easy transfer of funds between NRE account and Demat account.
Complies with RBI and FEMA regulations for NRIs.
Offers transparent, hassle-free transactions.
Enhances long-term wealth-building opportunities globally.
Conclusion
If you are an NRI wanting to invest and send money abroad, a repatriable Demat account is the right choice. Residents can use regular or BSDA accounts instead.
As investors purchase shares, they get digitally stored in the Demat account. Maintaining such accounts helps investors make quick transactions and transfer shares to other institutions.