Accounts for NRIs... :-)

Well, most of us dream to be into this section of ppl, not because of their flamboyant lifestyle, but for the VAS they are provided with ...( VAS - VALUE ADDED SERVICES)

• The most popular accounts are the NRE and NRO accounts.

NRE ACCOUNT

• An NRE (non-resident external) accounts gives an individual the opportunity to deposit money earned from abroad.
• It can be either in the form of a savings or current or term deposit account.
• Apart from the account holder, a resident can also operate the NRE account for making local payments as long as he has the power of attorney.

NRO ACCOUNT

• NRO (non-resident ordinary) account gives one the privilege of depositing overseas earnings as well as Indian earnings.
• An NRO account can be in the form of saving, current and term deposit account.
• However, one can have a resident of India as a joint account holder.
• Income arising in foreign currency, remittances received through proper banking channel or from NRE account and any past dues from India can be deposited in this account.
• But money once deposited in this account can only be withdrawn for local payments including investments.

Process for opening NRO/NRE account

• The process is similar for both accounts.
• To open an NRO or NRE account, one has to make a request with an authorised bank.One is then is required to submit documents like utility bill, driving licence, resident permit, rent received, passport and overseas or Indian bank statement.Also, the minimum fund has to be remitted to India either as forex remittance and transfer from existing NRE account.

What’s the difference between NRE and NRO account?

1. An NRE account is for depositing income from abroad
2. NRO account is mainly for putting Indian incomes.
3. In NREs only NRIs can become joint account holders but in NROs both resident and non-resident can become joint account holders.
4. Funds from NRE account can be transferred to NRO account but the reverse is not possible.
5. One can freely repatriate the principal amount from the NRE account but not from the NRO account. The principal amount lying in the NRO account can be used only for local payments.