# Best Apps to Invest in US Stocks from India: Ultimate Guide Author: Savitri Bobde Author URL: https://getbelong.com/blog/author/savitri-bobde/ Published: 2026-10-26 Category: US Stocks Category URL: https://getbelong.com/blog/category/us-stocks/ Meta Title: Best Apps to Invest in US Stocks from India (2026) Meta Description: Compare the best apps to invest in US stocks from India in 2026, with separate guidance for resident Indians and NRIs on tax, LRS and repatriation. Tags: Stocks Tag URLs: Stocks (https://getbelong.com/blog/tag/stocks/) URL: https://getbelong.com/blog/apps-to-invest-in-us-stocks-from-india/ ![featured-1792987045649-1792987046618.png](https://prod.superblogcdn.com/site_cuid_clx4a3rx6000caheo10zipfw1/images/featured-1792987045649-1792987046618-compressed.png) Something shifted in Indian investing this autumn. Within a few weeks, the brokers most of us already use started offering US stocks inside their own apps. Upstox announced its launch in September 2026. Groww began its rollout soon after. Zerodha and Angel One opened access to selected users in October. At the same time, the older NSE IFSC receipts route for US stocks is being wound down. So the question has changed. Readers no longer ask whether they can invest in US stocks from India. They ask which app to use now. At [Belong](https://getbelong.com/), we speak with Indians in Dubai, London, New Jersey, Bengaluru and Pune every week. The confusion is the same everywhere, even though the right answer is very different for each person. This guide compares the best apps to invest in US stocks from India. It also explains when an app is the wrong tool entirely. We have written it for two readers, and we keep them separate throughout. Resident Indians need one set of answers. NRIs need a different set. 👉 **Tip:** Pick the route before you pick the app. The route decides your tax filing, your costs and how easily money comes back. ## The Short Answer: Which App Fits Which Investor If you are short on time, start here. The rest of this article explains the reasoning behind each line. If you are... Start by looking at Why A resident Indian already on Zerodha, Groww, Upstox or Angel One Your existing broker's GIFT City US stocks feature Familiar app, KYC already done, regulated IFSC route A resident Indian who wants a US-investing specialist Vested or INDmoney Longer track record in US stocks, deeper tools and reports A resident Indian who banks with HDFC or ICICI HDFC Securities or ICICI Direct global investing Bank-linked funding and a single relationship An experienced resident investor wanting wide global access An international broker such as Interactive Brokers Broad market range, but more paperwork on you An NRI earning abroad A broker regulated in your country of residence Your money is already outside India, so LRS does not apply An NRI planning to return to India A mix of local broker and GIFT City USD products Keeps USD exposure while you prepare for a status change Anyone who wants US exposure without picking stocks GIFT City mutual funds investing in US or global equity Diversified, professionally managed, USD-denominated Notice that the "best app" changes completely with your residency. That is the single most important idea in this guide. ## First, Which Reader Are You? Most articles on this topic assume every reader lives in India. Many of our readers do not. So before the app list, take thirty seconds to place yourself. Your residency status decides the rules you follow, not your passport. ### If you are a resident Indian You live in India and your income is earned in India. Every rupee you send abroad to buy US stocks moves under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, or LRS. LRS is the Reserve Bank of India framework for overseas remittances. It lets resident individuals send money abroad for permitted purposes each year. Investing in foreign shares is one of those purposes, as the [RBI's LRS FAQs](https://www.rbi.org.in/commonperson/English/Scripts/FAQs.aspx?Id=1834) explain. For you, the app question is really a question about the remittance route. Is the money going to a GIFT City platform, or to a broker abroad? ### If you are an NRI You live and earn outside India. Your salary in Dubai, London or Texas is already outside the Indian system. The RBI FAQs describe LRS as a facility for resident individuals. So if you are an NRI investing your foreign income, LRS is simply not the route you use. For you, the question is different. Should you buy US stocks through a broker in your country of residence, or through an Indian platform? ### If you are an NRI planning to return This is the trickiest group, and the one most blogs ignore. Whatever you buy today, you will hold it as a resident Indian later. That changes your tax filing, your reporting and sometimes your choice of platform. We cover this in a dedicated section further down. ### If you are a resident Indian who just wants US exposure Not everyone wants to pick individual stocks like Apple or Nvidia. Many simply want their portfolio to stop being entirely Indian. For this reader, a stock app may not be the best first step. A diversified fund can do the job with less effort and fewer decisions. 👉 **Tip:** Cannot name the US stocks you want, and why? Then start with a fund rather than an app. ## What Changed in 2026, and Why It Matters To compare apps fairly, you need to understand the plumbing underneath them. That plumbing changed a lot between August 2025 and October 2026. Here is the macro view in plain language. ### GIFT City created a formal "global access" framework The International Financial Services Centres Authority, or IFSCA, regulates GIFT City. In August 2025, it issued a regulatory framework for global access in the IFSC. A September 2025 [IFSCA amendment circular](https://ifsca.gov.in/CommonDirect/ViewFile?id=21626bde60601ef44a0ed02201cad626&fileName=Regulatory_Framework_for_Global_Access_in_the_IFSC___Amendments_20250912_0653.pdf) adds detail on how client money moves. Client funds for global access must route through a bank account in the IFSC. The same circular requires client money to sit separately from the provider's own trading funds. This segregation is a basic but meaningful investor protection. Platforms that operate under this framework are called Global Access Providers, or GAPs. Some brokers instead operate as broker-dealers in the IFSC. ### The big Indian brokers received approval In June 2026, [Business Today reported](https://www.businesstoday.in/amp/markets/stocks/story/groww-zerodha-angel-one-upstox-secure-gift-city-approval-for-us-and-global-stock-investment-537332-2026-06-17) that Zerodha, Groww, Angel One and Upstox had received IFSCA approval. This allows them to offer US and global stock investing through GIFT City. According to that report, Zerodha and Upstox would act as broker-dealers. Groww and Angel One would operate under the GAP framework. The same report noted that the framework allows investors to bring funds back to India without withdrawal charges. That matters, because withdrawal fees were a sore point on older platforms. ### The NSE IFSC receipts programme is closing From 2022, NSE IFSC let Indians buy "receipts" that represented US shares. These were unsponsored depository receipts, a kind of certificate backed by the underlying US stock. NSE International Exchange has now decided to phase this out. A [circular summary published by Jainam Broking](https://www.jainam.in/general_updates/nse-ifsc-discontinues-u-s-stock-depository-receipts-programme/) lists the key dates. New buy orders stopped on July 30, 2026. Holders can opt to convert receipts into the underlying US shares until January 20, 2027. The last day to sell receipts on the exchange is January 29, 2027. The programme ends fully on February 1, 2027. **If you hold NSE IFSC receipts today, put those January 2027 dates in your calendar now.** ### Budget 2026 left investment remittances largely untouched Many readers asked whether the February 2026 Budget changed tax collected at source on investment remittances. Tax collected at source, or TCS, is an amount your bank collects when you send money abroad above a threshold. A [Budget 2026 summary from Vested Finance](https://vestedfinance.com/in/updates/union-budget-2026-what-changed-and-what-did-not-for-global-investing/) notes that the threshold and rate for investment remittances did not change. The relief went to education, medical and travel remittances instead. The same summary notes that capital gains rules on foreign stocks were also unchanged. Annual foreign asset disclosure in your tax return continues as before. ## How US Stock Apps Actually Work from India Every app on the market fits into one of a few models. Once you see the model, the marketing language matters much less. ### Model 1: Your Indian broker, through GIFT City This is the newest route. You open US stock access inside the app you already use for Indian shares. Your rupees are converted to dollars and move to the broker's IFSC structure. The broker then routes your order to a US partner for execution and custody. Zerodha, Groww, Upstox and Angel One fall here. INDmoney also says it operates under a GAP licence. ### Model 2: A specialist US-investing platform Some Indian fintechs built their whole business around US stocks. Vested and INDmoney are the best-known examples. These platforms have offered US stocks for years, usually through a US partner broker. Several have now moved some of their structure into GIFT City as well. Banks' broking arms often partner with such specialists. HDFC Securities, for instance, announced a partnership with Vested in 2024 to offer global investing to Indians and NRIs. ### Model 3: An international broker opened directly Here you skip Indian platforms entirely. You open an account with a foreign broker and remit money to it yourself. This gives the widest access to markets and products. It also puts more of the compliance work on your shoulders. ### Model 4: Not an app at all, a fund You can also get US exposure through a fund. This includes GIFT City mutual funds that invest in US or global equities, and Indian funds of funds. We treat this as a serious alternative rather than an afterthought. For many readers, it is the better answer. Model Where your US shares usually sit Main regulator you deal with Indian broker via GIFT City With a US partner broker or custodian, accessed through the IFSC IFSCA in GIFT City Specialist US-investing platform With the platform's US partner broker Depends on the structure; check disclosures International broker opened directly With the foreign broker The broker's home regulator GIFT City mutual fund You hold fund units; the fund holds the shares IFSCA 👉 **Tip:** Always ask one question of any app: "If this company disappears tomorrow, where exactly are my shares held?" ## How We Evaluated These Apps We did not rank apps on screenshots or sign-up offers. We looked at what actually changes your outcome over five or ten years. These are the criteria we used. - **Regulation and custody:** Who regulates the route, and who holds your shares. - **Total cost stack:** Brokerage, currency conversion, bank charges, account fees and withdrawal costs together. - **Funding and repatriation:** How money goes out, and how easily it comes back. - **Eligibility:** Whether the app accepts resident Indians, NRIs, or both. - **Product range:** Stocks, ETFs, fractional shares and recurring investments. - **Tax support:** Whether the app gives statements that make Indian tax filing easier. - **Maturity:** How long the product has been live, and whether it is still in beta. We deliberately avoid quoting brokerage rates and forex markups in this article. These numbers change often, and promotional pricing changes even faster. Instead, we tell you which cost lines to check. Each provider's current pricing page is the only number you should trust on the day you invest. **A cheap brokerage line can hide an expensive currency conversion.** ## Best Apps to Invest in US Stocks from India for Resident Indians This section is for resident Indians only. If you are an NRI, skip ahead to the NRI section, because several of these apps will not accept you. We list the apps by type rather than by a single score. A "number one" ranking hides the fact that each app suits a different investor. ### 1\. Zerodha (Kite): Best for investors who want one familiar app Zerodha is India's best-known discount broker. In October 2026 it began a phased beta of US stocks and ETFs inside Kite. A [Business Today report on the beta](https://www.businesstoday.in/markets/stocks/story/zerodha-launches-us-stock-investing-in-beta-all-you-need-to-know-562410-2026-10-19) says the service runs through India INX Global Access. That is a BSE-owned platform in the GIFT City IFSC. **How it works** You request access from your account page and wait in a queue for activation. Once enabled, you fund US investing under LRS and place orders in Kite. Coverage reported by [Kalkine](https://www.kalkine.co.in/article/us-stocks/zerodha-opens-us-stock-investing-in-beta-five-things-indian-investors-should-know) says the beta is for eligible resident individuals only. NRIs and non-individual accounts are excluded for now. **What we like** - You use the same login, the same interface and the same support channels you already know. - Fractional investing and recurring investments are supported in eligible stocks, as per the same report. - The brokerage structure includes a per-order cap, which helps larger orders. **What to watch** - It is a beta. Features, eligibility and pricing can change as the product matures. - The offering is delivery only. Intraday trading, margin trading and US IPOs are excluded, according to Kalkine. - Reports say Zerodha has not publicly named its US brokerage partner. Read the custody disclosures before you invest a large sum. **Who should skip it** NRIs, companies and trusts cannot use it today. Anyone who wants options, margin or very wide international market access should look elsewhere. ### 2\. Groww: Best for newer investors who want a simple interface Groww is popular with first-time investors because the app is clean and easy. It began rolling out US stocks in late September 2026. According to [Free Press Journal](https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/groww-rolls-out-us-stock-investing-amid-ai-wave), Groww partnered with Alpaca Securities, a US brokerage infrastructure provider. It received IFSCA approval to offer global investing through GIFT City. **How it works** Users buy and sell US-listed shares directly in the Groww app. The rollout was expected to reach all users over roughly a month. **What we like** - The same report says users get access to a very wide list of US stocks and ETFs. - Fractional investing lets you buy a slice of an expensive share. - The GAP structure is designed to make repatriation to India simpler. **What to watch** - A simple app can encourage frequent buying and selling. That habit is expensive across currencies. - Check how Groww's minimum brokerage per order compares with your typical order size. - New features often arrive in phases, so your account may not show everything immediately. **Who should skip it** Investors who want detailed research, extended-hours trading or tax-specific tools may prefer a specialist platform. ### 3\. Upstox: Best for investors who want a broad stock universe Upstox announced its US stocks launch on September 7, 2026. It was the first of the four newly approved brokers to go live. [YourStory's launch coverage](https://yourstory.com/2026/09/upstox-launches-us-stocks-investing) says resident individuals invest under LRS. Users fund from supported Indian bank accounts in rupees, which are converted to dollars automatically. **How it works** You add money in rupees, the app converts it, and you buy US shares and ETFs. The report also mentions after-market orders for times when US markets are closed. **What we like** - Thousands of US-listed stocks and ETFs are available, as per the same coverage. - Fractional investing helps you start small. - After-market orders suit Indians who cannot watch US market hours at night. **What to watch** - After-market orders execute at the next available price, not the price you saw when placing them. - Understand the currency conversion rate the app uses. It is a cost even when the brokerage line looks small. **Who should skip it** NRIs should not assume eligibility. Confirm directly with Upstox before you start. ### 4\. Angel One: Best for existing Angel One users testing the waters Angel One introduced US stock investing for selected users in October 2026. [UNI India reported](https://www.uniindia.com/west-india/business-india-angel-one-us-stock-investing/219556) that access is rolling out gradually on the mobile app. The company expects it to reach all users by mid-November. The report also mentions an introductory brokerage waiver until December 2026. **How it works** Indian investors buy US-listed shares and ETFs through GIFT City. The service follows approval from IFSCA. **What we like** - Existing users can test US investing without opening another account. - The introductory offer lowers the cost of a first small allocation. **What to watch** - Introductory pricing ends. Decide whether the regular pricing still works for you. - Regulatory and other charges still apply during the waiver period, according to the same report. **Who should skip it** Investors who want to build a long-term US portfolio should choose on regular costs and features. A short promotion should never be the deciding factor. ### 5\. INDmoney: Best for investors who want US stocks plus portfolio tracking INDmoney has offered US stocks for several years and is well known for portfolio tracking. It describes itself as holding a GAP licence in GIFT City. On its [GIFT City explainer page](https://www.indmoney.com/learn/us-stocks/what-is-gift-city), INDmoney says US stocks bought through GAP brokers are held with regulated international custodians. The same page lists NRIs and OCIs among eligible investors. **How it works** You complete KYC, fund under LRS as a resident, and invest in US stocks and ETFs. The app also tracks your Indian holdings in one view. **What we like** - A single dashboard for Indian and US investments helps you see your real asset mix. - Fractional investing supports small, regular investments. - A longer operating history in US stocks than the newly launched brokers. **What to watch** - INDmoney's own pages naturally favour its own route. Read them as provider material, not neutral advice. - The custodian is not named on that explainer page. Ask for it in writing if it matters to you. **Who should skip it** Investors who only want a bare trading account may find the extra features unnecessary. ### 6\. Vested: Best for investors who want a US-investing specialist Vested focuses almost entirely on global investing. It offers US stocks, ETFs and educational content on tax and estate planning. Vested's support page on [NRI investing](https://support.vestedfinance.com/portal/en/kb/articles/what-is-the-process-for-a-nri-to-invest-in-us-stocks-via-vested) says NRIs can also invest. Your tax ID must match your current tax residency. **How it works** You sign up, complete KYC, transfer funds to your Vested brokerage account and invest. Residents fund under LRS. **What we like** - Strong educational material on US taxes, estate tax and global diversification. - Support for both resident Indians and NRIs, which helps families with members in both groups. - A banking partnership with HDFC Securities, announced in 2024, signals institutional comfort. **What to watch** - Compare subscription plans carefully. A paid plan only makes sense above a certain level of activity. - Check withdrawal costs and the repatriation timeline before your first remittance. **Who should skip it** If you only plan to invest a small amount once, a broker you already use may be simpler. ### 7\. HDFC Securities Global Investing: Best for HDFC Bank customers HDFC Securities has offered global investing for several years. Its [official global investing page](https://www.hdfcsec.com/globalinvesting) describes direct investing in US stocks. In 2024, HDFC Securities [announced a partnership with Vested](https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/business/2024/08/02/dcm30-hdfc-securities.html) to offer global investing to Indians and NRIs. This combines a bank-group relationship with a specialist platform. **How it works** You open global investing access through HDFC Securities and remit funds under LRS. Funding is easier if you already bank with HDFC Bank. **What we like** - One banking and broking relationship simplifies paperwork for many families. - A large institution behind the account offers comfort to cautious investors. **What to watch** - Pricing plans differ. Some charge per trade, others per share beyond a limit. - Bank-linked platforms are not automatically cheaper on currency conversion. Compare the actual rate you get. **Who should skip it** Active investors who want the lowest possible cost per trade may find other options cheaper. ### 8\. ICICI Direct Global Investment Services: Best for ICICI Bank customers ICICI Direct offers global investing to its customers. The [ICICI Direct global investment services page](https://icicidirect.com/global-investment-services) describes access to international stocks and curated portfolios. **How it works** Eligible ICICI Direct customers open a global investment account and remit funds under LRS. The bank link makes funding straightforward. **What we like** - Integration with an existing ICICI Direct relationship. - Curated portfolios suit investors who do not want to pick individual stocks. **What to watch** - Subscription and per-order plans suit different investors. Do the arithmetic for your own activity level. - Curated portfolios still carry market risk. Read what is inside them before buying. **Who should skip it** Investors without an ICICI relationship may not gain much by choosing this route. ### 9\. Dhan and other newer entrants: Worth watching Several other Indian brokers now advertise US stock access. Dhan, Tickertape and others appear in recent comparisons, such as this [Trade Brains overview of US investing platforms](https://tradebrains.in/money/10-best-platforms-to-invest-in-us-stocks-from-india-in-2026-brokerage-charges-compared-12737602). We have not ranked these individually. Products are evolving quickly, and public disclosures on custody and partners vary. **Our advice:** Before choosing any newer entrant, find three things on its own website. Find the regulated entity, the custodian and the repatriation process. If you cannot find all three, wait. ### 10\. Interactive Brokers: Best for experienced investors who want global reach Interactive Brokers is a large international broker. Indian residents have long used it to access US and other global markets directly. This is Model 3 from earlier. You open the account abroad, sign the bank's LRS forms yourself, and handle more of the paperwork. **What we like** - Access to many markets and products, not only US stocks. - Professional-grade tools for experienced investors. **What to watch** - More complexity, more forms and fewer India-specific tax statements. - Many products on such platforms, like margin lending, cannot be used with LRS money. We explain why in the compliance section. - You must track your own remittances, holdings and foreign asset reporting carefully. **Who should skip it** Beginners. If you are still learning how US stocks work, start with a simpler app or a fund. 👉 **Tip:** If an app is still in beta, start with a small first remittance. Scale up only after a full deposit, buy, sell and withdrawal cycle works smoothly. ## A Bengaluru Scenario: How One Resident Investor Might Choose Imagine you are a 34-year-old software engineer in Bengaluru. You invest through SIPs in Indian equity funds and hold a few Indian stocks on Zerodha. Your company pays you in rupees, and your home loan is in rupees too. But you hope to fund a child's overseas master's degree in about fifteen years. You have three sensible paths. Each fits a different personality. - **The low-effort path:** Invest monthly in a diversified global or US equity fund. You make one decision a year and review it calmly. - **The familiar-app path:** Enable US stocks on Zerodha once your beta access arrives. Buy one broad US ETF on a regular schedule. - **The hands-on path:** Open a specialist platform, build a core ETF holding, and add a few chosen stocks around it. All three are legitimate. The mistake would be choosing the hands-on path because it sounds exciting, then abandoning it after one bad quarter. Whichever path you pick, the tax work is the same. You will remit under LRS, report in Schedule FA and claim credit for US tax on dividends. **The route decides how much effort you sign up for. Choose the effort you will actually sustain.** ## Side-by-Side Comparison for Resident Indians Here is the list in one place. We have kept the table to what does not change every month. App Route Best suited for Zerodha (Kite) GIFT City, via India INX Global Access (beta) Existing Zerodha users who want one app Groww GIFT City, with Alpaca as US partner Newer investors who value simplicity Upstox GIFT City approval, LRS funding Investors wanting a wide US universe Angel One GIFT City, rolling out to users Existing users testing a small allocation INDmoney GAP licence in GIFT City Investors who want tracking plus US stocks Vested Specialist platform, residents and NRIs Investors wanting depth and education HDFC Securities Bank-group broking, Vested partnership HDFC Bank customers ICICI Direct Bank-group broking ICICI customers wanting curated portfolios Interactive Brokers Direct international broker Experienced, hands-on investors GIFT City mutual funds Fund route, no stock picking Investors who want diversified US exposure The table does not show costs on purpose. Pricing changes too often to print responsibly. ## The Real Cost of Investing in US Stocks from India Most comparison articles focus on brokerage per trade. That is usually not your largest cost. When you invest in US stocks from India, your money passes through several gates. Each gate can take a small amount. ### The five cost lines to check 1. **Currency conversion:** The rate at which your rupees become dollars, and dollars become rupees again later. 2. **Brokerage:** The fee per order, often with a minimum and sometimes a maximum. 3. **Bank remittance charges:** What your bank charges to send money under LRS. 4. **Account or subscription fees:** Monthly or annual plans that some platforms charge. 5. **Withdrawal and repatriation charges:** The cost of bringing money back to India. Currency conversion deserves the most attention. A markup on the exchange rate applies to every rupee you send, twice in your journey. Our explainer on [forex markup versus exchange rate spread](https://getbelong.com/blog/forex/forex-markup-vs-exchange-rate-spread/) shows how to read these charges. The same logic applies to US stock apps. ### A simple way to compare total cost Take the amount you plan to invest in a year. Then ask each platform for the following: - The rupee amount you would pay today for one dollar. - The brokerage on a typical order of your size. - Any fixed monthly or annual fee. - The cost to withdraw a typical amount back to India. Add these for one full year of your expected activity. The platform with the lowest headline brokerage is often not the cheapest overall. **Small, frequent orders make minimum brokerage expensive. Large, rare orders make currency conversion expensive.** ### The hidden cost: trading too often The biggest cost we see is behavioural. New US investors often trade far more than they do in India. US markets open late in the evening for Indian investors. Late-night trading after a long day rarely leads to calm decisions. Every round trip pays brokerage and currency conversion again. Over a few years, this quietly eats into returns. ## Who Should Not Use a US Stock App at All This is the section most app reviews will never write. Some readers are better off without a US stock app. ### You do not know what you want to buy If your plan is "something in tech" or "the stocks everyone talks about," an app is a risky first step. You will probably buy whatever is trending that week. A diversified fund solves this. It gives you broad US exposure without single-stock decisions. ### You want to invest very small amounts irregularly Fractional shares help small investors. Fixed charges and currency costs can still eat a large share of very small, irregular investments. Our guide on [investing globally with small amounts](https://getbelong.com/blog/global-investment/investing-with-small-amounts/) covers ways to start without wasting money on fees. ### You want leverage or derivatives with LRS money The RBI's LRS FAQs say remittances under the scheme cannot be used for margins or margin calls to overseas exchanges. In other words, you cannot use LRS money for [margin](https://getbelong.com/blog/margin-meaning/) trading abroad. If that is your plan, a US stock app is the wrong tool. Using borrowed money, or [leverage](https://getbelong.com/blog/leverage-meaning/), through this route creates compliance risk. ### You need the money within a year or two US stocks are volatile, and the currency can move against you too. Money you need soon belongs in something stable. ## The Fund Alternative: GIFT City Mutual Funds for US Exposure Many resident Indians do not actually want to manage a US stock portfolio. They want their savings to stop depending entirely on India and the rupee. For this goal, GIFT City mutual funds deserve a serious look. These are USD-denominated funds set up in the IFSC and regulated by IFSCA. ### Why a fund can beat an app for many investors - **Diversification:** One fund can hold dozens or hundreds of companies. - **Professional management:** Someone else handles stock selection and rebalancing. - **USD denomination:** Your investment is in dollars, which helps against long-term rupee weakness. - **Fewer decisions:** You avoid late-night trading temptations. For example, the [DSP Global Equity Fund](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-mutual-funds/dsp-global-equity-fund/) in GIFT City gives exposure to global equities. You can read its details on our fund page. Not every GIFT City fund is about the US. Some invest in India, like the [Tata India Dynamic Equity Fund](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-mutual-funds/tata-india-dynamic-equity-fund/) or the [Sundaram India Mid Cap Fund](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-mutual-funds/sundaram-india-mid-cap-fund-gift/). Others look at other regions, like the [Edelweiss Greater China Equity Fund](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-mutual-funds/edelweiss-greater-china-equity-fund/). Always read what a fund actually holds before investing. You can compare all of them using our [GIFT City mutual funds tool](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-mutual-funds/). Think of it as a comparison shortcut, not a recommendation list. For a deeper look at the trade-off, read our comparison of [direct US stocks versus GIFT City mutual funds](https://getbelong.com/blog/global-investment/direct-us-stocks-vs-gift-city-mutual-funds/). ### Where this fits for higher-net-worth investors Some investors want strategies beyond regular mutual funds. GIFT City also hosts alternative investment funds, which follow different rules and minimums. Our [GIFT City AIF tool](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-alternative-investment-funds/) lists what is available. AIFs suit sophisticated investors with longer horizons and higher ticket sizes. > **If you want USD exposure without becoming a stock picker:** explore our [GIFT City mutual fund offering](https://getbelong.com/products/mutual-funds/). Our team will help you understand the route, the tax treatment and the paperwork. We are a SEBI-registered advisory team, and you can review our [licences here](https://getbelong.com/licenses/). 👉 **Tip:** A stock app and a fund are not rivals. Many of our clients hold a diversified fund as the core and a few chosen stocks around it. ## Tax on US Stocks for Resident Indians, Explained Slowly Tax is where most resident investors get nervous. It is also where small mistakes become expensive notices later. So we will go step by step. Read this section slowly, even if you plan to use a chartered accountant. ### Step 1: Know the two taxes that can apply When you invest in US stocks as a resident Indian, two countries have a say. India taxes you as a resident on your worldwide income. The US taxes certain US-source income, mainly dividends. It generally does not tax capital gains of non-resident investors on ordinary shares. The [India-USA tax treaty](https://getbelong.com/blog/dtaa/india-usa/) decides how these two claims fit together. Our guide explains the treaty in simple language. ### Step 2: Understand capital gains in India When you sell a US share at a profit, India taxes the gain. Foreign shares are not listed on Indian exchanges, so different holding-period rules apply than for Indian listed shares. In general, foreign shares held for longer than 24 months are treated as long-term. Shorter holdings are short-term and taxed at your slab rate. The Income Tax Department's page on [tax on long-term capital gains](https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/w/tax-on-long-term-capital-gains%E2%80%8B) explains the current treatment. Rates and rules have changed in recent budgets, so check the year you sell. Gains are calculated in rupees. This means a weaker rupee can increase your taxable gain even if the dollar price barely moved. ### Step 3: Understand dividends US companies pay dividends in dollars. The US withholds tax on these before the money reaches you. To get the lower treaty rate rather than the default rate, you usually submit Form W-8BEN. Most apps collect this during onboarding. In India, the gross dividend is added to your income and taxed at your slab rate. You can then claim credit for the US tax already withheld. ### Step 4: Claim foreign tax credit correctly To claim credit for US tax, residents file a statement on the income tax portal. The [e-filing portal's Form 67 guide](https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/help/statutory-forms/popular-form/form67-um) explains it. The portal says this statement is due on or before the return filing deadline. Missing it can mean losing the credit for that year. **Many investors pay tax twice on dividends simply because they forget this one form.** ### Step 5: Report everything in Schedule FA This is the most important compliance step for resident Indians. Every foreign asset must be disclosed in the foreign assets schedule of your income tax return. This applies even if you earned nothing and sold nothing that year. The [Vested Budget 2026 summary](https://vestedfinance.com/in/updates/union-budget-2026-what-changed-and-what-did-not-for-global-investing/) also notes that this annual disclosure continues. The Budget also announced a one-time window for disclosing previously unreported foreign assets. If you missed reporting in past years, speak to a tax professional now. A [Business Standard explainer on foreign asset rules](https://www.business-standard.com/amp/finance/personal-finance/hiding-foreign-assets-black-money-act-provisions-carry-heavy-penalties-125120100830_1.html) describes the Black Money Act provisions. Penalties for non-disclosure can be severe. Our article on [reporting foreign assets in your tax filing](https://getbelong.com/blog/report-foreign-assets-in-nri-tax-filing/) walks through the logic. If you want help, our [tax filing service](https://getbelong.com/services/tax-filing/) handles foreign income and asset reporting. ### Step 6: Treat TCS as a timing cost, not a lost cost When your LRS remittances cross a threshold in a financial year, your bank collects TCS. This is not an extra tax. It is an advance amount that you can adjust against your income tax liability, or claim as a refund. It does, however, block some of your money until you file. If you plan a large one-time remittance, factor in this temporary cash lock. Splitting remittances across family members has its own rules, so get advice before doing so. ### What happens if you ignore tax and reporting Here is the honest financial consequence. Unreported foreign assets can trigger penalties under the Black Money Act, separate from normal income tax. Unclaimed foreign tax credit means paying tax twice on the same dividend. Wrong capital gains classification can lead to a tax notice years later. None of this is hard to avoid. It only needs a little discipline every year. ## Compliance Nuances Most Blogs Miss These are the small rules that catch experienced investors, not just beginners. All of them come from the RBI's LRS FAQs. ### Idle money has a deadline The RBI FAQs say unspent foreign exchange must be repatriated within 180 days, unless reinvested. This matters if you send money abroad and leave it sitting as cash. In practice, most investors send money and invest it soon after. But if you park dollars for months waiting for a "dip," check this rule. ### Your LRS limit covers everything, not just investing The LRS limit is per person, per financial year, across all permitted purposes. Travel, education, gifts and investments all draw from the same pool. The FAQs also note that once the limit is used, you cannot send more that year. Bringing investment proceeds back to India does not restore it. **If a family member is studying abroad, their fees may already be using a large part of your LRS room.** ### PAN and Form A2 are your responsibility A PAN is mandatory for LRS transactions through banks. You also declare the purpose of each remittance in Form A2. The RBI FAQs make clear that the remitter remains responsible for FEMA compliance. An app can automate forms, but the legal responsibility stays with you. ### You can retain and reinvest your returns The same FAQs confirm that investors can retain and reinvest income earned from LRS investments. You do not have to bring dividends back to India every time. You still have to report that income and the asset in your Indian tax return. ### US estate tax: the risk almost nobody mentions This is the edge case that matters most for long-term investors. The US can levy estate tax on US assets held by non-US persons when they pass away. The [IRS page on nonresidents with US assets](https://irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/some-nonresidents-with-u-s-assets-must-file-estate-tax-returns) explains that estates of some nonresidents must file US estate tax returns. US-listed shares are generally US assets for this purpose. The exemption for nonresidents is far smaller than for US citizens. For a large US portfolio, this can mean a meaningful tax bill for your family. There is also a practical problem. Your heirs may need to deal with US paperwork before they can access the shares. **If your US holdings grow large, review nomination, estate structure and fund routes with an advisor.** Some investors hold part of their global exposure through non-US funds for this reason. Fund structures change the estate tax position, so take professional advice for your situation. ## Common Mistakes Resident Indians Make with US Stock Apps We see these patterns repeatedly in our advisory conversations. Each one is avoidable. Mistake What it costs What to do instead Choosing the app with the lowest brokerage only Higher total cost through currency conversion Compare the full cost stack for one year Skipping Schedule FA because nothing was sold Possible Black Money Act penalties Disclose every foreign asset every year Forgetting the foreign tax credit statement Paying tax twice on dividends File the credit statement before the return deadline Trading late at night after work Poor decisions and repeated costs Set rules, use recurring investments, trade less Buying only the famous tech stocks Concentration in one sector and one currency Add broad ETFs or a diversified fund Ignoring estate tax on a growing portfolio Large tax and paperwork burden for heirs Review structure once holdings become significant Leaving cash idle abroad for months Possible breach of the 180-day rule Invest promptly or bring unused money back One more behavioural pattern deserves mention. Many resident Indians buy US stocks only after a strong US rally. They then panic and sell during the next correction. A plan made before buying protects you from this cycle. ## Why Resident Indians Should Care About Global Investing at All Before we move to NRIs, step back for a moment. Why should a resident Indian invest in US stocks in the first place? ### Your portfolio is probably very Indian Perhaps your portfolio is entirely Indian mutual funds, stocks, FDs and property. Then all of it depends on one economy. It also depends on one currency. That is concentration risk, even if the Indian market has done well. Our article on the [risk of rupee depreciation](https://getbelong.com/blog/global-investment/inr-depreciation/) explains why the currency matters. ### Currency is part of your return When the rupee weakens against the dollar, your dollar assets are worth more in rupees. This is currency [appreciation](https://getbelong.com/blog/appreciation-meaning/) working in your favour. When the rupee strengthens, the effect reverses. Currency is a source of return and a source of risk at the same time. Over long periods, the rupee has tended to weaken against the dollar. That trend is not guaranteed, but it shapes many Indian families' goals. Think of a child's foreign education, a holiday abroad or a future move. These are dollar costs, so some dollar savings make sense. ### Real return, not headline return What matters is your [real return](https://getbelong.com/blog/real-return-meaning/), meaning return after inflation and costs. A high headline return can shrink quickly after currency costs and taxes. That is why we keep repeating the point about costs. Global investing works best when it is boring, diversified and cheap. For a broader overview, read our guide on how to [invest in the USA from India](https://getbelong.com/blog/invest-in-usa-from-india/). It covers every route. A reflective note here. Many of the families we speak with do not lack options. They lack a framework for choosing among them calmly. The app is the last decision, not the first. Once you know why you want US exposure, the right tool usually becomes obvious. ## Best Ways for NRIs to Invest in US Stocks Now we switch audiences completely. This section is for NRIs living and earning outside India. If you skipped the resident section, here is the key difference. LRS is a facility for resident individuals, so it is not your route for investing foreign income. That one fact changes which app is "best" for you. ### Why NRIs usually should not start with an Indian app If you earn in dirhams, pounds or dollars, your money is already abroad. Sending it to India, converting it, and sending it out again adds two currency conversions for nothing. For most NRIs, the most efficient route is a broker regulated where you live. You fund it directly from your local salary account. **For an NRI, the cheapest currency conversion is often the one you never make.** ### If you are an NRI in the UAE UAE residents have access to several regulated international and local brokerages. The choice depends on cost, product range and whether you want an Arabic or English interface. Our guide to the [best trading platforms in the UAE](https://getbelong.com/blog/best-trading-platforms-uae/) compares the main options. Our list of [investment apps in the UAE](https://getbelong.com/blog/investment-apps-uae/) covers a wider set, including robo-advisors. When comparing, check three things carefully: - Which UAE regulator supervises the broker, and in which free zone or authority. - Whether your US shares are held in your name with a named custodian. - How dirham to dollar conversion is priced for deposits and withdrawals. The UAE does not levy personal income tax on most residents. But your India tax position still matters if your residency status ever changes. ### If you are an NRI in the US If you live and work in the US, you will usually invest through a regular US brokerage. Indian apps add little for you. Your bigger compliance issue runs the other way. As a US tax resident, you may need to report Indian bank and investment accounts to US authorities. Our guides on [FBAR reporting](https://getbelong.com/blog/fbar/) and on [GIFT City versus a US brokerage](https://getbelong.com/blog/mutual-funds/gift-city-vs-us-brokerage/) cover these questions in detail. ### If you are an NRI in the UK UK residents generally use UK-regulated platforms and tax wrappers. These can be efficient while you live in the UK. Plan for what happens if you return to India. A UK wrapper does not carry Indian tax benefits once you become an Indian resident again. ### When an Indian platform can make sense for an NRI There are still a few situations where an Indian platform helps an NRI. These are the main ones. - **You want everything in one place:** Some NRIs prefer one platform for India and US investments. - **Your family invests too:** A specialist like Vested accepts both residents and NRIs, which suits mixed families. - **You hold money in India already:** Some NRIs choose to invest funds already sitting in Indian accounts. Check eligibility directly. As covered earlier, Zerodha's US stocks beta currently excludes NRIs. Vested says NRIs can invest, and INDmoney lists NRIs among eligible investors on its GIFT City page. ### NRI situations and sensible routes Your situation A sensible route What to watch Working in Dubai with no plan to return soon A UAE-regulated broker funded in dirhams Custody, conversion costs, regulator Working in the US long term A US brokerage account FBAR and US reporting of Indian assets Working in the UK UK platforms and tax wrappers Treatment after any return to India Planning to return to India in a few years Local broker now, plus GIFT City USD products RNOR window and future Indian reporting Family members in India and abroad A platform that accepts both residents and NRIs Separate accounts, separate tax rules Prefer not to pick stocks GIFT City or locally regulated diversified funds Fund domicile and tax treatment ### A Dubai scenario: how one NRI might think about this Imagine you are working in Dubai, earning in dirhams, and supporting parents in Kerala. You hold some Indian mutual funds and an NRE FD. You want US exposure for your daughter's future education, which will likely be in dollars. You also expect to return to India in about five years. A sensible plan might have three layers: 1. A UAE-regulated broker for a few US ETFs, funded directly from your dirham salary. 2. A USD-denominated product in GIFT City for savings you may bring to India later. 3. Your existing Indian investments for rupee goals, like your parents' needs. For the second layer, many NRIs compare GIFT City USD deposits with traditional NRI deposits. Our guide on [GIFT City FD versus FCNR, NRO and NRE FDs](https://getbelong.com/blog/gift-city-fd-vs-fcnr-vs-nro-and-nre-fds/) explains the differences. > **If this sounds like your situation:** look at [USD fixed deposits](https://getbelong.com/products/usd-fixed-deposits/) through [Belong](https://getbelong.com/). They let you hold dollars in a GIFT City structure. You can also compare current NRI deposit rates using our [NRI FD rates tool](https://getbelong.com/tools/nri-fd-rates/). This is not about choosing one best app. It is about matching each pot of money to its goal and currency. ### Why GIFT City matters differently for NRIs For resident Indians, GIFT City is mainly a gateway to global markets. For NRIs, it plays a different role. It offers a regulated Indian jurisdiction for USD investments, with dollar-denominated products. Our comparison of [GIFT City funds versus overseas platforms](https://getbelong.com/blog/gift-city-funds-vs-overseas-platforms/) covers the trade-offs for NRIs. If you also invest in Indian markets as an NRI, GIFT City connects to that too. Products like GIFT Nifty [futures](https://getbelong.com/blog/gift-nifty-futures/) are traded there. You can explore regulated derivatives through our [futures and options](https://getbelong.com/products/futures-and-options/) offering. 👉 **Tip:** NRIs should keep at least one broker in their country of residence. It is usually the cleanest and cheapest way to own US shares while abroad. ## Returning to India: What Happens to Your US Stocks This is the section we wish more NRIs read before they book their flight home. The rules change on the day your residency changes, not on the day you decide to move. ### You can usually keep the US shares you bought abroad Under FEMA, a person resident in India can continue to hold foreign assets acquired while living abroad. The [RBI's 2011 clarification on Section 6(4)](https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=6767) confirms this. The same circular says income and sale proceeds from such assets need not be repatriated. So you are not forced to sell your US portfolio when you return. ### But your tax position changes Once you become an ordinary resident in India, your worldwide income becomes taxable in India. Your US dividends and gains then face Indian tax. You will also need to report those holdings in Schedule FA every year. The reporting rules we described for resident Indians start applying to you. ### The RNOR window Many returning NRIs first qualify as Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident, or RNOR. During this phase, foreign income is generally treated more favourably than for ordinary residents. This window is valuable for planning. Our guide to [RNOR status](https://getbelong.com/blog/rnor-status/) explains how it works and how long it may last. ### Should you sell US ETFs before moving? Some foreign-domiciled funds and ETFs create awkward tax positions after you return. Others are simple to keep. We discuss this carefully in our article on whether you should [exit US ETFs before moving to India](https://getbelong.com/blog/mutual-funds/should-you-exit-us-etfs-before-moving-to-india/). The answer depends on gains, holding periods and your RNOR timeline. ### Timing table for returning NRIs Timing What to review Why it matters A year or more before return Which foreign accounts you will keep Fewer accounts mean simpler Indian reporting A few months before return Gains, losses and possible rebalancing Some sales may be cleaner before residency changes On arrival Your residency status for the year Decides RNOR or resident treatment During RNOR years Foreign income planning A window that does not last forever After becoming ordinarily resident Schedule FA, foreign tax credit, LRS for new money Full resident rules now apply ### Other financial moves around your return Returning NRIs often juggle many decisions at once. Two common ones involve credit and housing. If you plan to buy a home, read about [NRI home loans](https://getbelong.com/blog/nri-home-loans/) before you return. Lenders will also look at your [CIBIL score](https://getbelong.com/blog/cibil-score/), which may be thin after years abroad. Rebuilding credit history usually starts with a domestic card. Our list of the [best credit cards in India](https://getbelong.com/blog/best-credit-cards-in-india/) can help you pick one sensibly. **After your return, new US investments move under LRS, like any resident's.** Plan your remittances with that in mind. ## Stocks or ETFs: What Should You Actually Buy? An app gives you access. It does not tell you what to own. This is where many new US investors go wrong. ### Individual stocks Buying Apple, Microsoft or Nvidia feels exciting. You know the products, and the stories are everywhere. The risk is concentration. A handful of large technology companies can move together, especially during sharp corrections. ### Broad US ETFs An exchange-traded fund, or ETF, holds a basket of stocks and trades like a single share. A broad US index ETF can hold hundreds of companies in one purchase. For most investors, a broad ETF is a better core holding than a few famous names. You can add individual stocks around that core if you wish. ### Sector and thematic ETFs These focus on a single theme, like semiconductors or clean energy. They are more volatile than broad ETFs and can go out of fashion for years. Treat them as small satellite holdings, not as your core. ### Your Indian equity still matters Going global does not mean abandoning India. Your Indian stocks and funds remain the heart of most portfolios for rupee goals. If you are building that Indian core, our coverage of the [best stocks](https://getbelong.com/blog/best-stocks/) in India may help with research. Use it as a starting point for your own analysis. 👉 **Tip:** Start global investing with a broad ETF or a diversified fund. Add single stocks only after you understand how the core behaves. ## Recurring Investments in US Stocks: Does a US SIP Work? Several apps now support recurring investments into US stocks and ETFs. Zerodha's beta, for instance, supports SIPs in eligible stocks, according to the Kalkine report. A recurring plan helps with discipline. It removes the temptation to time the market around US news. There is one catch. Each small recurring investment carries its own currency and brokerage cost. If costs are high relative to each instalment, consider investing less often in larger amounts. A monthly or quarterly rhythm usually works better than weekly for small sums. Also remember the LRS bookkeeping. Every recurring remittance counts toward your yearly limit and your TCS threshold. ## How US Markets Affect Your Indian Portfolio Even if you never buy a US stock, US markets influence your Indian investments. Indian investors increasingly watch overnight US moves before the Indian open. GIFT Nifty is one of the clearest windows into this. It trades in GIFT City for long hours and reacts to global news overnight. You can track it on our [GIFT Nifty tool](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-nifty/). For weekly context, our [GIFT Nifty weekly outlook](https://getbelong.com/blog/gift-nifty-live-weekly/) summarises the week's key moves. If you want to study patterns, our [GIFT Nifty historical data](https://getbelong.com/blog/gift-nifty-historical-data/) page helps. To read the price action correctly, see our guide on [GIFT Nifty charts explained](https://getbelong.com/blog/gift-nifty-chart-explained/). A word of caution here. Watching overnight signals is useful for context, not for frequent trading decisions. Investors who buy US stocks often start watching every market every night. That habit tends to hurt long-term returns rather than help them. ## What About US IPOs and GIFT City IPOs? Many readers ask whether these apps let them apply for US IPOs. Most Indian routes do not, at least not yet. Zerodha's beta, for example, excludes US IPOs according to Kalkine. Check each app's product list before assuming access. GIFT City has its own listing ecosystem as well. Our explainer on the [GIFT City IPO](https://getbelong.com/blog/ipo/gift-city-ipo/) covers how IPOs work in the IFSC. If you want to participate in IPOs through a regulated route, explore our [IPO offering](https://getbelong.com/products/ipo/). As with any IPO, read the offer document and understand the lock-in and risks. ## Step-by-Step: Opening a US Stock Account as a Resident Indian Here is the detailed step most readers want. We describe the general flow, which is similar across Indian apps. 01. **Confirm your residency:** Make sure you are a resident individual for the financial year. LRS applies only to residents. 02. **Check your LRS room:** Add up any foreign remittances you have already made this year, including travel and education. 03. **Choose your route:** Pick your broker's GIFT City feature, a specialist platform, a direct foreign broker or a fund. 04. **Read the disclosures:** Find the regulated entity, the US partner or custodian, and the repatriation process. 05. **Complete KYC:** Most apps reuse your PAN and existing KYC. A specialist platform may ask for more documents. 06. **Sign the tax form:** Submit Form W-8BEN when asked, so US withholding on dividends follows the treaty. 07. **Make a small first remittance:** Your bank or app will record the purpose under LRS and collect TCS if applicable. 08. **Test the full cycle:** Buy something small, sell it, and withdraw a small amount back to India. 09. **Set your plan:** Decide your core holdings, your recurring amount and your review frequency. 10. **Keep records:** Save remittance advices, contract notes, dividend statements and year-end holdings for your tax return. Step eight is the one most people skip. Testing withdrawal early tells you how the platform behaves when you need your money. Our guide to the [LRS route for global investing](https://getbelong.com/blog/global-investment/lrs-route/) goes deeper into remittance paperwork. ## Questions to Ask Any App Before You Fund It Before your first real remittance, ask these questions. Get the answers in writing, from the app's website or support team. - Which legal entity am I contracting with, and who regulates it? - Who is the US broker or custodian holding my shares? - Are my shares held in my name, or in a pooled omnibus account? - What exchange rate will I get for converting rupees to dollars, and back? - What are all the fees, including minimums, subscriptions and withdrawals? - How long does a withdrawal to my Indian bank account take? - What year-end statements will I receive for my Indian tax return? - What happens to my holdings if the platform shuts down or exits India? - Is the product in beta, and what could change during the beta? An app that cannot answer these clearly is not ready for your money. [Liquidity](https://getbelong.com/blog/liquidity-meaning/) matters here too. You want to know that you can sell and get cash back without long delays. ## How Much of Your Portfolio Should Be in US Stocks? There is no single right answer. It depends on your goals, your currency needs and your comfort with volatility. We avoid giving percentages in this guide, because the right mix is personal. Instead, here is a planning framework by investor stage. Investor stage A reasonable US or global slice Main purpose New investor, mostly Indian portfolio A small starter allocation Learning and gentle diversification Established investor with dollar goals ahead A meaningful allocation linked to those goals Matching future dollar costs Investor heavily concentrated in Indian equity A deliberate, gradually built global slice Reducing single-country risk NRI planning to return to India Dollar assets sized for future dollar needs Keeping currency flexibility after return Retiree or near-retiree A modest, diversified slice Stability first, diversification second Build any global allocation gradually. Your goals and your residency should decide the size, not market headlines. ## Decision Clarity: If Your Goal Is This, Do That Here is the practical summary in plain decision rules. - **If your goal is simple diversification as a resident,** start with a GIFT City or global fund first. - **If you already use Zerodha, Groww, Upstox or Angel One,** test their US feature with a small amount. - **If you want depth, research and US tax education,** look at a specialist like Vested or INDmoney. - **If you are an experienced resident investor wanting many markets,** consider a direct international broker, and keep meticulous records. - **If you are an NRI earning abroad,** use a broker regulated where you live and fund it locally. - **If you are an NRI returning within a few years,** plan around your RNOR window and future Schedule FA reporting. - **If your timeline is shorter than a couple of years,** avoid US stocks for that money and keep it stable. - **If you want leverage or derivatives through LRS,** stop; LRS money cannot be used for margin abroad. ## What NRIs Should Do, and What Resident Indians Should Do We promised to keep these two readers separate. Here is the final split. ### If you are a resident Indian 1. Treat US stocks as a diversification tool, not a shortcut to quick gains. 2. Pick a regulated route, ideally one where you understand custody. 3. Compare the full cost stack for a year, not just brokerage. 4. Remit under LRS, track your yearly total and plan for TCS. 5. Report every foreign asset in Schedule FA, every year. 6. Claim foreign tax credit on US dividends before the return deadline. 7. Review estate tax exposure once your US holdings become significant. ### If you are an NRI 1. Use a broker regulated in your country of residence for most US investing. 2. Avoid unnecessary round-trip conversions through India. 3. Use Indian platforms only where they add something, like family convenience. 4. Use GIFT City for USD products you may want to hold after returning. 5. Map your RNOR window before you return, not after. 6. Decide which foreign accounts you will keep once you become resident. 7. Remember that new investments after return move under LRS. A final reflective thought. In our experience, most investing mistakes with US stocks are not about picking the wrong app. They come from investing without a reason, without records, or without a plan for the day residency changes. Get those three right, and almost any regulated app will serve you well. **Choose the route for your life stage, then choose the app.** Want a second pair of eyes on your global plan? Our team at [Belong](https://getbelong.com/) is happy to help. We work with NRIs and resident Indians on exactly these decisions. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is it legal to invest in US stocks from India? Yes, for resident individuals it is permitted under the RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme, within the yearly limit. Investments must follow the overseas investment rules referred to in the [RBI's LRS FAQs](https://www.rbi.org.in/commonperson/English/Scripts/FAQs.aspx?Id=1834). You must also report foreign assets in your income tax return every year. ### Which is the best app to invest in US stocks from India for beginners? There is no single best app for everyone. Beginners often do well with a familiar broker's GIFT City feature or a diversified fund. Start small, test a withdrawal, and expand only once you are comfortable. ### Can NRIs use Zerodha or Groww to buy US stocks? As of October 2026, reports say Zerodha's US stocks beta is limited to eligible resident individuals. Check each broker's current eligibility rules directly. Most NRIs find a broker regulated in their country of residence simpler and cheaper. ### Do I need to pay tax in the US on US stock gains? Generally, the US does not tax capital gains of non-resident investors on ordinary shares, but it withholds tax on dividends. India taxes residents on worldwide income, with credit for US tax under the treaty. Our [India-USA DTAA guide](https://getbelong.com/blog/dtaa/india-usa/) explains how this works. ### What happens to my NSE IFSC US stock receipts? NSE IFSC is winding down its unsponsored depository receipts programme. You can convert to the underlying US shares until January 20, 2027. You can sell on the exchange until January 29, 2027. Contact your broker well before those dates. ## Sources - [Reserve Bank of India: Liberalised Remittance Scheme FAQs](https://www.rbi.org.in/commonperson/English/Scripts/FAQs.aspx?Id=1834) - [Reserve Bank of India: Clarification on assets held abroad by returning NRIs, 2011](https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=6767) - [IFSCA: Regulatory Framework for Global Access in the IFSC, amendments, September 2025](https://ifsca.gov.in/CommonDirect/ViewFile?id=21626bde60601ef44a0ed02201cad626&fileName=Regulatory_Framework_for_Global_Access_in_the_IFSC___Amendments_20250912_0653.pdf) - [Income Tax e-filing portal: Form 67 user manual](https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/help/statutory-forms/popular-form/form67-um) - [Income Tax Department: Tax on long-term capital gains](https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/w/tax-on-long-term-capital-gains%E2%80%8B) - [IRS: Some nonresidents with US assets must file estate tax returns](https://irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/some-nonresidents-with-u-s-assets-must-file-estate-tax-returns) - [Business Today: Groww, Zerodha, Angel One, Upstox secure GIFT City approval, June 2026](https://www.businesstoday.in/amp/markets/stocks/story/groww-zerodha-angel-one-upstox-secure-gift-city-approval-for-us-and-global-stock-investment-537332-2026-06-17) - [Business Today: Zerodha launches US stock investing in beta, October 2026](https://www.businesstoday.in/markets/stocks/story/zerodha-launches-us-stock-investing-in-beta-all-you-need-to-know-562410-2026-10-19) - [Kalkine: Zerodha US stock investing beta, key rules](https://www.kalkine.co.in/article/us-stocks/zerodha-opens-us-stock-investing-in-beta-five-things-indian-investors-should-know) - [Free Press Journal: Groww rolls out US stock investing](https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/groww-rolls-out-us-stock-investing-amid-ai-wave) - [YourStory: Upstox launches US stocks investing, September 2026](https://yourstory.com/2026/09/upstox-launches-us-stocks-investing) - [UNI India: Angel One US stock investing, October 2026](https://www.uniindia.com/west-india/business-india-angel-one-us-stock-investing/219556) - [Jainam Broking: NSE IFSC discontinues US stock depository receipts programme](https://www.jainam.in/general_updates/nse-ifsc-discontinues-u-s-stock-depository-receipts-programme/) - [Vested Finance: Union Budget 2026 and global investing](https://vestedfinance.com/in/updates/union-budget-2026-what-changed-and-what-did-not-for-global-investing/) - [Vested Finance support: NRI investing process](https://support.vestedfinance.com/portal/en/kb/articles/what-is-the-process-for-a-nri-to-invest-in-us-stocks-via-vested) - [INDmoney: What is GIFT City](https://www.indmoney.com/learn/us-stocks/what-is-gift-city) - [HDFC Securities: Global investing](https://www.hdfcsec.com/globalinvesting) - [ICICI Direct: Global investment services](https://icicidirect.com/global-investment-services) - [The Week: HDFC Securities partners with Vested Finance, 2024](https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/business/2024/08/02/dcm30-hdfc-securities.html) - [Business Standard: Black Money Act provisions on foreign assets](https://www.business-standard.com/amp/finance/personal-finance/hiding-foreign-assets-black-money-act-provisions-carry-heavy-penalties-125120100830_1.html) - [Trade Brains: US investing platforms compared, 2026](https://tradebrains.in/money/10-best-platforms-to-invest-in-us-stocks-from-india-in-2026-brokerage-charges-compared-12737602) ## Disclaimer This article is for education and general information only. It is not investment, tax or legal advice for your specific situation. Platform features, eligibility, pricing and regulations change frequently, especially for products in beta. Verify current details on each provider's official website and with the relevant regulator before investing. US stocks carry market risk and currency risk, and you can lose money. Tax treatment depends on your residency and personal circumstances, so consult a qualified tax professional. Product names are mentioned for comparison only. Their inclusion is not an endorsement by [Belong](https://getbelong.com/). --- This blog is powered by Superblog. Visit https://superblog.ai to know more. ---