One of our customers asked in the community - "Can we not start a Gift city FD along with parents in India?"
That simple question opens a complicated can of worms for UK NRIs. Investing jointly with parents in India isn't straightforward. Different rules apply to NRIs and residents.
This guide breaks down what's possible, what isn't, and how UK NRI families can structure investments wisely.
The Core Challenge: Two Different Worlds
When you became an NRI, your financial status changed under FEMA regulations. You became a "person resident outside India." Your parents remained residents.
This creates a regulatory divide. NRE accounts hold foreign earnings. NRO accounts handle Indian income. Your parents use resident accounts. These systems weren't designed to work seamlessly together.
Can You Open Joint Accounts With Parents?
Yes, but with significant restrictions.
NRO Accounts: The Most Flexible Option
You can open a joint NRO account with your parents (or any resident Indian who is a close relative). Close relatives are defined under Section 2(77) of the Companies Act, 2013-this includes parents, children, siblings, and spouses.
The catch: These accounts operate on a "former or survivor" basis only. According to RBI regulations, this means only the NRI (the first holder) can operate the account during their lifetime. Your parent becomes the "survivor" who can access funds only if something happens to you.
👉 Tip: If you want your parents to operate the account day-to-day, appoint them as Power of Attorney holders. This gives them operational authority while you remain the primary account holder.
NRE and FCNR Accounts: More Restricted
NRE and FCNR accounts can also be held jointly with resident relatives, but again only on a "former or survivor" basis. The NRI must be the primary holder. Your parents cannot independently operate these accounts during your lifetime. (Source: ICICI Bank NRI Guidelines)
Resident Accounts: The Reverse Scenario
What if your parents want to add you to their resident savings account? This is permitted. RBI allows resident Indians to add NRI close relatives as joint holders on an "either or survivor" basis.
The account remains classified as a resident account. All regulations applicable to resident accounts apply. If your parent (the primary holder) passes away, the account converts to an NRO account. (Source: ICICI Bank)
GIFT City: A Different Framework
GIFT City operates under different rules than mainland India. The IFSCA regulates it as a "non-resident" zone, creating unique opportunities-and limitations-for family investments.
For UK NRIs: Full Access
As an NRI, you can freely open accounts and invest in GIFT City. GIFT City banks offer accounts in USD, GBP, EUR, and other foreign currencies. These can include joint holder and nomination facilities. (Source: ICICI GIFT City)
The tax benefits are significant-no TDS on most products, simplified repatriation, and no rupee exposure.
For Your Parents: Limited But Possible
Can your resident Indian parents invest in GIFT City? Yes, through the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
Under LRS, resident Indians can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for permitted investments, including those in GIFT City. (Source: RBI)
Here's what your parents need to know:
LRS applies per individual. Both parents can invest up to USD 500,000 combined per year.
Tax benefits differ. Unlike NRIs, resident Indians don't enjoy the same tax exemptions in GIFT City. Their worldwide income remains taxable in India. (Source: PrimeInvestor)
TCS applies. Tax Collected at Source (currently 20% above Rs 10 lakh threshold) applies to LRS remittances. This is adjustable against final tax liability but impacts upfront cash flow.
👉 Tip: For most families, having the NRI invest through GIFT City (enjoying full tax benefits) and supporting parents through NRO joint accounts or direct transfers makes more financial sense than having parents invest through LRS.
Practical Strategies for UK NRI Families
Here's what actually works based on common family situations:
Strategy 1: Emergency Fund Access
Goal: Give parents access to funds for medical emergencies or urgent needs.
Solution: Open a joint NRO account with your parent as joint holder and Power of Attorney. Fund it with enough for 12-18 months of emergency expenses. Your parent can operate it day-to-day through the PoA.
Learn more about NRO account operations.
Strategy 2: Regular Family Support
Goal: Send monthly support for household expenses.
Solution: Set up recurring transfers from your UK account to the joint NRO account. Your parents can access funds as needed. Interest earned is taxable, but DTAA benefits can reduce the burden.
Strategy 3: Wealth Building Together
Goal: Invest for long-term family wealth.
For your earnings: Invest through GIFT City FDs or funds in your name. Nominate your parents as beneficiaries. Compare options using our NRI FD comparison tool.
For your parents' savings: Help them invest in mainland India through tax-efficient options. GIFT City investment under LRS may not offer them tax advantages since resident income remains taxable.
The Tax Reality
Joint NRO account interest: Taxable in India. The primary holder (NRI) is liable for taxes. Claim DTAA benefits by submitting your Tax Residency Certificate and Form 10F.
GIFT City investments in NRI's name: Tax-free in India for most products. Report in UK self-assessment.
Gifts to parents: Tax-free for your parents from close relatives. No gift tax applies in India.
What Documents Do Families Need?
From the UK NRI: Passport, UK visa, proof of UK address, PAN card, Tax Residency Certificate from HMRC
From Resident Parents: Aadhaar, PAN card, proof of address, relationship proof
For Power of Attorney: PoA document from bank, notarisation, apostille if executed abroad
Use our Compliance Compass to check if your family's structure meets RBI rules.
Moving Forward
Family finances across borders require careful planning. Start by understanding what each account type allows. Then structure your holdings based on actual needs-emergency access, regular support, or wealth building.
Join our WhatsApp community where UK NRI families share practical experiences. Or download the Belong app to explore GIFT City options with SEBI-registered advisors.
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