Last week, Priya called us from Dubai. She'd finally sold the Mumbai apartment she'd been trying to offload for two years. The buyer paid ₹1.2 crores. TDS was deducted. The money was sitting in her NRO account.
"Now what?" she asked. "The bank is asking for Form 15CA, Form 15CB, something called an A2 form, property sale deed copies… I thought repatriation was supposed to be straightforward. Can I even send this money to Dubai?"
Priya isn't alone. At Belong, our team helps hundreds of NRIs navigate repatriation every month through our advisory services and WhatsApp community. The confusion is real. Banks market accounts as "fully repatriable," but when you actually try to move money, you discover a maze of forms, tax certificates, and documentation requirements.
This guide tells you exactly what you need to know about repatriating funds after selling any investment in India - property, stocks, mutual funds, fixed deposits, or bonds.
We'll cover the legal limits, documentation requirements, tax implications, timelines, and common mistakes. By the end, you'll know precisely how to move your money abroad without delays or compliance issues.
What Is Repatriation and Why Does It Matter?
Repatriation means transferring money from your Indian bank account to your foreign bank account, converting rupees to foreign currency in the process.
As an NRI, you earn money in India from various sources:
- Rental income from properties
- Sale proceeds from real estate
- Dividends from stocks
- Interest from fixed deposits
- Capital gains from mutual funds
- Sale of bonds or debentures
Eventually, you want to move this money to your country of residence - the UAE, US, UK, Singapore, or wherever you live. That's repatriation.
Why it's trickier than a normal bank transfer:
Repatriation involves converting Indian rupees to foreign currency and sending money out of India. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), regulates this to prevent money laundering, tax evasion, and illegal fund transfers.
Every repatriation requires:
- Proof that taxes have been paid on the income
- Documentation showing the source of funds
- Compliance with annual limits
- Bank verification and RBI-mandated forms
The marketing promise from banks: "Fully repatriable with no restrictions."
The reality: It's allowed, but requires multiple forms, tax compliance certificates from chartered accountants, and weeks of processing time if you don't know the system.
Our team at Belong has streamlined this for our clients. We've seen what works, what delays transactions, and how to avoid the pitfalls that trap most NRIs.
Repatriation Limits: How Much Can You Actually Send?
The amount you can repatriate depends entirely on which type of account holds the money.
NRE Account (Non-Resident External)
Repatriation limit: Unlimited. Fully repatriable.
Your NRE account holds foreign earnings - salary from abroad, overseas business income, investment returns from foreign sources. Both principal and interest earned are fully and freely repatriable without any restrictions.
Documentation needed:
- Simple request form to your bank
- Form A2 (FEMA declaration form available on bank websites)
That's it. No tax certificates needed because NRE account funds are already post-tax from foreign sources, and the interest earned is tax-free in India according to NRE account taxation rules.
Also Read -How to Repatriate Funds from NRO/NRE Accounts
FCNR Account (Foreign Currency Non-Resident)
Repatriation limit: Unlimited. Fully repatriable.
FCNR accounts hold fixed deposits in foreign currencies (USD, GBP, EUR, etc.). You can withdraw the entire amount plus interest without restrictions since the funds never converted to rupees in the first place.
Documentation needed:
- Request form
- Form A2
Learn more about FCNR deposits and their benefits.
NRO Account (Non-Resident Ordinary)
Repatriation limit: USD 1 million per financial year (April–March).
This is the critical limit most NRIs face. Your NRO account holds Indian income - rent, dividends, pension, salary earned in India, property sale proceeds, and gains from Indian investments. You can repatriate up to USD 1 million annually from this account after tax deductions.
Documentation needed:
- Request form and Form A2
- Form 15CA (self-declaration by remitter)
- Form 15CB (Chartered Accountant certificate certifying tax compliance)
- Source of funds proof (property sale deed, investment statements, rent agreements)
- Tax payment receipts and ITR acknowledgments
Understanding NRE vs NRO vs FCNR accounts is crucial for planning your repatriation strategy.
👉 Tip: The USD 1 million annual limit from NRO accounts cannot be carried forward. If you repatriate only $500,000 this year, the remaining $500,000 doesn't add to next year's limit. Plan your repatriations accordingly.
Account Type Determines Everything
Before you sell any investment, understand where the money will land.
Here's what determines the account:
Money goes to NRE account if:
- You're repatriating FCNR deposit maturity proceeds
- You're transferring from another NRE account
- The investment was made from NRE/FCNR funds originally
Money goes to NRO account if:
- You're selling property in India
- You're redeeming Indian mutual funds
- You're selling stocks from your demat account
- You're closing fixed deposits that were funded from Indian income
- You earned rent, dividends, or interest in India
Most investment sales land in NRO accounts, which means you face the USD 1 million annual limit.
Understanding your NRI account types before investing saves headaches later.
Investment Type Matters: Repatriation Rules by Asset Class
Different investments have different repatriation rules. Let's break down each major asset class.
Repatriating Stock Sale Proceeds
When you sell shares from your Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) account, the proceeds - including capital gains - are fully repatriable.
The process:
- Sell shares through your PIS-linked demat account
- Proceeds credit to your NRE or NRO account (depending on how you funded the purchase)
- Capital gains are subject to tax in India based on holding period:
- Short-term gains (held \<12 months): Taxed at 20%
- Long-term gains (held >12 months): Taxed at 12.5% on gains above ₹1.25 lakh
Through PIS, NRIs can purchase or sell shares on BSE and NSE directly from their NRI bank account, and investments made under this scheme are completely repatriable, covering both the invested capital and any capital gains obtained.
After paying taxes, repatriate from:
- NRE account: Unlimited repatriation
- NRO account: Up to USD 1 million per year
Documents needed:
- Form 15CA and 15CB (if repatriating from NRO)
- Demat account statements
- Capital gains calculation
- ITR acknowledgment showing gains reported
Check our guide on investing in Indian stocks from abroad for complete details.
Repatriating Mutual Fund Redemptions
Mutual funds focused on India that cater to NRIs, particularly certain funds specifically designated as "NRI Mutual Funds," offer complete repatriation of the invested sum as well as capital gains.
The process:
- Redeem units through your AMC or distributor
- Proceeds credit to your NRE or NRO account
- Tax is deducted at source on capital gains
- After TDS, funds are available for repatriation
Tax treatment:
- Equity mutual funds: 12.5% LTCG (held >12 months), 20% STCG
- Debt mutual funds: Taxed at your income slab rates
Similar to stocks:
- From NRE account: Unlimited repatriation
- From NRO account: USD 1 million per year with Form 15CA/15CB
Our detailed guide on mutual fund investments for NRIs explains tax implications and repatriation in depth.
Also Read -Best Mutual Funds for NRIs to Invest in India
Repatriating Property Sale Proceeds: The Complex One
Property repatriation has the most restrictions. Listen carefully.
Rule 1: Maximum two properties
If you purchased property with foreign currency or using your NRE/FCNR accounts, you can repatriate the entire sale proceeds of the immovable property, but repatriation of sale proceeds for residential property (other than agricultural land) is restricted to a maximum of two such properties in your lifetime.
Even if you own ten properties purchased with NRE funds, you can only repatriate proceeds from two of them. For properties three through ten, you'd need RBI approval, which is granted case-by-case for specific reasons like medical emergencies or education expenses.
Rule 2: Source of purchase funds determines limit
Scenario A: Property purchased with NRE/FCNR funds
You can repatriate the entire sale proceeds of the immovable property, limited to a maximum of two such properties.
Example: Rajesh bought three Mumbai flats using NRE account funds. He sells all three. He can fully repatriate proceeds from two properties. The third property's proceeds stay in his NRO account, subject to the USD 1 million annual limit.
Also Read -Common Mistakes NRIs Make While Choosing an NRE Banking Account
Scenario B: Property purchased with NRO funds or Indian income
You can repatriate up to USD 1 million per financial year, regardless of the number of properties sold.
Example: Meena purchased five properties using rental income deposited in her NRO account. She sells all five for ₹10 crores total. She can repatriate only USD 1 million per year. To repatriate the full amount, she'd need approximately 8-10 years at current exchange rates.
Also Read -Best NRO Accounts
Scenario C: Property purchased before becoming NRI
If you bought property before you became an NRI, you can repatriate sales proceeds under the overall limit of USD 1 million per financial year.
Rule 3: Tax implications are significant
When NRIs sell property, the buyer must deduct TDS before making payment: 30% TDS if property held under 2 years (short-term capital gains), or 20% TDS if held over 2 years (long-term capital gains), unlike resident sellers who face only 1% TDS under Section 194-IA.
This high TDS rate means significant capital is locked until you file your ITR and claim refunds.
You can apply for a Lower Deduction Certificate (LDC) through Form 13 to reduce TDS if your actual tax liability is lower.
Capital gains tax exemptions available:
NRIs can claim exemptions under Section 54 and Section 54EC on long-term capital gains from house property sale in India. You must reinvest the gains in another Indian property within specified timeframes. Read our detailed guide on Section 54 to understand these exemptions.
Documents needed for property repatriation:
- Property sale deed
- Original purchase documents proving source of funds (NRE statement or NRO statement)
- TDS certificate from buyer (Form 16A)
- ITR showing capital gains declared
- Form 15CA and 15CB
- CA certificate certifying tax compliance
- No-objection certificate from income tax department (in some cases)
Our comprehensive guide on selling Indian property as an NRI walks through the entire process.
👉 Tip: If you're planning to sell multiple properties purchased with NRE funds, sell the highest-value two first since you're limited to two lifetime repatriations. The rest will be subject to the USD 1 million annual NRO limit.
Repatriating Fixed Deposit Maturity Proceeds
FD repatriation depends on the account type and funding source.
NRE Fixed Deposits: Fully and freely repatriable. Both principal and interest (which is tax-free) can be moved abroad without limits.
Compare the best NRE FD rates across banks using Belong's FD rates comparison tool.
NRO Fixed Deposits: Repatriation limited to USD 1 million per financial year after tax deductions. Interest is taxable, and TDS is deducted before maturity.
FCNR Fixed Deposits: Fully repatriable. Since the deposit is in foreign currency, no conversion needed. Both principal and interest move freely.
Check out our guide on FCNR vs NRE vs NRO FDs to choose the right deposit type.
GIFT City Fixed Deposits (The Smart Choice):
Here's where our team at Belong helps NRIs think differently.
Instead of traditional NRE/NRO deposits, consider USD fixed deposits in GIFT City. These offer:
- Tax-free returns (no TDS, no tax in India)
- USD-denominated (protects against rupee depreciation)
- Fully repatriable without Form 15CA/15CB requirements
- No annual limits
- Better interest rates than FCNR deposits
When the FD matures, repatriation is as simple as a regular international transfer. No tax certificates, no complicated forms, no waiting.
Belong offers these through our SEBI-registered platform. Thousands of UAE-based NRIs use this instead of traditional FDs precisely because repatriation is seamless.
Learn more about GIFT City benefits for NRIs.
Also Read -Best NRI Fixed Deposit Accounts India
Repatriating Bond and NCD Returns
Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) are fixed-income instruments providing regular interest payouts, and the principal amount is repaid at maturity. The repatriation of principal and interest from rupee-denominated NCDs is allowed, provided the investment is made through an NRE or FCNR account, subject to RBI guidelines.
Process:
- If invested through NRE: Fully repatriable
- If invested through NRO: Subject to USD 1 million annual limit
- Interest is taxable in India; TDS applies
Check our guide on investing in bonds for NRIs for complete tax and repatriation details.
The Form 15CA and 15CB Maze
This is where most NRIs get stuck. Let's demystify it.
What Are These Forms?
Form 15CA is a declaration of remittance furnished by the remitter to the Income Tax Department, while Form 15CB is a certificate from a Chartered Accountant (CA) certifying that applicable taxes have been paid on the income being repatriated.
Think of them as the government's way of ensuring you've paid taxes before moving money abroad.
When Are They Required?
For NRO account repatriations, if the remittance exceeds ₹5 lakh per financial year, you must submit Form 15CA Part C along with Form 15CB. If below ₹5 lakh, only simple Form 15CA Part A is needed.
Key scenarios requiring 15CA/15CB:
- Repatriating property sale proceeds from NRO account
- Sending rent accumulated in NRO account
- Transferring investment sale proceeds from NRO to foreign account
- Any NRO to NRE or NRO to foreign bank transfer over ₹5 lakh
NOT required for:
- NRE to NRE transfers
- NRE to foreign account transfers
- FCNR account repatriations
- Certain exempt transactions per Rule 37BB of Income Tax Act
Review the complete list of exemptions under Rule 37BB to see if your transaction qualifies.
The Four Parts of Form 15CA
Form 15CA has four parts, and only that part is required which is applicable depending on the case:
Part A: Remittance up to ₹5 lakh per financial year, taxable income
- Self-declaration online
- No CA certificate needed
- Quick process (same day)
Part B: Remittance exceeding ₹5 lakh where you have a Lower Deduction Certificate or nil deduction order from Assessing Officer
- Requires AO order/certificate
- No CA certificate
- Less common
Part C: Remittance exceeding ₹5 lakh, taxable income, requiring CA certificate
- Most NRIs fall here
- Requires Form 15CB from CA
- Takes 7-15 days for CA processing
Part D: Remittance not chargeable to tax in India
- Self-declaration
- No CA certificate
- Used for certain exempt incomes
How to File Form 15CB
Form 15CB is filed online by a registered CA using their Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) on the Income Tax Department portal.
The CA's role:
- Verify the source of funds
- Confirm taxes paid (through Form 26AS, ITR, TDS certificates)
- Calculate if any additional tax liability exists
- Certify compliance digitally
- Provide you the signed Form 15CB
Timeline: 5-15 days depending on CA's workload and documentation completeness.
Cost: ₹3,000-10,000 depending on complexity and transaction amount.
How to File Form 15CA
You can file Form 15CA online through your Income Tax login on the e-filing portal by selecting the appropriate part (A/B/C/D) and submitting required details.
Process for Part C (most common):
- CA files Form 15CB first using their credentials
- You receive the CA-certified Form 15CB
- Log into your Income Tax e-filing account
- Select e-File > Income Tax Forms > Form 15CA
- Choose Part C and upload CA's Form 15CB
- Fill remitter and remittee details
- e-Verify using DSC or OTP
- Download acknowledgment
Timeline: Can be completed same day once you have Form 15CB.
We've created a detailed step-by-step guide on filing Form 15CA and Form 15CB online with screenshots for each step.
Bank Submission
Once both forms are filed and verified:
- Download acknowledgments from Income Tax portal
- Submit to your bank's forex/remittance department
- Bank verifies and processes repatriation
- Timeline: 5-10 working days after submission
Total timeline from start to money landing abroad:
- With documents ready: 20-30 days
- Without documents: 45-60 days
👉 Tip: Start the Form 15CB process immediately after selling your investment. Don't wait until you want to repatriate. Many NRIs discover missing documents (old purchase proofs, TDS certificates) only when the CA asks for them, causing months of delay.
Tax Implications You Must Know
Repatriation isn't just about moving money. It's about moving money on which taxes have been paid.
Capital Gains Tax on Different Investments
NRIs are taxable on income earned or received in India, including salary, rent, capital gains, or NRO interest, and are taxed at applicable slab rates under the Old or New regime, while capital gains are taxed at specified rates.
For stocks and equity mutual funds:
- LTCG (held >12 months): 12.5% on gains above ₹1.25 lakh
- STCG (held \<12 months): 20%
For property:
- LTCG (held >2 years): 12.5% without indexation (new rules from July 2024) or 20% with indexation (if purchased before July 2024)
- STCG (held \<2 years): Taxed at income slab rates
For debt mutual funds and bonds:
- Taxed at applicable income slab rates regardless of holding period
Our guide on NRI capital gains tax explains calculations and exemptions in detail.
TDS (Tax Deducted at Source)
TDS is deducted before you receive sale proceeds:
On property sales: TDS at 30% for STCG or 20% for LTCG is deducted by the buyer, significantly higher than the 1% TDS for resident sellers. (Clear Tax)
On stock/MF sales: TDS is deducted by brokers/AMCs on capital gains at applicable rates.
On interest income: TDS at 30% on NRO account interest (vs. 10% for residents).
This TDS can be claimed as credit when filing your NRI income tax return.
DTAA Benefits
If you're taxed on the same income in both India and your country of residence, the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and that country helps.
For example, India-UAE DTAA allows you to:
- Claim tax credits in UAE for taxes paid in India
- Sometimes pay lower rates based on treaty provisions
- Avoid being taxed twice on the same income
Check if you qualify and learn how to claim DTAA benefits to optimize your tax burden.
Common Repatriation Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Our team at Belong sees these mistakes repeatedly in our advisory practice and WhatsApp community:
Mistake 1: Not maintaining source documentation
You sell a property today that you purchased 15 years ago. The bank asks: "Prove you bought this with NRE funds."
If you don't have the original NRE account statement from 2010 showing the debit, you can't claim unlimited repatriation. The proceeds default to NRO limits.
Solution: Maintain organized digital files of:
- Original purchase documents
- Bank statements showing fund source
- FEMA declarations from time of purchase
- All property registration documents
Mistake 2: Exceeding the two-property repatriation limit
Rohit sold four apartments he'd purchased with NRE funds, thinking he could repatriate all proceeds freely. Only after the fourth sale did he learn about the two-property limit.
Now he has ₹2 crore stuck in his NRO account that he can only repatriate at USD 1 million per year over multiple years.
Solution: Before selling multiple properties purchased with NRE funds, plan which two will be repatriated and understand you'll be limited for the rest.
Also Read -NRI's Complete Guide to Selling Property in India
Mistake 3: Filing ITR after initiating repatriation
Priya tried to repatriate property sale proceeds in June 2025 but hadn't filed her FY 2024-25 ITR yet (due July 31, 2025). The CA refused to issue Form 15CB without the ITR.
She had to file ITR first, wait for processing, then restart the 15CB process.
Solution: File your ITR showing the capital gains immediately after the financial year ends. Don't wait until the deadline if you plan to repatriate soon.
Also Read - Difference Between NRI and Resident Tax Filing in India
Mistake 4: Not applying for Lower TDS Certificate
Vikram sold a property with ₹50 lakh actual capital gains. The buyer deducted 20% TDS = ₹10 lakh on the gross sale price of ₹50 lakh (total TDS = ₹10 lakh).
But Vikram's actual tax liability on ₹50 lakh gains was only ₹6.25 lakh (12.5%).
He gave the buyer an unnecessary ₹3.75 lakh, which he has to wait months to reclaim as refund after ITR filing.
Solution: Apply for Form 13 Lower Deduction Certificate from your Assessing Officer before the sale. This certifies your actual tax liability, and the buyer deducts only that amount.
Mistake 5: Missing the financial year cutoff
Amit wanted to repatriate $1.2 million from his NRO account. In March 2025, he sent $1 million. In April 2025, he tried sending the remaining $200,000.
The bank rejected it, saying his FY 2024-25 (April 2024-March 2025) limit was exhausted. He had to wait until April 2026 to send the balance.
Solution: The USD 1 million limit resets every April 1. Plan repatriations across financial years if needed.
Mistake 6: Assuming NRE interest is repatriable to third-party accounts
NRE account funds are fully repatriable, but only to your own foreign account. You can't directly repatriate from your NRE account to someone else's account abroad (like a family member).
Solution: Transfer to your own NRE-linked foreign account first, then send to others from there.
👉 Tip: Join Belong's WhatsApp community where experienced NRIs share their repatriation experiences and solutions to common problems.
How GIFT City Investments Simplify Repatriation
This is where we at Belong help NRIs think differently about investing in India.
Traditional investments (property, stocks, mutual funds) eventually face repatriation complications - forms, taxes, limits, documentation requirements.
GIFT City investments change this equation entirely.
GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) operates as a Special Economic Zone with unique regulations:
Tax advantages:
- No TDS on interest or returns
- Returns are tax-free in India
- No capital gains tax on GIFT City investments
Repatriation advantages:
- No Form 15CA/15CB requirements
- No USD 1 million annual limits
- Fully and freely repatriable
- Simple international transfer process
Currency advantage:
- Invest in USD, not rupees
- Protects against rupee depreciation
- No currency conversion risk
When you invest through Belong's USD fixed deposits in GIFT City:
- You invest USD from your foreign account
- Earn tax-free interest (typically 4.5-5.5% p.a.)
- At maturity, receive USD back directly to your foreign account
- No Indian tax implications
- No complicated repatriation process
Our clients use this for:
- Retirement corpus building
- Children's education funds
- Diversification while maintaining liquidity
- Earning Indian returns without Indian complications
Compare GIFT City FDs vs traditional NRE/NRO/FCNR deposits to see why this makes sense.
Download the Belong app to explore GIFT City investment options with complete transparency on returns, repatriation process, and tax implications.
Step-by-Step: How to Repatriate Funds After Selling Investments
Let's walk through the actual process for a typical scenario: You sold property in India, proceeds are in your NRO account, and you want to send the money to your UAE bank account.
Step 1: Ensure tax compliance (Weeks 1-2)
- File ITR showing capital gains from the property sale
- Obtain ITR acknowledgment
- Verify TDS credit appears in Form 26AS
- Obtain Form 16A from buyer
Step 2: Gather documentation (Week 2-3)
- Original property sale deed
- Purchase deed showing original investment
- Bank statements proving source of purchase funds
- All TDS certificates
- ITR acknowledgment
- PAN card
- Passport copy
- Residence proof in UAE
Step 3: Engage a Chartered Accountant (Week 3-4)
- Find a CA experienced with NRI repatriation (we can recommend CAs to our community members)
- Provide all documentation
- CA prepares and files Form 15CB (5-15 days)
- Receive CA-certified Form 15CB
Step 4: File Form 15CA yourself (Week 4)
- Log into Income Tax e-filing portal
- File Form 15CA Part C, uploading the CA's Form 15CB
- e-Verify and download acknowledgment
Step 5: Submit to bank (Week 5)
- Visit your bank's forex/remittance branch
- Submit:
- Form 15CA and 15CB acknowledgments
- All supporting documents
- Repatriation request form
- Form A2
- Bank verifies documents (3-7 days)
Step 6: Bank processes repatriation (Week 5-6)
- Bank converts INR to USD at prevailing rates
- Applies exchange and processing charges
- Transfers to your foreign account via SWIFT
- Provides transaction confirmation
Total timeline: 4-6 weeks if everything goes smoothly.
Total cost:
- CA fees: ₹3,000-10,000
- Bank forex charges: 0.25-1% of amount
- SWIFT charges: ₹500-2,000
Track INR-USD rates using Belong's Rupee vs Dollar tracker to choose optimal timing for currency conversion.
👉 Tip: Start this process 2-3 months before you actually need the funds abroad. Delays in any step (CA availability, bank processing, document verification) can extend the timeline significantly.
RBI Approval: When and How to Seek It
If you need to repatriate above USD 1 million from your NRO account, or need to repatriate proceeds from more than two properties purchased with NRE funds, you must apply to RBI for special permission.
RBI may grant approval for:
- Medical emergencies requiring funds abroad
- Children's education expenses
- Home purchase in your country of residence
- Other genuine cases with proper documentation
Process:
- Approach your bank (Authorized Dealer)
- Bank prepares application with supporting documents
- RBI reviews case-by-case
- Decision typically takes 60-90 days
- If approved, repatriation can proceed
Success factors:
- Clear, documented reason for excess repatriation
- Complete financial transparency
- No tax pending issues
- Proper supporting evidence (medical reports, education admission letters, property purchase agreements)
For most NRIs, planning within standard limits is simpler than seeking RBI approval.
Your Next Steps: Making Repatriation Easier
Repatriation isn't complicated if you understand the rules and plan ahead.
Here's what to do right now:
1. Audit your current investments
- Which account funded each investment (NRE or NRO)?
- Which investments will face the USD 1 million limit when sold?
- Do you have source documentation for everything?
Use Belong's Compliance Compass to check if you're following all necessary rules.
2. Organize your documentation
- Create digital copies of all:
- Purchase documents
- Bank statements showing fund sources
- TDS certificates
- ITR acknowledgments
- Store in cloud storage with proper labeling
3. Understand your residential status
- Are you NRI or RNOR for tax purposes?
- This affects your tax liability on global income
Use our Residential Status Calculator to determine your status.
4. Plan future investments smartly
- Consider GIFT City options that avoid repatriation complications
- Structure investments in the right accounts from the start
- Think about eventual repatriation before you invest
5. Get expert help when needed
- Complex property sales
- Large repatriation amounts
- Multiple investment types simultaneously
- Tax optimization across India-UAE or India-US
At Belong, our SEBI-registered advisors help NRIs navigate these exact situations daily. Book a consultation or join our WhatsApp community to learn from others who've been through this.
6. Consider simplifying future investments Instead of accumulating multiple properties and traditional investments that complicate repatriation, explore:
- USD fixed deposits in GIFT City - tax-free, unlimited repatriation
- GIFT City AIFs for higher returns with simpler repatriation
- Diversified portfolios structured for easy eventual repatriation
Repatriation Is About Planning, Not Just Rules
Let's return to Priya from our opening story.
After understanding the rules, she:
- Filed her ITR showing property capital gains
- Engaged a CA who prepared Form 15CB in 10 days
- Filed Form 15CA herself online
- Submitted everything to her bank
- Received USD 950,000 in her Dubai account 5 weeks later
The apartment sale that felt overwhelming became manageable once she understood the system.
That's what we help NRIs do at Belong - cut through confusion, provide clear guidance, and offer simpler investment alternatives when possible.
The key lessons:
- Repatriation is legal and allowed, but requires proper documentation and tax compliance
- Different investment types have different rules
- NRE accounts offer unlimited repatriation; NRO accounts face USD 1 million annual limits
- Property sales from NRE-funded purchases face a lifetime two-property limit
- Form 15CA/15CB is required for most NRO repatriations above ₹5 lakh
- GIFT City investments bypass most of these complications entirely
Your investments in India should give you returns, not headaches. Whether you're selling property, redeeming mutual funds, or exiting stocks, understanding repatriation rules ensures you can move your money safely and legally.
Ready to simplify your NRI investments?
- Download the Belong app to explore tax-free, easily repatriable GIFT City investment options
- Join our WhatsApp community of 800+ NRIs sharing repatriation experiences and advice
- Use our FD rates comparison tool to find the best returns across all account types
We're here to help. From explaining regulations to offering investment solutions that make repatriation seamless, Belong exists to make your financial life easier.
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