Let’s be real.
If you’re an NRI with money in India—from rent, mutual funds, FDs, or even selling a house—you’ve probably asked:
“How do I send this money abroad legally without getting into tax trouble or dealing with endless paperwork?”
Good question.
Because most banks won’t explain it clearly. And random advice from friends or YouTube often misses the latest RBI guidelines or tax rules.
That’s why I created this super-practical blog. Based on my personal experience of managing NRO repatriations from India to the UK—this is everything I wish someone had told me clearly.
👨‍📆 Who Needs Repatriation?
If you’re an NRI earning or holding assets in India, you’ll likely want to transfer those funds abroad at some point.
Common sources of money that require repatriation:
- Rental income from Indian property
- FD interest or maturity from NRO accounts
- Redemption proceeds from mutual funds or stocks
- Proceeds from property sale
- Gifts received in India
But here’s the catch: how you repatriate depends entirely on the source of money.
🪤 What Is Repatriation, Really?
Simply put: repatriation means sending money from your Indian account (NRO/NRE) to your foreign bank account, typically in USD, GBP, EUR etc.
The two most common channels:
- NRE account: No limits, tax-free, easy
- NRO account: Limited, taxable, more documentation
Let’s focus on repatriating from NRO, since that’s where most confusion happens.
🕵️‍♂️ Step-by-Step Guide: Repatriating from NRO to Overseas
âś… 1. Check Your Eligibility
You need to be a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) or PIO. If you’re an RNOR, rules still allow you to repatriate, but check residential status annually.
âś… 2. Keep Supporting Documents Ready
Depending on your source of funds:
| Source | Documents Required |
| Rent | Rent agreement, PAN, tenant details, Form 26AS if TDS deducted |
| Property sale | Sale deed, purchase deed, capital gains calculation, PAN, TDS proof |
| Mutual Fund redemption | AMC statement, capital gain breakup |
| Dividend | Bank statement, company/Folio details |
| Gift | Gift deed, PAN of both parties |
Always consult your CA to prepare capital gain calculations.
âś… 3. Hire a CA for Form 15CA & 15CB
This is the most crucial step that most NRIs get stuck at.
- Form 15CB is a certificate from a CA verifying the source and tax deduction
- Form 15CA is filed online by the CA via the Income Tax portal
The bank will NOT process your repatriation without these forms if the amount exceeds â‚ą50,000.
âś… 4. Submit to Bank
Once your CA gives you the signed 15CB and XML for 15CA:
- Upload or submit to your bank’s NRI desk
- Include request letter, PAN card, passport copy
- Add SWIFT/IBAN details of your foreign bank account
- Some banks also ask for FEMA declaration form
Processing usually takes 2 to 5 working days.
đźš« Common Mistakes That Can Delay or Block Your Repatriation
- ❌ Using savings account for Indian income (must be NRO)
- ❌ Not deducting capital gains tax or filing ITR properly
- ❌ Not getting Form 15CA/CB for high amounts
- ❌ Mismatched bank details or missing IBAN/SWIFT
🌕 How Much Can You Repatriate?
đź‘Ť NRE Account
- No limit
- Tax-free
- Simple transfer abroad
đź‘Ť NRO Account
- Up to USD 1 million per financial year (April–March)
- Subject to tax compliance + documentation
If your amount exceeds USD 1 million:
- You need RBI approval (which can take time)
🤔 Real-Life Example: How I Repatriated ₹30 Lakhs to the UK
I had ₹30L in NRO from mutual fund redemptions + FD maturity. Here’s what I did:
- Hired my CA in India to prepare capital gains calculations
- He filed Form 15CA online and issued Form 15CB on his letterhead
- I emailed these with a signed repatriation request + passport + bank statement to ICICI NRI desk
- Gave my UK bank’s SWIFT code and IBAN
- In 3 working days, the funds landed in my UK GBP account
No tax penalty. No stress. Just a bit of patience and the right documents.
đź“Ś FAQs NRIs Always Ask
Q: Do I need to pay tax before repatriation?
Yes. If funds are taxable (like rent, capital gains), pay tax and file ITR before repatriating.
Q: Can I repatriate funds from property sale?
Yes, up to USD 1 million/year. But you need sale deed, purchase proof, and CA-calculated capital gains.
Q: Can I repatriate without Form 15CA/CB?
Only if amount is less than â‚ą50,000 and not taxable. Otherwise, NO.
Q: How long does the whole process take?
Usually 3 to 7 working days, depending on bank and CA.
🚀 Final Thoughts: Don’t Fear Repatriation. Just Plan It.
NRIs often leave money in India due to fear or confusion.
Don’t.
With the right CA and clarity, you can:
- Move funds legally
- Avoid tax traps
- Stay compliant with FEMA
Whether it’s $5,000 or $500,000, repatriation is not rocket science. It just needs order and planning.
đź”— Helpful Resources
🔹 Watch this detailed NRI Banking & Repatriation Series on YouTube → NRI Whizz Channel
💬 Book a 1-on-1 Consultation if you need help repatriating funds → Calendly
📦 Download the full NRI Banking Toolkit (coming soon)
📖 Written by Prateek Kumar — NRI Financial Educator, Investor & Founder of NRI Whizz
đź“Ś Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult a certified financial planner before making retirement decisions