NPS For NRI – How NRIs Can open National Pension Scheme (NPS In India)?

National Pension Scheme For NRI is a retirement scheme of the Government of India. It was much hyped when it was launched but year after year the Indian Government has made so many changes that people are confused. NRIs can consider this post as an all you want to know kind of article.

We have also added 49 NPS in India Faqs at the end of the post – if something is still missing feel free to add in the comment section.

Must Read – Pension Plan For NRI in India – Dream Retirement

Can NRI invest in National Pension Scheme?

A very common question that I hear is “Can NRI NPS India ?” or “Can NRI open NPS account”

Yes, NRIs can open NPS or even continue if their status from resident changes to NRI or vice Versa.

NPS for NRI – Key Features

Let us look at the key features, advantages, and disadvantages of the national pension scheme for NRI.

1. It is a voluntary contribution scheme.
2. It is a tool to enable savings and investment so that finances for one’s retirement are taken care of.
3. The contributions of all account holders are collated and invested by fund managers of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
4. The NRI investor has two investing options:-
   a. Active Choice: The NRI decides the asset classes that the money should be invested in and the allocation percentage in each investment type.
   b. Auto Choice: Investment is done on behalf of the NRI based on his age.
5. Under the scheme, there are two sub-accounts available:-
   a. Tier – I accounts: Withdrawals are allowed for up to 25% of the account holders’ contribution. There are some rules around withdrawal and exit options.
   b. Tier-II accounts: These are additional to Tier – I accounts. They are like savings accounts. An NRI can withdraw whenever he wants from these accounts.

Eligibility Criteria for NPS Account

• Age: Between 18 to 60 years old
• Must Comply with KYC norms
• OCIs and PIOs are not eligible

Must Read: Planning for Retirement in India-5 Easy steps NRI can use

How NRIs can open an NPS in India?

• NPS for NRIs application form: You can get the form from this website – NPSCRA It is available with many banks and available on their websites as well. There are many authorized entities called Point of Presence – Service Providers (POP-SP). You can get the form from them as well.
• Complete the form and submit it along with your other documentation to the bank where you have your NRE/NRO accounts. A copy of the passport is also required.
• You will get a receipt number. Go to this website – NSDL to check the status of your application. Once the documents are verified, you will get a Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN).
• You can then start depositing money, checking your account, etc.

Must Read – How Much Retirement Corpus Is Enough

What are the rules regarding the Contribution and Withdrawal of the NPS for NRI?

• The minimum contribution at the time of opening the account is Rs. 500(for Tier-I) and Rs. 1000(for Tier-II). The annual contribution should be at least Rs. 1,000. There is no limit on the maximum contribution.
• Minimum contribution per annum: Rs.6,000.
• At the age of 60,i.e, at the time of maturity, 60% of the accumulated corpus can be withdrawn as a lump sum(tax-free) and the remaining 40% needs to go into the purchase of an annuity product from a PFRDA listed insurance company. The annuity income that you earn from the plan will be taxable at the income tax slab rate of your income.
• The withdrawal can be deferred till the age of 70. During this time, contributions can be made.
• If the total amount is equal to or less than Rs. 5,00,000, then it has to withdraw entirely.
• The annuity purchase can be deferred for up to 3 years.
• If you are withdrawing before the age of 60, 80% has to be invested in an annuity product, and if the corpus is less than Rs. 2,50,000, then it has to be withdrawn completely.
• Up to 25% of the contribution can be withdrawn if you are a subscriber for at least 10 years and the reason is one of the following –
• Higher education,
• Marriage of children,
• Purchase or construction of residential flat and
• Treatment of specified illnesses
• If you are returning back to India, the NRI National Pension Scheme account should be closed.

Check – Best NRI Investment Options in India

What kind of Investment and Returns can be expected?

Investments are made in the following assets based on the choice –

• Asset class E: “High return, High risk” such as equity-related instruments.
• Asset class G: “Low return, Low risk” such as Government bonds.
• Asset class C: “Medium return for credit risk” such as bonds issued by companies.
• Asset Class A: “High return, High risk”Alternative Investment Funds including instruments like CMBS, MBS, REITS, AIFs, Invites, etc.

NPS in India Returns are market-driven. There is no guaranteed amount of return. The returns generated through investments are accumulated in the corpus.

Are there any Tax Benefits of the National pension scheme for NRI?

You can get a deduction of Rs. 50,000 while calculating taxable income over and above the other 80C deductions, under section 80CCD(1B).

Also Read – Mr. NRI – Time Is Money When it Comes to Retirement Planning!

Can NRI appoint nominees for my NPS account?

You have to appoint a nominee at the time of opening the account. Three nominees can be appointed for Tier I and Tier II accounts.

FAQs – NPS In India

I hope these 49 Questions will answer all your queries.

Should NRI Invest in NPS?

NPS is (one of the) national pension schemes for NRI in India. On the face of it, it looks like a good product where you can invest as much as you want and can also decide on the allocation across asset classes. It also gives tax benefits and as an NRI, you can invest in it, unlike many other investment schemes.

But it is not the most efficient product – there are still many unresolved issues. Plus, the annuity market is at a very nascent stage in India & we are not a big fan of the annuity.

If the NRI falls in the higher tax slabs, he has to pay 20% or 30% of tax on it. This is much more than the LTCG to be paid. It is illiquid as you cannot withdraw easily.

In case if your citizenship changes NRIs will have to close the account. There are not many details on rules regarding this kind of closure. (UPDATE – OCI can open or continue NPS)

If you are young, you are not sure where you will be living post-retirement, it does not make much sense.

If you are plRetirement Planning Service for NRIs

If you have any questions on NPS In India  – feel free to add them in the comment section. Also, share your experiences while opening or managing an NPS account in India – online or offline.