READY RECKONER #13 · INVESTMENTS

I became an NRI. What happens to my mutual funds, SIPs and demat?

Your investments don't simply disappear — but your status, KYC, bank linkage and account type need attention.

30-SECOND ANSWER

Don't redeem everything just because you became an NRI.

Start by informing the relevant intermediary and updating your residential status/KYC. Existing Indian securities can continue to be held subject to FEMA and intermediary rules. Your mutual-fund and demat records should reflect your non-resident status and appropriate bank details.

Do these checks first

1. Update KYC / residential status

AMFI says NRIs have additional KYC requirements, including certified passport and overseas-address documentation.

2. Check every mutual-fund folio

Inform the AMC/RTA/intermediary and update the registered bank details as applicable. Don't assume an old SIP mandate linked to a resident account can simply remain untouched.

3. Check your demat account

NSDL has a published process for change from resident to NRI status. Your DP should guide you on the appropriate NRI classification/sub-type and documents.

4. Decide how future investments should be held

Repatriable and non-repatriable investment routes can differ. The source of funds matters.

5. Check your country of residence

Some AMCs/intermediaries may have operational restrictions for investors resident in particular foreign jurisdictions. Check before transacting.

What about my existing SIP?

Don't ask only “Will my SIP continue?”

Ask: Is my KYC now NRI? → Is the linked bank account appropriate? → Does the AMC accept transactions from my country? → What tax/TDS applies? Correct the structure rather than assuming the old resident setup remains right.

Must I sell shares I bought while resident?

Not merely because you became non-resident. NSDL guidance cites FEMA section 6(5), under which a person resident outside India may continue to hold, own, transfer or invest in securities acquired, held or owned while resident, subject to the applicable framework. Your demat/KYC classification still needs attention.

Why are my bank, mutual fund or broker asking for FATCA / CRS again?

KYC and FATCA/CRS answer different questions.

KYC: Who are you, where do you live, and are your identity/contact details current?

FATCA/CRS: In which country or countries are you tax-resident, and what tax-identification information applies?

Becoming NRI can trigger several updates

Changing your resident bank account to NRO/NRE does not mean every mutual-fund, demat, KRA and FATCA/CRS record has automatically changed. Check each relevant relationship.

Your status-update checklist

✓ Residential status — Resident / NRI
✓ Indian and overseas address
✓ Country/countries of tax residence
✓ TIN or equivalent, where applicable
✓ PAN and KYC/KRA record
✓ Bank account linked to investments
✓ Mutual-fund folios and SIP mandates
✓ Demat/broker classification
✓ FATCA/CRS self-certification

Why does this matter?

SEBI has centralised FATCA/CRS certifications for securities-market investors at KYC Registration Agencies (KRAs). Investors still need to provide correct and updated tax-residency information when circumstances change.

A new 2026 reason to keep the details accurate

The Income Tax Department now enables taxpayers to view certain foreign-asset information received through CRS/FATCA information exchange in AIS. The Department notes that AIS may not represent every foreign asset or item of foreign income.

Your NRI investment transition checklist

✓ List every MF folio, demat/broker account and SIP.
✓ Identify the bank account linked to each.
✓ Update KYC, residential status and overseas address.
✓ Identify repatriable vs non-repatriable treatment.
✓ Check country-specific AMC/broker restrictions.
✓ Review Indian tax/TDS and foreign-country reporting/tax obligations.

Verify the rules yourself

Last verified: 17 August 2026. Procedures, tax treatment and country restrictions can vary. Confirm current requirements with your AMC/RTA/DP/broker and tax adviser.

Moving abroad doesn't mean abandoning your investments.

Map what you own, where it is held and which bank account is linked. Then correct the structure.

Check my investment transition →