NRE Account Meaning: Benefits, Tax Rules & How to Open One

Just moved abroad and wondering how to manage your finances back home in India? Managing your income and financial commitments in India requires a different approach. You cannot continue using a regular savings account held in India, as per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) rules and that’s where NRE accounts come in play.

This is where an NRE (Non-Resident External) account becomes relevant. It allows NRIs to deposit their foreign earnings in India, convert them into Indian Rupees (INR), and use the funds for local expenses or investments. This article explains the meaning of an NRE account, its features, tax implications, and the steps involved in opening one.

Who is an NRI?

A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) is an individual who does not qualify as a resident of India for tax purposes. According to the latest guidelines under Section 6 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, an individual is considered a resident if they meet either of these conditions:

• They stay in India for 182 days or more during the financial year.
• They remain in India for 60 days or more in the current financial year and 365 days or more in the preceding four years.

If neither condition is met, the individual is classified as an NRI. However, special provisions apply to Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) visiting India. For them, the 60-day rule is replaced with 182 days, ensuring that short-term visitors are not taxed as residents.

The Finance Act of 2020 also introduced a new rule stating that an Indian citizen earning over ₹15 lakh in India (excluding foreign income) will be deemed a resident if they are not liable to pay tax in any other country.

What is an NRE Account?

An NRE (Non-Resident External) account is a bank account in India meant for NRIs to deposit their foreign earnings. It helps manage income earned outside India and allows easy fund transfers to the home country. This account is maintained in Indian rupees and is primarily used for saving or investing money earned abroad while living outside India.

Eligibility criteria for NRE Account

To qualify for an NRE account, you must satisfy the following criteria:

• You must be an NRI or a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) to open an NRE account.
• You need a valid passport issued by your country of residence.
• Documents such as a residential visa, employment contract, or proof of overseas address are required.
• The funds deposited must originate from foreign earnings and not from income generated in India.
• You must meet the minimum age criteria set by the bank, typically 18 years or older.
• You can open a joint account only with another NRI, not with a resident Indian.
• You can open an NRE savings or fixed deposit account

Taxation on NRE Account

As of 2025, Non-Resident External (NRE) accounts in India remain tax-free, meaning both the principal and interest earned are exempt from Indian income tax. These accounts are designed for NRIs to deposit foreign earnings converted into Indian Rupees. However, if you return to India and become a resident, your NRE account will be re-designated as a resident account, and the interest earned will become taxable. Additionally, remittances from the US to India may be impacted by a proposed 3.5% remittance tax, which could affect fund transfers into NRE accounts.

How to open an NRE Account?

To open an NRE account, follow the steps outlined below:

• Step 1: Select a bank in India that offers NRE account services.
• Step 2: Decide if you want a savings, current, fixed deposit, or recurring deposit NRE account.
• Step 3: Visit the bank’s website or branch to fill in the NRE account application form.
• Step 4: Provide a valid passport, visa, overseas address proof, recent photographs, and PAN card or Form 60.
• Step 5: Get your documents attested by the Indian Embassy, notary, or bank officials abroad.
• Step 6: Transfer money from your foreign bank account to activate the NRE account.
• Step 7: The bank verifies your details and activates the account within a few working days.

Difference between NRE and NRO Accounts

NRE and NRO accounts differ from each other in the following ways:

Benefits of NRE Account

NRE account offers the following perks:

• When you deposit foreign currency into your NRE account, it converts to INR at the prevailing rate. However, since all withdrawals also happen in INR, you are shielded from future fluctuations when spending in India. This provides a more stable financial planning tool if your expenses are INR-based but your income is in a foreign currency.

• NRE accounts are a convenient channel for investing in Indian mutual funds, stocks, real estate, or fixed deposits. Many financial institutions require funds from an NRE/NRO account to ensure compliance with FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act). This makes the NRE account a valid and approved gateway to tap into India’s growing economy.

• Banks in India offer loans against NRE fixed deposits (FDs), usually up to 90% of the deposit amount. This provides liquidity without breaking the FD. These loans are available in Indian Rupees and can be used for personal, business, or housing needs within India, offering an attractive way to access funds without impacting the ability to move money abroad later.

• A mandate holder in India can operate an NRE account, typically a trusted relative, who can access the account on your behalf. They can write cheques, make payments, or manage bills, making handling your financial responsibilities in India easier without your physical presence. This is especially helpful for elder care or managing real estate.

• If you move back to India and become a resident, your NRE account can be converted into a resident account or RFC (Resident Foreign Currency) account with minimal paperwork.

Conclusion

An NRE account is a smart and legal way for NRIs to manage their foreign income in India. It simplifies fund transfers, investments, and daily financial needs while complying with Indian regulations. From eligibility to tax benefits and even account opening, everything is tailored to the needs of NRIs. If you are living abroad and want to manage your Indian finances smoothly, opening an NRE account is a step in the right direction.

Read More:

Difference Between NRE and NRO Account

Sources

ICICI Direct
HSBC
Tax Guru