Your investments and insurance in India, while you live abroad

Living outside India often means your Indian finances get left behind: old policies nobody has reviewed, investments still under a resident status, missing nominations, and parents without proper health cover. I help NRIs, OCIs and PIOs organise their investments and insurance in India, over WhatsApp and video calls at a time that suits your time zone.

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How I can help

Five things NRIs most often need help with

Invest in Indian mutual funds

Start SIPs or lump-sum investments through your NRE or NRO account, matched to your goals in India, such as a home, your children’s education, your parents’ support or your own return.

Term life insurance from India

Protect your family in India and abroad with term cover from an Indian insurer, with premiums paid from your NRE or NRO account.

Health insurance for your parents

Make sure a hospital bill for your parents in India does not become an emergency you have to handle from abroad.

Organise what you already have

List your Indian policies and investments in one place, update your KYC and residential status, and check that every nomination is correct.

Annual reviews and claim support

Review everything once a year on a video call, and get help with paperwork and claims whenever you need it.

Investing in Indian mutual funds as an NRI

Which account: investments are made from an NRE or NRO bank account in India, not from a foreign bank account.
Taking money back abroad: money invested from an NRE account can be repatriated in full. Money from an NRO account can be repatriated within the limits set by the RBI, with the required tax paperwork.
KYC: you will usually need your PAN, passport, visa or residence proof, overseas address proof, Indian address proof, a photograph and bank details, plus a FATCA/CRS declaration. FATCA/CRS self-certification is mandatory; fund houses may reject or restrict investments where it is incomplete.
Living in the US or Canada? Because of FATCA reporting rules, some fund houses do not accept investments from US and Canadian residents, and others accept them with extra declarations. I will check which options are open to you before you invest.

How mutual fund gains are taxed

Tax is deducted at source (TDS) by the fund house when an NRI redeems. Main rates as of September 2026:

20%Equity funds held for less than 12 months, on the gains.

12.5%Equity funds held for 12 months or more, on gains above ₹1.25 lakh in a financial year.

SlabDebt funds bought on or after 1 April 2023, with TDS usually at 30%.

Surcharge and cess are added. If more tax is deducted than you owe, you can claim a refund by filing an Indian tax return. You may also be able to use the tax treaty (DTAA) between India and your country of residence, which usually needs a Tax Residency Certificate and Form 10F. Your country of residence may tax these gains too; for example, US residents should check the US rules on foreign mutual funds with a US tax adviser. Please confirm your own situation with a tax professional.

Life insurance from India while you live abroad

NRIs can buy term insurance from Indian insurers, and the cover generally applies wherever you live.
Medical checks can often be done over video or at a partner centre abroad, depending on the insurer and the amount of cover.
Premiums can be paid from your NRE or NRO account, and the claim is paid to your nominee.
You must tell the insurer honestly where you live and work, and about your health and travel. This protects your family’s claim.

I am an agent for LIC of India (life insurance) and HDFC ERGO General Insurance (general and health insurance), so I will explain their plans and check the insurer’s rules for residents of your country.

Moved abroad, or moving back?

When your residential status changes, your bank, fund houses and insurers need to know. Resident savings accounts usually have to be converted to NRO accounts, and your KYC and tax status on investments must be updated. Getting this wrong can lead to problems with taxes, transactions or claims later. I can help you list what needs updating and work through it step by step.

How we work together

Send me a message on WhatsApp or through the contact page, with your country and what you would like help with.
We have a free first call on video or phone, at a time that suits your time zone (I am in India, IST, UTC+5:30).
I explain your options in plain language and tell you how I am paid. You decide, with no pressure.
We complete the paperwork online wherever possible, and I stay in touch for annual reviews and claims.

Common questions

Do I need to come to India?

Usually not. Most KYC, investment and insurance steps can be done online or through video verification. Some fund houses or insurers may ask for attested documents or an in-person step in specific cases; I will tell you in advance if that applies.

Can I invest if I live in the USA or Canada?

Yes, but only with fund houses that accept US and Canadian residents, and with extra declarations. You should also understand how your investments are taxed in your country of residence.

How are you paid?

I am an AMFI-registered Mutual Fund Distributor (ARN-273845) and an insurance agent. I earn commissions from the fund houses and insurers whose products I distribute. See the Disclosures page for details.

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Rules on NRI investments, KYC and taxation change from time to time and differ by country, fund house and insurer. This page is general information as of September 2026 and is not tax or legal advice. This website is intended for residents of India and for NRIs. It is not an offer or solicitation to buy any product in any country where such an offer is not permitted, and services to people living outside India are provided only where the fund house or insurer accepts investors from that country. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

Atharva Karnik Financial Services

NRI Services