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Yes, but there are strict rules:

• 40 Credits (H-1B Included): Yes, H-1B and L-1 holders can claim it! But you must have earned 40 credits (10 years) in the US. If you return to India after 6 years on an H-1B, you lose the FICA taxes you paid. There is no refund, and you cannot combine Indian work years.
• Payouts in India: India is an SSA "Eligible Country," meaning you can receive your payments indefinitely in India, even if you are a Non-Resident Alien.
• The 5-Year Spousal Trap: For your spouse to claim spousal benefits in India, they MUST have lived in the US, married to you, for at least 5 years. If not, they lose their spousal benefits when living outside the US.

👉 Read the full breakdown in the Finance Guide

Yes. As of the latest health surveillance measures (due to global health alerts like Ebola), India has reinstated the requirement for all international arriving passengers to fill out the Air Suvidha 2.0 Self-Declaration Form.

• When to fill: Up to 24 hours before your flight to India.
• Cost: It is 100% free. (Beware of scam sites charging fees).
• Official Link: airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in

Keep a digital or printed copy of the confirmation email handy, as airlines may ask for it before boarding, or health officials may ask for it upon arrival.

It is a logistical nightmare to obtain US documents after you have moved. At a bare minimum, you must carry:

• Apostilled Vital Records: US Birth Certificates for your kids (required for OCI/schools) and your US Marriage Certificate.
• Employment Proof: Verification of Employment letters and 5 years of W-2s (Indian corporate background checks will demand this).
• Financial Records: 6 months of physical US bank statements (often demanded by Indian Customs) and physical SSN cards.

👉 See the full, exhaustive Document Checklist here.

Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident (RNOR) is a transitional tax status. It allows returning NRIs to keep their foreign income completely tax-free in India, typically for 2–3 financial years (the exact duration depends on Section 6(6) of the Income Tax Act — how many years you were a Non-Resident in the preceding 10 years and days spent in India in the preceding 7 years). Read our Taxes guide for detailed timelines.

During your RNOR period, US 401(k) withdrawals are generally tax-free in India. After RNOR expires, withdrawals are taxed at Indian income tax slab rates, but you can claim Foreign Tax Credits (FTC) under the DTAA. See our Finance guide.

While Roth IRAs are tax-free in the US, India does not explicitly recognize the tax-free nature of a Roth IRA. After your RNOR status expires, growth and withdrawals might be subject to Indian taxes. Consult a cross-border CPA.

Once you become a Resident Indian (post-RNOR), selling US stocks triggers Indian capital gains tax. Long-term (held > 24 months for unlisted foreign shares) is taxed at 12.5% without indexation (as per the July 2024 Budget). Short term is taxed at your slab rate. See Taxes & DTAA.

If you surrender your Green Card and move to India, you become a Non-Resident Alien (NRA). NRAs only have a $60,000 exemption for US-situs assets (like US stocks). The IRS can seize up to 40% of everything above that when you pass away. Read the critical warning in our Taxes guide.

If you held a US Green Card for 8 of the last 15 years and officially surrender it (Form I-407), you may be subject to a mark-to-market Exit Tax on your global unrealized gains if you are a Covered Expatriate — meaning you meet ANY ONE of: (a) net worth ≥ $2 million on the date of expatriation, OR (b) average annual US net income tax liability ≥ ~$206,000 (2024, inflation-adjusted) for the 5 preceding years, OR (c) failure to certify 5-year US tax compliance on Form 8854. Note: a $866,000 (2024) deemed-sale gain exclusion applies, meaning gains below this are not taxed under the Exit Tax.

Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) rules apply to Indian Mutual Funds held by US citizens/Green Card holders. The IRS taxes PFIC gains at the highest punitive rates with complex reporting (Form 8621). Sell them before moving if maintaining US status.

If you retain US Citizenship or a Green Card, you must file US taxes every year reporting your global (Indian) income. You can use the FEIE (Form 2555) or FTC (Form 1116) to avoid double taxation.

FBAR (Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) requires US persons to report all foreign (Indian) bank accounts if the aggregate balance exceeds $10,000 at any point in the calendar year. Massive penalties apply for failure to file.

No, India abolished its Wealth Tax in 2015. However, there is a surcharge on high-income earners (those earning over ₹50 Lakhs annually).

Most mainstream US brokerages will freeze or close your account if you change your address to India. Transfer assets to brokerages that support NRIs, like Charles Schwab International or Interactive Brokers. See Finance.

An NRE account holds foreign earnings in INR (fully repatriable, tax-free interest in India — however, this interest is still taxable by the US IRS for US persons). An NRO account holds Indian earnings like rent or dividends (subject to Indian tax, limited repatriation). See Finance.

Yes, upon your Return to India, you must legally notify your bank to convert your NRE/NRO accounts into standard Resident Savings accounts or RFC (Resident Foreign Currency) accounts.

A Resident Foreign Currency (RFC) account allows returning Indians to hold funds in foreign currency (like USD) in an Indian bank, protecting against INR depreciation.

Yes, you can use US credit cards with 0% foreign transaction fees (like Chase Sapphire or Capital One Venture) for large purchases in India. You must pay them off using your US bank account.

Before leaving the US, port your US cell phone number to Google Voice or Ultra Mobile PayGo. This allows you to receive SMS OTPs for US banking over Wi-Fi in India.

Use wire transfers directly from your US bank, or services like Wise, Remitly, or Instarem. Compare the exact exchange rate markup, not just the 'zero fee' marketing.

No. Keep at least one or two US checking accounts open (like Chase or Bank of America) to pay US credit cards, receive 401(k) distributions, and manage USD funds. Update them with an Indian address or US relative's address.

India imposes a 20% TCS on outward remittances exceeding ₹7 Lakhs per year under the LRS scheme. This makes moving money *out* of India expensive upfront, though it can be claimed against tax returns.

It depends heavily on your lifestyle and city tier. A frugal life in Tier 2 might require $300k, while a luxury life in Tier 1 might require $1.5M+. Use our FIRE Calculator 401(k) / IRA Tool Document to carry to run the exact math.

Transfer of Residence is a customs provision that allows professionals who have lived abroad for over 2 years to bring used household goods and personal effects into India without paying standard customs duty. See Logistics.

Under Baggage Rules, 2016, men who lived abroad for >1 year can bring 20 grams of gold duty-free. Women can bring 40 grams. It is strictly weight-based; the old value caps were removed.

No. Flat-panel TVs are explicitly excluded from duty-free allowance under Annexure III. You will pay a concessional TR duty of 15% (plus SWS, totaling ~16.5%) on the assessed value.

Yes, one laptop computer per adult passenger is 100% duty-free under standard baggage rules.

Yes, via a 20ft or 40ft shipping container. Used personal furniture > 1 year old is generally duty-free under TR. However, shipping costs ($5k-$10k) often exceed the value of the furniture. See Logistics.

Yes, you can import up to two pets (dogs or cats) per passenger under Transfer of Residence (TR). The key requirements are:

• Advance NOC from India's AQCS (₹1,000/pet) — required before travel. Airlines will deny boarding without it.
• ISO 11784/11785 15-digit microchip implanted before the rabies vaccine.
• Rabies vaccine — at least 30 days before travel, within 12 months of arrival.
• USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
• No mandatory quarantine if all documents are complete and correct.
• Approved entry airports only: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad.

Plan for a 1–2 month minimum preparation timeline. If you may return to the US with your dog, get a Rabies Titer Test done before leaving — India is classified high-risk by the CDC. Read our full Pet Relocation Guide →

No. Imported vehicles face customs duties exceeding 100%, massive state road taxes, and LHD to RHD conversion costs. It is cheaper to buy a new car in India. See Driving guide.

Yes. Importing drones into India is heavily restricted/banned without prior approval from the DGCA and DGFT. Do not pack drones in your luggage.

Yes. Exporting consulting or software services is a zero-rated supply under GST (0% tax). You can use Section 44ADA presumptive taxation — paying income tax on only 50% of gross receipts (up to ₹75 lakhs in FY2024-25 if ≥95% payments are digital).

Key requirements: receive payments via an AD Category-I bank with the correct RBI Purpose Code, get a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) each year to export without paying IGST upfront, and use a current account for business income.

⚠️ Note: if you are RNOR, working on US clients while physically sitting in India may make that income taxable in India. See our Freelance & Startups guide →

Yes. An OCI holder can be a director and shareholder of an Indian Pvt Ltd company. Requirements:

• Minimum 2 directors and 2 shareholders
• At least 1 director must be an Indian Resident (182+ days in India in the prior financial year)
• OCI investments in most IT/consulting sectors go through the FDI Automatic Route (no government approval needed)

See our Freelance & Startups guide for the full process.

Key things to know:

• Health Insurance: IRDAI now allows seniors of any age to buy insurance. Ayushman Bharat's 70+ scheme (Sept 2024) covers all citizens 70+ regardless of income for ₹5L/year.
• Sending money: Remittances to parents are 100% tax-free for them under Section 56(2)(x).
• Property: Do not pay for property and register it solely in your parents' name — this risks the Benami Transactions Act. Buy jointly or in your name and issue a PoA.

See our full Aging Parents guide →

India runs on 230V/50Hz. The US runs on 110V/60Hz. This affects everything.

• Bring: MacBooks, iPhones, iPads — 20-30%+ cheaper in the US. Their chargers are dual-voltage.
• Sell: KitchenAid mixers, hair dryers, blenders, vacuums — US motor appliances run ~20% slower on India's 50Hz, overheat, and fail prematurely.
• Don't bother: US Smart TVs (geo-locked apps + voltage issue). Cars (60-165% import duty + only RHD allowed).

See the full Bring vs. Sell Packing Guide →

Keeping your US digital footprint alive requires two things:

• The Phone Number: Do not rely on Google Voice, as many banks (like Chase) block VoIP numbers for 2FA. Instead, use a $3/month Ultra Mobile PayGo SIM and activate Wi-Fi Calling before you leave the US.
• The Bank Address: US Patriot Act rules require a physical residential address. Do not use a Virtual Mailbox as your physical address (it will be flagged as a CMRA). Use a trusted family member's address for the physical address, and the Virtual Mailbox for the mailing address.

See the full US Exit Strategy Guide →

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) is a lifelong visa for foreign citizens of Indian origin. It grants parity with NRIs in economic, financial, and educational fields, but does not grant voting rights or the ability to buy agricultural land.

Yes, a foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder is eligible for a Foreign Spouse OCI, provided the marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years.

Processing times range from 4 to 8 weeks. It is highly recommended to apply for OCI cards for your US-born children well before you begin booking flights. See Immigration.

Yes. OCI cardholders have educational parity and can attend private schools and colleges in India without a student visa.

If you have less than 40 credits (10 years) of US work, you generally cannot collect Social Security benefits. If you have 40+ credits, you can collect benefits in India. Note: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) that previously reduced SS benefits was repealed by the Social Security Fairness Act (signed Jan 5, 2025), effective December 2023. WEP no longer applies.

Yes, OCI cardholders can work in the private sector in India without needing an employment visa. However, they cannot hold government jobs.

Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) registration is required for foreigners staying >180 days. OCI cardholders are generally exempt from FRRO registration.

CBSE/ICSE are highly rigorous Indian curriculums. IB (International Baccalaureate) is globally recognized and offers a smoother transition for US-raised kids, but is significantly more expensive (₹5L - ₹15L/year). See Education.

Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) allows NRIs and OCI cardholders to gain admission to premier Indian engineering institutes (NITs, IIITs) based strictly on JEE Main ranks (SAT is no longer accepted), bypassing the standard general quota.

Most Indian schools (CBSE/ICSE) start their academic year in April. International schools (IB/IGCSE) often start in August to align with western calendars.

While officially illegal, many top private schools still require 'capitation fees' or massive refundable deposits for NRI admissions. Budget accordingly.

While accents can stand out, top international schools in Tier 1 cities have high concentrations of NRI/expat children, making the transition much easier socially.

No. Rent for at least 1-2 years. India's real estate market is hyper-localized, and you need time to understand traffic patterns, school commutes, and neighborhood dynamics. See Real Estate.

Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) protects home buyers from builder fraud. Never invest in an under-construction project that is not RERA registered.

No. Rental yields in India are notoriously low (1.5% to 3% annually). Real estate in India is primarily a capital appreciation play, not an income-generation play.

When buying property over ₹50 Lakhs from a Resident Indian, the buyer must deduct 1% TDS and pay the seller the balance. If buying from an NRI, TDS is much higher (20%+).

No. NRIs and OCI cardholders cannot legally purchase agricultural land, plantation property, or farmhouses in India. They can only inherit them.

You must physically be in India for 182 days in the preceding 12 months to qualify as a resident for Aadhaar. However, returning NRIs holding a valid Indian passport are exempt from this waiting period and can apply upon arrival. Note: OCI holders and foreign citizens (e.g., US-born children) must strictly complete the 182-day stay before applying. See Daily Living.

Permanent Account Number (PAN) is mandatory for filing taxes, opening bank accounts, buying property, and massive transactions. Apply for this immediately upon arrival.

No. Corporate health policies vanish the day you leave the job. Always buy a private, standalone base Health Insurance policy (minimum ₹10L - ₹20L) plus a Super Top-up. See Healthcare.

IPD covers hospitalization (surgeries, room rent). OPD covers doctor visits, pharmacy, and diagnostics without admission. Standard Indian policies only cover IPD; OPD policies are expensive add-ons.

US driving licenses are not valid in India. You must apply for a Learner's License at the local RTO, wait 30 days, and take a physical driving test for a Permanent License.