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Difference Between NRE & NRO Account

  • Apr 1, 2025

NRIs can primarily rely on NRE and NRO accounts as instruments in this regard. Non-Resident Ordinary Accounts are known as NROs, and Non-Resident External Accounts as NREs.

You need to understand the distinction between the NRE vs NRO account before selecting one of them. Continue reading to learn more.

What is an NRE Account?

Non-resident Indians can keep and transfer their international earnings in Indian currency without any restrictions when they have an NRE account. Two NRIs may open this account together, but not with an Indian resident. Numerous advantages are provided by it, including tax exemption, money repatriation, and more.

What is an NRO Account?

Income earned in India is mostly deposited into an NRO account. This covers pensions, dividends, rent, and so forth. You can also move money from your foreign account to this account as an NRI. Nevertheless, taxes are levied on the interest that is accrued in this account.

What is the Difference Between NRE & NRO Account?

Aspect

NRE Account

NRO Account

Purpose

Designed for repatriation of foreign earnings

Meant for managing income earned in India

Currency

Maintained in Indian Rupees or foreign currency

Maintained only in Indian Rupees

Repatriation

Both principal and interest are freely repatriable

Only interest income is repatriable

Source of Funds

Funds originate from abroad

Funds can be from both India and abroad

Taxation

Interest earned is tax-free in India

Interest earned is taxable in India

Joint Accounts

Can be held jointly with another NRI

Can be held jointly with an Indian resident or another NRI

Permitted Credits

Limited to foreign sources like remittances or foreign income

Accepts income earned in India, like rent, dividends, etc.

Investment

It can be used for investments in India

It can be used for limited investments in India

Purpose Restrictions

Funds must be used for specific purposes outlined by RBI

No specific restrictions on the usage of funds

Purpose of NRE and NRO Accounts

NRE Account

1. Maintaining and transferring foreign revenues in the Indian rupee is the primary goal.

2. Permits the deposit of money from overseas, including dividends, rent, and investment income, by NRIs.

3. Money placed into this account is fully repatriable, which means it can be moved without any limitations back to the source nation.

4. Perfect for non-resident Indians (NRIs) who wish to retain their money in Indian rupees and have the option to move it back to their home country if necessary.

5. For NRIs, interest earned is tax-free.

NRO Account

1. The primary goal is to deposit earnings, such as rent, dividends, pensions, etc., that are earned in India.

2. You can send money to this account from overseas bank accounts.

3. NRO accounts are restricted on the repatriation of funds, in contrast to NRE accounts. You can only transfer USD 1 million overseas in a fiscal year.

4. Taxes apply to interest earned in this account.

5. Perfect for non-resident Indians (NRIs) who require a separate account to handle their revenue sources in India.

How do you Open NRO/NRE Accounts?

There are two methods:

1. You have the option to change your current savings account to an NRE or NRO account.

2. If you don't already have a conventional savings account in your name, you can start a new one from scratch.

One significant resemblance between the two is that their respective bank accounts are denominated in rupees. For NRIs, NRE and NRO bank accounts are provided by all significant commercial and public sector banks.Also Read about How to Open a Demat Account for NRI?

How do I Choose Which Account to Open for Myself?

There are differences between the NRE and NRO accounts. It is simple to repatriate and transfer funds using an NRE account. If you have an Indian source of income, open an NRO account, as it is intended to hold funds from such sources. However, the NRE account would be a great option if all you wanted to do was convert overseas income into Indian currency. With no restrictions on repatriation, NRE account deposits generate tax-free interest.

The Bottom Line

For NRIs, there are distinct uses for both NRE and NRO accounts. An NRO account is mostly used for managing income produced in India, even though it provides tax benefits and complete fund repatriation. Be sure to carefully evaluate your demands and select the account type that best suits them.

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