India offers NRIs a wide range of investment opportunities across equities, mutual funds, IPOs, bonds, ETFs, REITs, InvITs, and other eligible securities. However, investing in India as an NRI involves additional requirements related to KYC, NRE/NRO accounts, repatriation, taxation, and investment eligibility.
The right investment platform can make this process easier by providing access to eligible investment products, digital portfolio management, account-opening support, and investment-related services from outside India.
NRIs can choose from digital investment platforms, discount brokers, bank-backed platforms, and full-service investment providers. The best option depends on the products you want to invest in, your banking relationship, preferred account structure, country of residence, and the level of support you need.
In this guide, we compare some of the best platforms for NRIs to invest in India and explain what to consider before choosing one.
Top Platforms for NRIs to Invest in India
1. Groww
Groww offers a digital investing platform for NRIs who want to participate in eligible Indian market investments. Through its Non-PIS NRO route, investors can access a range of market products while managing their investments digitally.
The NRI offering covers stocks, futures and options (F&O), mutual funds, ETFs and IPOs, subject to applicable regulations and eligibility.
NRIs can also link an existing active NRO bank account, so they don’t need to open a new bank account specifically for the investment account.
Groww follows a digital onboarding process, with required documents verified online. The Non-PIS route also means that a PIS letter is not required.
Key Features of Groww for NRI Investors
- Non-PIS NRO Route: Invest in eligible Indian securities without requiring a PIS letter.
- Multiple Investment Options: Access stocks, F&O, mutual funds, ETFs and IPOs through one platform.
- Digital Onboarding: Complete the account-opening process online with digital document verification.
- Existing NRO Account: Link an active NRO bank account without opening a new bank account.
- Easy Portfolio Management: Monitor eligible investments and manage your portfolio digitally.
- Tax Deduction: Applicable TDS on capital gains is deducted before sale proceeds are credited.
- Simple Investing Experience: Manage eligible Indian investments through a straightforward digital interface.
Groww is Best For
- NRIs who want to manage eligible Indian investments digitally
- Investors who already maintain an NRO bank account
- NRIs looking for a Non-PIS investment route
- Investors interested in stocks, F&O, mutual funds, ETFs and IPOs
- Investors who value a digital and straightforward investing experience
Overall, Groww is suited for NRIs seeking a digital platform to manage multiple eligible Indian investments through the Non-PIS NRO route.
The platform is particularly relevant for investors primarily interested in Indian equities who prefer a self-directed investment experience.
NRIs should review the applicable NRI account requirements, investment restrictions, brokerage, and banking arrangements before opening an account.
Zerodha is Best For
- NRIs primarily interested in Indian equities
- Self-directed investors
- Investors looking for a brokerage-focused platform
- Existing Zerodha users exploring NRI investment facilities
3. ICICI Direct
ICICI Direct offers an integrated NRI investment ecosystem combining banking, Demat, trading, and investment services.
Its NRI offering includes a 3-in-1 account comprising NRI savings, Demat, and trading accounts, with NRE and NRO options. ICICI states that its platform provides access to Indian equity markets and allows users to trade and track their portfolios through web and mobile platforms.
This can be particularly convenient for NRIs who already have an ICICI Bank relationship.
ICICI Direct is Best For
- NRIs who already bank with ICICI
- Investors looking for banking and investments under one ecosystem
- Investors who prefer a bank-backed platform
- NRIs looking for an integrated 3-in-1 account
4. HDFC Securities
HDFC Securities provides investment services through the broader HDFC ecosystem.
The platform can be relevant for NRIs who prefer a bank-backed investment provider and want to manage their investment relationship alongside their banking services.
Confirm the exact NRI account structure, investment products, documentation, and charges with the platform before opening an account.
NRIs can consider the platform if they already maintain a relationship with Kotak Mahindra Bank and prefer to manage their banking and investments through the same institution.
The platform may suit NRIs who prefer bank-backed investment services and want to keep their investment and banking relationships within the same ecosystem.
The platform can be relevant for NRIs looking for a full-service investment provider, particularly those who value research and investment support.
NRIs considering the platform should verify the current availability of NRI account facilities, eligible products, country-specific requirements, and applicable regulations before proceeding.
Angel One is Best For
- Investors familiar with digital brokerage platforms
- NRIs looking for a broader investment ecosystem
- Investors who prefer managing investments digitally
How to Choose the Best Platform for NRI Investments
1. Check Investment Product Availability
First, determine whether the platform provides the products you want to invest in.
For example, an investor focused on Indian equities may have different requirements from an NRI looking for mutual funds, bonds, ETFs, IPOs, or a diversified portfolio.
Check whether the process is digital, whether documents need attestation, and whether physical verification or courier submission is required.
Tax treatment can vary depending on:
- Type of investment
- Holding period
- Capital gains
- Dividend or interest income
- Residential status
- Applicable tax rules
- Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)
- Country of tax residence
- Repatriation structure
NRIs should therefore evaluate both Indian tax implications and the tax rules applicable in their country of residence.
For complex situations, consulting a qualified tax professional can help determine the applicable treatment.
Groww is suited for NRI investors seeking a digital-first investing experience and who want access to multiple investment products.
Zerodha may be more appropriate for self-directed investors primarily interested in Indian equities.
ICICI Direct, HDFC Securities, Kotak Securities, and Axis Direct may suit NRIs who prefer bank-backed investment platforms and integrated banking services.
Motilal Oswal may suit investors looking for research-oriented and full-service investment support.
The right choice should be based on investment products, NRE/NRO support, charges, account-opening convenience, repatriation requirements, customer support, and digital experience rather than simply choosing the platform with the lowest brokerage.
Platforms such as Groww, Zerodha, ICICI Direct, HDFC Securities, Kotak Securities, Axis Direct, Motilal Oswal, and other eligible providers offer different combinations of investment products, digital services, banking integration, and investor support.
Before choosing a platform, compare its NRI account facilities, investment products, charges, onboarding process, NRE/NRO support, repatriation options, customer service, and digital experience.
Note: NRI investment rules, onboarding requirements, product availability, and charges can change. SEBI announced KYC relaxations for persons resident outside India on August 14, 2026, so investors should verify the latest requirements with the platform before opening an account.