If you are an NRI, repatriation means moving money out of India in a way that matches the account type and the source of the funds. The main rule is simple: the right account makes the process easier, and the wrong account creates extra checks.
If you want the full account breakdown first, read A Simple Guide to NRE, NRO and FCNR Accounts. This guide focuses on the repatriation side in a practical format.
How much money can you repatriate?
No separate RBI repatriation cap for legitimate money that retains its repatriable character.
Principal and interest are repatriable under the account and deposit terms.
Current income may be remitted; other eligible balances share the USD 1 million annual facility.
NRE account
NRE money is usually the easiest to move abroad because the account is meant for funds brought in from outside India. RBI treats NRE balances as repatriable, so there is no separate RBI repatriation cap for legitimate money already sitting in the account.
In simple terms, if the money was brought in from abroad and kept in NRE, this is usually the smoothest route.
FCNR(B) account
FCNR(B) deposits are foreign-currency term deposits. They are also designed to be repatriable, so the deposit amount and interest are generally movable under the account terms.
There is no separate RBI repatriation cap on a valid FCNR(B) deposit. The main timing point is that the money usually moves at maturity, unless the bank permits early closure under its deposit terms.
NRO account
NRO accounts work differently because they are meant for Indian income.
- Current income such as rent, pension, dividend or interest can be remitted abroad.
- NRO balances can be remitted up to USD 1 million per financial year, subject to the remittance rules.
- Sale proceeds of eligible assets, including property and inherited assets, are covered under the same overall limit, subject to RBI conditions and documentary proof.
That is the key number most NRIs need to remember for NRO balances and eligible asset-sale remittances.
Procedure and documents
NRE remittance
For an NRE remittance, the bank usually needs a transfer request and the beneficiary details for the overseas account.
- Bank recordsKYC and account details already held by the bank.
- BeneficiaryThe receiving bank's account and transfer details.
- IdentityPassport or identity proof if the bank needs updated KYC.
- Source of fundsAdditional evidence if the bank requests it for a large or unusual transfer.
In practice, this is usually the simplest outward transfer request because the account itself is intended for repatriable funds.
FCNR(B) remittance
For an FCNR(B) deposit, the procedure is normally linked to maturity. At maturity, you can ask the bank to transfer the proceeds abroad or move them as permitted by the account structure. For early closure, the bank applies its deposit and penalty terms.
- Deposit recordThe deposit receipt or maturity advice.
- KYCCurrent identity and account records.
- Transfer detailsBeneficiary bank information when proceeds are sent abroad.
NRO remittance
NRO remittance is the most document-heavy of the three because the bank needs to establish what kind of money is leaving India.
The bank may ask for PAN, an account statement, KYC and proof such as rent papers, pension advice, dividend statements or interest statements.
Expect source-of-funds records and, where relevant, sale deeds, inheritance papers or gift documents.
- Provide the applicable income-tax remittance information or certificate where tax law requires it.
- Provide the documentary evidence and undertaking required by the authorised dealer bank under the FEMA remittance rules.
- Check the bank's current list before submitting because requirements vary with the source and nature of the funds.
For remittances made on or after 1 April 2026, the Income Tax Department says Forms 145 and 146 replace the former Forms 15CA and 15CB. Form 146 is not universal: the applicable route depends on factors including taxability, the amount and whether an Assessing Officer certificate has been obtained. Confirm the current requirement for your transfer.
What is the general timeline?
RBI does not prescribe one universal turnaround time for every remittance. The real timeline depends on the bank, the documents, cut-off times and whether correspondent banks are involved. These are practical estimates, not RBI deadlines.
NRE
Often the fastest route. A transfer may be processed the same day or within one to three working days when the details are complete; an international wire can take longer.
FCNR(B)
Normal settlement follows the maturity schedule. Premature closure can add time while the bank applies the deposit terms.
NRO
Usually slower because of source, document and tax checks. Missing or inconsistent records can extend the process.
A simple way to think about it
If you remember only one thing, remember this: the source of the money matters as much as the account type.
Final word
Repatriation is not really about one big rule. It is about matching the money to the right account, using the right documents and letting the bank verify the transfer. That is why NRE and FCNR(B) accounts are smoother, while NRO accounts need more care.
This is general information, not personal financial, tax or legal advice. If you are unsure which path your funds fall under, start with the account type and the source of the money, then check the details with your bank or a qualified adviser.