5 Investment Options for NRIs from Singapore

There are various investment options for NRIs based out of Singapore to invest in India. Whether it’s mutual funds, stocks, commercial real estate or government bonds, there are plenty of choices to suit different investment goals and risk appetites of investors. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the top 5 investment options for NRIs from Singapore and discuss in detail about them. 

Schedule a call with an NRI investment expert to get complete help regarding investment in India.

Who is an NRI Investor? 

According to the Section 6 of the Income Tax Act, an Indian citizen who does not meet the below-mentioned criteria is considered a non-resident Indian or an NRI:

1. If an individual resided in India for a period of 182 days or more during the previous year; or
2. If he/she lived in India for a period of 60 days or more during the previous year and 365 days or more during 4 years immediately preceding the previous year. 

However, you must be aware of new rules for NRIs as the rules to determine the residential status of an individual changes over time. 

India offers a range of NRI investment options. NRIs from Singapore can explore any of the NRI investment plans described below. 

5 Investment Options for NRIs from Singapore

Given below are the 5 best investment options in India for NRIs from Singapore with varied investment goals:

1. NRI Mutual Funds

NRIs from Singapore can invest in mutual funds in India. These mutual funds are offered by various fund houses and are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). They can be an ideal option for Singapore-based NRIs to diversify their portfolio. As compared to fixed deposits or national pension schemes, mutual funds are a little riskier, but offer more attractive returns. NRIs can select funds according to their risk profile and future goals. There are several mutual funds for NRIs in Singapore. They can take a look at them and decide which one suits their investment needs. 

• Procedure to Invest in NRI Mutual Funds

NRIs living in Singapore can invest in Mutual Funds in India by opening an NRE, NRO or FCNR account with an Indian bank. They can invest by any of methods given below:

1. NRIs need to make sure that they provide the essential KYC information and documents when they submit their mutual fund application. Additionally, the fund house might request a physical verification, which can be completed by visiting the Indian Embassy located in the applicant’s country of residence.
2. NRIs can also invest in MFs in India by appointing a Power of Attorney (PoA) holder. A PoA is authorized to make investment decisions on the behalf of NRIs and can invest in mutual funds. However, while investing mutual funds, one must make sure that the KYC documents consist of the signatures of both the NRI investor and the PoA holder. 
3. NRIs from Singapore can also invest in Mutual Funds in India in a few simple steps using the SBNRI app. 

2. Commercial Real Estate

Commercial Real Estate refers to properties that are used for business purposes, such as office buildings, retail stores, warehouses, and other similar properties. For NRIs from Singapore, investing in commercial real estate can be a viable option. Commercial properties provide opportunities for good returns and diversification of investment portfolio. However, NRIs need to comply with certain regulations and guidelines set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) while investing in commercial real estate in India.

• Procedure to Invest in Commercial Real Estate

Singapore-based NRIs can invest in commercial real estate in India through the following ways: 

• NRIs have the option to invest in commercial real estate in India either by buying a property in their name using inward remittances from abroad or through funds held in NRE/FCNR(B) accounts.
• NRIs from Singapore can also invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in India. Regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), REITs are investment instruments that enable investors to invest in income-producing properties without having complete ownership of the property. These vehicles offer NRIs a convenient way to invest in commercial real estate with lower risks and higher liquidity. 
• NRIs can also invest in Commercial Real Estate through fractional ownership. With fractional ownership in commercial real estate, individual investors can get partial ownership in Grade-A commercial properties. They can start by investing as low as Rs. 10 lakh investment amount. 

3. Stocks

Investors purchase stocks, which are a form of security, to acquire an ownership share in a company with the expectation of an increase in their value over time. NRIs residing in Singapore can invest in Indian stocks using the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) of the RBI, or through repatriable basis or or through Non-PIS on non-repatriable basis. Investing in a variety of stocks can help diversify NRI investor’s portfolio, reducing the overall risk of loss.

• Procedure to Invest in Stocks

NRIs in Singapore can invest in stocks in India through the following ways:

• NRIs can invest in Indian equities and debentures of Indian companies on a recognized stock exchange under the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS). For this, NRIs will need to open a PIS account with a designated bank and link it to their NRE/NRO account. 
• NRIs have the option to purchase and sell equity shares, mutual funds, and IPOs of Indian companies on a repatriable or non-repatriation basis through a PIS and Non-PIS account. To do so, they need to link their NRE/NRO bank account to their Demat account. NRIs can transfer funds from their NRE/NRO account to their Demat account and place orders for buying and selling stocks on Indian stock exchanges once the funds are successfully transferred. 
• They can also invest in Indian stocks through mutual funds.

4. NRI Fixed Deposits 

The most common investment option for NRIs is NRI Fixed Deposits. FDs are one of the safest ways to invest and earn fixed income over a pre-set period of time. There are three types NRI Fixed Deposit Accounts: 

1. Non-Resident External (NRE) Account
2. Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) Account
3. Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) [FCNR(B)] Account. 

• Procedure to Invest in FDs

Singapore-based NRIs can open an FD account through mobile or internet banking:

• There are many Indian banks providing the highest Fixed Deposit Rates in India for NRI on NRI FDs. NRIs just need to open their NRI account and log in to their internet or mobile banking platform. Then, they need to select ‘NRI Fixed Deposits’ from the ‘Deposits’ menu. After this, they have to enter the deposit amount and select their funding account. 
• NRIs living in Singapore can also invest in Fixed Deposits through SBNRI app. It will also guide you through the basic calculation of returns based on your investments. It has a team of experienced individuals that will give you insights on how to maximize your returns. 

5. National Pension Scheme

National Pension Scheme or NPS can be one more reliable source of investment for NRIs from Canada in India. NPS scheme is fully backed by the government and allows NRIs to invest in equity funds, debts, or a combination of both.

Individuals between the ages of 18 years and 60 years can invest in NPS with minimal documents like a PAN card and an Aadhaar card. You need a Non-Resident External (NRE) account or a Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account when investing in NPS.

Wrapping Up

To sum up, NRIs living in Singapore have a plethora of investment options in India to choose from. Fixed deposits, mutual funds, equity shares, and commercial real estate are some of the most popular investment options for NRIs. With proper research and planning, NRIs in Singapore can make profitable investments in India and take advantage of the country’s growing economy.

Contact SBNRI 

To ask any question related to NRI investment in India, you can schedule a call by clicking the button below. You can also download SBNRI App for investment in stock market/ mutual funds, NPS, Fixed Deposit, Pre-IPO, Asset Finance, Commercial Real Estate, Indian Startups Funds, NRI account opening, etc. To ask any questions, click on the button below. Also, visit our blog and YouTube channel for more details.

FAQs