Published Nov 11, 2025 3 Min Read

Managing finances across borders can be challenging for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who wish to support their families in India or maintain their financial connections back home. An NRI joint account is a specialised banking facility designed to address these needs. It allows NRIs to hold accounts jointly with resident Indians or other NRIs, enabling seamless cross-border financial management. Governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, these accounts are essential for ensuring financial security and operational convenience.

Types of NRI Joint Accounts

NRIs can choose from three primary types of accounts depending on their financial goals and requirements:

 

Non-Resident External (NRE) Account

  • Designed for income earned outside India.
  • Repatriable, meaning funds can be transferred freely to foreign accounts.
  • Tax-free in India.
  • Can be jointly held with resident relatives.

 

Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) Account

  • Used for managing income earned within India, such as rental income or dividends.
  • Non-repatriable, meaning funds are primarily used within India.
  • Taxable in India.
  • Can be jointly held with resident Indians.

 

Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) Account

  • Allows NRIs to hold deposits in foreign currencies.
  • Repatriable, enabling easy transfer of funds abroad.
  • Offers protection against currency exchange rate fluctuations.
  • Can be jointly held with resident relatives.

Each account type has unique benefits tailored to the financial and tax requirements of NRIs. As you explore these options, consider complementing your financial portfolio with secure investment opportunities like Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposits (FDs). With attractive interest rates of up to 7.30% p.a., flexible tenures, and high safety ratings, Bajaj Finance FDs are an excellent choice to grow your wealth while ensuring stability. Take the next step towards achieving your financial goals today!

Documentation for NRI Joint Accounts

Opening an NRI joint account requires specific documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory norms. Here is a list of essential documents:


For NRI Primary Holder

  • Valid passport with a stamped visa.
  • Proof of NRI status, such as a work permit or visa.
  • Address proof abroad.
  • Recent passport-size photographs.
  • PAN card for tax compliance.

 

For Resident Joint Holder

  • Identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport).
  • Address proof (e.g., utility bills, Aadhaar card).
  • Relationship proof (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
  • Recent passport-size photographs.
  • Duly filled account opening form.

Ensuring accurate and complete documentation is crucial for a smooth account opening process. Additionally, consider securing your financial future by investing in Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposits. With their competitive interest rates and flexible tenures, Bajaj Finance FDs provide a reliable option to grow your savings while maintaining a seamless financial plan. Book FD

How to open an NRI joint account

Opening an NRI joint account is straightforward and can be done either online or offline. Here is a step-by-step guide:

 

Online Process

  1. Choose a bank offering NRI joint accounts.
  2. Select the desired account type (NRE, NRO, or FCNR).
  3. Fill out the application form available on the bank’s website.
  4. Upload scanned copies of required documents.
  5. Complete the verification process as per the bank’s instructions.

 

Offline Process

  1. Visit the nearest branch of your preferred bank.
  2. Obtain and fill out the account opening form.
  3. Submit physical copies of the required documents.
  4. Complete in-person verification procedures.

Both methods are designed to ensure convenience and compliance, allowing NRIs to start managing their finances efficiently. 


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Conditions applicable for opening and operating an NRI joint account

There are specific conditions and operational mandates for opening and managing NRI joint accounts:

  • Eligibility: NRIs can open joint accounts with close relatives, such as parents, spouse, siblings, or children.
  • Operational Mandates: Joint holders can operate accounts based on instructions such as ‘Either or Survivor’ or ‘Jointly.’
  • Restrictions: Funds from NRO accounts cannot be transferred to NRE accounts or abroad.

These conditions ensure that the account complies with FEMA regulations and meets the financial objectives of both NRIs and resident joint holders.


Benefits of NRI joint accounts

NRI joint accounts offer several advantages that make them a preferred choice for cross-border financial management:

  • Financial Security: Provides a reliable avenue for supporting family members in India.
  • Convenience: Simplifies the management of income earned in India or abroad.
  • Flexibility: Allows NRIs to deposit foreign income and access funds in INR.
  • Tax Advantages: NRE accounts are tax-free, while NRO accounts offer deductions on interest income.

These benefits make NRI joint accounts an essential tool for NRIs looking to maintain financial stability and convenience.


By understanding the eligibility, benefits, and operational conditions of NRI joint accounts, NRIs can make informed decisions to secure their financial future and support their families seamlessly. One financial instrument they can use is Bajaj Finance FD. Invest now and get up to 7.30% p.a. returns. 

Conclusion

NRI joint accounts are a practical solution for managing finances across borders. They offer flexibility, security, and compliance with regulatory requirements, making them ideal for NRIs and their families in India. Whether it is supporting loved ones or maintaining financial connections back home, these accounts simplify complex financial processes.


If you are an NRI planning to open a joint account, ensure that you choose the right account type and bank to meet your financial goals. Explore the benefits of seamless banking and take the first step towards secure and convenient financial management today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can NRI open a joint account?

Yes, NRIs can open joint accounts with other NRIs or resident Indians, depending on the chosen account type.

Can NRIs keep joint savings accounts in India?

Yes, NRIs can maintain joint NRE, NRO, or FCNR savings accounts in India with other NRIs or resident Indians.

What happens to a joint NRI account after the demise of the primary holder?

Upon the primary holder’s demise, the account operation shifts to the joint holder based on the specified operational mandate, such as ‘Either or Survivor.’

Are NRI joint accounts taxable?

NRE accounts are tax-free in India, while NRO accounts are taxable. FCNR accounts are exempt from tax on interest income.

Can NRI joint accounts be operated online?

Yes, most banks provide online account management facilities for NRI joint accounts, ensuring convenience for NRIs worldwide.

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Disclaimer

As regards deposit taking activity of Bajaj Finance Ltd (BFL), the viewers may refer to the advertisement in the Indian Express (Mumbai Edition) and Loksatta (Pune Edition) furnished in the application form for soliciting public deposits or refer https://www.bajajfinserv.in/fixed-deposit-archives
The company is having a valid Certificate of Registration dated March 5, 1998 issued by the Reserve Bank of India under section 45 IA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. However, the RBI does not accept any responsibility or guarantee about the present position as to the financial soundness of the company or for the correctness of any of the statements or representations made or opinions expressed by the company and for repayment of deposits/discharge of the liabilities by the company.

For the FD calculator the actual returns may vary slightly if the Fixed Deposit tenure includes a leap year.