If you’re an NRI (Non-Resident Indian), one of your biggest financial priorities is figuring out how to send money to India online securely, at the lowest cost, and in compliance with RBI rules. Alongside remittances, you also need to think about NRI investment options that help you build wealth abroad while planning for your eventual return. And, of course, NRI tax planning in 2025 plays a major role in ensuring your income isn’t taxed twice.
Globally, immigrants like you and millions of others sent home nearly $0.5 trillion back in 2015—and the numbers are much higher now in 2025. With such huge flows, banks, fintechs, and even the RBI have sharpened their rules and services.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
The best methods to send money to India online
RBI rules for NRI remittances
Top NRI investment options (stocks, real estate, mutual funds, deposits)
NRI tax planning 2025 with Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)
Portfolio management tips for expats
Let’s dive in.
Why Sending Money to India Online is a Big Deal in 2025
For many NRIs, sending money home isn’t just about family support—it’s also about:
- Investing in India: property, stocks, FDs, or startups.
- Meeting obligations: EMIs, insurance, or school fees.
- Retirement planning: building a base for when you return.
The growth of fintech apps like Wise, Remitly, PayPal Xoom, and Indian banks’ digital platforms has reduced costs dramatically. But the choice depends on speed, exchange rate, and your personal goals
Best Ways to Send Money to India Online (2025)
A practical walkthrough of sending money internationally using Wise.
1. International Money Transfer Apps
Apps like Wise, Remitly, Xoom, and InstaReM are popular because they:
- Offer low transfer fees compared to banks.
- Give you mid-market exchange rates with minimal markup.
- Are quick—money often lands in minutes to hours.
👉 Best for: regular transfers to family.
2. Indian Bank NRI Services
Banks like HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Kotak have specialized NRI Remittance Portals.
- Direct transfer into NRE/NRO accounts.
- High security, RBI-regulated.
- Slightly higher fees but safer for large sums.
👉 Best for: high-value transfers or real estate payments.
3. Forex & Wire Transfers
- Traditional SWIFT transfers remain secure but expensive.
- Fees: $25–50 + exchange rate markup.
- Takes 2–5 business days.
👉 Best for: corporate or one-time large transactions.
4. International Credit Cards & Multi-Currency Accounts
- Services like Revolut, Niyo Global, HSBC Premier let you spend abroad but also remit.
- Multi-currency wallets make it easy to hold USD/EUR/INR.
👉 Best for: frequent travelers, digital nomads, and global investors.
RBI Rules for NRI Remittances (2025 Update)
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governs what you, as an NRI, can and cannot remit. Here are the latest updates:
- NRE Account: Repatriable, tax-free in India. Funded from foreign earnings.
- NRO Account: For income earned in India (rent, dividends). Repatriation up to $1 million per year allowed after taxes.
- FCNR Deposits: Foreign currency deposits in Indian banks, protected from forex risk.
RBI Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) 2025:
- Residents can remit up to $250,000 per year abroad.
- NRIs can bring in unlimited remittances through legal channels.
💡 Tip for You: Always use official channels to avoid compliance issues and future tax notices.
NRI Investment Options in 2025
Sending money is one part. Growing it is another. Here are the best NRI investment options in 2025:
1. Real Estate vs. Stocks for NRIs
- Real Estate: Still popular, but rules have tightened. You cannot buy agricultural land, but you can invest in residential/commercial properties. Rental income is taxable.
- Stocks & Mutual Funds: NRIs can invest in Indian stock markets via Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) through NRE/NRO accounts.
👉 If you want liquidity & growth: stocks and mutual funds are better.
👉 If you want stability: real estate offers security but needs big capital.
2. Fixed Deposits & Bonds
- NRE FDs: Tax-free in India, high interest rates (5–7%).
- NRO FDs: Taxable, but useful for Indian income.
- Government Bonds: Safe and stable.
3. Mutual Funds & ETFs
- NRIs from most countries can invest (some restrictions for US/Canada due to FATCA).
- Offer long-term wealth creation.
4. Insurance & Retirement Products
- Life insurance & pension schemes for NRIs help with long-term planning.
- Premiums can be paid directly via remittance.
NRI Tax Planning 2025 – Avoiding Double Tax
One of your biggest worries is getting taxed twice—once abroad and once in India. Thankfully, the DTAA (Double Tax Avoidance Agreement) exists between India and 90+ countries.
Key Tax Rules for NRIs in 2025
- NRE FD Interest: Tax-free in India.
- NRO FD Interest: Taxed @30% TDS.
- Rental Income: Taxed in India, but DTAA can help you offset.
- Capital Gains: Taxable if from Indian assets.
Double Tax Avoidance in Action
Example: You work in the US but earn rent in India. You pay tax in India, but claim credit in the US under DTAA.
💡 Tip for You: Always file an Indian income tax return (ITR) if you have taxable Indian income, even if you live abroad.
Managing Personal Finance as an Expat
Being an expat means juggling currencies, time zones, and rules. Here’s how you can simplify:
- Use international credit cards (like Niyo, Revolut) to avoid high forex charges.
- Diversify your portfolio: Indian + foreign assets.
- Keep emergency funds both in India and your host country.
- Track taxes: Hire a CA in India who understands DTAA.
- Plan repatriation: If you move back, you’ll need to restructure NRE/NRO accounts.
Portfolio Management Tips for NRIs
A smart portfolio balances India and abroad.
- 40% in Indian equity/mutual funds (growth potential).
- 30% in real estate / FDs (stability).
- 30% in global investments (ETFs, retirement funds in the host country).
FAQs on NRI Remittances & Investments
Q1. What is the cheapest way to send money to India online in 2025?
A: Fintech apps like Wise and Remitly offer the lowest fees and best rates for smaller transfers.
Q2. Can NRIs buy property in India?
A: Yes, residential and commercial properties are allowed, but not agricultural land.
Q3. Are NRE deposits still tax-free in 2025?
A: Yes, interest on NRE deposits remains tax-free in India.
Q4. How do I avoid double tax as an NRI?
A: Use DTAA benefits and declare income in both countries correctly.
Conclusion
Managing your finances as an NRI in 2025 goes beyond just finding the cheapest way to send money to India online. It’s about balancing low-cost remittances, safe investment options, and smart tax planning to protect your wealth globally. By using RBI-regulated accounts, exploring a mix of real estate, stocks, and deposits, and leveraging DTAA benefits, you can make sure every rupee you send or invest works harder for your future.
As an expat, think of remittance not just as support for family, but as part of your long-term portfolio strategy. The right tools and awareness of rules will give you peace of mind while building your financial base both abroad and in India.
👉 Whether you’re transferring funds, investing back home, or planning taxes, always use secure, transparent platforms and seek professional advice when needed. That way, your money continues to grow while staying compliant and stress-free.
👉 Next Steps for You
Looking to maximize your NRI savings and reduce tax stress?
📌 Check our full guide on NRI Tax Saving Investments 2025
📌 Learn more in our Personal Finance Planning for Expats article.
💡 Start today—every smart step in remittance, tax, and investment planning makes your financial journey as an NRI easier and more rewarding.