From account opening to first SIP — all online, from anywhere in the world.
Starting your first SIP as an NRI might feel like a big task. You may worry about paperwork, bank accounts, or legal rules. But here is the good news: the process is now fully digital and easier than ever. You can complete everything from your home abroad — no need to visit India.
This guide will walk you through 7 simple steps. Follow them one by one, and you will be investing in India in less than 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Process at a Glance
| Step | Action | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open NRE/NRO account with an Indian bank | 3-5 days |
| 2 | Download Sanchay Karo App | 2 minutes |
| 3 | Complete e-KYC (PAN, Passport, Overseas address proof) | 10 minutes |
| 4 | Submit FATCA/CRS declaration | 5 minutes |
| 5 | Link your NRE/NRO account to the app | 2 minutes |
| 6 | Choose a mutual fund scheme (equity, debt, hybrid, or ELSS) | 5 minutes |
| 7 | Set SIP amount and start date | 2 minutes |
Total time to start investing: Less than 30 minutes!
Step 1: Open an NRE or NRO Account with an Indian Bank
You cannot invest in Indian mutual funds without an Indian bank account. This is your first and most important step. You need either an NRE (Non-Resident External) account or an NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account.
- NRE Account: Best if you want to send money from your overseas income to India. Both the money you invest and the returns you earn can be freely sent back abroad (this is called “full repatriation”).
- NRO Account: Best if you have income in India, such as rent from a property or a pension. You can still invest through this account, but sending money abroad has a limit of $1 million per year.
Most NRIs prefer the NRE account because it gives them full freedom to move their money back if needed. You can open this account online with most Indian banks in 3-5 days.
Step 2: Download the Sanchay Karo App
Once your bank account is ready, download the Sanchay Karo Investment App. It is available for both Android and iOS users.
- For Android: Download from Google Play
- For iOS: Download from the Apple App Store
The app is designed specifically for NRIs. It makes every step simple and clear.
Step 3: Complete Your e-KYC
KYC means “Know Your Customer.” It is a mandatory process to verify your identity. As an NRI, you will need:
- Your PAN Card (mandatory for all investments in India)
- A clear copy of your passport
- Your overseas address proof (such as a utility bill or bank statement)
- A recent photograph
The good news is that you can complete your KYC completely online. Many platforms now offer video KYC — you connect with a representative via a video call, show your documents, and the verification is done in minutes. No need to travel to India.
Step 4: Submit Your FATCA/CRS Declaration
FATCA and CRS are international tax rules that India follows. Every NRI investor must submit a FATCA/CRS declaration. This is a simple form where you confirm your country of tax residence and provide your Tax Identification Number (TIN) from that country.
This step is mandatory and only takes about 5 minutes. The Sanchay Karo App will guide you through the form with simple questions.
Step 5: Link Your NRE/NRO Account to the App
Now you need to connect your Indian bank account to the Sanchay Karo App. This allows the app to automatically deduct your monthly SIP amount from your account.
The process is simple: enter your account number and IFSC code, verify with a one-time password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number, and you are done. This takes just 2 minutes.
Step 6: Choose a Mutual Fund Scheme
This is where you decide where your money will grow. Sanchay Karo App offers several types of funds:
- Equity Funds: Invest in company shares. Best for long-term goals (7+ years). Highest return potential (12-14%).
- Debt Funds: Invest in bonds and fixed-income instruments. Safer but lower returns (6-8%). Good for short-term goals (1-3 years).
- Hybrid Funds: Mix of equity and debt. Balanced risk and returns.
- ELSS Funds: Equity funds that also save tax under Section 80C. Has a 3-year lock-in period.
The app will ask you a few simple questions about your goals, time horizon, and how much risk you are comfortable with. Based on your answers, it will recommend a suitable fund.
Step 7: Set Your SIP Amount and Start Date
You are now at the final step. Decide:
- How much you want to invest each month: You can start with as little as ₹500 (about $6 USD).
- Which day of the month you want the money to be deducted: Choose a date just after your salary arrives in your account.
- How long you want to continue: You can keep the SIP open for as many years as you want.
Once you confirm, the SIP is set up. The money will be auto-debited from your NRE/NRO account every month on your chosen date. Your investment journey has officially begun.
See How Your Money Grows — A Simple Calculation
Let’s look at an example. Suppose you start with a small monthly SIP of ₹3,000. You invest for 20 years and earn an average return of 12% per year.
| Monthly SIP | Duration | Expected Return | Final Corpus (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₹3,000 | 20 Years | 12% p.a. | ₹29.9 Lakhs |
Your total investment over 20 years is only ₹7.2 lakhs (₹3,000 x 12 months x 20 years). But because of compounding, your money grows to nearly ₹30 lakhs — more than 4 times what you put in.
Now imagine you increase your SIP amount every year (step-up SIP). Your final corpus could be even larger.
Your Action Plan — Start Today
You don’t need to be a finance expert. You don’t need to be in India. You just need to take the first step.
- Download the Sanchay Karo App
- Follow the 7 steps above
- Start your first SIP with as little as ₹500
Every day you wait is a day your money could have been growing.
Join Our WhatsApp Community
You don’t have to do this alone. Join the Sanchay Karo Investor WhatsApp Group to get daily tips, ask questions, and stay motivated.
👉 Join our WhatsApp group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/G2Gdsuasv79BJxbGUMdo1u
Learn More
👉 Visit our NRI SIP page for more information:
https://sanchaykaro.com/nri-sip/
Don’t let distance stop you from building wealth in India. Download Sanchay Karo App today and take your first step toward financial freedom — from wherever you are in the world.
- For Android: Download from Google Play
- For iOS: Download from the Apple App Store
👉 Join our WhatsApp community for daily NRI investing tips:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/G2Gdsuasv79BJxbGUMdo1u
Your financial freedom is just 7 steps away. Start today.
