PPF rules for NRIs and foreign citizens after moving abroad

The Public Provident Fund is a special savings account in India where the government helps people save money for a long time, and the money they earn is free from tax in India.

When someone who has this account moves to another country, different rules apply.

If they are still an Indian citizen but just living abroad, called an NRI, they can keep putting money into their old PPF account until its 15-year term ends.

But they cannot keep the account going longer than 15 years, which only people living in India can do.

They must also put at least ₹500 into the account every year to keep it active.

If someone becomes a citizen of another country, their PPF account is treated as closed and stops earning the good interest rate.

Instead, it earns a lower interest rate, like a regular post office savings account, until it is officially closed.

When the account matures, the money goes into a special NRO bank account in India.

That money cannot be sent directly abroad, but up to $1 million per year can be sent overseas after paying taxes.