Archive · 25 Oct 2025
PPF Account Rules Explained for NRIs and Overseas Indians
Imagine you have a special savings account in India called a PPF.
If you move to another country and become an NRI, you can't open a new PPF account, but you can keep the one you have.
To keep it active, you need to put in at least 500 rupees each year.
When the account matures, the money goes into a special account in India.
You can't directly send this money to your new country, but you can send money from that account up to a certain amount.
You also get tax benefits for putting money into the PPF.
If your parents want to help, it's best if they give you the money first.
NRIs cannot open a new PPF account after their residency changes.
Existing PPF accounts can continue until their 15-year term ends.
A minimum deposit of ₹500 annually is needed to keep the account active.
Matured funds are credited to the NRI's NRO account.
PPF balance cannot be directly transferred abroad.
- Who
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
- What
- Rules for Public Provident Fund (PPF) accounts.
- When
- When an individual becomes an NRI.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To provide clarity on how PPF accounts work for NRIs and the implications of changing residency status.
- Definition
- Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a savings scheme in India.
- Who it affects
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Indian residents abroad.
- New Account Opening
- NRIs cannot open new PPF accounts.
- Existing Account Continuation
- Existing accounts continue until maturity.
- Minimum Deposit
- ₹500 per year to keep account active.
- Maturity Funds
- Credited to NRO account.
- Repatriation
- PPF balance is non-repatriable.
- Tax Benefit
- Contributions eligible for Section 80C deductions.