What is the procedure of sending gifts (by NRIs) to relatives back here in India?

FOREIGN EXCHANGE DEPARTMENT
EXTERNAL PAYMENTS DIVISION
Frequently Asked Questions

Foreign Exchange Facilities for Residents (As on July 1, 2004)

Introduction

The legal framework for administration of exchange control in India is provided by the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. Under the Act, freedom has been granted for buying and selling of foreign exchange for undertaking current account transactions. However, the Central Government has been vested with powers in consultation with Reserve Bank to impose reasonable restrictions on current account transactions. Accordingly, the Government has issued Notifications GSR.381(E) dated May 3, 2000, and S.O. 301(E) dated March 30, 2001, imposing certain restrictions on current account transactions in public interest.

These details are available on the Bank’s website besides with the authorised dealers and regional offices of the Foreign Exchange Department. Our experience so far has been that the residents like to get information on several matters relating to various current account transactions and other incidental issues. This pamphlet attempts to answer to all such questions in simple language. While preparing replies to questions, special care has been taken to ensure that the replies are drafted in simple words and reference to technical details are avoided.

 The Foreign Exchange Management Act,1999 (FEMA), has come into force with effect from June 1, 2000. With introduction of the new Act (in place of FERA), certain structural changes have been introduced and now all transactions involving foreign exchange have been classified either as Capital or Current Account transactions. All transactions undertaken by a resident that do not alter his assets or liabilities outside India are current account transactions. In terms of Section 5 of the FEMA, persons are free to buy or sell foreign exchange for any current account transaction except for those transactions on which Central Government has imposed restrictions, vide its Notification No.G.S.R.381(E) dated May 3, 2000 (as amended from time to time). Full text of the said Notification is available in the Official Gazette. It is also available as annexure to our Master Circular on Miscellaneous remittances available at our website www.mastercirculars.rbi.org.in.Incidentally, no release of foreign exchange is admissible for any kind of travel to Nepal and Bhutan or for any transaction with persons resident in Nepal and Bhutan.

Some of the commonly or frequently asked questions by residents in connection with foreign exchange facilities or restrictions have been answered in the following paragraphs.

I. Guidelines on travel related matters

1. Who is a resident?

In terms of Section 2(v) of FEMA, 1999, a "person resident in India" means –

1. a person residing in India for more than one hundred and eighty-two days during the course of the preceding financial year but does not include –

(A) a person who has gone out of India or who stays outside India, in either case -

1.  
   1. for or on taking up employment outside India, or
   2. for carrying on outside India a business or vocation outside India, or
   3. for any other purpose, in such circumstances as would indicate his intention to stay outside India for an uncertain period;

(B) a person who has come to or stays in India, in either case, otherwise than –

1. for or on taking up employment in India, or
2. for carrying on in India a business or vocation in India, or
3. for any other purpose, in such circumstances as would indicate his intention to stay in India for an uncertain period;

1. any person or body corporate registered or incorporated in India,
2. an office, branch or agency in India owned or controlled by a person resident outside India,
3. an office, branch or agency outside India owned or controlled by a person resident in India;

2.From where one can buy foreign exchange?

Foreign exchange can be purchased from any authorised dealer. Besides authorised dealers, full-fledged money changers are also permitted to release exchange for business and private visits.

3.Who is an authorized dealer?

An authorized dealer is normally a bank specifically authorized by the Reserve Bank under Section 10(1) of FEMA,1999, to deal in foreign exchange or foreign securities.

4.How much exchange is available for a business trip?

Authorized dealers can release foreign exchange up to USD 25,000 for a business trip to any country other than Nepal and Bhutan. Release of foreign exchange exceeding USD 25,000 for a travel abroad (other than Nepal and Bhutan) for business purposes, irrespective of period of stay, requires prior permission from Reserve Bank. Visits in connection with attending of an international conference, seminar, specialised training, study tour, apprentice training, etc., are treated as business visits. Visit abroad for medical treatment and/or check up also falls within this category.

5. Can one obtain additional foreign exchange for medical treatment outside India?

Authorized dealers may release foreign exchange upto USD 100,000 or its equivalent to resident Indians for medical treatment abroad on self declaration basis of essential details, without insisting on any estimate from a hospital/doctor in India/abroad. A person visiting abroad for medical treatment can obtain foreign exchange exceeding the above limit, provided the request is supported by an estimate from a hospital/doctor in India/abroad.This exchange is to meet the expenses involved in treatment and in addition to the amount referred to in paragraph 1 above.

6. How much exchange is available for studies outside India?

Students going abroad for studies are treated as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and are eligible for all the facilities available to NRIs under FEMA. In addition, they can receive remittances upto USD 100,000 from close relatives from India on self-declaration, towards maintenance, which could include remittances towards their studies also. Educational and other loans availed of by students as resident in India can be allowed to continue. There is no dilution in the existing remittance facilities to students in regard to their academic pursuits.

7. How much foreign exchange can one buy when going for tourism to a country outside India?

In connection with private visits abroad, viz., for tourism purposes, etc., foreign exchange up to USD10,000, in any one calendar year may be obtained from an authorised dealer. The ceiling of USD10,000 is applicable in aggregate and foreign exchange may be obtained for one or more than one visit provided the aggregate foreign exchange availed of in one calendar year does not exceed the prescribed ceiling of US$10,000 {The facility was earlier called B.T.Q or F.T.S.}. This limit of USD10,000 can be availed of by a person along with foreign exchange for travel abroad for any purpose, including for employment or immigration or studies. However, no foreign exchange is available for visit to Nepal and/or Bhutan for any purpose.

8. How much foreign exchange is available to a person going abroad on employment?

Person going abroad for employment can draw foreign exchange upto USD100,000 from any authorised dealer in India on the basis of self-declaration.

9. How much foreign exchange is available to a person going abroad on emigration?

Person going abroad on emigration can draw foreign exchange upto USD100,000 on self- declaration basis from an authorized dealer in India. This amount is only to meet the incidental expenses in the country of emigration. No amount of foreign exchange can be remitted outside India to become eligible or for earning points or credits for immigration. All such remittances require prior permission of the Reserve Bank.

10. Is there any purpose for which going abroad requires prior approval from the Reserve Bank or Govt. of India?

Dance troupes, artistes, etc., who wish to undertake cultural tours abroad, should obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India, New Delhi.

11. How much foreign exchange can be purchased in foreign currency notes while buying exchange for travel abroad?

Travellers are allowed to purchase foreign currency notes/coins only up to USD 2000. Balance amount can be taken in the form of traveller’s cheque or banker’s draft. Exceptions to this are (a) travellers proceeding to Iraq and Libya can draw foreign exchange in the form of foreign currency notes and coins not exceeding US$ 5000 or its equivalent; (b) travellers proceeding to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Russian Federation and other Republics of Commonwealth of Independent States can draw entire foreign exchange released in form of foreign currency notes or coins.

12. Do same Rules apply to persons going for studies abroad?

For the purpose of studies abroad, exchange for maintenance expenses is released in the form of (i) currency notes up to US$ 2,000, (ii) the balance foreign exchange may be taken in form of traveller’s cheques or bank draft payable overseas.

13. How much in advance one can buy foreign exchange for travel abroad?

The foreign exchange acquired for any purpose has to be used within 60 days of purchase. In case it is not possible to use the foreign exchange within the period of 60 days it should be surrendered to an authorised dealer.

14. Can one pay by cash full rupee equivalent of foreign exchange being purchased for travel abroad ?

Foreign exchange for travel abroad can be purchased from banks against rupee payment in cash up to Rs.50,000/-. However, if the rupee equivalent exceeds Rs.50,000/-, the entire payment should be made by way of a crossed cheque/banker’s cheque/pay order/demand draft only.

15. Within what period a traveller who has returned to India is required to surrender foreign exchange?

On return from a foreign trip travellers are required to surrender unspent foreign exchange held in the form of currency notes within 90days and travellers’ cheques within 180 days of return. However, they are free to retain foreign exchange upto USD 2,000, in the form of foreign currency notes or TCs for future use or credit to their RFC(Domestic) Account without any limit.

16. On return to India can one retain some foreign exchange?

Residents are permitted to hold foreign currency up to USD 2,000 or its equivalent or credit to their RFC(Domestic) Account without any limit provided the foreign exchange was -

1.  
   1. acquired by him while on a visit to any place outside India by way of payment for services not arising from any business in or anything done in India; or
   2. acquired by him, from any person not resident in India and who is on a visit to India, as honorarium or gift or for services rendered or in settlement of any lawful obligation, or
   3. acquired by him by way of honorarium or gift while on a visit to any place outside India; or
   4. acquired by him from an authorised person for travel abroad and represents the unspent amount thereof.

17. Is one required to surrender foreign coins also to an authorised dealer?

There is no restriction on residents holding foreign coins.

18. How much foreign exchange can one send as gift / donation to a person resident outside India?

Any person resident in India can remit upto USD 5,000 in any one year as a gift to a person residing outside India or as donation to a charitable/educational/religious/ cultural organisation outside India. Remittances exceeding the limit require prior permission from the Reserve Bank.

19. Is one permitted to use International Credit Card (ICC) for undertaking foreign exchange transactions?

Use of the International Credit Cards (ICCs) / ATMs/ Debit Cards can be made for making personal payments like subscription to foreign journals, internet subscription, etc., and for travel abroad in connection with various purposes. Your entitlement of foreign exchange on International Credit Cards (ICCs) is limited by the credit limit fixed by the card issuing authority only. With ICCs you can i) meet expenses/make purchases while abroad ii) make payments in foreign exchange for purchase of books and other items through internet in India. If you have a foreign currency account in India or with a bank overseas, you can even obtain ICCs of overseas banks and reputed agencies.

Use of these instruments for payment in foreign exchange in Nepal and Bhutan is not permitted.

20. While coming into India how much Indian currency can be brought in?

A person coming into India from abroad can bring in with him Indian currency notes within the limits given below:

a.  upto Rs. 5,000 from any country other than Nepal or Bhutan, and

b.   any amount in denomination not exceeding Rs.100 from Nepal or Bhutan.

21. While going abroad how much foreign exchange, in cash, can a person carry?

Residents are free to carry the foreign exchange purchased from an authorised dealer or money changer in accordance with the Rules. They are, however, allowed to carry foreign exchange in the form of currency notes/coins upto USD 2,000 or its equivalent only. Balance amount can be carried in the form of traveller’s cheque or banker/s draft. (In this connection please see item No.9).

22. While coming into India how much foreign exchange can be brought in?

A person coming into India from abroad can bring with him foreign exchange without any limit. However, if the aggregate value of the foreign exchange in the form of currency notes, bank notes or travellers cheques brought in exceeds USD 10,000/- or its equivalent and/or the value of foreign currency exceeds USD 5,000/- or its equivalent, it should be declared to the Customs Authorities at the Airport in the Currency Declaration Form (CDF), on arrival in India.

23. While going abroad how much foreign exchange can a person carry?

Residents are free to carry the foreign exchange purchased from an authorised dealer or money changer in accordance with the Rules. In addition, they can also carry up to USD 2,000, or higher amounts representing the unutilized balance of a previous trip, if already held by them (see item13 above) in accordance with the Regulations.

24. Is one required to follow complete export procedure when a gift parcel is sent outside India?

A person resident in India is free to send (export) any gift article of value not exceeding Rs. 5,00,000 provided export of that item is not prohibited under the extant EXIM Policy.

25. How much jewellery one can carry while going abroad?

Taking personal jewellery out of India is governed by Baggage Rules framed under Export-Import Policy by the Government of India. No approval of Reserve Bank is required in this case.

26. Can a resident extend local hospitality to a non-resident?

A person resident in India is free to make any payment in Indian Rupees towards meeting expenses on account of boarding, lodging and services related thereto or travel to and from and within India of a person resident outside India who is on a visit to India.

27. Can residents purchase air tickets in India for their travel not touching India?

Residents may book their tickets in India for their visit to any third country. That is residents can book their tickets for travel for instance to London/New York through domestic/foreign airlines in India itself.

28. Can a resident open a foreign currency denominated account in India?

Persons resident in India are permitted to maintain foreign currency accounts in India under following two Schemes:

1. EEFC Accounts:-

   To avoid exchange loss on conversion of foreign exchange into Indian Rupee & Rupee into foreign exchange, residents can retain upto 50% of foreign currency remittances received from abroad in a foreign currency account, viz., EEFC account, with an authorised dealer in India. Funds held in EEFC account can be utilised for current account transactions and also for approved capital account transactions as specified by the extant Rules/Regulations/Notifications/Directives issued by the Government/RBI from time to time.

2. RFC Accounts :-

Returning Indians, i.e., those Indians, who were non-residents earlier, and are returning now for permanent stay, are permitted to open, hold and maintain with an authorised dealer in India a Resident Foreign Currency (RFC) Account to keep their foreign currency assets. Assets held outside India at the time of return can be credited to such accounts. The foreign exchange (i) received or acquired as gift or inheritance from a person referred to sub-section (4) of section 6 of FEMA,1999 or (ii) referred to in clause (c) of section 9 of the Act or acquired as gift or inheritance therefrom may also be credited to this account.

The funds in RFC account are free from all restrictions regarding utilisation of foreign currency balances including any restriction on investment outside India. The facility is also available to residents provided foreign exchange to be credited to such account is received out of certain specified type of funds/accounts.

c. RFC (Domestic)Account:-

A person resident in India can open, hold and maintain with an authorized dealer in India, a Resident Foreign Currency (Domestic) Account, out of foreign exchange acquired in the form of currency notes, Bank notes and travellers cheques from any of the sources like, payment for services rendered abroad, as honorarium, gift, services rendered or in settlement of any lawful obligation from any person not resident in India.The account may also be credited with/opened out of foreign exchange earned like proceeds of export of goods and/or services, royalty, honorarium, etc., and/or gifts received from close relatives (as defined in the Companies Act) and repatriated to India through normal banking channels by resident individuals.

29. Can a person resident in India hold assets outside India?

In terms of sub-section 4, of Section (6) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, a person resident in India is free to hold, own, transfer or invest in foreign currency, foreign security or any immovable property situated outside India if such currency, security or property was acquired, held or owned by such person when he was resident outside India or inherited from a person who was resident outside India. (Please also refer to the Liberalised Remittance Facility of USD 25,000 discussed below).

II. Liberalised Remittance Scheme of USD 25,000.

30. What is the liberalised Remittance Scheme of USD 25,000?

This is a new facility extended to all resident individuals under which they may freely remit upto USD 25,000 per calendar year for any permissible current or capital account transaction or a combination of both.

31.Who is eligible to avail of this Liberalised Remittance Facility?

The facility is available to resident individuals only.

32.Is there any frequency for the remittance?

Resident individuals can avail of the remittance facility under the Scheme once in a calendar year.

33. What are the purpose/s for which remittance can be made under the Scheme?

This facility is available for making remittance/s for any permissible current or capital account transaction or a combination of both. It is not available for purposes specifically prohibited (Schedule I) or regulated by the Government of India (Schedule II) of Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules, 2000.

34. Can residents avail of this facility for acquiring immovable property and other assets abroad?

Yes. Individuals are free to use this Scheme to acquire and hold immovable property, shares or any other asset outside India without prior approval of RBI.

35.Can individuals open a foreign currency account abroad for making remittance under the scheme?

Yes. Individuals are free to open, hold and maintain foreign currency accounts with a bank outside India for making remittances under the Scheme without the prior approval of RBI. The account can be used for putting through any transaction connected with or arising from remittances under the Scheme.

36.What is the impact of the Scheme on the existing facilities for private/business travel, gift, donation, studies, medical treatment etc./items covered in Schedule III of Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules, 2000?.

The facility under the Scheme is in addition to those already available under Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules, 2000.

37. Can an individual send remittance under the Scheme to any country?

Remittance cannot be made directly or indirectly to Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius or Pakistan. The facility is also not available for making remittances directly or indirectly to countries identified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as ‘non-co-operative Countries or Territories' viz., Cook Islands, Egypt, Guatemala, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nigeria, Phillippines and Ukraine.

Further, remittance under the facility cannot be made to individuals and entities identified as posing significant risk or committing acts of terrorism as advised to banks by RBI from time to time.

38.What are the requirements to be complied with by the remitter?

The individual will have to designate a branch of an AD through which all the remittances under the Scheme will be made. He has to furnish an application-cum-declaration in the specified format regarding the purpose of the remittance and declare that the funds belong to him and will not be used for purposes prohibited or regulated under the Scheme.

39.If an investment of USD 25,000 rises in value within the year, can one book profits and invest abroad again?

The investor is free to book profit or loss abroad and to invest abroad again. He is under no obligation to repatriate the funds sent abroad.

40. Can an individual, who has repatriated the amount sent during the calendar year, avail of the facility once again?

Once a remittance is made for an amount upto USD 25,000 during the calendar year, he would not be eligible to make any further remittances under this route, even if the proceeds of the investments have been brought back into the country.

41. Can remittances be made only in US Dollars?

The remittances can be in any currency equivalent to USD 25,000 in a calendar year.

42.Last year, resident investors could invest in equities of overseas listed firms that hold at least 10% in a listed Indian firm. Does this condition still apply?

The stipulation that investors could invest in equities of overseas listed firms that hold at least 10% in a listed Indian firm which was made in terms of our A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No.66 dated January 13, 2003 continues as an additional facility. Under the current Liberalised Remittance Scheme, no such stipulation has been made.

43.Can an individual investor sign-on with an international online brokerage and buy and sell stocks ( without exceeding the USD 25,000 limit)?

The Scheme does not restrict such transactions, provided the transactions are within the limit of USD 25,000 per calendar year and is otherwise in order.

III. Guidelines for Financial Intermediaries offering special schemes, protection under the Scheme.

44.Are intermediaries expected to seek specific approval for making overseas investments available to clients?

Banks including those not having operational presence in India are required to obtain prior approval from Reserve Bank for soliciting deposits for their foreign/overseas branches or for acting as agents for overseas mutual funds or any other foreign financial services company.

45.What restrictions have been placed on the scope of activity of the intermediaries?

It has been decided in public interest that all banks, both Indian and foreign, including those not having an operational presence in India, should seek prior approval from Reserve Bank for the schemes being marketed by them in India to Indian residents either for soliciting foreign currency deposits for their foreign/overseas branches or for acting as agents for overseas mutual funds or any other foreign financial services company.

46. Are there any restrictions on the kind/quality of debt or equity instruments an individual can invest in?

No ratings or guidelines have been prescribed under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme of USD 25,000 on the quality of the investment an individual can make. However, the individual investor is expected to exercise due diligence while taking a decision regarding the investments which he or she proposes to make.

47.Whether minor resident Individuals would be permitted to open, maintain and hold such foreign currency accounts if the same is permissible as per local law in the country of the overseas branch?

Banks may take necessary steps in the matter based on the settled legal position regarding enforcement of the declaration in case the remittance is made on behalf of a minor.

48.Whether credit facilities in Indian Rupees or foreign currency would be permissible against security of such deposits?

No. The Scheme does not envisage extension of credit facility against the security of the deposits.

49.Can bankers open foreign currency accounts in India for residents under the Scheme?

No. Banks in India can not open a foreign currency account in India for residents under the Scheme.

50.Can OBU in India be treated on par with a branch of the bank outside India for the purpose of opening of foreign currency accounts by residents under the Scheme?

No. For the purpose of the Scheme, an OBU in India is not treated as an overseas branch of a bank in India.

General Information

For further details/guidance, please approach any bank authorised to deal in foreign exchange or contact Regional Offices of the Foreign Exchange Department of the Reserve Bank.

by reserve bank of india

FOREIGN EXCHANGE DEPARTMENT
EXTERNAL PAYMENTS DIVISION
Frequently Asked Questions

Foreign Exchange Facilities for Residents (As on July 1, 2004)

Introduction

The legal framework for administration of exchange control in India is provided by the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. Under the Act, freedom has been granted for buying and selling of foreign exchange for undertaking current account transactions. However, the Central Government has been vested with powers in consultation with Reserve Bank to impose reasonable restrictions on current account transactions. Accordingly, the Government has issued Notifications GSR.381(E) dated May 3, 2000, and S.O. 301(E) dated March 30, 2001, imposing certain restrictions on current account transactions in public interest.

These details are available on the Bank’s website besides with the authorised dealers and regional offices of the Foreign Exchange Department. Our experience so far has been that the residents like to get information on several matters relating to various current account transactions and other incidental issues. This pamphlet attempts to answer to all such questions in simple language. While preparing replies to questions, special care has been taken to ensure that the replies are drafted in simple words and reference to technical details are avoided.

 The Foreign Exchange Management Act,1999 (FEMA), has come into force with effect from June 1, 2000. With introduction of the new Act (in place of FERA), certain structural changes have been introduced and now all transactions involving foreign exchange have been classified either as Capital or Current Account transactions. All transactions undertaken by a resident that do not alter his assets or liabilities outside India are current account transactions. In terms of Section 5 of the FEMA, persons are free to buy or sell foreign exchange for any current account transaction except for those transactions on which Central Government has imposed restrictions, vide its Notification No.G.S.R.381(E) dated May 3, 2000 (as amended from time to time). Full text of the said Notification is available in the Official Gazette. It is also available as annexure to our Master Circular on Miscellaneous remittances available at our website www.mastercirculars.rbi.org.in.Incidentally, no release of foreign exchange is admissible for any kind of travel to Nepal and Bhutan or for any transaction with persons resident in Nepal and Bhutan.

Some of the commonly or frequently asked questions by residents in connection with foreign exchange facilities or restrictions have been answered in the following paragraphs.

I. Guidelines on travel related matters

1. Who is a resident?

In terms of Section 2(v) of FEMA, 1999, a "person resident in India" means –

1. a person residing in India for more than one hundred and eighty-two days during the course of the preceding financial year but does not include –

(A) a person who has gone out of India or who stays outside India, in either case -

1.  
   1. for or on taking up employment outside India, or
   2. for carrying on outside India a business or vocation outside India, or
   3. for any other purpose, in such circumstances as would indicate his intention to stay outside India for an uncertain period;

(B) a person who has come to or stays in India, in either case, otherwise than –

1. for or on taking up employment in India, or
2. for carrying on in India a business or vocation in India, or
3. for any other purpose, in such circumstances as would indicate his intention to stay in India for an uncertain period;

1. any person or body corporate registered or incorporated in India,
2. an office, branch or agency in India owned or controlled by a person resident outside India,
3. an office, branch or agency outside India owned or controlled by a person resident in India;

2.From where one can buy foreign exchange?

Foreign exchange can be purchased from any authorised dealer. Besides authorised dealers, full-fledged money changers are also permitted to release exchange for business and private visits.

3.Who is an authorized dealer?

An authorized dealer is normally a bank specifically authorized by the Reserve Bank under Section 10(1) of FEMA,1999, to deal in foreign exchange or foreign securities.

4.How much exchange is available for a business trip?

Authorized dealers can release foreign exchange up to USD 25,000 for a business trip to any country other than Nepal and Bhutan. Release of foreign exchange exceeding USD 25,000 for a travel abroad (other than Nepal and Bhutan) for business purposes, irrespective of period of stay, requires prior permission from Reserve Bank. Visits in connection with attending of an international conference, seminar, specialised training, study tour, apprentice training, etc., are treated as business visits. Visit abroad for medical treatment and/or check up also falls within this category.

5. Can one obtain additional foreign exchange for medical treatment outside India?

Authorized dealers may release foreign exchange upto USD 100,000 or its equivalent to resident Indians for medical treatment abroad on self declaration basis of essential details, without insisting on any estimate from a hospital/doctor in India/abroad. A person visiting abroad for medical treatment can obtain foreign exchange exceeding the above limit, provided the request is supported by an estimate from a hospital/doctor in India/abroad.This exchange is to meet the expenses involved in treatment and in addition to the amount referred to in paragraph 1 above.

6. How much exchange is available for studies outside India?

Students going abroad for studies are treated as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and are eligible for all the facilities available to NRIs under FEMA. In addition, they can receive remittances upto USD 100,000 from close relatives from India on self-declaration, towards maintenance, which could include remittances towards their studies also. Educational and other loans availed of by students as resident in India can be allowed to continue. There is no dilution in the existing remittance facilities to students in regard to their academic pursuits.

7. How much foreign exchange can one buy when going for tourism to a country outside India?

In connection with private visits abroad, viz., for tourism purposes, etc., foreign exchange up to USD10,000, in any one calendar year may be obtained from an authorised dealer. The ceiling of USD10,000 is applicable in aggregate and foreign exchange may be obtained for one or more than one visit provided the aggregate foreign exchange availed of in one calendar year does not exceed the prescribed ceiling of US$10,000 {The facility was earlier called B.T.Q or F.T.S.}. This limit of USD10,000 can be availed of by a person along with foreign exchange for travel abroad for any purpose, including for employment or immigration or studies. However, no foreign exchange is available for visit to Nepal and/or Bhutan for any purpose.

8. How much foreign exchange is available to a person going abroad on employment?

Person going abroad for employment can draw foreign exchange upto USD100,000 from any authorised dealer in India on the basis of self-declaration.

9. How much foreign exchange is available to a person going abroad on emigration?

Person going abroad on emigration can draw foreign exchange upto USD100,000 on self- declaration basis from an authorized dealer in India. This amount is only to meet the incidental expenses in the country of emigration. No amount of foreign exchange can be remitted outside India to become eligible or for earning points or credits for immigration. All such remittances require prior permission of the Reserve Bank.

10. Is there any purpose for which going abroad requires prior approval from the Reserve Bank or Govt. of India?

Dance troupes, artistes, etc., who wish to undertake cultural tours abroad, should obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India, New Delhi.

11. How much foreign exchange can be purchased in foreign currency notes while buying exchange for travel abroad?

Travellers are allowed to purchase foreign currency notes/coins only up to USD 2000. Balance amount can be taken in the form of traveller’s cheque or banker’s draft. Exceptions to this are (a) travellers proceeding to Iraq and Libya can draw foreign exchange in the form of foreign currency notes and coins not exceeding US$ 5000 or its equivalent; (b) travellers proceeding to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Russian Federation and other Republics of Commonwealth of Independent States can draw entire foreign exchange released in form of foreign currency notes or coins.

12. Do same Rules apply to persons going for studies abroad?

For the purpose of studies abroad, exchange for maintenance expenses is released in the form of (i) currency notes up to US$ 2,000, (ii) the balance foreign exchange may be taken in form of traveller’s cheques or bank draft payable overseas.

13. How much in advance one can buy foreign exchange for travel abroad?

The foreign exchange acquired for any purpose has to be used within 60 days of purchase. In case it is not possible to use the foreign exchange within the period of 60 days it should be surrendered to an authorised dealer.

14. Can one pay by cash full rupee equivalent of foreign exchange being purchased for travel abroad ?

Foreign exchange for travel abroad can be purchased from banks against rupee payment in cash up to Rs.50,000/-. However, if the rupee equivalent exceeds Rs.50,000/-, the entire payment should be made by way of a crossed cheque/banker’s cheque/pay order/demand draft only.

15. Within what period a traveller who has returned to India is required to surrender foreign exchange?

On return from a foreign trip travellers are required to surrender unspent foreign exchange held in the form of currency notes within 90days and travellers’ cheques within 180 days of return. However, they are free to retain foreign exchange upto USD 2,000, in the form of foreign currency notes or TCs for future use or credit to their RFC(Domestic) Account without any limit.

16. On return to India can one retain some foreign exchange?

Residents are permitted to hold foreign currency up to USD 2,000 or its equivalent or credit to their RFC(Domestic) Account without any limit provided the foreign exchange was -

1.  
   1. acquired by him while on a visit to any place outside India by way of payment for services not arising from any business in or anything done in India; or
   2. acquired by him, from any person not resident in India and who is on a visit to India, as honorarium or gift or for services rendered or in settlement of any lawful obligation, or
   3. acquired by him by way of honorarium or gift while on a visit to any place outside India; or
   4. acquired by him from an authorised person for travel abroad and represents the unspent amount thereof.

17. Is one required to surrender foreign coins also to an authorised dealer?

There is no restriction on residents holding foreign coins.

18. How much foreign exchange can one send as gift / donation to a person resident outside India?

Any person resident in India can remit upto USD 5,000 in any one year as a gift to a person residing outside India or as donation to a charitable/educational/religious/ cultural organisation outside India. Remittances exceeding the limit require prior permission from the Reserve Bank.

19. Is one permitted to use International Credit Card (ICC) for undertaking foreign exchange transactions?

Use of the International Credit Cards (ICCs) / ATMs/ Debit Cards can be made for making personal payments like subscription to foreign journals, internet subscription, etc., and for travel abroad in connection with various purposes. Your entitlement of foreign exchange on International Credit Cards (ICCs) is limited by the credit limit fixed by the card issuing authority only. With ICCs you can i) meet expenses/make purchases while abroad ii) make payments in foreign exchange for purchase of books and other items through internet in India. If you have a foreign currency account in India or with a bank overseas, you can even obtain ICCs of overseas banks and reputed agencies.

Use of these instruments for payment in foreign exchange in Nepal and Bhutan is not permitted.

20. While coming into India how much Indian currency can be brought in?

A person coming into India from abroad can bring in with him Indian currency notes within the limits given below:

a.  upto Rs. 5,000 from any country other than Nepal or Bhutan, and

b.   any amount in denomination not exceeding Rs.100 from Nepal or Bhutan.

21. While going abroad how much foreign exchange, in cash, can a person carry?

Residents are free to carry the foreign exchange purchased from an authorised dealer or money changer in accordance with the Rules. They are, however, allowed to carry foreign exchange in the form of currency notes/coins upto USD 2,000 or its equivalent only. Balance amount can be carried in the form of traveller’s cheque or banker/s draft. (In this connection please see item No.9).

22. While coming into India how much foreign exchange can be brought in?

A person coming into India from abroad can bring with him foreign exchange without any limit. However, if the aggregate value of the foreign exchange in the form of currency notes, bank notes or travellers cheques brought in exceeds USD 10,000/- or its equivalent and/or the value of foreign currency exceeds USD 5,000/- or its equivalent, it should be declared to the Customs Authorities at the Airport in the Currency Declaration Form (CDF), on arrival in India.

23. While going abroad how much foreign exchange can a person carry?

Residents are free to carry the foreign exchange purchased from an authorised dealer or money changer in accordance with the Rules. In addition, they can also carry up to USD 2,000, or higher amounts representing the unutilized balance of a previous trip, if already held by them (see item13 above) in accordance with the Regulations.

24. Is one required to follow complete export procedure when a gift parcel is sent outside India?

A person resident in India is free to send (export) any gift article of value not exceeding Rs. 5,00,000 provided export of that item is not prohibited under the extant EXIM Policy.

25. How much jewellery one can carry while going abroad?

Taking personal jewellery out of India is governed by Baggage Rules framed under Export-Import Policy by the Government of India. No approval of Reserve Bank is required in this case.

26. Can a resident extend local hospitality to a non-resident?

A person resident in India is free to make any payment in Indian Rupees towards meeting expenses on account of boarding, lodging and services related thereto or travel to and from and within India of a person resident outside India who is on a visit to India.

27. Can residents purchase air tickets in India for their travel not touching India?

Residents may book their tickets in India for their visit to any third country. That is residents can book their tickets for travel for instance to London/New York through domestic/foreign airlines in India itself.

28. Can a resident open a foreign currency denominated account in India?

Persons resident in India are permitted to maintain foreign currency accounts in India under following two Schemes:

1. EEFC Accounts:-

   To avoid exchange loss on conversion of foreign exchange into Indian Rupee & Rupee into foreign exchange, residents can retain upto 50% of foreign currency remittances received from abroad in a foreign currency account, viz., EEFC account, with an authorised dealer in India. Funds held in EEFC account can be utilised for current account transactions and also for approved capital account transactions as specified by the extant Rules/Regulations/Notifications/Directives issued by the Government/RBI from time to time.

2. RFC Accounts :-

Returning Indians, i.e., those Indians, who were non-residents earlier, and are returning now for permanent stay, are permitted to open, hold and maintain with an authorised dealer in India a Resident Foreign Currency (RFC) Account to keep their foreign currency assets. Assets held outside India at the time of return can be credited to such accounts. The foreign exchange (i) received or acquired as gift or inheritance from a person referred to sub-section (4) of section 6 of FEMA,1999 or (ii) referred to in clause (c) of section 9 of the Act or acquired as gift or inheritance therefrom may also be credited to this account.

The funds in RFC account are free from all restrictions regarding utilisation of foreign currency balances including any restriction on investment outside India. The facility is also available to residents provided foreign exchange to be credited to such account is received out of certain specified type of funds/accounts.

c. RFC (Domestic)Account:-

A person resident in India can open, hold and maintain with an authorized dealer in India, a Resident Foreign Currency (Domestic) Account, out of foreign exchange acquired in the form of currency notes, Bank notes and travellers cheques from any of the sources like, payment for services rendered abroad, as honorarium, gift, services rendered or in settlement of any lawful obligation from any person not resident in India.The account may also be credited with/opened out of foreign exchange earned like proceeds of export of goods and/or services, royalty, honorarium, etc., and/or gifts received from close relatives (as defined in the Companies Act) and repatriated to India through normal banking channels by resident individuals.

29. Can a person resident in India hold assets outside India?

In terms of sub-section 4, of Section (6) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, a person resident in India is free to hold, own, transfer or invest in foreign currency, foreign security or any immovable property situated outside India if such currency, security or property was acquired, held or owned by such person when he was resident outside India or inherited from a person who was resident outside India. (Please also refer to the Liberalised Remittance Facility of USD 25,000 discussed below).

II. Liberalised Remittance Scheme of USD 25,000.

30. What is the liberalised Remittance Scheme of USD 25,000?

This is a new facility extended to all resident individuals under which they may freely remit upto USD 25,000 per calendar year for any permissible current or capital account transaction or a combination of both.

31.Who is eligible to avail of this Liberalised Remittance Facility?

The facility is available to resident individuals only.

32.Is there any frequency for the remittance?

Resident individuals can avail of the remittance facility under the Scheme once in a calendar year.

33. What are the purpose/s for which remittance can be made under the Scheme?

This facility is available for making remittance/s for any permissible current or capital account transaction or a combination of both. It is not available for purposes specifically prohibited (Schedule I) or regulated by the Government of India (Schedule II) of Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules, 2000.

34. Can residents avail of this facility for acquiring immovable property and other assets abroad?

Yes. Individuals are free to use this Scheme to acquire and hold immovable property, shares or any other asset outside India without prior approval of RBI.

35.Can individuals open a foreign currency account abroad for making remittance under the scheme?

Yes. Individuals are free to open, hold and maintain foreign currency accounts with a bank outside India for making remittances under the Scheme without the prior approval of RBI. The account can be used for putting through any transaction connected with or arising from remittances under the Scheme.

36.What is the impact of the Scheme on the existing facilities for private/business travel, gift, donation, studies, medical treatment etc./items covered in Schedule III of Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules, 2000?.

The facility under the Scheme is in addition to those already available under Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules, 2000.

37. Can an individual send remittance under the Scheme to any country?

Remittance cannot be made directly or indirectly to Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius or Pakistan. The facility is also not available for making remittances directly or indirectly to countries identified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as ‘non-co-operative Countries or Territories' viz., Cook Islands, Egypt, Guatemala, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nigeria, Phillippines and Ukraine.

Further, remittance under the facility cannot be made to individuals and entities identified as posing significant risk or committing acts of terrorism as advised to banks by RBI from time to time.

38.What are the requirements to be complied with by the remitter?

The individual will have to designate a branch of an AD through which all the remittances under the Scheme will be made. He has to furnish an application-cum-declaration in the specified format regarding the purpose of the remittance and declare that the funds belong to him and will not be used for purposes prohibited or regulated under the Scheme.

39.If an investment of USD 25,000 rises in value within the year, can one book profits and invest abroad again?

The investor is free to book profit or loss abroad and to invest abroad again. He is under no obligation to repatriate the funds sent abroad.

40. Can an individual, who has repatriated the amount sent during the calendar year, avail of the facility once again?

Once a remittance is made for an amount upto USD 25,000 during the calendar year, he would not be eligible to make any further remittances under this route, even if the proceeds of the investments have been brought back into the country.

41. Can remittances be made only in US Dollars?

The remittances can be in any currency equivalent to USD 25,000 in a calendar year.

42.Last year, resident investors could invest in equities of overseas listed firms that hold at least 10% in a listed Indian firm. Does this condition still apply?

The stipulation that investors could invest in equities of overseas listed firms that hold at least 10% in a listed Indian firm which was made in terms of our A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No.66 dated January 13, 2003 continues as an additional facility. Under the current Liberalised Remittance Scheme, no such stipulation has been made.

43.Can an individual investor sign-on with an international online brokerage and buy and sell stocks ( without exceeding the USD 25,000 limit)?

The Scheme does not restrict such transactions, provided the transactions are within the limit of USD 25,000 per calendar year and is otherwise in order.

III. Guidelines for Financial Intermediaries offering special schemes, protection under the Scheme.

44.Are intermediaries expected to seek specific approval for making overseas investments available to clients?

Banks including those not having operational presence in India are required to obtain prior approval from Reserve Bank for soliciting deposits for their foreign/overseas branches or for acting as agents for overseas mutual funds or any other foreign financial services company.

45.What restrictions have been placed on the scope of activity of the intermediaries?

It has been decided in public interest that all banks, both Indian and foreign, including those not having an operational presence in India, should seek prior approval from Reserve Bank for the schemes being marketed by them in India to Indian residents either for soliciting foreign currency deposits for their foreign/overseas branches or for acting as agents for overseas mutual funds or any other foreign financial services company.

46. Are there any restrictions on the kind/quality of debt or equity instruments an individual can invest in?

No ratings or guidelines have been prescribed under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme of USD 25,000 on the quality of the investment an individual can make. However, the individual investor is expected to exercise due diligence while taking a decision regarding the investments which he or she proposes to make.

47.Whether minor resident Individuals would be permitted to open, maintain and hold such foreign currency accounts if the same is permissible as per local law in the country of the overseas branch?

Banks may take necessary steps in the matter based on the settled legal position regarding enforcement of the declaration in case the remittance is made on behalf of a minor.

48.Whether credit facilities in Indian Rupees or foreign currency would be permissible against security of such deposits?

No. The Scheme does not envisage extension of credit facility against the security of the deposits.

49.Can bankers open foreign currency accounts in India for residents under the Scheme?

No. Banks in India can not open a foreign currency account in India for residents under the Scheme.

50.Can OBU in India be treated on par with a branch of the bank outside India for the purpose of opening of foreign currency accounts by residents under the Scheme?

No. For the purpose of the Scheme, an OBU in India is not treated as an overseas branch of a bank in India.

General Information

For further details/guidance, please approach any bank authorised to deal in foreign exchange or contact Regional Offices of the Foreign Exchange Department of the Reserve Bank.

by reserve bank of india

There is no restriction on gifts by NRIs to resident Indians in foreign exchange or Indian rupees or in the form of assets. All sorts of gifts from relatives (as defines under Income Tax Act) are tax-free. All that is required is an offer by the donor and acceptance thereof by the in black and white. To safeguard against any hassles, the donee should request the donor for a gift and then the donor should remit the amount to the donee.

Alternatively, the donor can offer the gift. In either case, it is necessary for the donee to accept the gift in writing (maybe through a thank you note).