🌐 HDFC NRE Account Opening – Full Process for NRIs
✅ What is an NRE Account?
An NRE (Non-Resident External) account is a Rupee-denominated bank account that allows NRIs to park their foreign income in India, which is fully tax-free and repatriable.
🧾 Eligibility to Open HDFC NRE Account
You must be:
A Non-Resident Indian (NRI)
A Person of Indian Origin (PIO)
An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
A Seafarer with valid CDC and contract
You must be residing outside India for more than 182 days in a financial year.
📄 Documents Required
You need self-attested scanned copies of:
🔹 Identity Proof:
Valid passport (first & last page)
Valid visa/residence/work permit
🔹 Address Proof (Overseas):
Any one: utility bill, bank statement, driver’s license, national ID, or residence card
🔹 Other:
PAN Card (or Form 60 if PAN is not available)
Passport-size photograph
FEMA declaration & FATCA form (provided by HDFC)
🌐 How to Open HDFC NRE Account (Online Process)
💻 Online from Abroad:
Choose “Open NRE Account”
Fill in the online application form
Upload scanned documents
Select courier pickup option (in select countries) or send documents by international courier
Wait for verification and video KYC if required
Account is activated in 5–10 working days
🏦 Offline from India (During Visit):
Visit any HDFC Bank branch
Submit physical form and documents
Complete KYC in person
Account is activated within 2–4 working days
🌍 Countries Where HDFC Supports NRE Account Opening:
You can apply from:
🇺🇸 USA
🇦🇪 UAE
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
🇶🇦 Qatar
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇨🇦 Canada
🇬🇧 UK
🇦🇺 Australia
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🇲🇾 Malaysia
🇯🇵 Japan
🇪🇺 EU nations (Germany, France, etc.)
🇿🇦 South Africa
…and more.
🎁 Benefits of HDFC NRE Account
✅ Tax-Free Interest in India
✅ Full Repatriation (principal + interest)
✅ Fund transfers to India in INR
✅ Access to international debit cards
✅ Joint account allowed with other NRIs
✅ 24×7 mobile & net banking access
✅ Easy investment in mutual funds, insurance, FDs
💰 Minimum Balance Requirement
Typically ₹10,000 for savings NRE accounts
Higher for premium accounts
⚠️ Important Notes
Only foreign income should be deposited in an NRE account
Interest earned is completely tax-free in India
Use Form 15CA/15CB for large repatriations
You cannot deposit Indian income into NRE account (use NRO for that)
HDFC NRE Account – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🔹 1. Who can open an HDFC NRE account?
Any Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Person of Indian Origin (PIO), or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) can open an HDFC NRE account to deposit foreign income in India.
🔹 2. What is the difference between NRE and NRO account in HDFC?
NRE: For depositing foreign income; funds are fully repatriable and tax-free in India.
NRO: For depositing Indian income (like rent, dividends); funds are taxable and limited repatriation.
🔹 3. Can I open an HDFC NRE account online?
✅ Yes, you can apply online from abroad by uploading documents and completing video KYC. Document pickup/courier options are also available in many countries.
🔹 4. What are the required documents for HDFC NRE account?
You’ll need:
Passport (first & last page)
Valid visa or work/residence permit
Overseas address proof
PAN card or Form 60
Recent photo
FEMA & FATCA declaration (provided by HDFC)
🔹 5. Is interest on HDFC NRE account taxable in India?
❌ No. Interest earned in NRE accounts is tax-free in India under current income tax laws.
🔹 6. Can I repatriate money from my HDFC NRE account?
✅ Yes. Both the principal and interest are fully repatriable to your overseas account without restriction.
🔹 7. What is the minimum balance required in an HDFC NRE account?
Usually ₹10,000, but this can vary based on account type or location. Charges may apply for non-maintenance.
🔹 8. Can I deposit Indian income in an HDFC NRE account?
❌ No. Only foreign-source income is allowed in an NRE account. For Indian income, use an NRO account.
🔹 9. Can I open a joint NRE account with a resident Indian?
❌ No. You can only open a joint NRE account with another NRI/OCI/PIO.
🔹 10. Can I convert my resident HDFC account into an NRE account?
✅ Yes. Once your residency status changes to NRI, you must convert your resident account into an NRE or NRO account as per RBI regulations.