Can an NRI complete mutual fund KYC from abroad?

Lesson 30 of 50 for advisers · Onboarding NRI clients from abroad · 3 min read · Reviewed 13 Nov 2026

Quick answer

From 3 Dec 2026, yes, if they live in a FATF-compliant country. SEBI dropped the rule that the client be in India for video verification: PAN is checked with the tax database, the passport collected, and video verification done with geo-tagging and an official present. The intermediary uploads the record to the KYC agency within 3 working days.

SEBI’s circular of 4 Nov 2026 takes effect on 3 Dec 2026. Clients in FATF non-compliant countries stay on the old process.

The current address must be overseas, and the mobile number may be Indian or international.

Whether a US or Canada resident can invest is each fund house’s call. Some refuse; check the scheme document.

Fund houses collect FATCA and CRS status and may reject an application or freeze a folio without it.

Key idea: NRIs invest through an NRE or NRO account and don’t need a PIS permission for mutual funds.

Sources

SEBI circular on KYC for non-resident clients, 4 Nov 2026

Try the short quiz on this page to check what stuck.

Common questions

What documents work?

Originals verified, e-documents or DigiLocker, Aadhaar e-KYC, or copies attested by a notary or embassy.

Where must the client’s IP address be?

In India or a FATF-compliant country.

Is the video call audited?

Yes, concurrently.

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