Invest outside India, seamlessly and compliantly. LRS-backed US brokerage, GIFT City IFSC accounts, Dubai & Singapore platforms, and global mutual funds — clearly explained in one place.
Choose by capital, effort and tax treatment. This guide aligns you to the route that fits your horizon — not the one with the highest commission.
🇺🇸 US MARKET ACCESS
Best for: Retail / Beginners
Tax: Indian CGT + TCS (Up to 40% US Estate Tax Risk)
Complexity: Low
Remit under RBI's LRS up to $250,000/yr and trade US equities via partnered Indian brokers with INR-funded accounts.
🇮🇳 ONSHORE OFFSHORE
Best for: HNIs & Sophisticated Retail
Tax: Zero STT, Zero CTT, Tax-efficient
Complexity: Medium
Open an IFSCA-regulated brokerage or fund account inside Gujarat. Offers global markets with familiar domestic regulation.
🇦🇪 UAE STRUCTURE
Best for: UHNIs & Digital Nomads
Tax: 0% UAE Tax (Indian tax applies if resident)
Complexity: High
Structure a UAE residency or corporate account to access Interactive Brokers, Swissquote, or Saxo with major tax advantages.
🇸🇬 ASIAN WEALTH HUB
Best for: Family Offices & UHNIs
Tax: 0% SG CGT (Indian tax applies if resident)
Complexity: Very High
Set up premium private banking (HSBC, DBS) for complex multi-currency portfolios and bespoke alternate investments.
🌍 DIRECT GLOBAL ACCESS
Best for: Active Traders & Pros
Tax: Indian CGT + DTAA (Estate Tax Risk)
Complexity: Medium
Bypass domestic wrappers. Open an IBKR, Saxo, or Schwab account directly from India via LRS wire transfers.
🇮🇳 DOMESTIC Feeder STRUCTURE
Best for: SIP / Passive Investors
Tax: STCG (Slab) / LTCG (12.5% > 24m)
Complexity: Very Low
Indian MFs/ETFs that wrap global indices (S&P 500, Nasdaq 100). Invest in INR without worrying about LRS limit tracking.
| ROUTE | LIMIT / ACCESS | TAX IMPACT | US ESTATE TAX RISK | EFFORT | MIN TICKET |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LRS / US Demat | $250K / year (LRS) | STCG (Slab) / LTCG (12.5%) + 20% TCS* | Yes (> $60k threshold) | Low | ₹1,000+ |
| GIFT City / IFSC | $250K / year (LRS) | STCG (Slab) / LTCG (12.5%) | No (Entity wrapper) | Medium | $1K (Demat) / $5K (Funds) |
| Dubai Brokerage | $250K / year (LRS) | Global Income: STCG (Slab) / LTCG (12.5%) | Varies by asset domicile | High | $50,000+ |
| Singapore Platform | $250K / year (LRS) | Global Income: STCG (Slab) / LTCG (12.5%) | Varies by asset domicile | High | $100,000+ |
| Intl. Broker (IBKR) | $250K / year (LRS) | STCG (Slab) / LTCG (12.5%) + DTAA | Yes (> $60k threshold) | Medium | ₹10,000+ |
| Global Mutual Funds | No LRS needed | STCG (Slab) / LTCG (12.5%) | No (Indian domicile) | Minimal | ₹500 SIP |
Own slices of Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Alphabet — companies whose earnings power is unmatched in India.
De-risk a portfolio heavily concentrated in Indian equities, real estate and the rupee economy.
The rupee has depreciated ~3–4% CAGR against the dollar. Global assets quietly protect purchasing power.
Multi-jurisdictional holdings offer resilience in worst-case scenarios — estate planning, children studying abroad, relocation.
Yes — subject to RBI's LRS rules and tax / compliance considerations.
GIFT City is India’s IFSC offering tax-efficient fund and brokerage structures.
Not always — it depends on account type and provider onboarding rules.
Global investments are subject to Indian tax laws based on your residency status and the asset class.
The minimum ticket size varies depending on the route and the platform chosen.
Please consult with a registered investment advisor or tax professional for your specific needs.