Portfolio Investment Scheme for NRIs
  1. What is the Portfolio Investment Scheme?
  2. What is the procedure for making applications?
  3. What is a designated branch?
  4. Whether NRI can apply through more than one designated branch?
  5. Is it necessary to maintain a bank account with the designated branch through whom the application is made?
  6. What is the validity period of Reserve Bank approval for the purchase of shares/debentures of Indian companies or units of domestic Mutual Funds?
  7. Is there any ceiling on the investment under the Portfolio Investment Scheme?

 

Ans.I

Under this scheme, NRIs are permitted to acquire shares /debentures of Indian companies or units of domestic Mutual Funds through the stock exchange/s in India.

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Ans.II

The application is to be submitted to Reserve Bank through a designated branch of a bank in India in one of the prescribed forms, i.e. NRC/NRI/RPC/RPI.

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Ans.III

Reserve Bank has authorized a few branches of each bank to conduct the business under Portfolio Investment Scheme on behalf of NRIs . These branches are the main branches of major commercial banks located close to the stock exchange/s. NRIs will have to route their applications through any of the designated bank branches who have authorizations from Reserve Bank.

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Ans.IV

No. Each NRI has to select one branch for this purpose for investment on repatriation/ non-repatriation basis.

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Ans.V

It is advisable to maintain a bank account with the designated branch for administrative convenience.

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Ans.VI

Reserve Bank approval is valid for a period of five years from the date of issue. This can be renewed further by making a request by means of a simple letter.

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Ans.VII

There is an overall ceiling of 5% of paid- up equity share capital of the company/paid-up value of each series of convertible debentures for purchase by NRIs /OCBs. The overall ceiling can be raised to 30% if the company concerned passes a special resolution to that effect in its general body meeting and a board resolution. Individually, NRIs/OCBs can make investment upto 1% of the paid-up equity share capital/each series of convertible debentures. However, there is no ceiling on investment in domestic Mutual Funds.

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