SEBI allows NRIs and OCIs to complete digital KYC from abroad from 3 December 2026
SEBI's 4 November 2026 circular lets NRIs, OCIs and foreign nationals in FATF-compliant countries do KYC online without visiting India, from 3 December.
SEBI has made it easier for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and foreign nationals to open demat, trading and mutual fund accounts from abroad. The new framework starts on 3 December 2026.
What changed
SEBI issued a circular on 4 November 2026 titled "Review of Know Your Client process for individual Person Resident Outside India clients". As reported by PTI, Business Standard and CNBC TV18, it says:
- Individuals living outside India in countries that comply with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards can complete KYC digitally. They do not have to be physically present in India.
- Brokers, mutual funds and other SEBI-registered intermediaries can accept KYC details and supporting documents online.
- KYC records are portable. They can be shared across intermediaries even if every detail has not been validated.
- An intermediary can rely on KYC done by another SEBI-registered intermediary or by an entity regulated by another financial sector regulator. The records come from KYC Registration Agencies (KRAs) or the Central KYC Records Registry.
- Intermediaries must send the completed KYC information to the KRA within three working days.
- The same provisions apply to re-KYC of existing clients in FATF-compliant countries.
What documents are needed
- A copy of the passport and, where it applies, the OCI card.
- An overseas address is accepted as proof of address.
- The KYC form can be submitted digitally or on paper. The specimen signature can be given electronically, subject to checks during the video verification.
Video verification safeguards
The intermediary must have an authorised official present during the video-based in-person verification, and the process is subject to concurrent audit. The intermediary stays responsible for the KYC, including extra checks based on the client's risk profile.
Who is not covered
People living in FATF non-compliant countries continue to follow the existing KYC requirements. The framework is for individuals, not companies or funds.
Why this was proposed
SEBI published a consultation paper on 14 August 2026. It said the earlier rule required the client to be in India during digital KYC, which stopped people abroad from completing the process online. The final circular follows that paper.
What you should do
If you are an NRI or OCI who wants to invest in Indian shares or mutual funds, check with your broker or fund house from 3 December 2026 whether it has switched on remote digital KYC. Each intermediary will need to update its own app and process, so the date the facility reaches you may differ. NRIs also face separate banking and tax rules, such as the need for NRE or NRO accounts, which this circular does not change.
This is general information, not investment advice. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Read all scheme related documents carefully.
Sources: SEBI circulars list, 4 November 2026, Business Standard, 4 November 2026, PTI, 4 November 2026, CNBC TV18, 4 November 2026, SEBI consultation paper, 14 August 2026
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