Download Account Opening Form	Download NRI's Faq...
Who is a Non-Resident Indian? An Indian abroad is popularly known as Non-Resident Indian (NRI). The NRI status should be checked with two different authorities for different purpose. NRI is legally defined firstly under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 and secondly Income Tax Act, 1961 for applicability of respective laws.
NON-RESIDENTS UNDER FEMA, 1999 The definition under FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) is explained in simple terms for individuals hereunder.
1. The residential status of a person leaving India shall be determined as under:
If a person leaves India for the purpose of employment, business or for any other purpose that indicates his intention to stay outside India for an uncertain period; then he becomes a non-resident from the day he leaves India for such purpose.
2. The residential status of a person returning to India will be determined us under:
If a person comes to India for the purpose of employment, business or for any other purpose that indicates his intention to stay in India for an uncertain period; then he becomes a resident from the day he comes to India for such purpose.
In the definition, requirement of physical stay for a period of 182 days in India is also stated. However, in our opinion, the period of stay does not affect determination of status as explained in (1) and (2) above.
Thus if a person comes as a tourist, or for any purpose (not for employment or business in India), AND, he comes for a fixed or certain period of time he shall continue to be a non-resident.