As a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), you can claim your Employee Provident Fund (EPF) money after leaving India, but there are certain conditions and procedures to follow. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you claim your EPF money:
Eligibility:
To claim your EPF money, you must meet the following conditions:
- You must have left India and acquired NRI status.
- You must have completed at least 5 years of service with your previous employer.
- Your EPF account must be in a dormant state, meaning you have not contributed to it for at least 3 years.
When to claim EPF money:
You can claim your EPF money at any time after leaving India, but it’s recommended to claim it after completing 5 years of service with your previous employer. This is because the EPF scheme has a lock-in period of 5 years, and withdrawing the amount before completing 5 years may attract taxes and penalties.
Procedure to claim EPF money:
To claim your EPF money, follow these steps:
- Gather required documents:
EPF account numberUAN (Universal Account Number)PassportVisaProof of NRI status (e.g., NRI certificate, foreign address proof)
Bank account details (for receiving the payment) - Submit a claim form:
Download the EPF claim form (Form 19) from the EPFO website or obtain it from your previous employer.
Fill the form carefully and sign it.
Attach the required documents and submit the form to the EPFO office or your previous employer. - Verify your identity:
The EPFO may verify your identity through a video conference or phone call.
Be prepared to provide your personal and employment details during the verification process.
- Receive the payment:
Once your claim is processed, the EPFO will transfer the amount to your bank account.
Tax implications:
As an NRI, you may be subject to tax on your EPF withdrawal. The tax implications depend on the country of your residence and the tax treaty between India and that country. It’s recommended to consult a tax professional to understand the tax implications and plan accordingly.
Online claim process:
The EPFO has introduced an online claim process for NRIs. You can submit your claim online through the EPFO website or the UMANG app. To do so, follow these steps:
- Register on the EPFO website:
Go to the EPFO website and click on “Member Login.”
Register yourself using your UAN and password. - Submit your claim online:
Log in to your account and click on “Claim” or “Online Claim.”Fill the claim form and attach the required documents.
Submit the claim and wait for the verification process.
Timeline:
The timeline for claiming EPF money as an NRI may vary depending on the circumstances. However, here’s a general outline:
5 years after leaving India: You can claim your EPF money after completing 5 years of service with your previous employer.
3 years after last contribution: If you have not contributed to your EPF account for 3 years, you can claim your money.
1-2 months for processing: The EPFO may take 1-2 months to process your claim after receiving the application.
Remember to check the EPFO website or consult with a financial advisor for the latest information and guidance on claiming your EPF money as an NRI.
