The 24-month checklist for moving back to India.

The 7 most expensive mistakes returning NRIs make

1. Cashing out the 401(k). 10% IRS early-withdrawal penalty plus full ordinary-income tax can erase 35-45% of the balance. Roll it to a Traditional IRA instead and use the RNOR (Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident) window for partial Roth conversions.
2. Buying Indian health insurance after landing. Most plans have a 2-4 year waiting period for pre-existing conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Buy 3 years before flying so the clock runs while you're still abroad. The "wasted" premiums are dramatically cheaper than a Rs 12-15 lakh hospitalisation bill out of pocket.
3. NRE / NRO not converted to resident savings within 30 days. RBI mandates conversion within 30 days of becoming a resident. Banks frequently miss this; you have to push them. Penalty: account frozen + FEMA notices.
4. Robinhood freeze. Robinhood automatically restricts accounts the moment it sees an India address. Initiate ACATS transfer to Schwab International or Interactive Brokers before updating your address — this is a no-tax-event share transfer.
5. RNOR window miscalculated. RNOR is 2-3 financial years, not 1, and starts based on day-count tests under Section 6 of the Income Tax Act. Crossing 182 days mid-year can collapse the window. Use a CA + the day-counter tool before any large Roth conversion or capital-gains realisation.
6. Transfer of Residence (ToR) paperwork missing on arrival. ToR concession lets you import household goods duty-free, but the form must be presented at customs on arrival, not after. Pre-fill it on the plane.
7. Aadhaar address not updated. Without a current Indian address on Aadhaar, every KYC fails — bank, mutual fund, demat, even SIM. Update Aadhaar in week 1 after landing, even if your permanent address isn't final.

All seven of these are documented in the full moving-back guide. The 401(k) one alone has cost some NRIs $80K-100K — worth the read.