| Path | Source of funds | Routes through | Annual cap | Extra forms beyond 15CA/15CB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRO basic | Rent, dividends, pension, interest | NRO account → wire | $1M / FY | None — straight 15CA + 15CB |
| Property sale | Sale of inherited or self-bought property | NRO (sale proceeds + TDS) → wire | Inside $1M / FY OR lifetime extension | Form 26QB (TDS) · LTCG calculation · Sec 54 exemptions |
| US stocks / RSU | RSU vest, ESPP, US brokerage sale | Stays in your foreign brokerage — NOT India | None (foreign-held) | DTAA credit · Form 67 in India · US 1099-B + W-8BEN |
| Inheritance / gifts | Bank balances + investments inherited from resident parent | NRO (lump or staggered) → wire | $1M / FY · separate from your own NRO | Probate / succession certificate · 15CA + 15CB |
Most stuck repatriations come from missing TDS, expired KYC, or PAN-Aadhaar mismatches — not the actual wire. The Repatriation Readiness tool checks the 8 pre-flight items in 60 seconds before you pay a CA's fee.
Indian banks typically charge 0.5–1.5% FX spread on outbound wires. On a $100K property repatriation, that's $500–$1500 — vs ₹5–10K for the entire CA + bank fee stack. Compare live FX rates across HDFC / ICICI / Axis / SBI / Wise / XE before you wire. The cheaper route is often the SAME bank that's holding your NRO — they have a "preferred" rate available if you ask for the Treasury desk quote.
Each path walks through the exact forms, CA fees, bank charges, timeline, and what triggers extra scrutiny.
The most common case — repatriating rent, dividends, pension or interest from your NRO account back to your foreign bank.
Selling Indian property is the highest-$ repatriation most NRIs do. TDS, LTCG, Section 54 exemptions, then 15CA/15CB — and the order matters.
Selling US-held RSU, ESPP, or brokerage positions while you're an Indian resident. Different — proceeds DON'T need to route through India at all if you keep US brokerage open.
Money inherited from a resident parent, or gifted by a relative — receipt is non-taxable but the subsequent income IS taxable. Repatriation needs probate + 15CA/15CB.