What documents are required for an NRI bank account?

If you're applying from abroad, I would prepare a larger document set than the minimum because banks can ask for additional KYC depending on your circumstances.

I'd keep these ready:

Identity

• Indian passport

NRI status

• Valid foreign visa, residence permit or work permit

Overseas address

• Recent utility bill, bank statement or other accepted address document

Indian/permanent address

• Aadhaar, Indian passport or another document accepted by the bank

Tax

• PAN
• Foreign tax identification number/TIN where applicable
• FATCA/CRS information

Application

• Bank's NRE/NRO account-opening form
• Passport photographs
• Signature specimens

If you are applying by post rather than appearing at the branch, check the attestation rules carefully. SBI, for example, states that documents for applicants not visiting the branch may need third-party attestation, with acceptable attestors including an Indian Embassy/High Commission, notary or SBI foreign office depending on the circumstances.

I would also ask the bank for its current NRI account-opening checklist before sending original or certified documents. Requirements can change.

I opened both NRE and NRO accounts after moving to Singapore.

The bank asked me for:

• Indian passport
• Singapore residence/immigration document
• Singapore address proof
• PAN
• Recent photograph
• Tax-residency information
• Indian permanent address details

I also had to complete the FATCA/CRS declaration.

The biggest confusion I had was about Aadhaar. I assumed it would be mandatory because I already had one, but the bank's NRI KYC checklist focused on the documents needed to establish my identity, overseas status and addresses.

Another important point is your existing resident account. Once you become non-resident, don't simply keep using the old account without checking with your bank. SBI's current NRI application says an existing resident account needs to be converted to an NRO account or closed when opening an NRE/NRO account with SBI.

Your bank may have a similar process, but confirm it directly rather than assuming all banks handle it identically.

I opened an NRO account from the UK and the bank basically divided the documentation into identity, NRI status, address and tax-residency information.

For me, the core documents were my Indian passport, UK residence/visa documentation, overseas address proof, PAN and photographs. The bank also asked for tax-residency information.

The exact list wasn't identical to what my friend submitted at another bank. That's probably why you are finding different checklists online.

One thing I'd definitely check is whether you are opening the account remotely or going to India and visiting the branch. My bank had additional authentication requirements because I wasn't physically present.

SBI's current NRI account-opening documentation, for example, separates proof of status, identity, tax residency, current overseas address and permanent address. It also says that customers who don't visit the branch may need third-party attestation of documents.

So I wouldn't prepare only your passport and visa. Have your overseas address and tax documents ready as well.