How NRIs Can Update Their KYC
Neha Navaneeth
Marketing & Content Associate
Dec 4, 2025
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can hold bank accounts (NRE, NRO, or FCNR accounts with Indian financial institutions. The banks must complete Know Your Customer (KYC) due diligence to confirm that both the identity and address of the customers are accurate and up to date, as mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Updating KYC is important for NRIs because failure to do so can lead to account restrictions. This blog gives you different ways to update KYC for NRI.
Why KYC for NRI is Important?
KYC for NRI is a mandatory legal procedure for Indian banks that enables them to confirm and authenticate the identity, address, as well as non-resident status of their foreign customers. Besides basic verification, KYC is a way to check the compliance of the customer with the exchange control and anti-money laundering laws laid down by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Based on the RBI's Master Direction on KYC (last amended in 2023), KYC information of customers should be regularly updated by the banks according to the risk category of the customers. High-risk accounts (usually those of NRIs) require more frequent verification. Non-Resident Indians also have to update their KYC if any of their personal details are changed.
Learn crucial information for first-time NRIs.
Documents Required for NRI KYC
While updating KYC, NRIs have to make sure all their documents are up to date, clear, and properly attested. Generally, the bank asks for the following documents:
Identity Proof: A valid passport (compulsory) and, if available, an OCI or PIO card.
Address Proof (Overseas): A utility bill, bank statement, or address document issued by the local government (not older than three months).
Indian Address Proof: It is an optional document and can be given if an NRI has a residential place in India.
PAN Card or Form 60: PAN is a must for tax-related purposes; Form 60 can be utilised where PAN is not available.
Recent Photograph: A passport-sized colour photo with proper visibility.
Any documents that are forwarded from a foreign country should be self-attested with your own signature. Some banks may require additional attestation by a notary public, Indian Embassy/Consulate, or authorised bank branch in the foreign country.
See our guide on non-resident accounts.
How NRI Can Get KYC?
KYC for NRI account can be done through different modes available, depending on the location of the account holder.
Obtain the KYC Update Form from the bank’s website.
Provide the information required by the form - your personal details, the addresses of your place abroad and India, details of the passport and visa.
Put the attested supporting documents together (passport, proof of address, PAN/Form 60, and photo).
Modes of Submission
The filled-in form can be submitted via one of the following ways:
At the Home Branch (when in India): NRIs travelling in India can drop off KYC forms and documentation at their regular bank branch, thus achieving the easiest execution method. Usually, the processing time is 1–2 business days.
Courier service: The NRI mails verified KYC documents along with a filled-out form to the Indian bank branch handling overseas accounts. Delivery speed affects total duration, which usually takes around 7 to 10 business days.
Using an approved branch abroad (if one exists): Some Indian banks run foreign offices that help handle KYC renewals. The processing usually wraps up in about three to five workdays.
Indian Embassy / Notary Attestation Path: When a bank lacks an overseas office, NRIs can take their papers to the nearest Indian embassy or consulate. Once verified, those files go by delivery service straight to the local branch.
How to Carry Out Online KYC for NRIs
Thanks to digitalisation, the KYC process has become convenient to the NRI community. They may update their records without being physically present.
Most Indian banks provide digital ways to update KYC via:
Internet banking portals
Mobile banking applications
Email submission (for selected banks)
If using the bank portal or mobile app, the steps are:
Use your NRE/NRO account login credentials to access the Bank's online portal.
Check if there's an option labelled 'Re-KYC' or maybe 'Update KYC'.
Upload the scanned copies of your own-signed papers - like passport, overseas address proof, PAN card, etc.
Look over the details. Make sure they’re right before you send them out.
Monitor the KYC status by checking emails or texts on your phone.
How Video-KYC Works for NRIs
Video KYC is a highly secure and quick digital verification method in real-time, which was introduced by the RBI to facilitate the KYC process. NRI can use it for a new account opening or a branch-based re-KYC.
You need a smartphone, tablet, or laptop with a camera, good light, a quiet place, and a valid ID (passport/PAN) along with the internet.
Here’s how video KYC is done:
Book an appointment through the bank's website or app.
Join the video call at the scheduled time.
Show your ID proof and verify the details with the video.
Put your live signature and a self-declaration stating that the document is your original copy.
The video KYC is normally done on the same day or within two working days at the most.
Common Reasons for KYC Refusal
It is very important for your KYC submission to be accurate and complete if you want to be approved quickly. A few errors and an ambiguous document may result in a refusal and a long waiting time for processing. Avoid these mistakes:
Documents photocopies that are blurry or not clear.
Passports or visas that have already expired.
The account holder or signatories have not signed the documents.
Non-attested documents (some banks may require that the documents be attested).
By carefully checking and submitting clear, valid, and signed documents, you can be sure that your request will not be delayed or rejected.
Conclusion
Fulfilling KYC requirements is not simply a regulatory formality that needs to be crossed off the list. It is a system that ensures the safety and protection of the NRI customer as well as the banking system against fraud and misuse. Nowadays, updating the KYC online is less time-consuming and more convenient.
Download Rupeeflo today to simplify your non-resident account management. Complete your onboarding through a digital first process!
FAQs
Is it possible for me to perform a complete online KYC update when I am abroad?
Yes. Numerous banks provide the facility to NRIs for KYC updation through online portals or mobile apps by uploading scanned self-attested documents.
What are the consequences if I do not update KYC by the deadline?
There may be a temporary freeze on your account, due to which you will be unable to carry out transactions unless you complete KYC.
Can I declare my foreign address as the residence for both NRE and NRO accounts?
Yes, you can use the international address once it has been properly attested for both accounts.
How long is a video KYC?
Typically, a video KYC is verified on the same day or within two business days based on the correct document uploads.
