The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become the backbone of Indian digital payments, and its international rollout brings significant convenience for Non-Resident Indians seeking fast, reliable financial connectivity across borders. 

This guide details where and how NRIs can use UPI abroad; eligibility, registration requirements, regulatory nuances, and practical planning as of October 2025.

Countries Where NRIs Can Use UPI in 2025

The UPI global rollout countries list has expanded significantly through strategic partnerships facilitated by NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL). As of 2025, UPI for NRIs abroad functionality is available across multiple jurisdictions with varying levels of merchant acceptance.

UPI Acceptance by Country and Region

As of the latest NPCI update (November 2025), UPI is officially live in the following 7 countries:

Source: NPCI UPI Global Acceptance – List of Countries (2025)

Countries in Progress (Under Integration / Pilot Stage)

Beyond the 7 officially live countries, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has announced several upcoming integrations that are in pilot or negotiation stages for phased rollout.

*Availability is merchant-dependent, with urban and diaspora hubs prioritized for rollouts. Some countries remain in pilot stages and may not have full merchant coverage; always check supported outlets in advance

The NPCI NRI guidelines 2025 emphasize that acceptance is merchant-dependent i.e. UPI is possible only at merchants integrated with local partners (such as PayNow- Singapore, Lyra-France, FonePay - Nepal, LankaPay- Sri Lanka) or direct UPI QR payments.

Always confirm merchant acceptance before travel, especially for countries still in the pilot phase.   NPCI International Payments Limited has announced phased expansion plans targeting Southeast Asia, Middle East, and select African markets, with Oman and Cyprus showing a recent integration process by late 2025.

How NRIs Access UPI Abroad

The fundamental requirement for UPI for NRIs abroad has evolved significantly in 2024-2025. While traditionally requiring an Indian mobile number, several major banks now permit UPI registration using international mobile numbers for NRIs in select countries, subject to bank-specific policies and NRE/NRO account linkage. This creates specific considerations for NRIs seeking to maintain UPI functionality while residing overseas.

Core Requirements for NRI UPI Access

• UPI Registration for NRIs :

  Historically, UPI applications mandated an active Indian mobile number (+91 country code) for registration and transaction authentication. However, from 2024-2025, several banks including ICICI Bank , IDFC First, Federal Bank and others have introduced programs allowing NRIs in selected countries to use their international (non-+91) mobile numbers for UPI registration, provided the number is linked to their NRE/NRO account. This remains a bank-specific feature and not a universal NPCI/RBI rule change, so NRIs should verify support with their specific bank. 

For those whose banks do not offer this feature, maintaining an Indian mobile number remains necessary through international roaming packages, SMS forwarding services, periodic reactivation during India visits, or virtual Indian mobile numbers.

• Bank Account Linkage:

  NRIs can link UPI applications to either NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) accounts maintained with Indian banks. The account must be active, KYC-compliant, and support UPI services. For detailed information on NR account types suitable for UPI linking, refer to our comprehensive guide on understanding NR accounts.
  
  

• Supported Banks for NRI UPI:

  Major banks supporting NRI UPI usage countries transactions include State Bank of India (SBI), ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Bank of Baroda. NRIs should verify UPI support for NR accounts with their specific bank, as policies vary regarding international transaction authorization.

Registration and Verification Process

The registration process follows standard domestic procedures: download a UPI-enabled application (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM), register using the Indian mobile number, complete bank account linking via debit card details, set UPI PIN using debit card and OTP authentication, and verify with a test transaction. Some banks require in-person verification or video KYC for NRIs activating UPI on NR accounts. 

For a step-by-step activation guide, see our resource on how NRIs can use UPI in India.

Linking Overseas Accounts

Direct linking of overseas bank accounts to Indian UPI apps remains not permitted under current RBI/FEMA rules. Cross-border use is enabled by settlement/linkage arrangements (for example PayNow-UPI or LankaPay-NIPL integrations); not by making a foreign account your UPI funding source. NRIs therefore continue to use NRE/NRO or resident INR accounts for UPI transactions.

Current Regulatory Framework

The Reserve Bank of India mandates that UPI transactions must originate from Indian Rupee accounts maintained with Indian scheduled commercial banks.

Key Restrictions:

• Direct linking of overseas bank accounts (US, UK, Singapore accounts, etc.) to Indian UPI applications remains prohibited under FEMA regulations

• The 2024-2025 updates enable international mobile number registration but do not permit foreign accounts as funding sources

NRI Account Strategies:

NRIs seeking UPI for NRIs abroad functionality must maintain compliant Indian bank accounts through:

• NRE Account Strategy: Funding via foreign currency remittances

• NRO Account Strategy: For Indian-sourced income

• Dual Account Management: For segregated fund handling

For guidance on whether resident Indian accounts can continue as NRI, consult regulatory compliance resources.

Future Roadmap for Cross-Border Integration

NPCI has indicated long-term objectives to enable limited cross-border interoperability through bilateral payment corridor agreements (like the operational PayNow-UPI linkage with Singapore), real-time gross settlement linkages between central banks, and digital currency integration. These developments remain in exploratory phases with no confirmed implementation timelines for universal foreign account linking in 2025. Current NPCI NRI guidelines 2025 maintain the Indian account requirement for all UPI transactions.

RBI and NPCI Guidelines for NRIs (Regulatory Updates 2025)

The regulatory framework governing NRIs using UPI overseas has evolved with specific provisions addressing cross-border transaction compliance, limits, and reporting requirements.

Transaction Limits and Restrictions

UPI transactions for NRIs follow standard domestic limits unless specifically modified by the issuing bank:

*Individual banks may impose lower limits on NRE/NRO linked UPI accounts based on risk assessment and FEMA compliance requirements.

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) Framework

NIPL operates as the international arm of NPCI, facilitating UPI global rollout countries expansion through bilateral agreements. International merchants accepting UPI must register with local payment authorities and NIPL, complete KYC verification, designate settlement accounts, and comply with local tax regulations. Cross-border UPI transactions settle through correspondent banking arrangements or real-time payment system linkages. Singapore's PayNow-UPI integration, operational since February 2023 and expanded in July 2025, exemplifies direct interoperability between UPI and foreign payment systems, enabling instant cross-border fund transfers without intermediary conversions.

FATCA and FBAR Implications

NRIs residing in jurisdictions with tax reporting obligations must consider implications of maintaining UPI-linked Indian accounts. 

• US-resident NRIs must report Indian bank accounts exceeding aggregate USD 10,000 value under FATCA and FBAR requirements. 

• India participates in Common Reporting Standard (CRS), sharing account information with treaty countries. UPI transaction activity does not create additional reporting obligations beyond existing account disclosure requirements.

Practical Benefits for NRIs

The expansion of UPI international availability delivers tangible advantages for Indians residing abroad, particularly in maintaining financial connectivity and reducing transaction costs.

Seamless India Visit Transactions

NRIs visiting India benefit from immediate access to the country's comprehensive digital payment ecosystem. UPI acceptance spans restaurants, retail stores, transportation services, utility payments, and street vendors in urban centers, eliminating the need to carry substantial cash.

Family Financial Support

UPI for NRIs abroad enables instant, zero-fee transfers to family members in India. Unlike traditional remittance methods requiring 1-3 business days and charging service fees (typically 1-3% of transfer amount), UPI facilitates real-time person-to-person transfers at no cost for amounts within daily limits.

Cost Comparison: Traditional Remittance vs UPI

For regular remittances from overseas accounts, traditional NRO transfers remain necessary. For guidance on how to transfer funds from NRO accounts to overseas accounts, consult structured repatriation processes.

International Merchant Payments and Digital Ecosystem Integration

In UPI global rollout countries, NRIs can transact directly at participating merchants, avoiding foreign transaction fees charged by international credit cards (typically 2-3% per transaction). Maintaining active UPI access enables participation in India's digital services ecosystem including subscription services, e-commerce platforms, government services, and investments.

The global expansion of UPI is a significant advance in cross-border payments, yet NRIs using it abroad are limited by the requirement for Indian bank accounts and mobile numbers. The NPCI NRI guidelines 2025 ensure security and FEMA compliance, balancing innovation with oversight. The primary value for NRIs remains the ease of payments when visiting India and cost-free domestic remittances. For comprehensive support on NRI digital banking solutions in 2025, Rupeeflo offers dedicated infrastructure for maintaining financial connectivity between India and countries of residence.

Disclaimer: UPI international availability, merchant acceptance, and regulatory guidelines are subject to change. Data up to date by October 2025. NRIs are expected to confirm existing NPCI policies, RBI rules, and bank compliance. Seek guidance on FEMA compliance and cross-border payment plan on the advice of qualified financial advisors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I link my US/UK bank account directly to UPI?

No. Current regulations mandate UPI linkage exclusively to Indian Rupee accounts maintained with Indian scheduled commercial banks. NRIs must use an NRE or NRO account in India.

2. Do I need an Indian mobile number to use UPI abroad?

Not necessarily, as of 2024-2025. While traditionally requiring an Indian mobile number (+91 country code), several banks including ICICI Bank and Federal Bank now allow NRIs to register UPI using their international mobile numbers from select countries, provided the number is linked to their NRE/NRO account. This is a bank-specific feature, so NRIs should verify support with their bank. For banks not offering this feature, maintaining an Indian number through international roaming or periodic reactivation remains necessary.

3. Are there transaction limits for UPI payments made outside India?

Yes. Limits are generally the same as domestic Indian transactions: up to ₹1,00,000 for P2P and up to ₹2,00,000 for merchants, subject to daily caps. Your specific bank may impose lower limits on NRE/NRO accounts.

4. Which UPI apps work best for NRIs?

Google Pay and PhonePe generally offer the most consistent international accessibility and merchant acceptance. Verify compatibility with your specific NR account type and issuing bank.

5. How do I reactivate my UPI after being abroad for long periods?

Ensure your linked Indian mobile number is active and KYC is updated. Log into the UPI app, follow reactivation prompts, complete OTP verification, and reset your UPI PIN if necessary. Some banks may require in-person or video KYC after extended inactivity.