A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) investment for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) based in Singapore is designed to help you grow your wealth steadily and efficiently through disciplined and periodic investments in Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIP) or any other funds. The SIP investments in India allow you to invest small amounts and enjoy the power of compounding along with its flexible and long-term approach.
˜Top 5 plans based on annualized premium, for bookings made in the first 6 months of FY 24-25. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. This list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For a complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website, www.irdai.gov.in
Best SIP Investment in India for NRI in 2025
Choosing the best SIP investment in India for an NRI in 2025 depends on several factors, including your risk appetite, investment goals, and time horizon. However, following are some of the best SIPs in India available for an NRI:
A SIP is also known as a Systematic Investment Plan in India. It is a method of investing in the best investment options like Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) and mutual funds. SIPs in India allow you to contribute a fixed amount at regular intervals, say monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly.
These plans offer a disciplined approach to investing, allowing NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) to systematically grow their wealth over time by leveraging the power of compounding.
SIPs provide flexibility and convenience, making it an accessible investment option for NRIs looking to participate in India's financial markets.
Key Features of SIP Investments in India for NRI
The key features of an investment in a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in India are listed in the table below:
Feature
Benefit
Long-Term Wealth Building
These plans offer compound growth over time, which is ideal for retirement or education goals.
Rupee Cost Averaging
You can buy more units when markets are low. This helps in averaging out your cost of investment.
Small Investments
These plans allow you to start investing in the best SIP plans with a minimal amount of Rs. 100 per month.
Top Up Facility
Benefit from Top-Up payments in SIP plans for additional investments.
Higher maturity returns in ULIP funds and mutual fund SIP plans.
Flexibility
You can start, stop, or modify the SIP amount as needed.
Convenience
These plans allow you to make automatic investments, hassle-free.
Diversification
You can invest in multiple assets through ULIP plans and mutual funds.
Professional Management
Expert Fund Managers handle your fund selection and portfolio management.
No Minimum Investment
These plans allow you to start with a small amount and gradually increase your contributions.
NRE/NRO Account Compatible
You can invest in rupees through designated NRE/ NRO accounts for NRI.
Potential Tax Benefits
Claim deductions under Section 80C and 10(10D).
Tax exemption on annual Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) up to Rs. 1 lakh.
LTCG is taxed at 10% after the exemption limit.
Short-term capital gains are taxed at 15%.
The tax treatment may vary based on NRI's residential status and Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements.
#You can discover the potential of your SIP investments in ULIP plans and mutual fund schemes by utilizing either a ULIP calculator or Mutual Fund calculator.
Working of a Systematic Investment Plan in India for NRI
The NRI in Singapore can follow the steps mentioned below to start investing in SIPs in India:
Step 1: Selecting a Mutual Fund
Research and choose a ULIP fund or mutual fund scheme that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Opt for funds managed by reputable fund houses with a good track record.
Step 2: NRI Eligibility
Confirm your eligibility as an NRI to invest in Indian ULIP plans and mutual funds.
NRIs in Singapore can typically invest in SIPs as per regulations set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Step 3: KYC Compliance
Complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process by submitting the necessary documents.
This step is crucial for regulatory compliance and can often be done online.
Step 4: Opening an NRI Account
Open a Non-Resident External (NRE) or Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account to facilitate SIP transactions.
Link this account with your mutual fund or ULIP investment plans for seamless transactions.
Step 5: Funding Your SIP
Transfer funds from your NRE/NRO account to your ULIP or mutual fund investment account.
You can set up an auto-debit facility for a hassle-free monthly investment.
Step 6: Choosing SIP Amount and Frequency
Decide the monthly investment amount based on your financial capacity and goals.
Choose the frequency of investment (monthly, quarterly) according to your preference.
Step 7: Monitoring and Review
Keep track of your SIP investments through regular statements provided by the insurance company or the mutual fund house.
Periodically review your portfolio and adjust your SIP amount if needed.
Step 8: Redemption and Returns
Understand the redemption process and how returns are credited to your NRE/NRO account.
Stay informed about tax implications and DTAA agreements on capital gains for NRIs.
Types of SIP Investment in India for NRI
The table below lists the significant types of Systematic Investment Plans in India based on the mode of investment in the SIP plan:
SIP Plans
Top-up SIP
Flexible SIP
Perpetual SIP
Trigger SIP
Description
Increase your investment amount at fixed intervals
Increase or decrease your investment amount as per cash flow
No specified end date for investment in SIP
Set up specific investment triggers based on chosen criteria
Benefit
Increase investment with income growth
Skip payments during cash crunch
Redeem funds as needed or upon achieving financial goals
Automate investment decisions based on market movements
Principles of a Systematic Investment Plan in India
A SIP investment plan follows the principle of rupee-cost averaging and the power of compounding. Let us understand them in detail from below:
Rupee- Cost Averaging:
In an SIP investment plan, rupee-cost averaging is a strategy applied to mutual funds and ULIP plan funds.
It involves purchasing more units of your chosen fund portfolio when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high.
This approach helps to even out the overall cost of your investment over time.
To illustrate this principle, let's explore it through an example using an SIP Rupee-Cost Averaging Calculator:
SIP Months
Invested Amount (in Rs.)
Price Per Unit (in Rs.)
No. of Units Bought
10th January 2023
Rs. 10000
32
312.50
10th April 2023
Rs. 10000
36
277.77
10th July 2023
Rs. 10000
30
333.33
10th October 2023
Rs. 10000
28
357.14
Total
Rs. 40000
31.23 (Average Cost)
1280.74
If You Invest in a Lump Sum
If You Invest in SIP
You invest the entire Rs. 40000 on 10th April in Lump Sum:
Total No. of Units Bought = 1111.11
As seen in the above illustration, if you invest Rs. 10000 per quarter:
Total No. of Units Bought = 1280.74
Please note: The aforementioned table and values are only provided for illustration purposes and should not be correlated with the performance of any SIP mutual fund scheme.
Power of Compounding
In an SIP plan, your money doesn't just grow on the amount you put in initially. It also earns interest on the interest it accumulates.
The returns your investment generates get reinvested, creating a cycle of growth that leads to additional returns over time.
The compounding effect in an SIP investment plan works best when you stay invested for a longer period.
Illustration of the Power of Compounding
If you invest in an SIP investment plan with the following details:
Monthly Investment = Rs. 10,000 per month
The SIP plan offers a rate of return = 12% p.a.
Interest compounding period = Annually
Your SIP investment plan will grow as follows:
After 5 years:
Total investment = Rs. 6 lakhs
Value of investment = Rs. 8.5 lakhs
After 10 years:
Total investment = Rs. 12 lakhs
Value of investment = Rs. 23.5 lakhs
After 15 years:
Total investment = Rs. 18 lakhs
Value of investment = Rs. 50.1 lakhs
After 20 years:
Total investment = Rs. 24 lakhs
Value of investment = Rs. 96.8 lakhs
Documents Required for NRI for SIP Investment in India
The following table shows the documents required to start investing in an SIP plan in India for NRI:
Passport
PAN Card
Singapore Address Proof
India Address Proof (if applicable)
NRE/NRO Bank Account Details
Photograph (Recent)
Estimating Returns with SIP Calculator
An SIP calculator is like a helpful assistant that gives you an idea of how your money can grow in a mutual fund or ULIP plan. It considers a few key things:
Investment Amount: How much money you plan to put in regularly.
Period of Investment: The duration for which you plan to keep investing.
Expected Rate of Return: The percentage of profit you hope to make.
Frequency of Investment: How often you contribute money (monthly, quarterly, etc.).
After you provide these details, the SIP calculator does the math and shows you:
Total Amount Invested: The sum of all the money you've put in.
Returns Earned: The profits your investment has made.
Final Value of the Investment: How much your investment is worth now.
How to Choose the Best SIP Investment in India?
The NRI investor should consider the following aspects before investing in a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in India:
Research Fund Categories:
Start by understanding your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Explore mutual fund categories like equity, debt, or hybrid based on your objectives.
Fund Performance:
Evaluate the historical performance of funds.
Look for consistent returns and a fund manager's track record.
Expense Ratio:
Pay attention to the expense ratio, as lower fees can significantly impact your overall returns.
Fund House Reputation:
Opt for well-established fund houses with a credible reputation.
Check their financial stability and customer service reviews.
Risk Factors:
Assess the risk associated with the fund.
Diversify your investments to mitigate risks.
NRI-specific Considerations:
Regulatory Compliance:
Ensure that the chosen fund complies with regulations for NRIs.
Check for the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering (PMLA) norms.
NRE or NRO Account:
Open a Non-Residential External (NRE) or Non-Residential Ordinary (NRO) account in India for seamless fund transactions.
Tax Implications:
Understand the tax implications both in India and Singapore.
Consider consulting a tax advisor to optimize tax efficiency.
Repatriation Rules:
Familiarize yourself with repatriation rules to transfer funds back to Singapore without complications.
FAQ's
Which SIP is best for NRI?
The list of 5 popular SIPs for NRIs in India that have performed well historically are as follows:
Tata AIA Whole Life Mid Cap Equity Fund
Bajaj Allianz Life Growth Plus
ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Equity Fund
Kotak Standard Multicap Fund
L&T India Prudence Fund
Can I use an NRE account for SIP?
Yes, NRIs can use an NRE account for SIP in India, but with certain limitations:
Repatriation: Any returns (dividends, capital gains) from the SIP investment can only be repatriated (sent back) outside India in accordance with FEMA regulations
Fund Options: Not all ULIP or mutual fund schemes are available for NRIs to invest in using an NRE account.
What is the best investment option for NRI?
The list of best investment options in India for NRI is as follows:
Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)
Child Education Plans
Pension Plans
Fixed Deposits (FD)
Capital Guarantee Plans
Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)
Can I invest 1000 ₹ per month in SIP?
Yes, NRIs can absolutely invest 1,000 ₹ per month in SIPs, and it's a great way to start building wealth in India over the long term.
˜Top 5 plans based on annualized premium, for bookings made in the first 6 months of FY 24-25. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. This list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For a complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website, www.irdai.gov.in *All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard T&C Apply
^The tax benefits under Section 80C allow a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakhs from the taxable income per year and 10(10D) tax benefits are for investments made up to ₹2.5 Lakhs/ year for policies bought after 1 Feb 2021. Tax benefits and savings are subject to changes in tax laws.
¶Long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax (12.5%) is exempted on annual premiums up to 2.5 lacs. ++Source - Google Review Rating available on:- http://bit.ly/3J20bXZ
^^The information relating to mutual funds presented in this article is for educational purpose only and is not meant for sale. Investment is subject to market risks and the risk is borne by the investor. Please consult your financial advisor before planning your investments.
**Returns are based on past 10 years’ fund performance data (Fund Data Source: Value Research).