Wondering how you can invest in global giants like Apple, Google, or Tesla while sitting in India? You’re not alone. With global investing becoming more accessible, many Indian investors are exploring the US stock market to diversify their portfolio and earn in dollars.
So, can you really invest in the US stock market from India?
Short answer: YES. Let’s break down the how, why, and what you need to know.
🌍 Why Should Indians Invest in US Stocks?
- Global diversification
- Exposure to companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Netflix
- Hedge against INR depreciation
- Dollar-denominated returns (powerful in long-term)
🧭 Is It Legal for Indians to Invest in the US Stock Market?
Yes, it is completely legal. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) permits Indian residents to invest abroad under its Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS). This means you can send up to $250,000 per financial year to invest in international assets — including US stock markets.
🛠️ What’s the Easiest Way to Start Investing in US Stocks from India?
There are two easy ways:
1. Using Indian Brokers with US Tie-ups
Platforms like:
- Zerodha (via Vested)
- ICICI Direct Global
- Groww US Stocks
- 5paisa Global Invest
These let you invest in the US market directly from their app.
2. Using International Platforms
Like:
- Interactive Brokers
- TD Ameritrade
- Charles Schwab
But here, KYC and account setup may be a bit more complex.
💸 What are the Charges and Fees?
- Currency conversion fee (₹ to USD): ~1–2%
- Brokerage / Platform fee: Some charge per trade, others monthly
- Withdrawal charges: Depending on the platform
- Yes, dividends earned from US stocks are subject to TDS — typically around 25% to 30%, as per US tax regulations
Tip: Always compare platforms before investing.
🧾 Tax Implications in India
- Profits earned by selling US stocks are taxable under Indian income tax laws.
- Dividends received are also taxed (TDS in US + taxable in India)
- To avoid paying tax twice, you can claim a foreign tax credit under Indian tax rules.
Better to consult a tax advisor if you’re investing big.
🛑 Is it Risky?
Every investment has some risk — especially forex fluctuation and global market volatility. But with proper research and a long-term view, US stock investing can be a powerful move for wealth creation.
🚀 Pro Tips Before You Start
- Start small – even $50 is fine
- If you’re just starting out, ETFs such as the S&P 500 or NASDAQ 100 are great options to begin with.
- Track forex rates before transferring funds
- It’s important to maintain proper records of your transactions to make tax filing easier and error-free.
📌 Final Thoughts
Yes, you can invest in the US stock market from India — legally, easily, and digitally. Whether you’re a beginner or a serious investor, US stocks offer an exciting opportunity to build global wealth.
Take your first step wisely. Research, choose the right platform, and start small.