- Complete RBI-mandated KYC on your NRE/NRO account using approved documents.
- Ensure that your international mobile number is linked to that account.
- Use an NPCI-approved UPI app that supports international numbers.
- Onboard via app using debit card or Aadhaar OTP to set your UPI PIN.
- Optionally, for temporary usage, opt for UPI One World with physical KYC, prepaid INR wallet, and easy encashment.
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with NRE/NRO bank accounts can now register for and use UPI (Unified Payments Interface) in India using their international mobile numbers, thanks to enabling frameworks by NPCI and RBI. Let’s dive into the requirements, process, and documents needed for such onboarding.
What Is UPI & Its Extension to NRIs?
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is an instant inter-bank payment system developed by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) and regulated by the RBI. It enables seamless peer-to-peer and person-to-merchant transactions using a UPI ID or QR code.
Recognizing the need for digital payments among Indians abroad, NPCI has enabled NRIs with NRE/NRO accounts to use UPI via their international mobile numbers, provided their bank supports the feature.NPCI
Eligibility & Regulatory Backdrop
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed NRIs and foreign nationals visiting India to make payments using UPI, including via international mobile numbers linked to Indian bank accounts. This authorization is rooted in RBI’s Master Directions on Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs). Source: Press Information Bureau
- NPCI, the governing body of UPI, supports this expansion by allowing registration through international numbers linked to NRE/NRO accounts, provided the bank and app provider permit it.
What Documents Do NRIs Need to Register for UPI?
Before you look at the list of documents, it is important to first understand the background and government mandate:
Regulatory Mandate for NRIs
The Government of India (via the Press Information Bureau) has confirmed that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with NRE/NRO accounts and international mobile numbers linked to those accounts are eligible to access UPI services. This decision was taken in coordination with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
Documents Required for NRI UPI Registration
A. KYC Compliance for NRE/NRO Accounts
To be eligible for UPI, your NRE/NRO account must be fully compliant with RBI’s KYC norms. Under the RBI’s Master Direction on KYC, acceptable Officially Valid Documents (OVDs) include (among others):
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- Aadhaar proof
- Voter ID Card
- NREGA job card issued by the state government
- Letter issued by the National Population Register (NPR)
Additionally, PAN or Form 60 is required where applicable. Source: RBI
Note: While these are the standard documents required for NRI UPI, individual banks may request additional verification or supporting papers depending on their internal compliance processes. Always confirm with your bank before initiating UPI registration.
Other Requirements & UPI Onboarding for NRIs
Apart from documents, NRIs must also fulfill the following conditions:
International Mobile Number Linkage
- Your international mobile number must be registered with your NRE/NRO account.
- UPI will only work if your mobile number is updated in bank records.
NPCI UPI Onboarding Methods
Once the mobile number is tied to your account and KYC is in place, you proceed as per NPCI’s onboarding process:
- Download a UPI-enabled app that supports international mobile numbers.
- Link using your international number, complete onboarding, and set a UPI PIN. NPCI supports two modes of authentication during onboarding:
- Device binding + Debit card details.
- Device binding + Aadhaar OTP authentication.
| Process | Onboard on UPI using Debit Card | Onboard on UPI using Aadhaar Card |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Onboarding | Device binding + Debit card details | Device binding + Aadhaar Authentication (OTP) |
| Requirement | Active SIM (linked to bank account) + Debit Card | Active SIM + Aadhaar Card linked to Bank Account |
| Dependencies | Debit Card | Aadhaar Card |
Source: NPCI – UPI Procedural Guidelines
3. Special Case: UPI One World (For Travellers / NRIs on Short Visits)
UPI One World is an NPCI initiative tailored for travellers—including NRIs on short visits, and foreign tourists:
- Download the partner issuer app.
- Complete physical KYC: submit and verify Passport + valid Visa in person at an issuer counter.
- You receive UPI access on your international mobile number, but use it via a prepaid wallet model.
- Load INR balance via foreign currency exchange or card, transact at merchants, and encash any leftover balance before departure.
This differs from linking your NRE/NRO account—here, it’s a prepaid model designed for temporary usage. Source: NPCI
Steps to Apply and Use UPI One World (as per NPCI)
- Step 1: Download an issuer app for UPI One World (e.g., IDFC FIRST Bank, Pine Labs, Smart Payment Solutions, Transcorp International, Tri O Tech Solutions).
- Step 2: Sign in and complete physical KYC by presenting your Passport and valid Visa at the issuer’s designated counter.
- Step 3: Your UPI One World wallet is issued on your international mobile number.
- Step 4: Load INR into the wallet via credit/debit card or foreign exchange at the counter.
- Step 5: Use the wallet to make UPI payments at merchant outlets in India.
Step 6: Before leaving India, encash any remaining balance back to your original payment source as per forex rules.
4. Step-by-Step Process for NRI UPI Registration
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Complete KYC | Submit RBI-approved documents (passport, PAN, etc.) to have your NRE/NRO account fully KYC-compliant. |
| 2. Register Mobile Number | Link your international mobile number to your Indian bank account. |
| 3. Choose UPI App | Use a UPI-enabled app supporting international numbers. |
| 4. Onboard via App | Register using your linked number, and authenticate via debit card or Aadhaar OTP to set your UPI PIN. |
| 5. Start Transacting | Once onboarded, you can make P2P and merchant UPI transactions using your international number. |
| (Alternate) UPI One World | If you’re a short-term visitor, complete physical KYC (passport + visa), use the prepaid wallet model, and load INR to transact. |
Countries Supporting International UPI (NPCI Certified)
NPCI provides an official list of countries whose international mobile numbers can be used to register for UPI via NRE/NRO accounts:
- Australia (+61)
- Canada (+1)
- France (+33)
- Hong Kong (+852)
- Malaysia (+60)
- Oman (+968)
- Qatar (+974)
- Saudi Arabia (+966)
- Singapore (+65)
- United Arab Emirates (+971)
- United Kingdom (+44)
- United States of America (+1)
Source: NPCI
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