Key takeaways
- NRO to Europe: up to USD 1 million a year after Indian tax, with Forms 145 and 146.
- Several European countries tax gifts and inheritances received; check before a large gift.
- Indian income is usually taxable locally, with treaty credit.
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India to Europe: what can go, and how
| Money in India | Can it go abroad? | Limit and paperwork |
|---|---|---|
| NRE or FCNR deposit | Yes, freely | No limit. No Indian tax on NRE interest |
| NRO balance: rent, dividends, pension, savings from before you left | Yes, after Indian tax | Up to USD 1 million per financial year, with Form 145 and usually a CA certificate in Form 146 |
| Sale of a flat or land | Yes, after TDS and tax | Within the USD 1 million. Proceeds of up to two homes bought with foreign money or NRE funds can go back up to the amount you paid. A lower TDS certificate (Form 128) stops excess TDS |
| Inheritance from parents | Yes | Within the USD 1 million, with the will or succession papers. India has no inheritance tax |
| Gift from your parents in India | Yes, they send it under LRS | Up to USD 250,000 per parent per year. TCS of 20% above ₹10 lakh, which they can adjust against their tax |
Europe to India: where to send it
| Send it to | Best for | Indian tax |
|---|---|---|
| NRE account | Savings you may want to take back later | Interest tax-free in India (but taxable where you live) |
| NRO account | Paying Indian bills, EMIs, joint use with Indian income | Interest taxable in India, TDS deducted |
| Your parents’ account | Supporting family | Gifts to relatives are not taxed in India |
| Property, mutual funds, shares | Investing in India through NRE or NRO | Gains taxed in India; NRIs cannot buy farm land |
What European countries tax
- Gift and inheritance tax on the receiver: unlike the UK, US, Canada and Australia, countries such as Germany, France, Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands can tax a gift or inheritance received by their residents, with allowances that depend on the relationship. Check before your parents send a large amount.
- Worldwide income: residents are generally taxed on Indian interest (including NRE), rent and gains, with credit under India’s tax treaty with that country.
- Reporting: foreign accounts and assets often have to be declared in your local return.
FAST-DS check before 31 December 2026: if you were resident in India in any year while holding a foreign account, shares or RSUs, and they were not in Schedule FA, see FAST-DS for NRIs abroad.
Steps to send money from India
- Pay or settle Indian tax on the money (TDS on rent, interest or property sale).
- Move it to your NRO account if it is not there already.
- Get the CA certificate (Form 146) and file Form 145 online.
- Give your bank the forms, the source documents and its remittance request. It sends the money to your account abroad.
Related: repatriating money from an NRO account, NRE vs NRO vs FCNR, TDS on property sale by NRIs and the free transfer checker.
Sources
- RBI: Master Direction on remittance of assets (USD 1 million limit)
- Your Europe (EU): Inheritance tax in the EU
Frequently asked questions
Is a gift from parents in India taxable in Germany or the Netherlands?
It can be. Several European countries, including Germany, France, Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands, tax gifts and inheritances received by their residents, with allowances. Check the local rules before a large transfer.
How much can I transfer from India to Europe?
Up to USD 1 million per financial year from NRO balances, property sale proceeds and inheritance, after Indian tax, with Forms 145 and 146. NRE balances have no limit.
Is NRE interest taxable in Europe?
Generally yes for residents of European countries; it is tax-free only in India.
Please note: this guide is general information based on the rules as they stood on the review date above. Regulations and RBI/CBDT procedures change often — please get advice on your specific facts before acting.