Best NRI Demat Account in India 2025 – Comprehensive Guide
Investing in the Indian market can be a way for NRIs to stay connected to their homeland. For this, you should know where and how to invest and which is the best platform to invest. Here we have analyzed and collected information about the top 4 platforms we are sharing with you. This article will help you understand where to open an NRI demat account, according to charges, brokerage, facilities, and benefits, so that you can make the right choice.
Why NRI's Need a Special Demat Account
NRIs are subject to unique regulations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), which governs how they can invest in Indian equities and derivatives. A dedicated NRI Demat account ensures compliance with these laws and provides specialized features such as dual account types:
- NRE Account: For funds repatriable abroad.
- NRO Account: For non-repatriable funds sourced in India.
Top NRI Demat Accounts in India
1. Zerodha
Zerodha is a very popular discount broker in India. It offers very simple and profitable investing for NRI investors.
Features:
- • It offers multiple trading platforms where you
can invest in equity and derivatives.
• Allows opening of both NRE and NRO types.
• Offers instant fund transfer facility with partner banks like HDFC and Axis Bank.
Charges:
- •
Account opening fee is ₹500 + 18% GST.
• It charges ₹200 brokerage per order for equity and F&O trades.
Advantages:
- • It is a very user-friendly platform
• Zerodha has a strong reputation and brand trust in the market.
Disadvantages:
- • There is no specific customer support system for NRIs as compared to other brokers.
- • More Expensive than other competitors at the same service level.
Open Zerodha NRI Account |
2. Fyers NRI Demat
Fyres is a rising star in the discount brokerage space, offering affordable NRI
accounts with a wide range of futures.
Features:
-
• ₹ 20 brokerages charged for equity delivery and all types of trades.
• For traders who are always on the go, it offers advanced charting and trading tools.
• It follows a digital process for account opening and does not require much time to set up the account.
Charges:
-
• Opening any trading or demat account with Fyres is absolutely free.
• Charges ₹50 brokerage per order for intraday and F&O trades. - • AMC (Annual Maintenance Charges) are also absolutely free for a lifetime.
Advantages:
-
• It is very affordable for all types of traders whether you are a casual trader or a seasoned trader.
• Fyres provides a simple trading platform for its clients. - • Best Customer support service.
Disadvantages:
• Fyres does not provide any offline support.
Open Fyers NRI Demat Account |
3. Kotak Securities NRI
Kotak Securities is popular for its excellent customer service and great banking services for NRIs.
Features:
- • Kotak Securities offers investment options in equity, mutual funds and IPOs.
- • Most reliable platform for long-term investors.
Charges:
- • It charges a lump sum of ₹1,000 from its customers to opening fees.
- • It charges a brokerage of 0.49% for equity delivery trades.
Advantages:
- • It provides the best customer support to the customers.
- • It also offers integrated Kotak Mahindra Bank services.
Disadvantages:
- • It charges higher brokerage fees.
Open Kotak Securities NRI
Demat |
4. ICICI Direct NRI
ICICI Direct is a great option for NRI users looking for premium services and comprehensive investments.
Features:
- • It offers the facility of investing in equity, derivatives, and mutual funds for its NRI clients
- • ICICI provides a dedicated relationship manager for its NRI clients who are committed to solving your problems
- • Offers simple and easy taxation facilities
Charges:
- • The account opening fee on ICICI brokerage platform is ₹1,500
- • Brokerage: It charges 0.50% for all its equity deliveries
Advantages:
- • It offers a wide range of services to its clients including all types of tax assistance
- • This platform is great for investors with high investment objectives.
Disadvantages:
- • The biggest minus point of this platform is that it charges high brokerage fees
- • It charges a hefty opening amount for new users who want to open a new account.
Open ICICI Direct NRI
Demat Account |
Key Comparison: Charges and Brokerage
Broker |
Account Opening Fee |
AMC Fee |
Brokerage (Equity Delivery) |
Brokerage (F&O) |
Link |
Zerodha |
₹500 |
₹500/year |
₹200/order |
₹200/order |
Open Account |
ICICI Direct |
₹1,500 |
₹750/year |
0.50% |
₹200/order |
Open Account |
Fyers |
Free |
No AMC | Free |
₹50/order |
Open A/C |
Kotak Securities |
₹1,000 |
₹750/year |
0.49% |
₹300/order |
Open Account |
Insight: Fyres offers its clients the most cost-effective solutions, especially for delivery trades, making it ideal for those looking to invest for the long term.
Tax Implications for NRI Accounts
NRIs are subject to TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on capital gains:
- Short-Term Capital Gains
(STCG): 20% on equities sold within one year.
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): 12.5% on profits exceeding ₹1.25 lakh annually.
Both Zerodha and Fyers provide detailed transaction summaries for tax filing, but ICICI Direct offers better support for complex tax calculations.
How to Choose the Best NRI Demat Account
1. Assess your Trading Needs:
Active traders can choose a broker like Fyres to get the best service at a low cost. The fee, service benefits, and AMC are the most affordable among all the drafters. If you want to enjoy higher cost and comprehensive services, you can choose other options given below.
2. Compare Costs:
Look for affordable brokerage, AMC, and tax filing services. You will find Fyres to be the best option that offers you all these facilities.
3. Evaluate the Usability of the Platform:
User-friendly platforms like Zerodha’s Kite and Fyres’ Dashboard make trading simple for beginners. You can choose Fyres as it has a user-friendly interface.
4. Check Customer Support:
NRIs often need a quick resolution of queries, so brokers with dedicated NRI desks are better. Here too, you can choose Fyres or Zerodha.
Final Thoughts: Which is the Best NRI Demat Account?
Based on affordability, features, and user experience, Fyers emerges as the best NRI Demat in India for 2025. Its zero brokerage for equity delivery trades, advanced tools, and seamless onboarding make it an ideal choice for both casual investors and active traders.
If you are looking for premium services and in-depth support, ICICI Direct and Kotak Securities are excellent options. On the other hand, if you aim to invest at a low cost, Fyers is your best bet. Now, study the options carefully, set your investment goals, choose the platform that suits your needs, and start building your portfolio in the vibrant Indian market.