SEBI has proposed simpler KYC requirements for NRIs, OCIs and foreign nationals. The proposals include digital KYC without physical presence in India and portable KYC records across securities-market intermediaries.
Completing KYC for investing in the Indian securities market can sometimes be difficult if you live outside India. You may need to provide documents, complete verification and, in some cases, be physically present in India.
SEBI has proposed changes to make this process easier for individual Persons Resident Outside India (PROIs). This includes NRIs, Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and foreign nationals.
The proposals were issued on 14-August-2026. Public comments can be submitted until 4-September-2026.
No need to travel to India for KYC
SEBI has proposed removing the physical presence requirement for PROI clients from FATF (Financial Action Task Force)-compliant countries.
This means eligible clients could complete their KYC through digital methods while staying overseas.
This could make opening a securities-market account in India simpler if you live abroad.
One KYC could be used with multiple intermediaries
SEBI has also proposed making KYC records portable across securities-market intermediaries.
This means you may not have to complete the same KYC process again when you use another intermediary.
SEBI has also proposed allowing intermediaries to use KYC completed by entities regulated by other financial-sector regulators.
Easier document certification
The proposal would expand the list of people who can certify KYC documents.
Officials of overseas banks that have relationships with Indian banks could also be allowed to certify these documents.
SEBI also proposes collecting an email ID from PROI clients. This would make communication with intermediaries easier.
Digital verification would have safeguards
SEBI has proposed additional safeguards for Video In Person Verification (VIPV).
These include protection against spoofed IP addresses, concurrent audits and cybersecurity compliance.
The aim is to make digital KYC easier without compromising security.
What does this mean for you?
These proposals could make the KYC process quicker and more convenient if you live outside India.
You may be able to complete KYC online without travelling to India. Your KYC could also be used with multiple securities-market intermediaries.
However, these changes are only proposals at present. They will apply only if SEBI finalises them.
