How to invest in US stocks from India: A comprehensive guide

. You can invest through foreign brokers, Indian brokers with international ties, or via US-focused ETFs and mutual funds.

Investing in US stocks from India offers a great opportunity for diversification and exposure to leading global companies. You can invest through foreign brokers, Indian brokers with international ties, or via US-focused ETFs and mutual funds. By staying informed and adopting a long-term strategy, you can capitalize on the growth potential of the US stock market.

It might seem a bit complicated at first, but with the right information and tools, it’s easier than you think to start investing internationally.

Whether you're looking for high-growth tech stocks or steady blue-chip companies, this guide will help you understand how you can invest in the US stock market right from India.

Why invest in US stocks?

Investing in US stocks offers several key advantages for Indian investors. First, it provides global diversification, helping to reduce risk by spreading investments across international markets, particularly in a strong economy like the US. Additionally, the US stock market is home to leading companies in innovative sectors like technology, healthcare, and consumer goods, giving investors access to world-class businesses. Lastly, investing in US stocks allows your investments to be held in US dollars, which means if the USD appreciates against the Indian rupee, your returns could increase, providing a currency benefit.

Methods to invest in US stocks from India

1. Open a trading account with a foreign broker

This is the most direct way to invest in US stocks. Many US-based brokerage firms allow Indian investors to open accounts with them.

Steps:

• Choose a brokerage platform: Select a US-based brokerage firm that accepts Indian clients.
• Open an account: You’ll need to provide your identification documents such as a passport, PAN card, proof of address, and bank account details.
• Fund your account: Transfer funds from your Indian bank account to your US brokerage account using the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS), which allows Indian residents to remit up to $250,000 per year abroad for investment purposes.
• Start trading: Once your account is funded, you can start buying US stocks directly through the platform’s online or app interface.

Several Indian brokerage firms have tie-ups with US brokers, making it easier for Indian investors to buy US stocks. Some popular Indian brokers offering this service are ICICI Direct, HDFC Securities, and Kotak Securities.

Steps:

• Open a 3-in-1 account: Many Indian brokers offer a 3-in-1 account that links your savings, trading, and demat accounts. Once you sign up, they will facilitate the international stock transactions via their US brokerage partners.
• Buy fractional shares: With some brokers, you can also buy fractional shares, which is useful if you want to invest in expensive stocks like Amazon or Google without buying a full share.
• Fees and commissions: Check the fees and commissions charged by your broker for international transactions.

If you’re looking for a simpler way to gain exposure to the US market without buying individual stocks, you can invest in US-focused ETFs or mutual funds.

Steps:

• Invest in ETFs: Many Indian mutual fund houses offer ETFs that track US indices like the S&P 500. This allows you to invest in the overall US stock market without picking individual stocks.
• Mutual funds: There are also international mutual funds available in India that focus on US markets.
• Lower risk: Investing in ETFs or mutual funds provides diversification and reduces the risk associated with individual stock volatility.

When you invest in US stocks from India, it’s important to understand the tax rules:

• Capital gains tax: Any gains from US stocks will be subject to capital gains tax in India. Long-term capital gains (holding period of more than 24 months) are taxed at 20% with indexation, while short-term gains are taxed according to your income tax slab.
• Dividend tax: Dividends paid by US companies are subject to a 25% withholding tax in the US. However, under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), you can offset this amount against your tax liability in India.
• Reporting requirements: Under Indian tax laws, you must declare your foreign assets and income in your income tax returns.

• Exchange rate risk: Since your investments are in USD, any fluctuations in the exchange rate can impact your returns.
• Platform fees: Compare fees, commissions, and other charges when choosing a brokerage platform to ensure you are not paying high fees that could eat into your returns.
• Research: Just like investing in Indian stocks, thorough research and understanding of the US stock market are crucial before making any investments.