India’s digital payment system has taken a big step forward, especially for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
NRIs can now use their international mobile numbers to make UPI payments in India, without the need for an Indian SIM card.
A Major Milestone in Digital Payments
Using apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM, or Paytm, NRIs can now send money, pay rent, and settle bills in India just like residents.
This move follows a January 2023 announcement by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), allowing NRIs with NRE or NRO accounts to access UPI services using international mobile numbers.
Indian banks and UPI apps started rolling out support gradually. IDFC First Bank became one of the first to fully enable this feature.
In a June 25, 2025 press release, IDFC First Bank confirmed that NRIs from 12 countries, including the USA, UK, UAE, Australia, and Singapore, can now link their international numbers to UPI.
What You Need to Use UPI as an NRI
To use UPI in India as an NRI, you must:
Have an NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account with a UPI-enabled Indian bank (like IDFC First)
Register a mobile number with an approved country code (e.g., +1 for the USA, +971 for UAE)
Make sure both your bank and UPI app support international numbers
List of Supported Countries (as of now)
USA
UK
Australia
Canada
Singapore
Hong Kong
Qatar
Malaysia
Saudi Arabia
France
Oman
UAE
More countries may be added as support expands.
How to Set Up UPI as an NRI: Step-by-Step
Open an NRE or NRO account with a UPI-enabled Indian bank
Register your international mobile number with that bank
Download a UPI app (Google Pay India, PhonePe, BHIM, or Paytm)
Verify your number through OTP or biometrics
Start using UPI to scan QR codes, pay bills, and send money in India
UPI Apps That Support International Numbers
- PhonePe
- Google Pay (India version)
- BHIM
- Paytm (only for select banks)
- Amazon Pay (in limited rollout)
Other Key Details for NRIs
- NRE accounts: Not taxable in India
- NRO accounts: Earnings are taxable in India
- TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) applies to NRO income
- To avoid higher TDS under Section 206AA, you must link your PAN to your NRO account
This upgrade to UPI access makes it much easier for NRIs to manage their finances in India from abroad—whether it’s for family, property, or personal use.
