Yes. It is completely legal. The Reserve Bank of India permits residents to invest overseas under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which allows remittance of up to USD 250,000 per financial year for foreign investments, travel, education, and other permitted purposes.

The Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) is an RBI framework that allows resident individuals to remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year abroad. To invest globally, you remit funds under LRS through your bank (declaring the purpose as overseas investment), convert rupees to dollars, and invest through a brokerage or fund. Northbridge handles the paperwork and process end to end.

Through Northbridge, global investing via the LRS route starts at USD 5,000. The maximum under LRS is USD 250,000 per financial year for an individual. For non-individuals, the limit is up to 50% of net worth. There is no specific upper limit when investing through Indian mutual funds or AIFs that hold global assets, since those do not use the LRS route.

There are two main routes. First, directly: open an international brokerage account, remit funds under LRS, and buy US stocks and ETFs in dollars. Second, indirectly: invest in Indian mutual funds or ETFs that track US indices like the S&P 500 or Nasdaq, with no LRS paperwork required. Northbridge helps you choose and execute the right route for your goals.

Through the LRS route, you can invest in US equities (Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and others), global ETFs, and international mutual funds. Through the Indian route, you can access feeder funds and international funds managed by Indian fund houses that invest in global markets. We help you build a diversified global portfolio rather than a scattered set of individual bets.

Global investments carry specific tax implications. A Tax Collected at Source (TCS) applies on LRS remittances above a threshold (claimable as a refund when you file your return). US dividends are subject to withholding tax for Indian investors. Capital gains are taxed in India based on holding period. The India-US tax treaty helps reduce double taxation. We help structure your global holdings with these considerations in mind, though we always recommend consulting your tax professional for personal advice.

There is no single right answer, but for most Indian portfolios above ₹1 crore, a global allocation of 10 to 25% is a reasonable starting point depending on your goals, risk capacity, and time horizon. The objective is deliberate diversification, not chasing global markets for their own sake.

All market-linked investments carry risk. Global investing adds currency risk (rupee-dollar movements can help or hurt returns) and the complexity of foreign tax rules. However, geographic diversification can also reduce overall portfolio risk by spreading exposure across economies that do not move in lockstep. Suitability depends on your goals and horizon.

For direct investing, yes, you need an international brokerage account that accepts Indian residents, plus LRS remittance through your bank. For the indirect route through Indian funds, you only need a regular mutual fund account. Northbridge guides you through whichever route fits, including the account setup.

Fill the form on this page or speak with our team. We will understand your goals, your existing portfolio, and how much you want to allocate globally, then recommend the right route and structure. We handle the LRS paperwork, account setup, and tax considerations so you do not have to figure it out alone.