✅ How to Invest in US Stocks from India (2025 Guide)
If you are wondering how to invest in US stocks from India, you are not alone. In recent years, Indian investors have become highly interested in global markets — especially the US stock market, home to giants like Apple, Tesla, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.
Investing in US stocks allows you to
✔️ Diversify your portfolio
✔️ Own shares of global tech leaders
✔️ Earn in dollars (₹1 = approx $0.012)
✔️ Reduce risk of relying only on Indian market
In this guide, you will learn step-by-step how Indians can invest in US stocks, documents required, charges, taxes, limits, best apps, and beginner tips.
🌎 Why Invest in US Stocks?
Before learning how, let’s understand why Indians prefer to invest in the US:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Access to top global companies | Google, Amazon, Meta, Netflix, Apple, Tesla |
| Currency appreciation | USD usually grows stronger vs INR |
| Worldwide market exposure | Global portfolio diversification |
| High innovation market | AI, EV, tech, healthcare leaders |
Example:
If you bought Apple stock 10 years ago, your money would be worth 7–10x more today.
📌 Ways to Invest in US Stocks from India
There are three popular legal methods to invest in US stocks from India:
1️⃣ Through Indian Platforms (Best for Beginners)
Indian broker apps provide access to US stocks via partnership with US brokers.
Popular platforms:
- Groww
- Zerodha (soon — via collaborations)
- INDmoney
- Upstox
- Angel One (ETF route)
Benefits:
✅ Easy onboarding
✅ User-friendly
✅ Indian bank funding
✅ Support fractional investing (buy small portions)
Ideal for: New investors who want a simple process.
2️⃣ Through International Brokers
You can directly open an account with a US broker.
Popular international brokers:
- TD Ameritrade
- Interactive Brokers
- Charles Schwab
Benefits:
✅ Lower brokerage fees
✅ Advanced trading tools
✅ Global investment options
Ideal for: Experienced investors.
3️⃣ Through US Market ETFs in India
Buy ETFs in India that track US indexes like S&P 500 or Nasdaq.
Examples:
- Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 ETF
- Mirae Asset S&P 500 ETF
Benefits:
✅ No need to send money abroad
✅ Low cost
✅ Diversified portfolio
Ideal for: Safe investors who want US exposure without complications.
🛂 Documents Required
To open an account and invest in US stocks:
| Required | Details |
|---|---|
| PAN Card | For taxation |
| Aadhaar + Phone | KYC verification |
| Indian Bank Account | Fund transfer |
| Email ID | Account registration |
No visa or foreign residency needed.
💰 Investment Limit (RBI LRS Rule)
Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS):
- Indians can invest up to $250,000 (≈ ₹2 crore) annually in foreign markets.
For beginner investors, even ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 per month is enough to start.
💹 Taxes on US Stock Investment
✅ 1. Tax on Dividends
Dividend tax is 25% in the US, deducted before you receive it.
You can claim credit while filing ITR in India (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement benefit).
✅ 2. Tax on Capital Gains
| Holding Period | Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 24 months | Short-term | Slab rate |
| More than 24 months | Long-term | 20% with indexation |
🏦 How to Invest — Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose a platform
Pick Groww / INDmoney / Upstox / Interactive Brokers.
Step 2: Complete KYC
Upload PAN, Aadhaar, bank details, and verify email/phone.
Step 3: Add funds
Transfer money in USD:
- International remittance fees apply (₹300–₹1,000 approx depending on bank/app)
Step 4: Choose US Stocks
Popular categories:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Tech leaders | Apple, Microsoft, Google, Meta |
| EV & Innovation | Tesla, Rivian |
| E-commerce | Amazon |
| Clouds & AI | Nvidia, Intel |
| Index ETFs | S&P 500, Nasdaq 100 |
Step 5: Buy Fractional Shares
You don’t need ₹1,00,000 to buy Tesla stock — you can start with ₹500–₹1,000.
🏦 Best Apps to Invest in US Stocks from India
| Platform | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Groww | Easy UI, fractional shares | Beginners |
| INDmoney | Zero commission, full US access | Serious investors |
| Interactive Brokers | Global markets, low fees | Professionals |
| Upstox | ETFs & fractional | Beginners + ETF lovers |
💸 Charges You May Pay
| Fee Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Forex conversion | 0.5–1.5% |
| Remittance bank charge | ₹300–₹1,500 |
| Platform fee | Some free, some commission |
| Withdrawal fee | As per platform |
Tip: Compare charges before investing.
⚠️ Risk Factors
| Risk | Detail |
|---|---|
| Currency volatility | INR vs USD changes |
| Market risk | US market may fall |
| Global economic events | Affects returns |
Always invest gradually — do not invest everything in one time.
⭐ Best Stocks for Beginners (2025)
| Company | Category |
|---|---|
| Apple | Technology |
| Microsoft | Cloud + AI |
| Google (Alphabet) | Advertising + AI |
| Amazon | Retail + Cloud |
| Tesla | EV & Energy |
| Nvidia | AI leader |
| Coca-Cola | Stable dividend stock |
💡 Beginner Tips
- Start small (₹5,000–₹10,000/month)
- Prefer S&P 500 & Nasdaq ETFs initially
- Buy top companies — avoid risky penny stocks
- Invest for long-term (3–5 years minimum)
- Don’t chase hype — focus on fundamentals
✅ Conclusion
Investing in US stocks from India is easy, legal, and profitable when done carefully. It provides
✔ Diversification
✔ Dollar income
✔ Exposure to world-leading companies
Whether you are a beginner or seasoned investor, start slow, stay consistent, and build global wealth step-by-step.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Indians invest direct in US stock market?
Yes, through Indian or global broking platforms.
2. Minimum money to start?
You can start from ₹500 with fractional shares.
3. Is it safe?
Yes, regulated platforms are secure — but markets carry risk.
4. Can I withdraw money anytime?
Yes, but forex and bank charges apply.
