How to Invest in US Stocks from India – A Complete Beginner’s Guide (2025)
Have you ever wondered how to invest in US stocks from India and become a part-owner of global giants like Apple, Amazon, or Google? You’re not alone. With rising interest in global diversification and access to international markets through digital platforms, Indian investors are increasingly exploring how to invest in US stocks from India to grow their wealth beyond borders. What was once considered complex and elite is now simple, affordable, and just a few clicks away.
Let’s demystify the process and help you take your first step towards investing in the world’s largest stock market.
🌍 Why You Should Know How to Invest in US Stocks from India
Investing in the US stock market isn’t just about chasing Apple or Tesla hype—it’s about long-term portfolio strength.
Benefits of Investing in US Stocks from India
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Global Diversification: Reduce your portfolio’s dependency on the Indian economy.
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Exposure to Global Giants: Own a piece of companies like Microsoft, NVIDIA, or Meta.
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Stable Currency Advantage: Hedge against INR depreciation with USD-denominated assets.
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Innovation & Growth: Tap into emerging sectors—AI, clean energy, and biotech.
📊 According to a Morningstar India report, Indian investors can benefit significantly by allocating 10–15% of their portfolio to US stocks.
🛣️ How to Invest in US Stocks from India via Different Methods
There are two key ways to invest in US stocks from India:
1. Direct Route – Using Global Investment Platforms
This is the most hands-on approach. You open an account with a global investing platform or broker that allows Indian residents to buy US-listed stocks.
Popular Brokers:
Broker | Account Type | Charges (Approx.) | Features |
---|---|---|---|
Vested | Free/Premium | ₹0-200/month, 1.2% forex fee | Fractional shares, curated portfolios |
INDmoney | Free | Forex charges apply | SIP in US stocks, commission-free trades |
Groww | Free | ₹500/account setup | Beginner-friendly, no maintenance fees |
Interactive Brokers | Free | Low commissions + forex | Advanced tools, wide range of US stocks |
Steps to Start:
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Sign up & complete KYC
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Link your bank account (LRS-compliant)
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Fund your account in USD (more on that below)
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Start buying stocks or ETFs
2. Indirect Route – Mutual Funds and ETFs in India
This is a passive and regulated route that suits investors who prefer convenience or don’t want to manage remittances.
Top Indian Mutual Funds Investing in US Markets:
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Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 ETF
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Franklin India Feeder – Franklin U.S. Opportunities Fund
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PGIM India Global Equity Opportunities Fund
📝 Note: These funds often mirror the performance of US indices like the Nasdaq 100 or S&P 500.
💸 Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) and How to Invest in US Stocks from India
To invest directly in US stocks, Indian residents need to remit funds abroad under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS).
How LRS Enables Indians to Invest in US Stocks
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You can remit up to $250,000 per financial year.
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TCS (Tax Collected at Source) of 20% applies (claimable later via ITR).
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PAN and purpose codes are required for overseas remittances.
🧠 Tip: Use platforms like INDmoney that automate LRS compliance for you.
💵 TCS, Limits, and Compliance Under LRS
Investing in US stocks isn’t completely free. Here are the common charges:
Fee Type | Estimated Range |
---|---|
Currency Conversion | 1.5% – 2.5% |
TCS (Refundable) | 20% |
Brokerage Fees | $0 – $1.99 per trade |
Withdrawal Charges | $5 – $25 (depends on the broker) |
Platform Fees | Free to ₹200/month (for premium tools) |
💡 Pro Tip: Choose platforms with fractional investing to buy high-value stocks like Amazon or Tesla even with ₹1,000.
🔍 Things to Keep in Mind Before You Invest
📌 Currency Risk:
INR depreciation can affect your returns both positively and negatively.
📌 Tax Implications:
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Dividends: 25% flat US tax (no additional Indian tax due to DTAA).
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Capital Gains: Taxed in India as per holding period:
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Short Term (<24 months): Added to income and taxed as per slab
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Long Term (≥24 months): 20% with indexation
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💼 Consult a SEBI-registered financial advisor for personalized tax planning.
📌 Stock Research:
Understand the fundamentals. Use platforms like Yahoo Finance, Seeking Alpha, or TradingView for detailed stock analysis.
📈 Direct vs Indirect Investment: Quick Comparison
Feature | Direct US Stock Investing | US-focused Indian Mutual Funds |
---|---|---|
Control over Stocks | ✅ High | ❌ Limited |
Minimum Investment | ✅ Low (via fractional) | ✅ Low (₹500–₹5,000) |
Taxation | Moderate complexity | Simpler |
Diversification | You manage it | Handled by fund manager |
Effort Required | More DIY | Less hassle |
🧠 Real-Life Experience: My Journey with US Stock Investing
When I first explored how to invest in US stocks from India, the biggest hurdle wasn’t the technical setup—it was the psychological block. “Am I too small to invest globally?” I asked.
I started with ₹5,000 through INDmoney, buying fractional shares of Tesla and Apple. I was amazed at how easy it felt—and how diversified my portfolio instantly became.
Over time, I learned to:
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Set monthly SIPs in US ETFs.
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Use financial tools to evaluate earnings reports.
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Reinvest dividends back into growth stocks.
The results? A smarter, more global portfolio that’s not shaken by every local market fluctuation.
📊 Top 5 US Stocks Popular Among Indian Investors
Company | Ticker | Sector | Reason for Popularity |
---|---|---|---|
Apple | AAPL | Tech | Consistent growth, solid brand |
Tesla | TSLA | EV | High-risk, high-reward play |
Amazon | AMZN | E-commerce | Global dominance, cloud strength |
Microsoft | MSFT | Tech/AI | AI-driven growth |
Nvidia | NVDA | Semiconductors | AI, gaming, data centers |
🔗 Learn more about Nvidia’s AI growth from the Nasdaq site.
📘 Key Resources to Start Today
✅ Final Thoughts: Should You Invest in US Stocks from India?
Absolutely—if you’re serious about long-term wealth creation.
The US stock market gives you access to high-quality global companies, a stable currency, and exciting innovation sectors.
However, invest with a purpose:
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Start small and scale as you learn.
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Understand taxation and currency implications.
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Balance your Indian equity allocation with global exposure.
🔔 Ready to Go Global?
Start your journey today by signing up on a trusted platform like INDmoney or Vested and begin with a small amount.
Have questions or want to share your experience? Drop a comment below or check out our guide on Best Stocks To Buy Today In India to diversify locally too.
📢 Call-to-Action:
✅ Explore our guides on “Nifty 50” or “How to Make Passive Income” for smarter financial planning.
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💬 Have doubts? Ask in the comments or DM us for personalized help.