UPI for NRIs: India’s digital payment revolution has just taken a giant leap forward! In a historic move, NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) can now use Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in India using their international mobile numbers—without requiring an Indian SIM card. This game-changing update by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is already being implemented by leading banks like IDFC First Bank.
Whether you’re paying rent, transferring money to family, or settling utility bills in India—you can now use UPI apps like Google Pay and PhonePe effortlessly from abroad.
What Sparked This UPI Transformation?
The groundwork for this major shift was laid in January 2023, when the RBI officially permitted UPI access for NRIs holding NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) accounts with their foreign mobile numbers. Over the next months, Indian banks and payment apps began to roll out this support gradually.
IDFC First Bank Leads the Way
On June 25, 2025, IDFC First Bank announced it now allows NRI customers from 12 countries to link their international numbers to UPI apps—marking a huge milestone in India’s digital financial inclusion efforts.
Who Is Eligible to Use UPI with an International Mobile Number?
To use UPI without an Indian SIM, you need to meet a few basic conditions:
✅ Hold an NRE or NRO bank account with a UPI-enabled Indian bank.
✅ Use a mobile number from an approved international country code.
✅ Ensure both your bank and UPI app support foreign number onboarding.
Supported Countries (So Far)
As of now, NRIs residing in the following countries can link their international mobile numbers to UPI:
🇺🇸 USA
🇬🇧 UK
🇦🇺 Australia
🇨🇦 Canada
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
🇶🇦 Qatar
🇲🇾 Malaysia
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
🇫🇷 France
🇴🇲 Oman
🇦🇪 UAE
🔜 More countries are expected to be added as banks expand this service globally.
How to Set Up UPI with Your Foreign Mobile Number?
Setting up your UPI access with a foreign number is simple and seamless:
Step-by-Step Guide:
Open an NRE/NRO Account
Choose a UPI-enabled Indian bank such as IDFC First Bank.Register Your Foreign Number
Link your international mobile number to your Indian bank account.Download a UPI App
Choose from PhonePe, Google Pay (India version), BHIM, Paytm, or Amazon Pay (limited rollout).Complete Registration
Use your foreign number to register within the app. Verification may include OTP or biometric authentication.Start Transacting!
Pay bills, transfer money, and scan UPI QR codes—just like any Indian resident.
Best UPI Apps for NRIs
Leading UPI apps currently supporting international number onboarding:
✅ PhonePe
✅ Google Pay (India)
✅ BHIM App
✅ Paytm (selected banks only)
✅ Amazon Pay (in limited rollout)
📱 These apps make digital transactions secure, fast, and incredibly user-friendly—no matter where you are in the world.
More Than Just Convenience: A Financial Advantage
This development is more than just convenient—it’s a financial upgrade for NRIs. Here’s why:
💡 No need for Indian SIM cards
🔒 Real-time, secure transactions
💸 Easy bill payments and family remittances
🌎 Global access to Indian services
By eliminating geographic and technical barriers, India is empowering its global diaspora to engage digitally and financially with ease.
Key Taxation & Compliance Guidelines for NRIs
While the benefits are substantial, NRIs must be aware of related tax and regulatory requirements:
NRE Accounts:
✅ Tax-free in India
✅ Interest and principal are fully repatriable
✅ No Indian income tax, gift tax, or wealth tax
NRO Accounts:
⚠️ Taxable in India
🔻 Subject to 30% TDS (or lower as per DTAA, if documentation like Form 10F and TRC is submitted)
🔁 Repatriation limited to USD 1 million/year (after tax)
Additional Compliance:
📌 PAN must be linked to avoid higher TDS under Section 206AA
👁️🗨️ All UPI transactions are traceable by Indian authorities—ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance.
Final Thoughts: UPI Just Went Global
With this forward-thinking move, India is redefining the boundaries of digital finance. NRIs can now connect with India’s payment ecosystem effortlessly, with just a foreign number and a UPI app.
🌐 Whether you’re in New York, London, Dubai, or Sydney, you can now scan a UPI QR code and make a payment in India—just like any local!
As banks continue to extend support and NPCI brings in more global telecom integrations, India’s digital payment landscape is truly going global.