What is the difference between a Foreign National and an NRI?

What is the difference between a Foreign National and an NRI? 

The key difference between a Foreign National and a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) is citizenship, not where they live. 

NRI (Non-Resident Indian):  

  • An Indian citizen holding a valid Indian passport.  

  • Resides outside India for purposes such as employment, business, education, or other reasons.  

Foreign National:  

  • Not an Indian citizen and holds a foreign passport.  

  • May be a person of Indian origin (such as an OCI cardholder) or someone with no Indian origin.  

Note: A person who does not hold an Indian passport is not considered an NRI, even if they are of Indian origin. Their status will be that of a Foreign National or OCI, as applicable. 

Compare NRI and foreign national status:

Understand the key differences between an NRI and a foreign national, including citizenship, passport requirements, and eligibility under Indian regulations. 

Have a Question? 

Click here for assisted service.