Basically, Indian investors are no longer limited to domestic markets when building wealth. Today, global investing has become a key part of portfolio diversification, allowing Indian investors to participate in the growth of some of the world’s strongest and most innovative companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Tesla.

While investing internationally was once considered complex, modern digital platforms and RBI-regulated frameworks have made buying US stocks from India simple, transparent, and secure. Truth is, let's understand why investing in US stocks matters, how Indian residents can invest step by step, and how platforms like Riise app make global investing seamless for Indian investors.

Why Invest in US Stocks?

Indian investors can diversify beyond their home markets and participate in global growth trends by investing in US stocks, diversifying a portfolio across currencies and regions. Key perks:

• Exposure to USD-denominated assets helps manage currency risk.
• Global market leaders in the technology, healthcare, consumer, and innovation-led sectors
• Involvement in established, regulated capital markets.

Global stocks can significantly contribute to the creation of a stable and well-balanced investment portfolio for long-term investors.

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Step-by-Step Guide To Invest in US Stocks

Step 1: Open a US Stocks Trading Account

You must open a US stock trading account with an Indian financial services company allows foreign investment through licensed foreign partners to trade in US stocks.

A US Stock Account: What Is It? Truth is, you can hold investments in US dollars, track and manage international investments from India, and invest in shares listed on US exchanges like the NYSE and NASDAQ with a US stocks account. The Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which permits Indian citizens to invest overseas within specified bounds, is used to open these accounts.

Eligibility Criteria

You can open a US stock account if you are:

• An Indian resident above 18 years of age
• In possession of a valid PAN card
• Eligible to remit funds under RBI’s LRS guidelines

Under LRS, residents can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for overseas investments, including equity shares.

Step 2: Complete KYC for US Stocks Investment

Once the account opening request is initiated, the next step is to complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. You see, below are the documents required to complete KYC for investing in US stocks:

• PAN Card
• Passport (mandatory for foreign investments)
• Address proof (Aadhaar or Passport)
• Linked Indian bank account details
• Recent photograph and signature

The KYC process is designed to comply with both Indian and international regulatory requirements.

US-Specific Declaration

• W-8BEN Form: This form confirms your non-US residency status and ensures taxation on dividends is applied correctly.

MO offers a digital KYC process, allowing investors to complete verification online with minimal paperwork. KYC approval typically takes 1–3 working days.

Step 3: Link Your Indian Bank Account

Once the KYC approval is done, you need to link your Indian bank account to your US stocks account.

Why Is Bank Linking Required? * It aids in transferring funds for overseas investments

• To receive sale proceeds or dividends
• To comply with RBI and FEMA regulations

Check the bank account:

• Is held in your name
• Matches the details provided during KYC

This step ensures smooth fund transfers and regulatory compliance.

Step 4: Add Funds in USD to Your Account

Simply put, before you can buy US stocks, you must fund your account in US dollars.

How Funding Works

1. Transfer funds from your Indian bank account
2. INR is converted into USD at prevailing exchange rates
3. The USD amount is credited to your US stocks wallet

These transfers are facilitated through RBI-authorised banking channels, ensuring safety and transparency.

Ideally, charges and Considerations

• Foreign exchange conversion charges may apply
• GST and TCS may be applicable under LRS norms
• Minimum funding requirements may vary

Once the funds are credited, you are ready to start investing in US markets.

Step 5: Choose US Stocks or ETFs to Invest In

With funds available, investors can explore a wide range of global investment opportunities. You can invest in:

• US-listed equities across sectors
• Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) such as S&P 500 or Nasdaq 100
• Fractional shares, allowing investment in high-priced stocks with smaller amounts

Also read:- ETF: Meaning, Types, Pros and Cons | What are International ETFs?

Most platforms give access to:

• Market prices and charts
• Company financials and fundamentals
• Research tools to support informed decision-making

This enables investors to align global investments with their financial goals and risk profile.

Step 6: Place Your First US Stock Trade

Buying US stocks from India is straightforward once your account is funded.

How to Place a Trade

1. Search for the stock or ETF
2. Select Buy
3. Enter the number of shares or investment amount
4. Choose order type (Market or Limit)
5. Review details and confirm the order

Orders are executed on US exchanges during US market hours.

US Market Timings (IST):

• 7:00 PM to 1:30 AM (subject to daylight saving changes)

Step 7: Monitor and Manage Your Investments

After your trade is executed, you can:

• Track portfolio performance in real time
• View holdings, gains, and transaction history
• Sell investments during market hours
• Receive dividends directly in USD

A disciplined approach aligned with long-term goals helps investors make the most of global investing opportunities.

How to Invest in US Stocks via Riise

Riise simplifies international investing for Indian residents by offering a fully digital, seamless, and regulated experience. With Riise, investors can start investing in US stocks in just a few easy steps.

Process to Invest in US Stocks Using Riise

1. Log in to Riise
2. Navigate to the US Stocks tab
3. Click “Invest Now”
4. Complete your eKYC in 2 minutes (fully digital, seamless – no document uploads needed)
5. Add USD to your wallet by linking your bank account
6. Place your first trade

This straightforward process ensures that even first-time global investors can start investing without complexity.

Why Choose Riise for US Stocks?

Riise offers several advantages that make it an ideal platform for investing in US stocks from India:

• Access to 5,500+ US companies
• Earn 5% p. Basically, on your unused wallet balance
• Start with just ₹100, no large capital required
• Fractional shares buying
• Trade beyond Indian market hours
• Portfolio diversification
• Invest in global trends
• USD-INR currency appreciation pros
• Exposure to global economic cycles
• Trading on Riise is a safe, secure, and fully regulated experience

Taxation on US Stocks for Indian Investors

Understanding taxation is key while investing internationally.

Capital Gains Tax

• Short-term capital gains: Taxed as per applicable income tax slab
• Long-term capital gains: Taxed at 20% with indexation perks (as per prevailing tax laws)

Dividend Taxation

• Dividends are subject to US withholding tax
• Investors may claim a foreign tax credit while filing income tax returns in India

Tax laws are subject to change; consulting a tax advisor is recommended.

Conclusion

Indian investors can grow portfolio diversification and participate in the global monetary boom with the aid of investing in US shares. Worldwide investment is now reachable, controlled, and powerful thanks to a systematic technique covers account opening, KYC, capital transfers, and execution. Traders can securely enter overseas markets and create a globally diverse portfolio by adhering to a disciplined funding approach and concentrating on long-term goals.

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