The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended a KYC facility previously available to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs), making it easier for overseas investors to submit authenticated identity documents.
Under the amended rules, banks can accept original certified copies of Aadhaar-related documents or other officially valid documents submitted by FPIs. The documents must be certified by designated authorities in the country where the investor resides.
Certification can be carried out by authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Commercial Banks registered in India, branches of overseas banks that have a relationship with Indian banks, Notary Publics, Court Magistrates or Judges, or officials of the Indian Embassy or Consulate General.
The changes were notified through the RBI (Commercial Banks – Know Your Customer) Amendment Directions, 2026, issued on Friday, and took effect immediately.
The move is aimed at streamlining the KYC process for foreign investors and providing greater flexibility in the submission of authenticated documents from overseas.
