Parliament Question: Stay Duration of NRI in the Country

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5921 TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2026/CHAITRA 09, 1948 (SAKA) STAY DURATION OF NRI IN THE COUNTRY 5921. SHRI E T MOHAMMED BASHEER: Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state: a) whether the Government has undertaken any review or stakeholder consultation to assess the need for enhancing or rationalising the permissible stay duration of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) beyond 185 days; (b) whether the Government proposes to amend the existing policy or legal framework governing the stay duration of NRIs in the country; and (c) if so, the details thereof along with the proposed timeline for implementation and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY) (a) to (c):- Under Section 6 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, an individual is said to be resident in India in any previous year if- (i) he is in India for a period of 182 days or more in that year; or (ii) having been in India for an aggregate period of 365 days or more in four preceding years, is in India, for an aggregate period of 60 days or more, in that year. However, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) benefit from relaxed residency conditions. For Indian citizens/PIOs visiting India, the standard 60-day rule is extended to 182 days (or 120 days where Indian income exceeds ₹15 lakh), making it easier to retain non-resident status. Therefore, non-resident Indians have granted significant benefit as regards residency rule. Hence, no further amendment of the existing policy is under consideration. *****