With over 1.4 billion people, India is the most populous democracy in the world. It’s the birthplace of several religions and is known for many unique traditions. There are over 120 major languages and more than 19,000 dialects are spoken. Every corner tells a different story.

People visit India for many reasons — business, study, spiritual retreats, or even regular vacations. Opening a bank account gives you access to better rates, easier transfers, and the convenience of paying like a local for all kinds of visits.

This article explains how to open a bank account in India as a foreign visitor, what documents you’ll need, and how digital banking platforms can help skip a lot of those hurdles.

Also read: India visa requirements for EU citizens

Can visitors open a bank account in India?

Yes, you can — but it depends on the type of visa you hold and the purpose of your visit.

Foreigners in India on long-term visas (like employment, student, business, or dependent visas) can open a resident savings account with most Indian banks.

If you’re in India on a short-term visa (e.g. tourist visa), your options are more limited. However, some banks offer Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) or visitor accounts that allow you to deposit foreign currency and use basic banking features during your stay.

It’s important to note that banks are selective, and branch-level discretion plays a big role in accepting foreign visitors as account holders. Some banks may require a minimum stay period or local address proof, while others may accept hotel bookings or embassy letters.

Also read: Best summer destinations in India for international travellers

Types of bank accounts available to non-residents

Here are the main options available to foreigners visiting India:

1. NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account

It’s ideal for foreigners earning income in India or holding Indian currency during their visit.

• It can be opened as a savings, current or fixed deposit account.
• Funds are held in INR.
• Income earned in India (like rent or dividends) can be deposited here.
• Repatriation (sending funds abroad) is allowed up to $1 million per financial year, subject to documentation.

2. Foreign currency account (visitor account)

Some banks offer visitor accounts for short-term stays, where you can deposit foreign currency and withdraw INR as needed.

• Useful for travellers, tourists or temporary visa holders.
• Limited features: may not include credit cards.
• Often requires in-person KYC and extra documentation.

Documents required to open a bank account in India

Requirements may vary slightly between banks, but here’s a general list of what you’ll need:

• Valid passport
• Indian visa (Tourist, Business, Employment, etc.)
• Proof of address in India (hotel booking, tenancy agreement, or host letter)
• Recent passport-sized photos
• PAN card or Form 60 (Form 60 is a substitute if you don’t have a PAN)
• Local contact number (some banks insist on an Indian mobile number)

Also read: How to avoid scams when sending money to India

How digital banking can simplify things before your trip

Opening a traditional bank account in India as a visitor can take time and isn’t always guaranteed. That’s why it’s smart to set up a digital multi-currency account before you even land.

Grey offers a perfect solution for travellers, freelancers, and remote workers headed to India.

Why Grey is ideal for managing money while visiting India

Grey is a borderless financial platform designed for people who live or work across borders. With Grey, you can:

• Open virtual bank accounts in USD, GBP, and EUR.
• Receive payments from international clients before, during, or after your stay in India.
• Convert to INR at competitive exchange rates.
• Withdraw funds to a local Indian bank account (yours or someone else’s).
• Track your finances in real-time via a simple mobile app.

How to get started with Grey

Setting up a Grey takes just a few minutes. Here’s how:

1. Sign up on Grey: Visit grey.co or download the mobile app.
2. Verify your identity: Submit a valid ID, selfie, and proof of address for KYC.
3. Request foreign bank accounts: Once verified, you can generate your account details instantly.
4. Receive and hold money: Use your accounts to get paid like a local abroad.
5. Convert and withdraw: Seamlessly convert your funds and withdraw to a local bank account in India.

Also read: How Fiverr freelancers in India can receive payments easily in 2025

While opening a traditional Indian bank account as a visitor might be possible, Grey offers a simpler, faster, and more flexible way to send, receive, and manage money during your time in India.

Create your Grey account today or download the app to enjoy inclusive global banking, designed to carry your dreams across borders.

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