Attractions of retirement in India: What draws NRIs back home

The Indian economy has shown remarkable resilience in the wake of the global pandemic, and this has caught the attention of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in countries like Australia, Canada, the USA, Singapore, and the UK. A recent survey conducted by SBNRI, an NRI-focused fintech platform, has revealed that a significant portion of NRIs from these nations are contemplating settling down in India after retirement.

The allure of India for NRIs lies in the financial benefits it offers. NRIs can earn in foreign currencies and easily convert their income to invest and save in India. According to the survey, a staggering 60% of NRIs from the aforementioned countries are considering returning to India as part of their retirement plans. The survey was conducted among 100 NRIs.

Interestingly, NRIs seem to be planning their retirement well in advance, with 80% of those based in Australia and Singapore, 70% from the UK, 75% from the USA, and 63% of Canadian NRIs considering India as their retirement destination.

India's emergence as a global start-up hub, coupled with its strong manufacturing capabilities and advancements in financial services and technology, has contributed to its appeal. A remarkable 72% of NRIs believe that India offers a stable investment avenue, further influencing their decision to return to their homeland post-retirement.

Mudit Vijayvergiya of SBNRI commented on India's growing economic prospects, stating, "India is making a strong rebound with digitized and stable economic activities emerging in the market. This makes India hold a promising future for investors."

Factors such as the cost of living, cultural familiarity, family and social connections, healthcare facilities, and investment opportunities have also played a role in NRIs' decisions to consider India for their golden years. The survey reveals that 37% of Canadian NRIs, 33% of NRIs in Australia, and 23% in the UK and the USA are confident about spending their retirement in their home country.

Financial assets are a crucial component of NRIs' long-term financial goals. The survey shows that 56% of US-based NRIs and 44% of Canadian NRIs have started investing in India to support their retirement plans. Additionally, 35% of NRIs from the UK and 45% from Singapore are also making financial preparations and investments for the same purpose.