How to Invest in US Stocks from India in 2025 | Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners | Best Brokers for US Stock Investing from India
Learn how to invest in US stocks from India in 2025 with this easy guide. Explore top brokers, remittance process, tax rules, and the best US stocks.
Are you an Indian investor dreaming of owning shares of Apple, Tesla, Microsoft, or Google? In 2025, it’s easier than ever to invest in US stocks right from India! Thanks to RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) and global investment platforms, you can now diversify your portfolio internationally and benefit from the world’s top-performing companies and indices. In this detailed, beginner-friendly guide, I’ll show you exactly how to open an international trading account, transfer funds, pick the right stocks and ETFs, and stay tax-compliant — step by step.
1️⃣ Open an International Trading Account
You’ll need to pick a broker that offers international investing for Indian residents. There are two routes:
Indian brokers with tie-ups:
- Example: ICICI Direct, HDFC Securities, Kotak Securities, Axis Securities — they partner with foreign brokers like Interactive Brokers or Stockal.
Global brokers accepting Indian clients:
- Example: Interactive Brokers, Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade (check latest rules)
2️⃣ Complete KYC and LRS Compliance
Under the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), Indian residents can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year abroad for investments.
You’ll need:
- PAN Card
- Passport copy
- Bank account details
- LRS declaration
Most brokers help with this.
3️⃣ Fund Your Account
Transfer funds in USD from your Indian bank account to your brokerage’s international account using wire transfer or via their partner services.
👉 Charges apply — typically ₹500–₹1,500 per transfer + forex conversion.
4️⃣ Start Investing
You can now buy stocks like Apple, Tesla, Google, Microsoft, or ETFs like S&P 500 (SPY), Nasdaq-100 (QQQ).
Note:
- US markets open 7:00 PM IST (8:00 PM in Daylight Saving months)
- No day trading allowed for Indian residents under certain brokerage rules
Important Points
- Taxation: US dividends are taxed at 25% at source, capital gains taxable in India
- Currency conversion costs can affect returns
- No derivatives (options/futures) trading is allowed under LRS for retail investors
- Be aware of SEBI, RBI, and FEMA guidelines
Popular Platforms Indians Use:
- Vested
- Stockal
- INDmoney
- Groww (US investing section)
- Interactive Brokers
Why Invest in US Stocks?
- Access to global leaders (Apple, Google, Microsoft)
- Dollar diversification
- Exposure to sectors underrepresented in India (Cloud computing, AI, Biotech)
- Historical outperformance of indices like S&P 500
Best Brokers for US Stock Investing from India
🇮🇳 Indian Brokers with International Tie-ups:
| Broker | Partner | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| ICICI Direct Global | Interactive Brokers | Trusted brand, ICICI account integration |
| HDFC Securities Global Investing | Stockal / DriveWealth | Good for ICICI/HDFC bank customers |
| Kotak Securities | Interactive Brokers | Seamless for Kotak clients |
| INDmoney | DriveWealth | Zero commission on some plans |
Global Brokers (Direct Account Opening)
| Broker | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | Global market access, low fees |
| Charles Schwab | No commission on US stock trades |
| TD Ameritrade | (Check if accepting Indian accounts currently) |
👉 My top pick for active or serious investors: Interactive Brokers
👉 For casual, beginner-friendly investing: INDmoney or Vested
✅ Popular US Stocks for Beginners
| Stock | Reason to Consider |
|---|---|
| Apple (AAPL) | Consistent performer, strong fundamentals |
| Microsoft (MSFT) | Cloud leader, AI exposure |
| Google (GOOGL) | Advertising + Cloud + AI powerhouse |
| Amazon (AMZN) | E-commerce + Cloud combo |
| Tesla (TSLA) | EV market leader, high-growth stock |
✅ Best ETFs for Diversified Exposure
| ETF | What it Tracks |
|---|---|
| SPY | S&P 500 Index (500 largest US companies) |
| QQQ | Nasdaq-100 (Top tech & growth stocks) |
| VTI | Total US stock market |
| ARKK | High-growth, disruptive tech (higher risk) |
👉 For a beginner, SPY and QQQ are great starting points.
Pro Tip:
Start with a small portfolio, say $500–$1,000, test the process, get used to tax rules, and then scale gradually.
Sample US Stock Portfolio for $1,000 (approx ₹85,000 INR)
| Stock / ETF | Allocation | Investment (USD) | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPY (S&P 500 ETF) | 40% | $400 | Diversified exposure to top 500 US companies |
| QQQ (Nasdaq-100 ETF) | 30% | $300 | High-growth tech & innovation stocks |
| Apple (AAPL) | 10% | $100 | Reliable, cash-rich, global brand |
| Microsoft (MSFT) | 10% | $100 | Cloud, AI, enterprise software leader |
| Tesla (TSLA) | 5% | $50 | EV & clean energy disruptor |
| ARKK (Optional) | 5% | $50 | High-risk, high-reward innovation ETF |
✅ Portfolio Highlights:
- Balanced: 70% ETFs (low risk), 30% individual stocks (growth potential)
- Sector Diversification: Broad US market + Tech + Innovation
- Currency Diversification: Investing in USD assets
How to Start:
- Open account on INDmoney or Vested
- Complete KYC & LRS (as discussed before)
- Transfer funds (minimum usually $100-$250 to start)
- Build this portfolio — you can even fractional invest (buy part of a stock like 0.2 Tesla or 0.5 Apple)
Investing in US stocks from India is no longer a complicated or risky process — it’s a smart move for anyone looking to diversify their portfolio and tap into global opportunities. With the right broker, a basic understanding of regulations, and a clear investment plan, you can start building your dollar-denominated portfolio today. Remember to begin small, stay updated with market trends, and consult a financial advisor if needed. If you found this guide useful, don’t forget to share it with fellow investors and leave your questions or feedback in the comments below. Happy investing!
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