Your first 90 days in India

The first three months set up everything else. Get the paperwork done early, while you still have the energy and the documents in one place.

Updated 29 October 2026 · 16 items

The first week

Get a local phone numberWith your passport and an Indian address; OCI and foreign passport holders also show their OCI card or visa.
Apply for Aadhaar if you don't have oneNRIs with an Indian passport can apply on arrival; OCI cardholders after 182 days in India in a year.
Check your health cover is activeHealth insurance after you move back.
Register foreign family members if neededForeign nationals on long-term visas must register with the FRRO, usually within 14 days. OCI cardholders don't need to.

Money

Tell your banks and brokers you're residentSo NRE and NRO accounts are converted and the right tax is deducted.
Update your KYC with your new addressBanks, fund houses and insurers.
Link your PAN with AadhaarResidents must link them, or the PAN stops working for tax.
Set up UPI and online bankingMost everyday payments in India happen by UPI.
Note your Indian tax datesYour first year of taxes back.

Home

Sign and register your rental agreementA registered agreement is proof of address for everything else.
Put utilities in your nameElectricity, water, piped gas or an LPG connection, and internet.
Verify any domestic helpMany cities offer police verification for staff working in your home.

Family and daily life

Join school and meet the teachersAsk about extra help with the second language.
Find a family doctor and the nearest good hospitalSave the hospital and ambulance numbers (112 for emergencies).
Get an Indian driving licenceYour International Driving Permit covers you for a while; then you need an Indian licence, with a test.
Register to vote, if you're an Indian citizenYour voter ID is also useful proof of address.

Questions

Do I need Aadhaar after moving back to India?

It's needed for many everyday things, such as phone connections, some bank services and government services. NRIs with an Indian passport can apply on arrival.

Do I need to link PAN and Aadhaar?

Yes, once you're resident and have Aadhaar. An unlinked PAN can become inoperative, which means higher tax deductions and problems filing returns.

Are my ticks saved?

Yes, in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent to us. Clearing your browser data, or opening the page on another device, starts a fresh list.

Will your money last after the move?

The free retirement planner works it out year by year, with Indian inflation, your children's costs and a stress test.

Open the retirement planner

General information for planning, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules change: check anything important with the official source.