UAE NRIs: Complete Guide to Instant India Money Transfers Using UPI 2024

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) now offers UAE-based NRIs a faster way to transfer money to India through UPI (Unified Payments Interface). Here’s your comprehensive guide to using this service.

Understanding UPI

UPI is India’s real-time payment system that enables:

• Instant bank-to-bank transfers
• Multiple account management through one app
• Secure transactions without sharing bank details
• Person-to-person and merchant payments

Getting Started

Step 1: Mobile Number Registration

1. Link your UAE mobile number to your Indian bank account
2. Download a UPI-supported application
3. Complete mobile verification via OTP
4. Create your UPI ID
5. Link your NRE/NRO account

Step 2: Compatible Apps

Approved applications for international numbers:

• Federal Bank (FedMobile)
• ICICI Bank (iMobile)
• IndusInd Bank (BHIM Indus Pay)
• South Indian Bank (SIB Mirror+)
• AU Small Finance Bank (BHIM AU)
• BHIM
• PhonePe

Step 3: Supported Banks

Participating banks for NRE/NRO accounts:

• AU Small Finance Bank
• Axis Bank
• Canara Bank
• HDFC Bank
• ICICI Bank
• IndusInd Bank
• Federal Bank
• DBS Bank Ltd
• Punjab National Bank
• South Indian Bank
• IDFC First Bank
• City Union Bank
• Equitas Small Finance Bank

Features Available

UPI enables:

• QR code payments
• Direct bank transfers
• Peer-to-peer transactions
• Merchant payments

Important Restrictions

Remember:

• Transfers only to regular Indian accounts
• No UPI transfers between NRO/NRE accounts
• Service limited to specific countries

International Availability

Apart from the UAE, the service is available in:

• Australia
• Canada
• France
• Hong Kong
• Malaysia
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Singapore
• United Kingdom
• United States