Buying a share is not a simple thing to do. It requires six checks that need to be done before placing the order.
The listing venue. Which exchange is the company on. What is its ticker? Companies that have names are on different exchanges. The ticker is the way to be sure.
The type of security. Is it a share an American Depositary Receipt (ADR) an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) or something else? An ADR is a certificate that is traded on a US exchange and shows shares of a company. An ETF holds a group of stocks. The type of instrument affects the tax treatment. The way it is bought.
The platforms coverage. Does the platform have that exchange? Most GIFT City platforms focus on US stocks and ETFs. Some are starting to include markets. Direct foreign brokers might have access to the UK, Hong Kong and other exchanges.
The route. Is the purchase made through a GIFT City broker a foreign broker or an India-domiciled mutual fund that invests overseas? Each way has costs, rules and access to the market.
The currency. What currency does the stock trade in. How is the rupee converted? The exchange rate is a cost that comes with every purchase.
Trading hours. What time does the market open in Indias time zone? US markets open at 7:00 PM IST during daylight saving. UK markets open at 12:30 PM IST. Hong Kong opens at 7:00 AM IST.
the routes and what they reach
GIFT City broker apps. These mainly offer US stocks and ETFs. Some platforms are adding markets. The check is to look at the platforms website, which shows the countries and exchanges they support.
Direct foreign brokers. These often cover markets, including the US, the UK and Hong Kong. The check is whether the broker allows Indian residents and what paperwork is needed for an account.
India-domiciled international funds. These provide exposure to markets through the funds own holdings. The check is the funds goal. Whether it is currently accepting new money since there is a limit on overseas investment.
Depository receipts through GIFT City. These offer a number of stocks. The check is the products details and how the receipt is taxed.
trading hours of markets in IST
| Market | Local regular hours | Approximate Indian time |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 9:30 am to 4:00 pm Eastern Time | 7:00 pm to 1:30 am during daylight saving 8:00 pm to 2:30 am otherwise |
| United Kingdom | 8:00 am to 4:30 pm London time | 12:30 pm to 9:00 pm during British Summer Time 1:30 pm to 10:00 pm otherwise |
| Hong Kong | 9:30 am to 4:00 pm with a lunch break | 7:00 am to 1:30 pm |
Daylight saving changes these times for part of the year. Exchanges can also change their hours. The exchange website is the source.
how to assess access, step by step
Step 1: Find the security. Write down the company name, the exchange and the ticker.
Step 2: Check the platforms market list. Look for the exchange on the platforms supported markets page before opening an account.
Step 3: Search for the ticker inside the platform. If the search shows a result the stock is available. If there is no result the platform does not offer it.
Step 4: Check the instrument type. An ADR or an ETF might be a way to get a share that’s not directly available.
Step 5: Compare costs. Brokerage, exchange rate spreads bank charges and any account fees vary between markets and platforms.
Step 6: Check tax effects. Dividend withholding is different in each country. Capital gains and foreign asset reporting follow rules.
Step 7: Start with an order. A small trade shows the process works before sending an amount.
tax points that vary by market
Dividend withholding. Rates vary by country and by tax agreement. The US takes 25% if Form W-8BEN is filed. Some places take nothing.
Capital gains in India. Foreign shares that are held for than 24 months are taxed at 12.5% without indexation. Holdings of 24 months or less are taxed at the tax rate.
Credit for tax. The tax taken abroad can be claimed as a credit through Form 67 up to the tax on the same income.
Foreign asset disclosure. Residents and Ordinary Residents report holdings in Schedule FA of the income tax return.
TCS. 20% Applies to money sent that is more than ₹10 lakh in a year. It can be used against the tax that’s due.
warning signs
A deal to buy shares outside LRS. Money for investment must go through the bank under LRS. Any way that avoids this has compliance risks.
Contracts that look like a foreign share. The investor may not own the share and the products legal status can be unclear.
Promises of guaranteed returns on investments. Market risks are always part of listed securities.
No named regulated company. An unknown operator cannot be checked.
what investors should take from this
Access to companies listed overseas is available for residents. The real limits are the platforms coverage, the type of security and the costs. Checking the ticker and the exchange against the platform before sending money avoids money being stuck.
Tax and reporting rules are part of the investment process not something to think about later. Schedule FA, Form 67 and the 24-month holding time decide the return after taxes.
FAQs
1. Can Indian residents buy shares that are listed outside the US?
Yes, under LRS through platforms or brokers that offer those markets. What is available depends on the platform. A US-focused app may not have UK or Hong Kong stocks.
2. Does LRS cover every market?
LRS allows investment in overseas listed assets within the $250,000 limit each year. The market is limited by what the platform offers and by exchange control rules.
3. What is an ADR?
An American Depositary Receipt is a certificate that is sold in the United States and shows shares of a company. It allows US investors to hold shares without trading on the foreign exchange.
4. How are foreign dividends taxed for residents?
The country where the company is based may take tax at its treaty rate. India taxes the dividend at the tax rate with a credit for the tax through Form 67.
5. Why might a listed overseas company not be, on a platform?
Platforms offer a selection. A company may not be there because of its exchange its trading status, rules or the platforms own coverage.
