What happens to your PPF and EPF when you become an NRI
Can an NRI keep a PPF account? What about an old EPF balance after moving to Australia? The rules, the limits, and what to do — in plain English.
Two of the most common India-side accounts NRIs carry are a PPF and an old EPF balance — and both have NRI-specific rules that catch people out. Here's what changes when your status becomes non-resident, and what to do about each.
The short answer
As an NRI you can't open a new PPF account, though one opened while you were a resident can generally continue to maturity under the current scheme rules. Your old EPF balance can typically be withdrawn on permanent settlement abroad, with the money paid into an NRO account. Confirm both with the official bodies, as specifics and tax depend on your situation.
PPF: continue, but don't open new
The widely applied rule is straightforward in one direction: NRIs cannot open a new PPF account. If you opened your PPF while you were a resident Indian, you can usually continue contributing until it matures — but NRIs generally can't extend the account in further blocks the way residents can.
Because PPF is governed by the Public Provident Fund Scheme, 2019 (which replaced the older 1968 scheme), the exact treatment of contributions, extension and premature closure for NRIs is something to confirm directly with your bank or post office where the account is held, rather than relying on older guidance online. Keep your account number, the holding branch, and your nominee recorded.
EPF: withdraw on settling abroad
If you built up an Employees' Provident Fund balance while working in India, you don't lose it by moving. The general position is that an NRI can withdraw the full EPF balance on permanent settlement abroad, and the proceeds are credited to an NRO account. Tax treatment varies — EPF withdrawals are typically tax-friendly after a sufficient period of continuous service, but early withdrawals can attract tax, and a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between India and Australia may be relevant.
Because EPF withdrawal mechanics (UAN, KYC, the correct "reason for leaving") and the tax outcome depend on your service history, confirm the current process with the EPFO and, for tax, a qualified CA.
Why nominations still matter
For both PPF and EPF, make sure a nominee is in place. If you didn't set one when the account was opened, it's worth doing so — it's what lets the proceeds reach your family smoothly if something happens to you. And as always under Indian law, a nominee receives the funds as a custodian; ultimate ownership follows your will and succession law (see nominee vs legal heir in India).
What to record
- PPF: account number, holding bank/post office, maturity date, nominee.
- EPF: UAN, previous employer(s), linked NRO account, nominee.
- Any online logins, kept securely.
Slot these into your wider India picture — see the NRI India assets guide — and write them down where your family can find them using the free Cross-Border Checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Can an NRI open a new PPF account? No. NRIs can't open a new PPF account, though an account opened while you were a resident can generally continue under the current scheme — confirm with your bank or post office.
Can I keep contributing to my existing PPF as an NRI? Usually yes, until maturity, if it was opened while you were a resident — but NRIs generally can't extend it in further blocks. Confirm the current rules with your bank or post office.
Can I withdraw my EPF after moving to Australia? Generally yes — the full balance can be withdrawn on permanent settlement abroad, credited to an NRO account. Confirm the process with the EPFO and the tax position with a CA.
This guide is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. PPF and EPF rules and tax outcomes are current as at June 2026, depend on your circumstances, and can change; confirm with your bank/post office, the EPFO, and a qualified Indian CA.