How to Invest in US Stocks & ETFs from India with Dhan (Start from Just $1)

Quick Answer

Yes, Indian residents can legally invest in US Stocks and ETFs under the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which allows outward remittances of up to USD 250,000 per financial year. Dhan now enables investors to access US Stocks & ETFs through the regulated GIFT City (IFSC) framework, offering fractional investing from just $1, SIPs in US stocks, ETF investing, and seamless portfolio tracking within a single platform.

Who Should Read This Guide?

This guide is designed for:

✔ Investors looking to diversify beyond the Indian stock market

✔ Beginners who want to invest in global companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, and Alphabet

✔ Long-term investors seeking exposure to international markets

✔ Investors interested in US ETFs and index investing

✔ Existing Dhan users exploring the new US Stocks & ETFs offering

✔ Anyone who wants to understand the regulations, taxation, and risks of investing in US markets from India

Whether you’re investing your first dollar or expanding an existing portfolio, this guide explains everything you need to know before getting started.

The World’s Biggest Companies Are No Longer Out of Reach

For years, Indian investors have wanted exposure to some of the world’s most influential businesses.

Think about the products many of us use every day:

• Apple
• Microsoft
• Nvidia
• Amazon
• Alphabet (Google)
• Meta
• Tesla

While Indian markets offer tremendous opportunities, many investors also want exposure to global innovation, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, healthcare leaders, and international ETFs.

Historically, investing in US stocks from India felt complicated.

Investors had concerns about:

• Foreign remittances
• Account opening
• Compliance requirements
• Taxation
• Fund transfers
• Hidden charges

Dhan’s latest launch aims to simplify global investing through a regulated and transparent framework.

What Has Dhan Launched?

Dhan now allows Indian investors to invest in:

US Stocks

Buy shares of leading US-listed companies.

US ETFs

Invest in diversified exchange-traded funds tracking:

• Nasdaq-100
• Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Healthcare
• Consumer Brands
• Broad US Market Indices

Fractional Shares

Start investing from as little as:

$1

You no longer need hundreds or thousands of dollars to gain exposure to world-class businesses.

Why Invest in US Markets?

The US market is home to:

Global Technology Leaders

• Apple
• Microsoft
• Nvidia
• Amazon
• Meta
• Alphabet

Artificial Intelligence Leaders

Many of the world’s largest AI companies are listed in US markets.

Semiconductor Companies

Investors gain exposure to businesses powering AI, cloud computing, and advanced technology infrastructure.

Healthcare Innovators

Many global pharmaceutical and biotechnology leaders are headquartered in the United States.

Global ETFs

Access diversified portfolios through ETF investing.

Why Many Investors Prefer US ETFs Over Individual Stocks

While investing in individual companies such as Apple, Microsoft, or Nvidia can be rewarding, many investors choose US Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) as their starting point.

A single ETF can provide exposure to dozens or even hundreds of companies across different sectors, reducing the impact of any one company’s performance on the overall portfolio.

Benefits of investing through US ETFs include:

• Instant diversification

• Lower company-specific risk

• Exposure to entire industries or market indices

• Suitable for long-term wealth creation

• Ideal for investors who prefer a passive investment approach

For beginners, ETFs often provide a simpler way to participate in the growth of the US economy without selecting individual stocks.

What Are Fractional Shares?

Fractional investing allows investors to purchase a portion of a stock rather than an entire share.

Example

Suppose a stock trades at:

$500 per share

Instead of investing:

$500

You can invest:

$50

and own:

0.1 share

Benefits of Fractional Investing

• Lower entry barrier
• Better diversification
• Easier SIP investing
• Ability to start with small amounts

This is one of the biggest reasons Dhan’s US investing launch can appeal to younger investors and beginners.

Can Indians Invest in US Stocks?

Yes.

Indian residents can invest in US Stocks and ETFs under RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).

Current LRS Limit

USD 250,000 per individual per financial year.

This limit applies to:

• Foreign investments
• Travel
• Education
• Gifts
• Other permitted overseas transactions

What is GIFT City and Why Does It Matter?

GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) is India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

Think of it as India’s gateway to global financial markets.

Dhan’s US Stocks & ETFs offering is built using the GIFT City ecosystem through partnerships with:

• India INX
• ViewTrade
• GloMoPay

The framework operates under IFSCA regulations while following applicable RBI and FEMA guidelines.

Why This Matters

Many investors worry about:

• Safety
• Compliance
• Regulation
• Fund transfers

The GIFT City route helps simplify international investing while remaining within a regulated ecosystem.

How Does Dhan US Stocks Work?

Dhan integrates global investing into its broader investing ecosystem.

Investors can access:

• Indian Stocks
• US Stocks
• ETFs
• Direct Mutual Funds
• IPOs
• Gold Vault
• Commodities

through a single account.

Rather than maintaining multiple accounts across different platforms, investors can manage a diversified portfolio within one ecosystem.

Key Features of Dhan US Stocks & ETFs

Fractional Investing from $1

Start small and build gradually.

SIPs in US Stocks & ETFs

Invest systematically through:

• Daily SIPs
• Weekly SIPs
• Monthly SIPs

US ETFs

Access diversified investment opportunities.

Super Orders

Available from launch.

Unified Portfolio Tracking

Track Indian and US investments in one place.

Can Indians Invest in the Nasdaq-100?

Yes.

There are two common ways:

Option 1: Buy Individual Companies

Examples:

• Apple
• Microsoft
• Nvidia
• Amazon

Option 2: Invest in Nasdaq-100 ETFs

The Nasdaq-100 itself is an index and cannot be purchased directly.

Exposure is obtained through stocks, ETFs, or funds tracking the index.

How Does Currency Risk Affect Returns?

When investing internationally, returns depend on:

Stock Performance

AND

USD-INR Exchange Rate

Example:

Suppose Nvidia gains:

15%

If the US Dollar strengthens against the Indian Rupee by:

5%

Your INR returns may exceed 15%.

Likewise, a strengthening Rupee can reduce INR-denominated returns.

Risks of Investing in US Stocks

Although investing internationally offers diversification and access to some of the world’s largest companies, it also comes with risks that every investor should understand.

Some of the key risks include:

Currency Risk

Returns are affected by fluctuations in the USD-INR exchange rate. A stronger Indian Rupee can reduce returns when converting investments back into INR.

Market Risk

US markets can experience periods of volatility due to economic slowdowns, interest rate changes, inflation, or geopolitical events.

Concentration Risk

Many popular US investments are concentrated in the technology sector. Excessive exposure to a single industry can increase portfolio volatility.

Taxation

Foreign investments involve different tax rules for dividends and capital gains compared to Indian equities. Investors should understand the applicable regulations before investing.

Regulatory Changes

International investment rules, taxation, and remittance regulations may change over time. Investors should stay updated with RBI, FEMA, and tax guidelines.

Understanding these risks helps investors make informed decisions rather than investing solely based on recent market performance.

MoneyContain Insight

Many investors focus only on stock returns.

In reality:

Global Investing Return

=

Stock Return

Currency Return

Ignoring currency movements can lead to unrealistic expectations.

Can Indians Trade US Futures & Options?

No.

Current RBI LRS regulations do not permit Indian residents to trade:

• US Futures
• US Options
• Foreign Derivatives

through overseas exchanges.

Investors can currently access:

• US Stocks
• US ETFs

through permitted routes.

Dhan US Stocks Pricing & Charges

One of the biggest concerns investors have before investing internationally is understanding the total cost of investing.

Dhan has published a transparent fee structure for US Stocks & ETFs.

Brokerage Charges

Dhan Brokerage

0.25% of transaction value per transaction.

Applicable on both buy and sell transactions.

Regulatory & Exchange Charges

CAT Fees

0.00%

FINRA Transaction Fee

0.0195% on sell quantity

SEC Fee

0.00206% on sell trade value

IFSCA Turnover Fee

0.005% on transaction value

GST

18% on brokerage value for Indian residents

Fund Transfer Charges

Deposits (Pay-In)

Deposits of $100 or more:

No transfer fee charged by Dhan (applicable GST may apply).

Deposits below $100:

$1 + applicable GST.

Withdrawals (Pay-Out)

Completely free from Dhan’s side.

Bank Charges

Some banks may levy:

• Remittance Charges
• Correspondent Bank Charges
• Processing Charges

These charges are imposed directly by banks and are not collected by Dhan.

According to Dhan, the company has worked with select banking partners to reduce or waive such charges and intends to expand these benefits further.

Start Investing & Trading Smarter with Dhan

With Dhan, investors and traders can access:

✅ Stocks & ETFs

✅ Mutual Funds

✅ Gold ETFs

✅ Sovereign Gold Bonds (when available)

✅ Futures & Options

✅ Advanced Options Chain & Greeks

✅ TradingView Charts

✅ Strategy Builder

✅ Portfolio Analytics

✅ SLBM (Stock Lending & Borrowing)

✅ DEXT Institutional-Grade Analytics

Whether you’re building long-term wealth, investing for retirement, or actively trading the markets, having the right tools can help you make more informed decisions.

👉 Open Your Free Dhan Account and Start Investing Today

Investments in securities markets are subject to market risks. Read all related documents carefully before investing.

Use trading platforms as tools to support disciplined decision-making—not as shortcuts to profits.

US Stock Market Timings for Indian Investors

NYSE and NASDAQ operate:

Standard Time

7:00 PM IST to 1:30 AM IST

During US Daylight Saving Time

8:00 PM IST to 2:30 AM IST

This allows Indian investors to participate in US markets after Indian market hours.

How Are US Stocks Taxed for Indians?

Dividends

US companies may pay dividends.

These dividends are generally subject to withholding tax before payment.

Under the India-US Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), investors may be eligible to claim Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), subject to applicable tax rules.

Capital Gains

Capital gains from US Stocks are generally taxable in India.

Unlike Indian listed equities, foreign stocks currently do not enjoy concessional LTCG treatment.

Tax treatment depends on prevailing tax regulations.

Important Disclaimer

Tax laws can change.

Investors should consult a qualified tax professional before making tax-related decisions.

Do US Investments Need To Be Reported?

Yes.

According to Dhan’s clarification:

The legal custodian is DTCC, while the beneficial owner remains the investor.

As a result, foreign holdings may need to be disclosed under Schedule FA (Foreign Assets), where applicable under Indian tax laws.

Maintaining proper records is recommended.

India vs US Is The Wrong Question

Many investors approach investing with the mindset:

India OR US

Professional investors often think differently:

India AND US

Diversification is not about replacing Indian equities.

It is about expanding opportunity sets.

Just as investors diversify across:

• Equity
• Debt
• Gold

they may also diversify across geographies.

MoneyContain Insight

A diversified portfolio may benefit from exposure to multiple economies, industries, and innovation cycles rather than relying on a single market.

Who Should Consider US Investing?

US investing may be suitable for:

• Long-term investors
• Technology investors
• AI enthusiasts
• ETF investors
• Diversification-focused investors
• SIP investors

MoneyContain Portfolio Insight

One of the biggest misconceptions about international investing is that investors must choose between Indian equities and US equities.

Professional investors often take a different approach.

Rather than thinking in terms of “India or the United States,” they focus on building diversified portfolios that can benefit from multiple economies, industries, and innovation cycles.

International investing should generally be viewed as a diversification strategy rather than a replacement for Indian equity investments.

The appropriate allocation depends on factors such as your financial goals, risk tolerance, investment horizon, and existing portfolio. There is no universal allocation suitable for every investor.

Who Should Not Invest In US Stocks?

US Stocks may not be suitable for:

• Investors without an emergency fund
• Investors carrying high-interest debt
• Investors seeking quick profits
• Investors who do not understand currency risk
• Investors unwilling to handle international taxation requirements

Dhan US Stocks Feature Comparison

Why Dhan’s Launch Is Different

Many brokers provide access to international investing.

What makes Dhan interesting is the broader ecosystem.

With one account, users can access:

Investing

✔ Indian Stocks

✔ US Stocks & ETFs

✔ Direct Mutual Funds

✔ ETFs

✔ IPOs

✔ Gold Vault

Trading

✔ Intraday Trading

✔ Options Trading

✔ Futures Trading

✔ Commodity Trading

Advanced Tools

✔ TradingView Integration

✔ 100+ TradingView Indicators

✔ 45+ Custom Indicators

✔ ScanX Screener

✔ Options Trader Platform

✔ DhanHQ APIs

✔ Dhan Algos

✔ DEXT T3 Trading Terminal

Professional Features

✔ Ultra-Low Latency DEXT Engine

✔ MTF Funding up to ₹5 Crore

✔ Trader’s Controls

✔ Dhan Journal

✔ Instant Pledging

✔ Fast Withdrawals

For investors who prefer managing multiple asset classes from a single platform, Dhan offers one of the most complete ecosystems available today.

👉 Open Your Free Dhan Account and Start Investing Today

Why Choose Dhan for US Stocks?

Several platforms offer access to international investing, but Dhan differentiates itself by integrating global investing into its broader investing ecosystem.

Instead of maintaining separate accounts across multiple providers, investors can manage Indian equities, US Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, commodities, and other investment products through a single platform.

| Feature                          | Dhan |
|———-|                           ——|
| Fractional Investing | ✔ Yes |
| Minimum Investment | From $1 |
| US Stocks | ✔ |
| US ETFs | ✔ |
| SIPs in US Stocks | ✔ |
| Unified Portfolio | ✔ |
| GIFT City Framework | ✔ |
| Indian Stocks | ✔ |
| Direct Mutual Funds | ✔ |
| TradingView Integration | ✔ |

For investors seeking a single platform for both Indian and international investing, Dhan offers one of the most comprehensive ecosystems currently available.

MoneyContain Verdict

Investing in US Stocks and ETFs is no longer limited to high-net-worth investors or those willing to navigate complex international brokerage platforms.

With fractional investing, regulated access through GIFT City, and simplified onboarding, global investing has become significantly more accessible for Indian residents.

However, international investing should complement—not replace—a well-diversified investment strategy. Investors should understand currency movements, taxation, and long-term risk before allocating capital to overseas markets.

For those looking to access both Indian and US markets from a single platform, Dhan provides a modern ecosystem that combines investing, trading, portfolio tracking, and advanced analytical tools under one account.

As with any investment, focus on building a disciplined, long-term portfolio rather than chasing short-term market trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Indians invest in US stocks?

Yes. Indian residents can invest under RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).

What is the current investment limit?

USD 250,000 per individual per financial year.

Can Indian investors buy shares of US-listed companies like Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, and Tesla?

Yes. Indian residents can invest in many US-listed companies through Dhan’s US Stocks platform, including popular businesses such as Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, Tesla, Alphabet, and many others, subject to platform availability and applicable regulations.

Can Indians buy US ETFs?

Yes. Dhan supports US-listed ETFs.

Can I invest in Nasdaq-100 from India?

Yes. Through Nasdaq-listed companies or Nasdaq-100 ETFs.

What is the minimum investment amount?

You can start from as little as $1.

What are fractional shares?

Fractional shares allow investors to purchase a portion of a stock instead of an entire share.

Are SIPs available?

Yes. Daily, weekly, and monthly SIPs are supported.

Is Dhan US Stocks safe?

The platform operates through the regulated GIFT City ecosystem with regulated partners.

Can Indians trade US options?

No. Current regulations do not permit US derivatives trading.

Are withdrawals free?

Yes. Dhan currently offers free withdrawals.

How are US dividends taxed?

Dividends are generally subject to US withholding tax and taxable in India subject to applicable rules.

How are capital gains taxed?

Capital gains are generally taxable in India according to prevailing tax laws.

Do I need to report US investments?

Foreign holdings may need to be disclosed under Schedule FA where applicable.

What is GIFT City?

India’s International Financial Services Centre that enables access to international financial markets through a regulated framework.

Is investing in US ETFs better than buying individual US stocks?

US ETFs provide diversification by investing in multiple companies through a single investment, making them suitable for investors seeking broad market exposure. Individual stocks may offer higher growth potential but generally carry higher company-specific risk.

What are the risks of investing in US Stocks from India?

Investors should understand market risk, currency fluctuations, taxation, regulatory changes, and the risks associated with investing in overseas markets before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Investing in US Stocks and ETFs involves market risk, currency risk, taxation considerations, and regulatory requirements. Investors should conduct their own research and consult qualified professionals before making investment decisions.

Authorized Partner of Raise Securities Pvt. Ltd. SEBI Registration Number: INZ000006031 Stock Broking Agent Name: Amit Giri AP Registration Numbers: NSE: AP3008001601 BSE: AP01659301165098 MCX: AP168015 Investments in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all related documents carefully before investing.