How to buy individual NASDAQ stocks from India
Indian investors can now buy individual NASDAQ stocks through several regulated platforms. Minimum investments start at $1, approximately ₹85. The process involves selecting a US brokerage platform, completing digital KYC, funding your account through the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, and placing orders during US market hours. These hours conveniently start at 7:00 PM IST during the summer months.
This guide covers everything from platform selection and account opening to trading hours and settlement. You will learn how to buy NASDAQ-listed stocks from India using the current 2026 data.
Choosing the right US brokerage platform
The landscape for Indian investors accessing US markets has matured significantly. Several regulated options now serve different trading needs and preferences.
Interactive Brokers remains the gold standard for serious investors. The platform offers access to 170+ global markets, with a $0.005 per-share commission and a minimum order size of $1.00. It requires no minimum deposit and charges no inactivity fees. SIPC insurance coverage extends up to $500,000, including $250,000 for cash. Their IBKR GlobalTrader app offers fractional share investing, making it accessible to beginners.
Vested Finance offers a user-friendly interface and charges 0.25% per trade, capped at $35 on its basic plan. Premium subscribers paying ₹375 per month receive a 0.15% discount. Vested offers fractional shares starting at $1 and integrates with central Indian banks, including HDFC, ICICI, Axis, and SBI. Their SEC-registered status and SIPC coverage provide strong investor protection.
INDmoney has positioned itself as an all-in-one financial super-app. It charges a 0.25% brokerage fee, capped at $25 per trade, with no withdrawal fees. The platform operates through both DriveWealth LLC and direct access via GIFT City under IFSCA authorisation. Investors can access 9,000+ US stocks and ETFs with fractional investing from just $1.
Winvesta offers a tiered subscription model, with brokerage fees ranging from 0.05% to 0.25%, depending on your plan.
For a detailed breakdown of fees and features, read our guide on comparing US stock trading platforms available to Indian investors.
The platform distinguishes itself with multi-currency account capabilities across 37+ currencies. Their 5-minute digital KYC process requires no document uploads.
Several platforms have undergone significant changes. Groww discontinued its US stocks service on February 27, 2024, citing complications, including high withdrawal fees and settlement delays. TD Ameritrade has been fully absorbed into Charles Schwab following the merger. Charles Schwab is not recommended for most Indian investors due to limited accessibility and the lack of INR funding support.
Zerodha announced plans to launch US stock investing in Q1 2026 under the IFSCA framework in GIFT City. Given Zerodha's 7+ million active Indian users, this could significantly reshape the competitive landscape.
Account opening process and documents required
The account opening process has become remarkably streamlined. Most platforms complete digital KYC in 5 to 15 minutes. You will need your PAN card, which is mandatory for all Indian residents, and your Aadhaar card for identity and address verification. Some platforms may request additional documentation for larger investment amounts.
For Interactive Brokers, the process begins at their website. You create credentials, enter personal details including your PAN number, and complete funding notifications. International trading requires submitting documents via email, followed by in-person webcam verification. Account approval typically takes 1-3 business days.
Vested Finance and INDmoney offer fully digital onboarding requiring only PAN and Aadhaar. KYC verification completes in 1-2 business days, often same-day for INDmoney. Winvesta claims the fastest process, potentially taking 15 minutes from start to trading capability.
Every Indian investor must complete Form W-8BEN, the Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting. This critical document certifies your non-US tax status and enables you to claim benefits under the India-US tax treaty. Without it, you would face 30% flat withholding on dividends. With the form properly filed, this reduces to 25% under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.
Enter your full legal name as per documents and list India as your country of citizenship and residence. Enter your PAN number in Line 6a as your Foreign Tax ID. The form remains valid for 3 calendar years from the date of signing. Most platforms guide you through this digitally during account setup.
Funding your account through LRS remittance
The Liberalised Remittance Scheme permits Indian residents to remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for overseas investments. This equals approximately ₹2.1 crore at current exchange rates. The limit applies per individual, meaning a family of four could theoretically invest up to $1 million annually.
Tax Collected at Source on LRS remittances underwent significant changes. For investment purposes, including stock purchases, remittances up to ₹10 lakh annually are exempt from TCS. Amounts exceeding this threshold are subject to 20% TCS on the excess.
For example, if you remit ₹15 lakh for a stock investment, TCS applies only to the ₹5 lakh above the threshold. That means ₹5,00,000 multiplied by 20% equals ₹1,00,000 TCS. Critically, TCS is not an additional tax. It is an advanced collection that adjusts to your final tax liability when filing your ITR.
Funding your US brokerage requires completing Form A2, the RBI-prescribed document for all LRS transfers. For stock investments, use purpose codes S0001 for the acquisition of equity shares or S0004 for investment in equity abroad. Your bank will require your PAN card, Aadhaar, cancelled cheque, and bank statements.
Bank fees vary significantly. HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank typically charge ₹500-1,000 plus a forex markup of 1.5-3.5% above interbank rates. The transfer timeline normally spans 3-5 business days.
Stock selection criteria for NASDAQ investing
Successful stock selection requires understanding fundamental metrics. The P/E ratio measures how much investors pay for each dollar of earnings. Ratios below 15 suggest value stocks. Ratios between 15 and 25 indicate fair valuation for established companies—ratios above 30 signal growth stock territory.
Revenue growth rate indicates business momentum. Above 20% annually signals excellent growth. Between 10-% and 0% represents solid performance. A score below 5% means that a business is mature or struggling.
For research resources, Yahoo Finance offers free real-time quotes, comprehensive financial statistics, and analyst estimates. The SEC EDGAR database provides official filings, including 10-K and 10-Q annual and quarterly reports.
The Magnificent Seven technology giants dominate Indian retail portfolios. Apple trades at approximately $270 with a market cap of $4.13 trillion and a P/E of 34.16. Microsoft commands roughly $426 per share with a P/E of 26.92 and offers 0.79% dividend yield. NVIDIA trades near $178 with the largest market cap among technology companies at $4.38 trillion.
Understanding order types for brilliant execution
Market orders execute immediately at the best available current price. They prioritise speed over price precision. Use them for liquid, high-volume stocks during regular trading hours when you need immediate execution.
Limit orders specify your maximum purchase price. Execution occurs only at that price or better. For Indian investors trading during US hours that overlap with sleeping time, limit orders provide crucial price protection.
Stop loss orders trigger a market order when a stock hits a specified price. They limit losses automatically. If you buy Apple at $270 and set a stop loss at $243, your position automatically sells if Apple drops to that level.
Good Till Cancelled orders remain active for 30-90 days, depending on the broker. Day orders expire at 4:00 PM Eastern if unfilled. For extended-hours trading, most platforms require only limit orders.
Trading NASDAQ stocks: hours in IST
NASDAQ regular trading hours run from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Due to US Daylight Saving Time, Indian Standard Time equivalents shift seasonally.
From mid-March through early November, markets open at 7:00 PM IST and close at 1:30 AM IST the next day. From early November through mid-March, hours shift to 8:00 PM IST opening and 2:30 AM IST closing.
Pre-market trading runs from 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM IST during the summer. This falls conveniently during Indian business hours for reacting to overnight news.
The 2026 DST transitions occur on March 8 when clocks spring forward and November 1 when clocks fall back. Markets close completely on major US holidays, including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Settlement process for US stocks
Since May 28, 2024, the US market has operated on a T+1 settlement cycle. Trades settle one business day after execution. A Monday purchase settles on Tuesday. A Friday trade settles Monday, assuming no holiday.
Shares appear in your brokerage account immediately for display purposes—official ownership transfers at settlement. Proceeds from sales become available for reinvestment the same day or T+1, depending on your broker.
Withdrawals to Indian bank accounts require T+1 settlement, plus 2-5 additional business days for international wire processing. Total time from sale to rupees in your Indian account spans 3-7 business days.
Dividends follow a specific timeline. The company announces the dividend on the declaration date. The ex-dividend date determines eligibility. You must own shares before this date to receive payment. Under T+1, the ex-date and record date are now the same day. Payment typically occurs 2-4 weeks later, with the net amount, after 25% US withholding, credited directly to your US brokerage account.
Tax implications for Indian investors
Indian tax treatment of US stocks changed significantly with Budget 2024. Long-term capital gains for holding periods exceeding 24 months now attract 12.5% tax without indexation. Short-term capital gains for 24 months or less are taxed at your income tax slab rate.
Dividend taxation involves two jurisdictions. The US withholds 25% at source under the India-US DTAA. You then report the gross dividend as Income from Other Sources in your Indian ITR, taxed at your slab rate. The DTAA allows the claim of ag the Foreign Tax Credit for US taxes paid, thereby avoiding double taxation.
For a comprehensive breakdown of dividend withholding and capital gains calculations, read our guide on how to handle US stock taxation in India.
All Resident and Ordinarily Resident Indians holding any foreign assets must file Schedule FA with their ITR. This includes the reporting country, asset type, acquisition date, and acquisition cost. The reporting threshold is zero. Non-disclosure carries penalties up to ₹10 lakh per year.
You must file ITR-2 for individuals without business income or ITR-3 with business income. To claim FTC for US dividend taxes, file Form 67 on the Income Tax portal before or with your ITR.
Buying NASDAQ stocks from India has become accessible and cost-effective for retail investors. Choose your platform based on trading frequency and investment size. Complete digital KYC, fund via LRS, and start building your US portfolio. Whether you invest in Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, or emerging growth stocks, the US market offers opportunities unavailable in domestic markets.
Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or brokerage companies, and not of Winvesta. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
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Table of Contents
No h1 or h2 headings found in this article.
Indian investors can now buy individual NASDAQ stocks through several regulated platforms. Minimum investments start at $1, approximately ₹85. The process involves selecting a US brokerage platform, completing digital KYC, funding your account through the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, and placing orders during US market hours. These hours conveniently start at 7:00 PM IST during the summer months.
This guide covers everything from platform selection and account opening to trading hours and settlement. You will learn how to buy NASDAQ-listed stocks from India using the current 2026 data.
Choosing the right US brokerage platform
The landscape for Indian investors accessing US markets has matured significantly. Several regulated options now serve different trading needs and preferences.
Interactive Brokers remains the gold standard for serious investors. The platform offers access to 170+ global markets, with a $0.005 per-share commission and a minimum order size of $1.00. It requires no minimum deposit and charges no inactivity fees. SIPC insurance coverage extends up to $500,000, including $250,000 for cash. Their IBKR GlobalTrader app offers fractional share investing, making it accessible to beginners.
Vested Finance offers a user-friendly interface and charges 0.25% per trade, capped at $35 on its basic plan. Premium subscribers paying ₹375 per month receive a 0.15% discount. Vested offers fractional shares starting at $1 and integrates with central Indian banks, including HDFC, ICICI, Axis, and SBI. Their SEC-registered status and SIPC coverage provide strong investor protection.
INDmoney has positioned itself as an all-in-one financial super-app. It charges a 0.25% brokerage fee, capped at $25 per trade, with no withdrawal fees. The platform operates through both DriveWealth LLC and direct access via GIFT City under IFSCA authorisation. Investors can access 9,000+ US stocks and ETFs with fractional investing from just $1.
Winvesta offers a tiered subscription model, with brokerage fees ranging from 0.05% to 0.25%, depending on your plan.
For a detailed breakdown of fees and features, read our guide on comparing US stock trading platforms available to Indian investors.
The platform distinguishes itself with multi-currency account capabilities across 37+ currencies. Their 5-minute digital KYC process requires no document uploads.
Several platforms have undergone significant changes. Groww discontinued its US stocks service on February 27, 2024, citing complications, including high withdrawal fees and settlement delays. TD Ameritrade has been fully absorbed into Charles Schwab following the merger. Charles Schwab is not recommended for most Indian investors due to limited accessibility and the lack of INR funding support.
Zerodha announced plans to launch US stock investing in Q1 2026 under the IFSCA framework in GIFT City. Given Zerodha's 7+ million active Indian users, this could significantly reshape the competitive landscape.
Account opening process and documents required
The account opening process has become remarkably streamlined. Most platforms complete digital KYC in 5 to 15 minutes. You will need your PAN card, which is mandatory for all Indian residents, and your Aadhaar card for identity and address verification. Some platforms may request additional documentation for larger investment amounts.
For Interactive Brokers, the process begins at their website. You create credentials, enter personal details including your PAN number, and complete funding notifications. International trading requires submitting documents via email, followed by in-person webcam verification. Account approval typically takes 1-3 business days.
Vested Finance and INDmoney offer fully digital onboarding requiring only PAN and Aadhaar. KYC verification completes in 1-2 business days, often same-day for INDmoney. Winvesta claims the fastest process, potentially taking 15 minutes from start to trading capability.
Every Indian investor must complete Form W-8BEN, the Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting. This critical document certifies your non-US tax status and enables you to claim benefits under the India-US tax treaty. Without it, you would face 30% flat withholding on dividends. With the form properly filed, this reduces to 25% under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.
Enter your full legal name as per documents and list India as your country of citizenship and residence. Enter your PAN number in Line 6a as your Foreign Tax ID. The form remains valid for 3 calendar years from the date of signing. Most platforms guide you through this digitally during account setup.
Funding your account through LRS remittance
The Liberalised Remittance Scheme permits Indian residents to remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for overseas investments. This equals approximately ₹2.1 crore at current exchange rates. The limit applies per individual, meaning a family of four could theoretically invest up to $1 million annually.
Tax Collected at Source on LRS remittances underwent significant changes. For investment purposes, including stock purchases, remittances up to ₹10 lakh annually are exempt from TCS. Amounts exceeding this threshold are subject to 20% TCS on the excess.
For example, if you remit ₹15 lakh for a stock investment, TCS applies only to the ₹5 lakh above the threshold. That means ₹5,00,000 multiplied by 20% equals ₹1,00,000 TCS. Critically, TCS is not an additional tax. It is an advanced collection that adjusts to your final tax liability when filing your ITR.
Funding your US brokerage requires completing Form A2, the RBI-prescribed document for all LRS transfers. For stock investments, use purpose codes S0001 for the acquisition of equity shares or S0004 for investment in equity abroad. Your bank will require your PAN card, Aadhaar, cancelled cheque, and bank statements.
Bank fees vary significantly. HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank typically charge ₹500-1,000 plus a forex markup of 1.5-3.5% above interbank rates. The transfer timeline normally spans 3-5 business days.
Stock selection criteria for NASDAQ investing
Successful stock selection requires understanding fundamental metrics. The P/E ratio measures how much investors pay for each dollar of earnings. Ratios below 15 suggest value stocks. Ratios between 15 and 25 indicate fair valuation for established companies—ratios above 30 signal growth stock territory.
Revenue growth rate indicates business momentum. Above 20% annually signals excellent growth. Between 10-% and 0% represents solid performance. A score below 5% means that a business is mature or struggling.
For research resources, Yahoo Finance offers free real-time quotes, comprehensive financial statistics, and analyst estimates. The SEC EDGAR database provides official filings, including 10-K and 10-Q annual and quarterly reports.
The Magnificent Seven technology giants dominate Indian retail portfolios. Apple trades at approximately $270 with a market cap of $4.13 trillion and a P/E of 34.16. Microsoft commands roughly $426 per share with a P/E of 26.92 and offers 0.79% dividend yield. NVIDIA trades near $178 with the largest market cap among technology companies at $4.38 trillion.
Understanding order types for brilliant execution
Market orders execute immediately at the best available current price. They prioritise speed over price precision. Use them for liquid, high-volume stocks during regular trading hours when you need immediate execution.
Limit orders specify your maximum purchase price. Execution occurs only at that price or better. For Indian investors trading during US hours that overlap with sleeping time, limit orders provide crucial price protection.
Stop loss orders trigger a market order when a stock hits a specified price. They limit losses automatically. If you buy Apple at $270 and set a stop loss at $243, your position automatically sells if Apple drops to that level.
Good Till Cancelled orders remain active for 30-90 days, depending on the broker. Day orders expire at 4:00 PM Eastern if unfilled. For extended-hours trading, most platforms require only limit orders.
Trading NASDAQ stocks: hours in IST
NASDAQ regular trading hours run from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Due to US Daylight Saving Time, Indian Standard Time equivalents shift seasonally.
From mid-March through early November, markets open at 7:00 PM IST and close at 1:30 AM IST the next day. From early November through mid-March, hours shift to 8:00 PM IST opening and 2:30 AM IST closing.
Pre-market trading runs from 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM IST during the summer. This falls conveniently during Indian business hours for reacting to overnight news.
The 2026 DST transitions occur on March 8 when clocks spring forward and November 1 when clocks fall back. Markets close completely on major US holidays, including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Settlement process for US stocks
Since May 28, 2024, the US market has operated on a T+1 settlement cycle. Trades settle one business day after execution. A Monday purchase settles on Tuesday. A Friday trade settles Monday, assuming no holiday.
Shares appear in your brokerage account immediately for display purposes—official ownership transfers at settlement. Proceeds from sales become available for reinvestment the same day or T+1, depending on your broker.
Withdrawals to Indian bank accounts require T+1 settlement, plus 2-5 additional business days for international wire processing. Total time from sale to rupees in your Indian account spans 3-7 business days.
Dividends follow a specific timeline. The company announces the dividend on the declaration date. The ex-dividend date determines eligibility. You must own shares before this date to receive payment. Under T+1, the ex-date and record date are now the same day. Payment typically occurs 2-4 weeks later, with the net amount, after 25% US withholding, credited directly to your US brokerage account.
Tax implications for Indian investors
Indian tax treatment of US stocks changed significantly with Budget 2024. Long-term capital gains for holding periods exceeding 24 months now attract 12.5% tax without indexation. Short-term capital gains for 24 months or less are taxed at your income tax slab rate.
Dividend taxation involves two jurisdictions. The US withholds 25% at source under the India-US DTAA. You then report the gross dividend as Income from Other Sources in your Indian ITR, taxed at your slab rate. The DTAA allows the claim of ag the Foreign Tax Credit for US taxes paid, thereby avoiding double taxation.
For a comprehensive breakdown of dividend withholding and capital gains calculations, read our guide on how to handle US stock taxation in India.
All Resident and Ordinarily Resident Indians holding any foreign assets must file Schedule FA with their ITR. This includes the reporting country, asset type, acquisition date, and acquisition cost. The reporting threshold is zero. Non-disclosure carries penalties up to ₹10 lakh per year.
You must file ITR-2 for individuals without business income or ITR-3 with business income. To claim FTC for US dividend taxes, file Form 67 on the Income Tax portal before or with your ITR.
Buying NASDAQ stocks from India has become accessible and cost-effective for retail investors. Choose your platform based on trading frequency and investment size. Complete digital KYC, fund via LRS, and start building your US portfolio. Whether you invest in Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, or emerging growth stocks, the US market offers opportunities unavailable in domestic markets.
Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or brokerage companies, and not of Winvesta. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Ready to earn on every trade?
Invest in 11,000+ US stocks & ETFs
