How NRIs Can Use UPI Without an Indian SIM Card (2026 Guide) 

If you’re an NRI looking to make UPI payments in India without maintaining an Indian SIM card, whether it’s sending money to family, paying at local stores by scanning QR codes, or paying utility bills,this guide explains everything you need to know. You’ll learn who is eligible, how to activate UPI without an Indian SIM Card, which banks support the service, common setup issues, and transaction limits.

What Is UPI for NRIs?

UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is India’s real-time payment system that allows instant money transfers between bank accounts. Previously, UPI registration required an Indian mobile number, forcing many NRIs to keep an active Indian SIM card solely for banking and payments.

To address this issue, NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) introduced support for international mobile numbers in January 2023. Eligible NRIs can now register for UPI using their overseas mobile number linked to a KYC-compliant NRE or NRO account, eliminating the need for an Indian SIM card.

Who Is Eligible for NRI UPI?

Before activating UPI, you must meet the following requirements:

• KYC-compliant NRE or NRO Account: Your bank account must be fully KYC compliant. Foreign bank accounts such as Emirates NBD or Barclays cannot be linked directly because UPI only supports Indian bank accounts.
• Eligible International Mobile Number: Your registered mobile number must belong to one of the countries approved by NPCI.
• Bank & App Support: Your bank and the UPI application you choose must support international mobile number registration for NRIs.

Can NRIs Use UPI Without an Indian SIM Card? 

Yes. Eligible NRIs can use UPI without an Indian SIM card by registering with their international mobile number linked to a KYC-compliant NRE or NRO account. Since NPCI enabled international mobile number registration in 2023, NRIs from approved countries can complete UPI registration without maintaining an Indian SIM.

To use UPI successfully, your international mobile number must be registered with your bank, your NRE or NRO account must be KYC compliant, and your bank should support UPI registration for overseas mobile numbers. Once activated, you can make UPI payments across India just like any resident user.

NPCI-Approved Countries for NRI UPI (2026)

As of 2026, NRIs with mobile numbers from the following countries can register for UPI.

Good news for NRIs in the UAE: UAE has supported NRI UPI from the beginning, and most major Indian banks already allow UPI registration using UAE mobile numbers. Mobile numbers from countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and South Africa are currently not supported

How to Activate UPI as an NRI (Step-by-Step)

Here is a step by step guide to activate UPI as an NRI. 

Step 1: Update Your International Mobile Number

Update your NRE or NRO account with your current international mobile number through your bank branch, internet banking, or customer support.

Step 2: Complete Your KYC

Ensure your NRE or NRO account is fully KYC compliant. Incomplete KYC will prevent successful UPI registration.

Step 3: Download a Supported UPI App

Use your bank’s official mobile banking app whenever possible, such as ICICI iMobile Pay, HDFC Bank App, or YONO SBI. Apps like BHIM, Google Pay, and PhonePe may also support NRI UPI depending on your bank.

Step 4: Register Using Your International Number

Open the app, select Register for UPI or New User, and verify your registered international mobile number.

Step 5: Verify via OTP

Complete OTP verification using the OTP sent to your overseas mobile number. If delivery is delayed, wait a few minutes and try again.

Step 6: Link Your NRE/NRO Account

Choose your eligible NRE or NRO account, create your UPI PIN, and complete the activation process. Once activated, you can start making UPI payments across India.

Need detailed instructions for setting up UPI on your NRE or NRO account? Read our complete guide on How to Activate UPI on NRE & NRO Accounts, where we explain the registration process, supported banks, UPI apps, eligibility requirements, and common activation issues in detail.

Benefits of Using UPI Without an Indian SIM Card

Using UPI without an Indian SIM card makes digital payments much easier for NRIs visiting or managing finances in India. Instead of maintaining an active Indian mobile connection, eligible NRIs can complete UPI registration using their international mobile number linked to a KYC-compliant NRE or NRO account.

Key benefits include:

• No need to keep an active Indian SIM card solely for UPI.
• Instant payments to merchants, family, and friends across India.
• Secure transactions protected by UPI PIN authentication.
• Easy QR code payments at shops, restaurants, and local businesses.
• Convenient payment of utility bills, mobile recharges, and other everyday expenses.
• Access to UPI through supported banking and payment apps using your registered international number.

Which Banks Support NRI UPI?

Which UPI Apps Can NRIs Use Without an Indian SIM Card?

Eligible NRIs can use several UPI apps after successfully registering their international mobile number with a supported NRE or NRO account. While third-party apps are available, your bank’s official mobile banking app is usually the most reliable option for registration and account linking.

Before installing any UPI app, confirm with your bank that it supports UPI registration using your international mobile number. Some banks may recommend using their official banking app for the initial setup before switching to third-party UPI apps.

NRI UPI Transaction Limits for NRIs

• Standard daily limit: ₹1,00,000
• First 24 hours after creating a new UPI ID: ₹5,000
• Higher limits: Up to ₹5,00,000 for selected merchant categories such as hospitals and insurance, subject to bank policies.

Common NRI UPI Setup Errors & Solutions

Security Tips for NRIs Using UPI

UPI is a secure payment system, but NRIs should follow a few best practices to protect their accounts and avoid fraud while using UPI with an international mobile number.

• Never share your UPI PIN, OTP, or banking credentials with anyone.
• Download UPI apps only from official app stores or your bank’s website.
• Verify the recipient’s UPI ID before approving any payment.
• Do not scan unknown QR codes or click suspicious payment links.
• Enable biometric authentication or app lock for additional security.
• Keep your registered international mobile number updated with your bank to receive important alerts and OTPs.
• Regularly monitor your bank account and UPI transaction history for any unauthorized activity.

UPI KYC vs CKYC 2.0

Many NRIs confuse bank KYC with CKYC 2.0. Read our complete CKYC 2.0 guide to understand the latest rules, document requirements, and how centralized KYC works for NRIs. UPI registration depends on your bank account KYC, which verifies your NRE or NRO account. CKYC 2.0 is a centralized KYC system that allows financial institutions to share verified customer information, reducing repeated document submissions.

Having CKYC does not automatically activate UPI. Your bank account must still have valid KYC, and your international mobile number must be correctly updated. 

Disclaimer

Using UPI without an Indian SIM card is now easier than ever for eligible NRIs. As long as you have a KYC-compliant NRE or NRO account, a registered international mobile number from an NPCI-approved country, and a bank that supports the service, you can complete the setup in just a few steps. Before registering, confirm your eligibility with your bank and keep your account information updated to avoid activation issues.

Need Help Activating UPI on Your NRE/NRO Account?

If you need assistance with NRE/NRO account setup, KYC updates, or UPI activation, speak with an NRI banking expert for personalized guidance.