NRI in Germany: India money, tax and document checklist
An Indian living in Germany must track Germany's unlimited tax liability for residents and India's NRI day-count test separately. NRE and NRO accounts should be correctly designated. The India-Germany DTAA covers salary, dividends, interest and capital gains. EUR-INR transfer costs vary significantly across providers.
Germany taxes worldwide income of residents — India DTAA covers overlap
German residents are taxed on worldwide income including India NRO interest, rent and capital gains. The India-Germany DTAA (1995) determines which country taxes which income. NRI status in India is determined by India day-count, not German residence. Submit a German Certificate of Residence to claim DTAA benefits in India.
Key points
- Germany taxes worldwide income — German tax residents are taxed on worldwide income — Indian rental income, NRO interest and capital gains from India are reportable in Germany.
- India banking — Redesignate Indian accounts when becoming NRI; keep NRE for EUR/overseas funds and NRO for India-source income.
- EUR to INR — Compare EUR-INR across Wise, Remitly and German bank transfers — SWIFT from German banks carries a 2–3% spread.
Two tax systems
Germany taxes residents on worldwide income. Any India-source income (NRO interest, Indian rental income, dividends) must be declared in German income tax returns alongside your German salary.
The India-Germany DTAA prevents double taxation — depending on the income article, India or Germany has the primary taxing right. Use a German Ansässigkeitsbescheinigung (Certificate of Residence) from the Finanzamt as your German TRC to claim DTAA benefits in India.
India NRI status depends solely on India day-count test — separate from German residency.
Annual checklist
Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit) and passport expiry.
India NRE/NRO account KYC and designation review.
EUR-INR transfer planning, India ITR deadline, German Einkommensteuererklärung deadline (usually July 31) and FD or investment maturity dates.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to declare my Indian NRE FD in Germany?
Yes. German tax residents must declare all worldwide assets and income. NRE FD interest is exempt from Indian tax but may be taxable in Germany depending on the DTAA interest article and your German tax assessment.
Which rate should an NRI in Germany watch?
For money sent to India, track EUR to INR and compare the total cost — spread plus fees — across Wise, Remitly and banks.
Does Germany have a DTAA with India?
Yes — the India-Germany Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (1995, amended) is active and covers salary, dividends, interest, capital gains and other income.