Move back to India: decide, plan and get settled

Thinking about moving back to India? Good. This page gives clear, practical steps to help you decide and to plan the move without stress. Moving back is part emotion, part logistics. If you want a smooth return, focus on the basics: money, paperwork, job, and family.

Key questions to ask before you decide

First, ask yourself why you want to move back. Is it family, job change, cost of living, or just homesickness? Next, check your finances. Compare take-home pay, living costs, and savings. For example, a tech salary in the US may not match offers in India but cost of living might be much lower.

Think about your career path. Can you find equivalent work or will you switch fields? Use LinkedIn, alumni networks, and recruiter contacts to gauge demand. Also check benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. Don’t assume they work the same way back home.

Consider legal status. If you’re a US resident or citizen, figure out taxes, Social Security, and visa status. If you need to renew an Indian passport from the US, prepare that paperwork early. If you hold OCI, check renewal rules and entry norms. These steps save time at arrival.

Practical checklist and timeline

Start planning 3–6 months before your move. Here’s a simple timeline you can follow:

3–6 months out: Audit finances. Close unnecessary US subscriptions, notify banks, and plan NRI bank accounts. Research city options in India based on job, schools, healthcare, and commute.

2–3 months out: Sort documents: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificate, academic records, professional certificates, and medical records. Scan copies and keep both digital and physical sets. If you have a US driver’s license, check rules to convert or renew in India.

1 month out: Arrange shipping for major items or sell them. Book temporary housing in India if you don’t have a place yet. Notify your employer and complete exit formalities.

Week of move: Carry essentials: medicines, critical documents, a few clothes, and electronics chargers. Keep some emergency cash in Indian rupees and an international card that works in India.

After arrival: Get a local SIM, open or reactivate NRI bank accounts, apply for PAN and Aadhaar if eligible, and register for health insurance. Start job applications or meet recruiter contacts. If you have kids, visit schools and complete admission formalities quickly.

Moving back can feel huge, but breaking it into steps makes it manageable. Ask specific questions, prepare paperwork early, and build a short, practical timeline. Ready to plan your move? Start with your finances and documents today.