How much of your equity should go abroad?

Last reviewed: 21 Oct 2026 · Noema Research · 3 min read

An all-India portfolio rides one economy and one currency. For most long-term investors, 0% to 20% of the equity part abroad is our planning range, not a rule; the upper end suits goals in foreign currency, such as study abroad. 0% is right when your goals are in rupees and less than 5 years away, or the amount is small enough that the extra paperwork outweighs the spread. Abroad adds a second risk: the rupee's move can raise or cut your return.

Size your India and abroad split

The question isn't which market wins. It's how much of your money should depend on one.

Estimate

Amount abroad: ₹2,00,000 (today's rupees)

In 15 years: ₹4,68,573 to ₹11,42,579 (future rupees), ₹6,34,434 if the rupee doesn't move.

Create an account to map this answer against your salary allocation.

The risk of an all-India portfolio

If India's market has a long weak spell, an all-India portfolio has nowhere else to stand.

How much of your equity abroad?

Too little adds nothing; too much ties your rupee goals to another currency. 0% to 20% of equity is our planning range, not a rule. Size it inside your equity share, not your whole savings.

The rupee effect

Your return abroad comes in two parts: the market's return and the rupee's move. If the rupee weakens, the rupee value rises; if it strengthens, it falls. That's why the calculator shows a range.

When staying fully in India is right

Goals in rupees and under 5 years away, a small portfolio, or no emergency fund yet. Build the base first.

The limit on sending money abroad

Under the RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme, resident individuals can send up to USD 2,50,000 per financial year for permitted purposes. Checked 21 Oct 2026. These rules change; check the RBI before you send.

Gold or abroad?

Both are sometimes called a hedge, but they do different jobs: gold for shocks, foreign equity for growth outside India.

FAQ

How much of my equity should be international?+

0% to 20% of equity is our planning range, not a rule. Lean higher for foreign-currency goals; 0% is right for near rupee goals.

How much money can I send abroad in a year?+

Up to USD 2,50,000 per financial year under the RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme, checked 21 Oct 2026.

Is gold a better hedge than international equity?+

They do different jobs. Gold tends to help in shocks; foreign equity spreads growth beyond India. Many portfolios hold a little of each.

Should I keep international equity in retirement?+

If your spending is in rupees, keep the abroad part modest and within our planning range, and hold near-term spending in rupee assets.

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