Top 5 Gold Investment Options for NRIs in 2025

Here are the top 5 gold investment options for NRIs in 2025, based on current regulations and market trends:

1. Gold ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)

• Highly liquid and traded such as equities through Demat and trading accounts.
• There is no need to handle up physical gold or worry on storage or security.

• Historical AUM and performance highlights:

  • Nippon India Gold BeES leads AUM (₹18,969 cr as of Feb 2025)

  • Other strong performers include SBI Gold ETF, LIC MF Gold ETF, UTI Gold ETF.

• Low expense ratios; ideal one for cost-efficient, transparent exposure to gold.

2. Gold Mutual Funds / FoFs (Fund of Funds)

• You can indirectly invest through Gold ETFs or related securities which is managed by professionals.

• Accessible through SIPs even without any Demat account, that depending on the provider.

• Recent examples which show strong 1-year returns (~26%) at low expense ratios (0.03%–0.20%)

• Latest product: Baroda BNP Paribas Gold ETF FoF, launched in August 2025.

3. Digital Gold

• In small denominations as low as Rs 1 or Rs 10 you can buy gold online

• Platforms such as PhonePe, Paytm, SafeGold, MMTC-PAMP, and WazirX.

• You can also convert it into physical gold; delivers convenience and accessibility, for entry-level investors.

4. Physical Gold (Coins, Bars, Jewellery)

• Traditional and emotionally valued, especially for gifting reasons

• You can buy coins or bars or preferable over jewellery for better resale value

• Be cautious on making charges, storages, GST or any other security costs

• Good one for people who have tangible asset and are comfortable in managing it.

5. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) – Held from Earlier Investments

• Offer 2.5% annual interest for gold appreciation and are government-backed.

• NRIs cant make fresh investments, but those who acquired have SGBs before becoming NRIs may continue to hold them until maturity or exit after 5 years.