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Leaving India: EPF for NRIs and International Workers

By Kusum · Reviewed by Harish, Labour Consultant, Delhi on · Updated

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Independent guide by India Customer Care. We are not EPFO. Use only the official EPFO portals and the UMANG app for your account, and never share your password or OTP with anyone.

On this page
  1. Who are you?
  2. Foreign nationals working in India
  3. Before you leave
  4. Frequently asked questions
  5. Sources
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Where you live

Indian citizens leaving India permanently can withdraw their full PF. Foreign nationals working in India ("international workers") are covered by special rules: they contribute on their full salary and usually withdraw at 58, earlier only in cases the scheme allows, or under a social security agreement with their country.

Who are you?

Indian citizen moving abroad

  • Final settlement is allowed when you leave India permanently. Keep your passport and visa or work permit ready.
  • Payment goes to an Indian bank account in your name (an NRO account works after you become an NRI).
  • Under 5 years of service, tax and TDS rules apply; see tax on withdrawal.
  • Pension: with 10+ years, you can draw it from 58 even abroad (life certificate needed each year).

Living in India

This page is about moving abroad. For normal withdrawals see withdrawal rules.

Foreign nationals working in India

International workers are covered from day one regardless of salary. If your country has a social security agreement with India and you hold a certificate of coverage from home, you may be exempt. EPFO explains the rules on its international workers page.

Before you leave

  1. Mark date of exit; complete KYC
  2. Keep an Indian bank account active
  3. File the final settlement online
  4. Paid to your Indian account

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my EPF while living abroad?

Yes. It stays with EPFO, though accounts with no contributions for a long time after emigration can become inoperative and stop earning interest.

Can I claim from abroad?

Yes, online, if your UAN, KYC and bank account (an Indian account, such as an NRO account) are in order.

Sources