In today’s globalized world, Indian investors are increasingly interested in diversifying their portfolios beyond domestic markets. One of the most sought-after international stocks is Amazon—an e-commerce giant known for its innovation and steady growth. If you’ve ever wondered how to buy Amazon shares from India, this guide by Appreciate Wealth walks you through the entire process of investing in international stocks.
Why Invest in International Stocks?
Investing in international stocks like Amazon offers several advantages:
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Diversification: Reduce country-specific risk by spreading your investments across global markets.
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Currency Benefits: Gain from the appreciation of foreign currencies, especially the US Dollar.
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Access to Global Leaders: Invest in innovative companies like Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla.
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Wealth Creation: Leverage the long-term growth potential of top-performing global firms.
How to Buy Amazon Shares from India?
1. Choose a SEBI-Registered Broker with International Access
Several Indian brokers offer international investment services through tie-ups with global platforms. Some popular options include:
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ICICI Direct Global
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HDFC Securities
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Motilal Oswal
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Groww
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INDmoney
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Vested Finance
These platforms are user-friendly and allow Indian residents to invest in U.S. stocks, including Amazon.
2. Open an Overseas Trading Account
Once you choose your broker, you need to:
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Complete KYC documentation.
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Link your PAN, Aadhaar, and bank account.
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Activate the international trading feature.
Most platforms complete this in 2–3 working days.
3. Fund Your Account via LRS
Investments in foreign stocks from India fall under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which allows you to remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for investment purposes.
You will need to:
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Submit a declaration form (A2 + LRS form).
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Fund your international trading account via wire transfer or net banking.
Banks may charge a small remittance fee and TCS (Tax Collected at Source), which is claimable when filing ITR.
4. Buy Amazon Shares
Once your account is funded:
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Search for Amazon Inc. (Ticker: AMZN).
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Select the number of shares or fractional shares.
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Place your buy order during U.S. market hours (typically 7 PM to 1:30 AM IST).
Tax Implications
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Capital Gains Tax: Gains from selling foreign stocks are taxed under the capital gains regime.
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Short-term (held < 24 months): Taxed as per your slab.
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Long-term (held > 24 months): Taxed at 20% with indexation.
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Dividend Tax: Dividends from Amazon are taxed at 25% in the U.S. (adjustable with DTAA benefits), and then taxed again in India based on your income slab.
Final Thoughts
Investing in Amazon shares from India is now seamless with the rise of digital platforms. It allows you to participate in the global economy, gain exposure to dollar-denominated assets, and potentially earn higher returns. However, do consider exchange rates, taxation, and associated risks before investing.
At Appreciate Wealth, we guide you in selecting the right platform, staying compliant with regulations, and making informed decisions when buying international stocks like Amazon.
