Retire in India

Your complete guide to financial independence in India for 2026

Incredible value for money; huge cultural depth but chaotic urban centers.
💰
24%
Cost of Living
vs NYC baseline
🏠
$400
Average Rent
per month
📊
12.0%
Capital Gains Tax
on investments
🛡️
6/10
Safety Score
security rating

How Much Do You Need to Retire in India?

Lean FIRE
₹215,040
For ₹480/mo lifestyle
Moderate
₹322,560
For ₹720/mo lifestyle
Comfortable
₹430,080
For ₹960/mo lifestyle
Luxury
₹537,600
For ₹1,200/mo lifestyle
Note: These calculations use the 3.0% safe withdrawal rate and include India's 12.0% capital gains tax.

Visa & Residency Options

Available Visas

e-Visa (5 years) / OCI

Cost by Location Type

Urban
₹600
50% more
Suburban
₹400
baseline
Rural
₹200
50% less

Frequently Asked Questions about India

Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.
The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.
Long-term capital gains on listed equities are taxed at 12.5% for gains exceeding ₹1.25 lakh per year.
Generally, no, but OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders can buy residential and commercial property, excluding agricultural land.
Safety varies significantly; major tech hubs like Bangalore and Hyderabad are generally safer than some northern urban centers.
World-class private care in India is exceptionally affordable, typically costing 10-20% of US prices for major procedures.
A life-long visa for people of Indian origin, allowing them to live and work in India indefinitely with most rights of a citizen.
In Tier-1 cities, high-speed fiber (up to 1Gbps) is very affordable and widely available.
Major cities like Delhi face severe pollution in winter; southern and coastal cities generally have much better air quality.
Yes, in many cities, $1,000 provides a very comfortable middle-class lifestyle including rent and domestic help.
If you spend 182 days or more in India during a financial year, you are considered a tax resident.
Yes, English is the primary language for business, law, and higher education, and is widely understood in urban areas.

Calculate Your Personal Freedom Date

Use our interactive calculator to see exactly when you can retire in India based on your current savings and income.

Try the Freedom Calculator →

© 2026 Freedom Clock. Data updated regularly for accuracy.