Step-by-Step Process for NRI Unclaimed Shares Recovery for 2026

Imagine discovering you have unclaimed shares sitting in India. You’re an NRI, living abroad, unsure where to start. This situation affects thousands of non-resident Indians annually.

Unclaimed shares often get locked away due to corporate mergers, name changes, or forgotten investments. Many NRIs don’t realize they still own these assets. The good news? Recovery is possible in 2026.

The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) in India holds thousands of unclaimed shares. NRIs can reclaim these rightful assets through a clear, manageable process. Understanding NRI unclaimed shares recovery opens doors to significant financial gains.

This guide walks you through every step. We’ll explain SEBI procedures and IEPF timelines. You’ll learn what documents you need and how to submit claims from abroad.

The process seems complex initially. However, with proper guidance, NRI unclaimed shares recovery becomes straightforward. Companies like Infiny Solutions specialize in helping investors navigate this journey seamlessly.

Let’s begin your path to recovering what’s rightfully yours.

Understanding Unclaimed Shares: What NRIs Need to Know

Unclaimed shares are investments that have not been accessed or claimed by their rightful owner for several years.

In India, these often arise when NRIs lose touch due to corporate mergers, changes in address, or lengthy periods abroad. Sometimes, important communications from companies may not reach the shareholders, leading to missed dividend payouts.

Once dividends remain unclaimed for seven consecutive years, both the shares and unpaid dividends are transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) in India. This happens automatically, even if the investor is not aware. For NRIs, the problem is common, especially when paperwork gets delayed or there are small discrepancies in names or signatures.

Some typical reasons for orphaned investments include:

• Change of name after marriage or relocation
• Failure to update address or contact details
• Loss or misplacement of physical share certificates
• Corporate actions like mergers or acquisitions

When shares move to IEPF, direct trading or transfer is no longer possible until the rightful owner initiates the recovery process. Due to the nature of cross-border regulations, NRI unclaimed shares recovery in India requires understanding both local and international compliance.

The key is early action and proper documentation at every step.

Before You Begin: Essential Documentation for NRIs

Key Personal Documents

• Gathering your documents is the first and most crucial step. For NRI unclaimed shares recovery in India, having the right paperwork ensures quicker processing. Here’s what you’ll need:
• Self-attested copy of your passport (mandatory for all NRIs).
• Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card, if applicable.
• Proof of foreign address (utility bill, driver’s license, or bank statement).

Bank and Demat Account Details

• Original cancelled cheque from your NRI bank account in India.
• Recent self-attested NRI bank statement.
• Demat account Client Master List (CML), showing the account where shares will be credited.

Shareholding and Supporting Papers

• Copy of the original share certificates (for physical shares).
• Statement from the company or registrar if share certificates are lost.
• Proof of entitlement, such as corporate communication or dividend warrants.

Legal and Compliance Documents

• Notarized Indemnity Bond and Advance Receipt (as per IEPF guidelines).
• For heirs or successors: death certificate and legal heir certificate.
• If names differ, supporting documents showing name change (passport, marriage certificate).

Authentication

All copies must be self-attested. Some cases require notarization or apostille, especially for documents issued outside India. Organize all paperwork before beginning the recovery process to avoid delays.

Step-by-Step IEPF Claim Process for NRIs

Verify Your Unclaimed Shares

First, check with the company’s registrar (RTA) in India. Confirm whether your shares have been transferred to the IEPF. You may need your folio number, PAN details, or demat account details to begin.

If the shares are still with the company, claim them directly through their RTA. If transferred to IEPF, prepare for the IEPF claim process for NRIs.

Prepare Your Documentation

Gather and organize all required documents. Double-check for notarization and apostille where needed. Make sure everything matches your name and citizenship records. This step saves a lot of time and hassle.

Submit Online Form IEPF-5

Visit the official IEPF website and complete Form IEPF-5. Fill in all details accurately. The form asks for personal, account, and shareholding information. Submit online and note the Service Request Number (SRN) for tracking.

Send Physical Documents to the Company

After online submission, print Form IEPF-5. Attach all supporting documents. Courier these papers to the company’s Nodal Officer in India. This step triggers the verification process.

Company Verification and Report

The company reviews your claim and documents. Within 30 days, they send a verification report to the IEPF Authority. Keep an eye on communication from the nodal officer.

Review by IEPF Authority

The IEPF Authority examines the claim and documents. Once approved, shares are credited to your demat account. Unclaimed dividends get transferred to your NRI bank account in India.

This end-to-end process of unclaimed shares transfer is designed to help NRIs recover unclaimed shares in India through regulated and transparent steps. Track your claim using the SRN for updates on every stage.

Timeline and What to Expect

The entire IEPF claim process for NRIs usually takes three to four months. The company’s nodal officer will verify your application within thirty days. After that, the IEPF Authority reviews your claim and supporting documents.

Once approved, unclaimed shares transfer to your demat account in India. Unclaimed dividends move to your NRI bank account. You can track progress online using your Service Request Number (SRN). Delays may occur for missing or incorrect documents.

Regular follow-up with the nodal officer ensures smooth communication. With diligence, NRIs can recover unclaimed shares in India efficiently.

Infiny Solutions: Your Key to Recovering Unclaimed Shares

At Infiny Solutions, we know the process for NRI unclaimed shares recovery in India can seem overwhelming. With regulations changing in 2026 and each company following its own procedures, it’s easy for busy NRIs to feel frustrated.

Our experts have years of experience helping clients overcome documentation challenges, signature mismatches, and lost share certificates recovery. Whether your shares are stuck due to name changes, inheritance, or corporate actions, we guide you every step of the way.

Let us handle the complexities while you focus on what matters. Infiny Solutions is dedicated to helping you recover unclaimed shares and dividends efficiently and securely. Your legacy in India is important, and retrieving it is our mission.

Wrapping Up: Ensure NRI Unclaimed Share Recovery with Infiny Solutions

Recovering NRI unclaimed shares in India is possible with the right guidance and persistence. The step-by-step process helps you reunite with your forgotten investments, whether they’re stuck due to lost documents, mergers, or name mismatches.

At Infiny Solutions, our team ensures your claim moves smoothly from paperwork to final transfer. With years of experience, we make NRI unclaimed shares recovery transparent, secure, and stress-free. Trust our experts to handle the complexities while you receive timely updates and real results. Your legacy in India matters—let us help you reclaim it.

Start your NRI unclaimed shares recovery journey today with Infiny Solutions. Reclaim your investments in India securely, quickly, and with confidence.