Non-resident Indians are people of Indian origin who are born outside India or people of Indian origin who reside outside India. Persons posted in U.N. organisations and officials deputed abroad by Central/State Governments and Public Sector undertakings on temporary assignments also come under the umbrella of Non-Resident Indians.

As per FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act), the following categories of people can be termed as NRIs

1. Indian nationals who have migrated abroad for the purpose of employment, business or vocation for an uncertain period
   
   
2. Foreign citizens of Indian origin resident outside India (Non-resident foreign citizens of Indian Origin are treated on par with non-resident Indian citizens (NRIs) for the purpose of certain facilities)

NRIs are also addressed as 'overseas Indians' and 'expatriate Indians'.