Pressed for time onshore? How to finish the KYC process quickly

The IDFC FIRST Bank Seafarer Account is designed specifically for seafarers and merchant navy professionals who often face a tough challenge — very limited time in India to complete banking formalities. Additionally, the Know Your Customer (KYC) process becomes essential without which NRI banking services can be delayed or disrupted, leaving financial access at risk during short stays onshore.

Built to meet these unique needs, this INR-denominated NRI savings account keeps your money secure, accessible, and growing—whether you’re on ships, rigs, or cruise liners. At the heart of the offering, efficient KYC is key. A streamlined KYC process helps seafarers save time, avoid stress, and manage their finances smoothly. With the right preparation and partner bank, this step can be completed quickly, ensuring uninterrupted financial security worldwide.

Why KYC is essential for NRI banking
 

Before opening an NRI account, there’s one formality every seafarer must navigate: the KYC process. It may seem like just another bureaucratic hurdle, but it plays a vital role in your financial journey across borders.

Here’s why KYC is essential in NRI banking:

1. It verifies your identity and offshore status
 

Banks must ensure you're classified as an NRI when you're earning abroad.

2. It’s a regulatory requirement under FEMA
 

The Reserve Bank of India mandates this for all forms of NRI banking.

3. It unlocks full account functionality
 

Completing the KYC process is essential to avoid account restrictions.

4. It helps protect your funds while you’re offshore
 

KYC safeguards against fraud and ensures your account stays active and secure.

In short, the KYC process is the backbone of safe and compliant NRI banking. It verifies your identity, protects your funds, and ensures your account functions without restrictions. The good news? Completing NRI KYC is straightforward, and with the right guidance from Bank officials, seafarers can manage it quickly and efficiently. The following are some practical tips to help you navigate it smoothly.

Prepare your documents in advance
 

When your time in India is short, getting your documents in order beforehand is the smartest way to ensure the KYC process for your NRI Seafarer Account goes as planned.

Core documents you’ll need:
 

1. Identity proof
A valid Indian passport as proof of your identity.

2. Non-resident status proof
Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) with a valid contract letter, or an oil rig-specific contract letter with visa.

3. Indian address proof (any 1)
Passport, driving licence, voter ID/electoral card, or Aadhar.

4. Tax-related documents
PAN card or Form 60, along with FATCA details filled in the application form.

5. Other essentials
Recent, coloured photograph and a clear image of your signature (if applying online).

Additional requirements based on nationality:
 

1. Indian nationals
Along with the passport, provide proof of overseas residence (e.g., permanent resident card, work permit, or national ID). If your passport already shows your overseas address, no extra proof is needed. Otherwise, carry driving licence or residence permit.

2. Foreign nationals of Indian origin
Provide a foreign passport along with proof of Indian origin (PIO/OCI card). Proof of overseas address will be required unless it’s already printed on your passport or PIO/OCI card.

Ensure your passport, visa, and address proof copies are certified by one of these authorised entities: overseas bank, overseas branch of an Indian bank, notary, post office, court magistrate/judge, Indian embassy, or exchange house.

By preparing this full set of documents in advance, your NRI banking journey becomes smoother from the moment you step ashore.

How to complete your KYC step-by-step
 

Once your documents are ready and your schedule is planned, the next step is knowing exactly how to complete KYC. Seeing the full sequence in order helps seafarers avoid confusion and ensures nothing gets left out during their limited time in India.

From anywhere in the world:
 

1. Click here to start your online application and enter your mobile number and email address

2. Fill in your details and upload your attested KYC documents

3. Your account will be opened on successful KYC verification

At a bank branch in India:
 

1. Visit your nearest IDFC FIRST Bank branch in India with all the required documents.

2. Our branch employee will guide you through each step of the account opening process.

3. Submit the application form with the relevant documentation

By following these steps, you take the guesswork out of the KYC process. It becomes a straightforward checklist, leaving you free to focus on your voyage while your NRI banking remains secure and accessible.

Your Relationship Manager makes it easy
 

Life at sea means your schedule onshore is often packed and unpredictable. That’s why it helps to stay in touch with your Relationship Manager (RM) before you travel to India. With their guidance, the KYC process can be arranged in advance, if you wish to complete it onshore.

Here’s how your RM at IDFC FIRST Bank can support you:

With a little coordination with your RM, the KYC process becomes just another simple task on your agenda, leaving you NRI banking-ready before you sail again.

From anywhere in the world:
 

Start your online application, upload your KYC documents, and your dedicated Relationship Manager will guide you personally to complete your account setup and KYC.

At a bank branch in India:
 

In case you wish to visit an IDFC FIRST Bank branch, your RM or branch officer will provide personalised support to complete your KYC process quickly and easily.

With your RM’s support and personalised assistance, the KYC process gets quicker, leaving you free to focus on your priorities while ashore.

Keeping your records updated
 

Keeping your records current ensures the KYC process goes smoothly every time and prevents roadblocks in your NRI banking services.

Documents you should review regularly:

1. Passport validity
   Make sure your passport is renewed well before expiry.
2. Visas and contracts
   Check that your Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC), contract letters, and visa pages reflect your current status.
3. Address records
   If you change residence abroad, update it in your documents and inform the bank.
4. PAN/Form 60
   Keep your tax-related documents aligned with current requirements.

If any details change later, it’s important to update your KYC with the bank promptly.

Why choose IDFC FIRST Bank for your Seafarer Account?
 

For seafarers, the real challenge isn’t just earning abroad; it’s managing finances efficiently when time onshore is limited. That’s why choosing the right banking partner for the KYC process makes all the difference. With IDFC FIRST Bank, you get a combination of speed, simplicity, and trusted support that fits perfectly with life at sea.

Here’s why IDFC FIRST Bank is the right choice for your NRI banking:

1. Quick, face-to-face onboarding
   Complete the KYC process during your stay in India with the help of a dedicated RM.
2. Minimal paperwork
   Clear and structured documentation guidelines save time and reduce errors.
3. Competitive interest rates
   Earn up to 7% p.a. on NRE and NRO deposits.
4. Trusted worldwide
   Recognised as one of the World’s Best Banks 2025 by Forbes and Statista for service reliability and customer trust.
5. Secure and compliant
   All procedures strictly follow RBI guidelines, keeping your account safe.

With IDFC FIRST Bank, the KYC process is no longer an obstacle; it’s a seamless step toward secure, reliable, and rewarding NRI banking. Wherever your voyage takes you, you can anchor your finances with confidence.

Choose an IDFC FIRST Bank Seafarer Account for a smooth and quick KYC process, and make your financial journey hassle-free today.