List of Documents Required for Mutual Fund Investment

Mutual fund investments in India are governed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). SEBI mandates certain documentation to ensure compliance with regulations, facilitate Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, and prevent money laundering. These documents also ensure that the right person receives dividends and redemptions.

In this article, we provide a detailed guide to the updated list of documents required for mutual fund investments.

Essential Documents for Mutual Fund Investment

1. PAN Card

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a critical document for mutual fund investments. It serves as proof of identity and is required for all financial transactions. PAN is not mandatory for micro-investments under Rs 50,000 annually, provided the investor submits other valid identity proofs. Ensure your PAN is linked with your Aadhaar card, as per the Government of India's mandate.

2. Aadhaar Card

Aadhaar is another essential document that serves as both proof of identity and address. Many mutual fund platforms offer e-KYC services using Aadhaar, simplifying the onboarding process. Aadhaar-based e-KYC limits investments to Rs 50,000 per annum in a single AMC. For higher investments, you'll need to complete in-person verification (IPV).

3. Proof of Address

You need to submit any of the following documents as proof of your residential address:

• Aadhaar Card

• Passport

• Voter ID Card

• Driving License

• Recent utility bills (not older than 3 months)

• Bank passbook or account statement with updated address (not older than 3 months)

• Rent agreement (if applicable)

4. Bank Account Details

A valid bank account is essential for mutual fund investments to facilitate transactions like SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans), redemptions, and dividends.

• Required Documents:

  - Cancelled cheque (with your name pre-printed)

  - Recent bank account statement or passbook

  - IFSC code and MICR code for online transfers

[Read: Key Points to Consider When Reading a Scheme Information Document (SID)]

5. Know Your Customer (KYC) Documents

Completing the KYC process is mandatory for all mutual fund investors in India. This involves submitting your proof of identity and address to verify your credentials. The updated KYC process in 2025 also includes:

• Central KYC Registry (CKYC): A centralised system for storing KYC records, reducing the need for multiple verifications across financial institutions.

• Video KYC (VKYC): SEBI has allowed video-based KYC, enabling investors to complete the process online without physical visits.

6. FATCA Declaration

Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), investors must declare their tax residency. This is particularly important for those who hold tax residency in a country outside India.

• Details Required:

  - Country of tax residence

  - Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

  - Declaration of non-residency (if applicable)

[Read: How to Read a Mutual Fund Factsheet: Key Metrics You Need to Know]

7. Nominee Details

Adding a nominee to your mutual fund investments ensures that your investments are transferred seamlessly to your chosen beneficiary in case of unforeseen circumstances.

• Required Information:

  - Name of the nominee

  - Date of birth (if the nominee is a minor)

  - Relationship with the investor

  - Guardian's details (for minor nominees)

8. Documents for Minors

If you are investing on behalf of a minor, you need to provide:

• Minor's Aadhaar card or birth certificate

• PAN card of the guardian

• Proof of relationship with the minor

• Guardian's KYC compliance

9. Documents for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

NRIs can also invest in Indian mutual funds. However, they need to provide additional documents:

• Passport (with a valid visa)

• Overseas address proof

• Indian address proof (if available)

• Inward remittance certificate (if funds are remitted from an overseas account)

• FATCA declaration

[Read: Mutual Fund for NRIs: Know About Eligibility, Investment Process, and Taxation]

10. Additional Documents for Corporates/Trusts

If a corporation or trust is investing in mutual funds, the following documents are required:

• Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)

• Trust Deed (for trusts)

• Board Resolution Authorising investment

• List of Authorised Signatories

• KYC Documents for Authorised Signatories

Key Updates in 2025

As of January 2025, here are some significant updates to the documentation process for mutual fund investments:

1. Integration with CKYC Investors who have completed their CKYC will no longer need to submit fresh KYC documents for mutual fund investments across different AMCs. Ensure your CKYC details are up-to-date.

2. Enhanced Video KYC Video KYC has become more streamlined, allowing investors to complete the process in less than 15 minutes. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and your documents are ready for verification.

3. Mandatory Aadhaar-PAN Linking Failure to link your Aadhaar with your PAN will make the PAN invalid for mutual fund transactions.

4. Simplified Nominee Registration SEBI has introduced a one-time nominee registration process for all mutual fund folios, reducing duplication and enhancing ease of investment.

To summarise...

Having the right documents in place is the first step toward a successful mutual fund investment journey. With technological advancements and updated regulations, the documentation process has become more streamlined in 2025. Ensure that you are KYC-compliant and keep your documents handy to enjoy a seamless investment experience.

Happy Investing!

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MITALI DHOKE is a Research Analyst at PersonalFN. She is an MBA (Finance) and a post-graduate in commerce (M. Com). She focuses primarily on covering articles around mutual funds including NFOs, financial planning and fixed-income products. Mitali holds an overall experience of 4 years in the financial services industry.
She also actively contributes towards content creation for PersonalFN’s social media platforms in the endeavour to educate investors and enhance their financial knowledge.
 

Disclaimer: Investment in securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
This article is for information purposes only and is not meant to influence your investment decisions. It should not be treated as a mutual fund recommendation or advice to make an investment decision in the above-mentioned schemes.