How NRIs Can Buy Property in India: A Step-by-Step Guide
What NRIs can buy, how payments work, and how to complete a purchase without flying down for every step.
· 6 min read
What NRIs can buy
Under FEMA rules, NRIs and OCI cardholders can buy residential and commercial property in India without special permission. Agricultural land, plantation property and farmhouses generally cannot be purchased without RBI approval.
How payments work
Payments must come through normal banking channels: inward remittance from abroad, or funds in an NRE, NRO or FCNR account. Cash and traveller's cheques are not permitted. Keep records of every transfer; they matter if you later repatriate sale proceeds.
You'll also need a PAN card for registration and for any TDS deducted on the transaction.
Buying from abroad
Much of the process can be handled remotely: virtual site walkthroughs, document review by email, and registration through a registered Power of Attorney given to a trusted family member or representative in India.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Please consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
