NRI Property Buying Guide in India

An NRI (Non-Resident Indian) is an Indian citizen residing outside India for employment, business, or long-term stay abroad as defined under FEMA.
Yes, it is completely legal and safe for NRIs to buy property in India. As per RBI guidelines, NRIs do not require any special approval to purchase residential or commercial property, provided all transactions are done through authorized banking channels.

Yes. A US citizen of Indian origin (holding an Indian passport or OCI status) can buy property in India under NRI regulations.
Foreign nationals without Indian origin are generally not permitted to buy property in India. Most NRI real estate buyers from the US invest in residential or commercial properties, including long-term NRI homes.

NRIs are allowed to buy residential properties (apartments, villas, independent houses) and commercial properties (offices, retail spaces).
NRIs cannot buy agricultural land, plantation property, or farmhouses. These may only be inherited. There is no limit on the number of residential or commercial properties an NRI can own.

Indian real estate continues to attract NRIs due to strong economic growth, increasing urban demand, and favorable currency exchange rates.
Regulatory reforms such as RERA have increased transparency, accountability, and buyer protection. Property in India also offers long-term capital appreciation, rental income, and the emotional security of owning an asset in the home country.

Step-by-step process:
1) Define investment purpose (self-use, rental, or investment).
2) Shortlist suitable NRI properties or NRI apartments.
3) Conduct legal due diligence and title verification.
4) Finalize property and negotiate terms.
5) Arrange funds through NRE/NRO/FCNR or inward remittance.
6) Sign the Agreement to Sell.
7) Appoint a Power of Attorney (if not visiting India).
8) Complete property registration.
9) Take possession and complete post-purchase formalities.

Yes. NRIs can buy property in India without traveling by appointing a Power of Attorney (POA) holder. The POA holder can legally sign documents, complete registration, and take possession on behalf of the NRI.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that authorizes a trusted person in India to act on behalf of the NRI.
For property transactions, a Special Power of Attorney is strongly recommended. It is limited to a specific property and purpose, reducing risk and increasing legal clarity. The POA can be signed at an Indian Embassy or notarized abroad and then stamped in India as per applicable laws.

Typical documents include:
• Passport photograph (JPEG)
• PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport + visa copy
• Indian residence address proof (if different from Aadhaar/passport)
• Overseas residence proof (utility bill/government-approved proof)
• Salary slips (last 6 months)
• Latest contract/appointment letter with CTC and previous contract
• Bank statement (salary account) last 6 months
• Bank statement (NRE/NRO account) last 6 months
• GPA/POA in favor of an Indian resident (format as per requirement)
• POA holder PAN card and Aadhaar card
• HR email ID
• Qualification proof (degree copy/final year marksheet)
• Existing loan details with last 6-month EMI statements (abroad and India)
• CBR report
• Updated CV or LinkedIn profile (PDF)
Proper documentation ensures legal safety, smooth registration, and future repatriation benefits.

Payments must be made only through authorized banking channels: NRE account, NRO account, FCNR account, or direct inward remittance.
Cash payments are not permitted. Proper banking ensures FEMA compliance and easy repatriation.

Yes. NRIs can avail home loans from Indian banks for buying property in India. Banks typically finance 75–80% of the property value. EMIs can be paid via NRE/NRO accounts or rental income. A PAN card is mandatory.
Please confirm current rules with a qualified legal/financial advisor.

NRIs are required to pay stamp duty and registration charges at purchase, income tax on rental income, and TDS/capital gains tax at the time of sale. Proper tax compliance is essential.
Please confirm current rules with a qualified legal/financial advisor.

Yes. NRIs can repatriate rental income and sale proceeds after tax compliance. Repatriation is allowed for up to two residential properties, subject to a limit of USD 1 million per financial year.

Ensure clear and marketable title, RERA registration, approved plans and permissions, and no pending disputes or encumbrances. Professional legal verification is highly recommended.

Common challenges include understanding legal procedures, managing documentation from abroad, tax compliance, and post-purchase property management. These challenges can be handled by working with an experienced NRI property service provider.

A professional NRI partner assists with property consultation and shortlisting, legal due diligence, POA and documentation, registration support, and rental/resale management for a transparent, hassle-free experience.

We specialize in NRI real estate services and understand overseas buyers’ needs. Our focus is on transparency, compliance, and end-to-end support—ensuring confidence at every step of the property purchase process.