Can NRIs Buy Agricultural Land in India? The Straight Answer
We say this plainly because others don't: NRIs and OCIs cannot purchase agricultural land, plantation property or farmhouses in India. Under FEMA, these are off-limits to non-residents by purchase — and cannot be received as a gift either.
What IS allowed
- Inheritance: an NRI/OCI can inherit agricultural land, a farmhouse or plantation from a resident (or from a person who acquired it lawfully).
- Selling inherited farmland: permitted — but only to a resident Indian.
- Residential and commercial property: freely purchasable — see our NRI buying guide.
The Himachal caveat (Section 118)
Near our foothills patch, Himachal Pradesh's Section 118 bars non-agriculturist non-Himachalis from buying agricultural land without state permission — relevant when the pretty orchard sits just across the Kalka–Parwanoo line. Verify jurisdiction before you fall in love with a parcel.
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FAQs
Can an NRI buy agricultural land in India?
No. Under FEMA, NRIs and OCIs cannot purchase agricultural land, plantation property or farmhouses, and cannot receive them as a gift. They can inherit them.
Can an NRI sell inherited agricultural land?
Yes, but only to a resident Indian. The inheritance chain and mutation must be verified first.
Can an NRI buy a farmhouse in India?
No — farmhouses fall under the same FEMA restriction as agricultural and plantation land and cannot be purchased by NRIs/OCIs.
What is HP Section 118?
Himachal Pradesh's Section 118 restricts non-agriculturist non-Himachalis from buying agricultural land in the state without government permission — relevant for foothill parcels near Kalka/Parwanoo.
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