NRI Guide to Buying Property in India (2026)
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) can buy residential and commercial property in India freely, under the general permission of FEMA — no case-by-case RBI approval is required. This guide walks the full journey, the way our Panchkula desk facilitates it every week.
What an NRI can and cannot buy
- Allowed: residential and commercial property, any number of units.
- Not allowed: agricultural land, plantation property and farmhouses (these can only be inherited, not purchased). See our agricultural-land guide.
How to pay
Payment must flow through banking channels — from your NRE, NRO or FCNR account, or by inward remittance. Cash and traveller's cheques are not permitted. Home-loan funding is available too; see NRI home loans.
Documents you'll need
- Passport and visa / OCI card; PAN card.
- Overseas address proof and, for loans, income proof.
- Power of Attorney if you cannot be present — see POA for NRI property.
Due diligence before you book
- Title chain and encumbrance certificate.
- RERA registration for under-construction projects — verify it in 10 minutes.
- Approvals, and the official circle rate that governs stamp duty — why circle rate matters.
Taxes at purchase
Stamp duty and registration apply per state; if you buy from another NRI, TDS under Section 195 applies on the transaction. We facilitate all of it with a Chartered Accountant and a Lawyer signing what must be signed.
More NRI guides
FAQs
Can an NRI buy property in India without coming to India?
Yes — through a registered Power of Attorney. We shortlist via video, you fund through NRE/NRO, and our local desk completes registration on your behalf.
Does an NRI need RBI approval to buy property?
No. NRIs and OCIs have general permission under FEMA to buy residential and commercial property; no separate RBI approval is required.
Can an NRI buy agricultural land in India?
No — FEMA bars NRIs/OCIs from purchasing agricultural land, plantations and farmhouses. They may inherit such property.
How should an NRI pay for property in India?
Through banking channels only — NRE, NRO or FCNR accounts or inward remittance. Cash is not permitted.
Related NRI services & guides
NRI Property Services hub · Selling as an NRI · NRIs & agricultural land · NRI home loans · NRI capital gains tax · TDS on NRI sale · Power of Attorney · Repatriating proceeds · NRE vs NRO vs FCNR · NRI property management · NRI consultant, Chandigarh
Explore our live directories
Every RERA-registered project and developer we facilitate — searchable, locality-tagged, cross-linked.