NRI buying property in India: eligibility, payments and paperwork
By Ambish Singh, Founder · Facts checked October 2026
In shortNRIs can buy residential and commercial property in India without special RBI permission, but not agricultural land, plantations or farmhouses. Pay through your NRE, NRO or FCNR account or inward remittance, keep every document attested, and ask a chartered accountant about tax and repatriation before you book.
What an NRI can buy
- Residential property: apartments, villas and plots for residential use.
- Commercial property: shops and offices.
- Not allowed without special permission: agricultural land, plantation property and farmhouses.
How to pay
Payment must come through normal banking channels: an inward remittance, or funds from your NRE, NRO or FCNR account in India. Cash payments are not acceptable and are risky for you. Keep the bank record of every payment tied to the agreement.
Documents you will typically need
- Passport and visa or residence proof abroad, and your PAN card.
- Overseas address proof and recent photographs.
- A power of attorney if someone in India will sign on your behalf. It usually has to be attested or apostilled, so plan the time.
- Income documents if you are taking a home loan.
Tax and repatriation
Rental income and sale proceeds are taxed in India, and the buyer of an NRI's property has to deduct tax at source, usually at higher rates than for a resident seller. Rules on moving sale proceeds abroad have conditions. These rules change, so speak to a chartered accountant who works with NRIs before you buy.
Practical advice
- Prefer a RERA-registered project with a clear completion date, so you are not managing a delayed project from abroad.
- Use one trusted person in India for site checks and document collection, and keep the power of attorney limited in scope.
- Ask for video walk-throughs and photographs at each construction stage.
- Plan rental management or maintenance before possession, not after.
Frequently asked questions
Can an NRI buy more than one property in India?
Yes, an NRI may buy any number of residential or commercial properties. Limits apply when moving sale proceeds abroad, which is why tax advice is worth taking early.
Can an NRI take a home loan in India?
Yes. Banks lend to NRIs against Indian property. Expect extra documentation, attested overseas income proof and repayment from an NRE or NRO account.
Do I need to travel to India to buy a flat?
Not always. With a properly drafted power of attorney and good document handling you can complete the purchase remotely, but many buyers still visit once to see the project in person.
Official sources
Check these yourself. They are the regulators' own sites, not ours.
- MahaRERA (Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority)Look up a project's registration and its promoter before you pay anything.
Want a second opinion on your shortlist?
Message Ambish with your budget and area. You get a short list with prices, payment plans and possession dates side by side. No pressure to book.
Keep reading
This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rates, thresholds and rules change, so confirm them with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before you decide.