FAQ · NRI
NRI investors face a distinct rulebook — FEMA eligibility, NRO/NRE routing, TDS on sale and repatriation caps. This page answers the recurring questions directly, reflecting rules as they stand after the Finance Act 2024 changes.
Structure repatriation and tax certificates before you buy, not when you sell — that single sequencing decision determines how much of the return you actually keep.
Yes, through a duly executed and apostilled Power of Attorney given to a trusted representative or advisor in India, who can complete documentation, payment and registration on the NRI's behalf.
NRIs cannot purchase agricultural land, plantation property or farmhouses under FEMA. Residential and commercial property purchases are otherwise unrestricted in number or value.
TDS is deducted at a higher rate for NRI sellers (effectively 20%+ including surcharge and cess on long-term gains) unless the seller obtains a lower-deduction certificate under Section 197 before the sale.
Long-term capital gains on property sold after the Finance Act 2024 are taxed at 12.5% without indexation benefit, replacing the earlier 20%-with-indexation option for most cases.
Up to USD 1 million per financial year from NRO account balances, including sale proceeds, subject to Form 15CA/15CB certification confirming applicable taxes have been paid.
Yes, most Indian banks and NBFCs offer home loans to NRIs, typically with a lower loan-to-value ratio and requiring a resident co-applicant or additional documentation.
Municipal property tax applies identically regardless of residency status. Income tax treatment of rental income and capital gains, however, involves NRI-specific TDS and filing requirements.
Yes for most NRI sellers — without it, buyers withhold TDS at the higher flat rate on the full sale value, whereas the certificate limits withholding closer to the actual tax liability, avoiding a long refund wait.