Can NRIs buy property in India?
Yes. Under FEMA, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) can freely purchase residential and commercial property in India without any prior approval from the RBI. The only restriction is agricultural land, plantation property and farmhouses, which need special permission. All payments must be routed through Indian banking channels using an NRE, NRO or FCNR account.
What NRIs and OCIs can buy
The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) gives NRIs and OCIs the same rights as resident Indians when it comes to residential and commercial real estate. You can buy any number of such properties, in your own name or jointly with another NRI/OCI.
- Residential property — apartments, villas, penthouses, builder floors
- Commercial property — offices, retail, warehousing
- Property purchased outright or via a home loan from an Indian bank
What needs special permission
These can generally only be inherited or received as a gift — buying them outright requires specific RBI approval, which is rarely granted. Everything Property Point lists is residential real estate, so this restriction does not apply.
- Agricultural land
- Plantation property
- Farmhouses
How payments must be made
Payments must be made in Indian rupees through normal banking channels — you cannot pay in foreign currency or in cash. Use funds held in, or remitted to, your NRE (Non-Resident External), NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) or FCNR (Foreign Currency Non-Resident) account.
The buying process, step by step
- Shortlist RERA-verified projects and complete virtual or in-person tours
- Verify title, approvals and the developer's track record (we do this for you)
- Sign the agreement to sell and pay the booking amount from an NRE/NRO account
- Arrange a home loan if required, or complete self-funded payments in stages
- Register the sale deed — in person or through a registered Power of Attorney
Frequently asked
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. FEMA and tax rules change with each Union Budget — please confirm specifics with a qualified chartered accountant. Property Point's NRI desk connects you with vetted professionals.
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