Documents Nris Need While Buying Property In India In 2025

Many NRIs (Non-residents of India) buy properties in top cities for investment to get future returns. But in India, there are certain documents needed to buy properties. The documents are different for Indians and also restricted to protect buyers. The NRIs cannot buy agricultural lands, plantations or farmhouses. India is the best spot for future investment and helps people to get the premium most properties. NRIs can buy both housing and commercial properties with the help of valid documents.

The documents NRIs need while buying a property in India in 2025 are:

1. Indian Passport/ PIO Card/ OCI Card

To invest in real estate in India, you need an Indian passport issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. There are different types of passports – blue, white, diplomatic, and orange. The blue passport is for regular citizens. People having a foreign passport will need a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card. A PIO card is given to those who have an Indian passport. It is also given to people whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were born and lived in India.

An OCI card is needed if the buyer is not an Indian citizen but was eligible to become one before or after the partition. It is also for children of such people. The buyer can apply for an OCI card or contact the Indian Embassy near their home. They may also need their parent's birth certificates as proof to get an OCI or PIO card.

A PAN card is a unique ID number given to taxpayers in India. To get a PAN card, the buyer needs documents like proof of identity (POI) and a passport. The buyer can apply for a PAN card both online and offline. NRIs need a PAN card to file income tax returns if they rent a property. Also, if the NRI sells the property later, the profit will be added to their total income and will be taxed.

2. Power of Attorney

Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal paper that lets buyers appoint someone to manage their property. This person can be an agent or attorney. With POA, another Indian citizen can handle the property deal for the buyer. The buyer must sign the POA in front of a notary or consular officer in their home country. If the buyer gives a specific POA to someone in the city where the property is located, the process becomes easier. It also helps to complete the work faster. The sale deed can be done quickly, and possession can be given without problems. This is helpful if the buyer cannot visit India often.

3. Photographs - Passport size

Indian law requires a passport-size photo of both the buyer and seller during property registration. So, buyers must bring passport-size photos along with other documents.

4. Address Proofs

Address proof is needed to show the buyer's current place of stay. Buyers must submit their current address proof. Documents like utility bills, passports, PIO cards, or OCI cards can be used as address proof. NRIs can use money from their non-resident account or send money from abroad to buy property. They can also take a home loan.

RBI guidelines for NRI buying property in India

RBI has set certain guidelines for NRIs before investing in a property:

• NRIs can buy properties independently or with someone who is an Indian or another NRI.
• NRIs can use their NRO, NRE, or FCNR accounts to make property payments. They must pay in Indian Rupees through regular banking channels.
• NRIs must deduct 1% TDS if the property price is more than ₹50 lakh. They can also apply for lower TDS or full TDS exemption.
• NRIs must follow the rules under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). They should check the property's title and all legal documents.
• If NRIs cannot be in India to make the payment, they should give Power of Attorney (PoA) to someone they trust.

FAQs

1. Can NRI buy property in India without PoA?

Yes, NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) can buy property in India without being there in person. They can complete the process from abroad by giving Power of Attorney or allowing someone to handle it for them.

2. How many properties can NRI own in India?

NRIs can own many properties, and there is no restriction on the number of properties.

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