NRIs can invest in residential properties, commercial properties, and agricultural land (only in certain circumstances). NRIs cannot buy agricultural land unless they inherit it.

No, NRIs do not need prior permission from the RBI to purchase property in India, but they must comply with the regulations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and the RBI's guidelines.

Key documents include:

• Passport (for identity verification)
• Proof of Indian address (if available)
• Proof of NRI status (PIO/OCI card, employment visa, etc.)
• Bank account details (for transactions)
• Power of Attorney (if someone is acting on behalf of the NRI)

Yes, NRIs can avail home loans in India, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. They need to have a stable income, a good credit history, and an Indian bank account. The loan must be repaid from the income earned in India or abroad. The loan amount, tenure, and interest rates may vary between lenders.

The process involves:

1. Finding the Property: Research and select the property you want to buy.
2. Agreement to Sale: Execute an agreement to sale with the seller.
3. Payment: Make payments via your NRE/NRO account for the property purchase.
4. Due Diligence: Ensure clear property titles and legal documentation.
5. Stamp Duty and Registration: Pay stamp duty and register the property at the local sub-registrar office.
6. Possession: Once registration is complete, the possession of the property is transferred.

Income Tax: NRIs are taxed on rental income and capital gains (on the sale of property). The tax rates are the same as for Indian residents.

• Rental Income: Taxed at the applicable slab rates.
• Capital Gains: Long-term capital gains (held for more than 2 years) are taxed at 20% with indexation; short-term capital gains are taxed at 30%.

Tax Deducted at Source (TDS): TDS is deducted on rental income and on the sale of property. NRIs must file an income tax return in India to claim any deductions or refunds.

DTAA: NRIs can avail benefits under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and their country of residence to avoid double taxation on the same income.

NRIs can transfer funds through:

• NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) accounts.
• Funds can be transferred via bank channels or online money transfer services. The transaction should comply with FEMA guidelines.
• The funds transferred should be in foreign currency or converted to Indian Rupees using the proper channels.

Yes, NRIs can sell property in India. The process is similar to that for residents, but they need to ensure compliance with the applicable tax laws, including paying capital gains tax.

If the property is sold within 2 years of purchase, it is subject to short-term capital gains tax; otherwise, it is subject to long-term capital gains tax.

When an NRI sells a property in India, TDS is deducted by the buyer at the rate of 20% on long-term capital gains and 30% on short-term capital gains, plus applicable surcharge and cess.

The NRI seller can claim a refund of excess TDS paid while filing an income tax return.

NRIs can inherit property in India from their family members. The inheritance of property is not subject to FEMA restrictions, but the capital gains tax will be applicable if the property is sold.

No TDS is applicable on the inheritance of property, but if the property is later sold, capital gains tax will apply based on the holding period.

Yes, NRIs can give Power of Attorney (PoA) to a trusted individual (family member or representative) to handle property transactions on their behalf in India. The PoA should be notarized and, in some cases, registered in India.

RERA ensures that property developers adhere to regulatory standards and timelines. NRIs should verify that the project is registered with RERA to ensure transparency, quality, and timely delivery of the project.

There are no restrictions on the number of properties an NRI can own in India. However, each property must comply with legal and regulatory norms.

NRIs should ensure their property is well-maintained and regularly inspected through trusted individuals or property management services. Many real estate firms provide property management services to NRIs, which include security, maintenance, rent collection, and legal services.