Can a US citizen of Indian origin own property in India?
Asked by: Mr. Keanu Ruecker PhD | Last update: August 21, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (12 votes)
Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) who are foreign nationals but have Indian ancestry or hold Indian passports are eligible to purchase property in India. They are not subjected to any restrictions on the number of properties they can own or specific zones where ownership is limited.
Can a person of Indian origin buy property in India?
1 Under the general permission available, the following categories can freely purchase immovable property in India: i) Non-Resident Indian (NRI)- that is a citizen of India resident outside India ii) Person of Indian Origin (PIO)- that is an individual (not being a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh or Sri Lanka or ...
Can US citizens own property in India?
Foreigners can largely buy residential and commercial properties in India. However, agricultural land, plantation property, and farmhouse property come under restrictive categories.
Can I own property in India with OCI?
A: OCI card holders can purchase residential and commercial properties in India. But they are not permitted to purchase agricultural land, including farmland or any kind of plantation property.
Can you inherit property in India if you are a US citizen?
Yes, foreign citizens can inherit property in india. Though they have no right to acquire land meant for farming purposes directly; such people are allowed to do so through inheritance procedures. But then there might be limitations imposed on selling this type of property.
NRIs - 13 Points You Must Know Before You Acquire Property In India - CA Dhanush Bolar
Can OCI card holders inherit property in India?
OCI cardholders are allowed to inherit property in India; however, they cannot possess agricultural land and must follow the legal processes for handling and returning inherited funds to their home country.
Is inheritance in India taxable in USA?
You are not subjected to inheritance or estate tax in America; if you are a U.S. resident or Green Card owner and have inherited assets or property in India, you are not subjected to inheritance or estate tax in America. However, it is mandatory to comply with the requirements and report it to the U.S. government.
Can I stay in India forever with OCI?
Yes, as long as the local laws of at least one of the countries allow dual citizenship in some form or the other. cardholders ? (i) An OCI is entitled to life long visa with free travel to India whereas for a PIO card holder, it is only valid for 15 years.
How to buy a house in India from the USA?
- Engage a local solicitor and notary.
- Find a realtor in the location you want to buy.
- Arrange power of attorney if you'll not be in India for the purchase.
- Find a property and agree a sale price.
- Your solicitor will complete due diligence checks and create a sale agreement.
How to protect NRI property in India?
- Maintain Comprehensive Property Documents. Ensure clear legal titles and registered deeds. ...
- Update Records and Register Ownership. ...
- Secure Vacant Properties. ...
- Proper Management of Rented Properties.
Can I sell my house in India and bring money to USA?
NRIs are allowed to repatriate or bring their sale proceeds of property sold in India to the US. However, the limit to the amount brought from India is $1 million per calendar year, including all other capital account transactions.
What happens to my property in India if I change my citizenship?
The change in your citizenship -- even without an OCI card -- has no effect on your right to hold the agricultural land. You can sell it to a resident Indian without requiring permission from any authority in India.
Can I own property in India as a US citizen?
Can US citizens buy property in India? Yes, a US citizen can purchase property in India. As per the regulations set by the RBI and FEMA, they are eligible to buy immovable property in India which includes residential and commercial properties.
Can OCI have a bank account in India?
Further, an OCI can open all types of accounts allowed to a Resident customer. A joint account with Resident Indian (RI) who is a close relative can also be opened subject to following conditions: Mode of operation permitted is 'Former (NRI) or Survivor' only.
Can a person of Indian origin sell property in India?
An NRI can sell his/her residential or commercial property to either a person residing in India, another NRI, or a person of Indian origin (PIO). One can also mortgage the property to an authorized real estate dealer or a financial institution dealing with home loans.
Can U.S. citizens inherit property in India?
NRIs can inherit any immovable property in India, such as residential, commercial, or agricultural property, from a person resident or abroad. The transfer must comply with Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations.
Can OCI inherit property in India?
Yes, a person resident outside India (NRI / OCI) can inherit and hold immovable property in India from a person resident in India or Person resident outside India.
Is buying a house worth it in India?
Given the soaring property rates, especially in the metropolitan areas, people usually prefer to rent. However, a majority of individuals in India consider buying a home as a big financial achievement. Now, both options come with their own set of financial considerations and pros and cons.
Can a US citizen permanently live in India?
Permanent Residency in India. If you are interested in obtaining permanent residency in India, you should know that there are two ways to obtain it if you already have ties with the country: being an OCI (overseas Citizen of India) or a PIO (Person of Indian Origin).
What are the disadvantages of an OCI card?
- to vote;
- to be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of the Parliament of India;
- to hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court etc.;
Can US citizens with OCI own property in India?
Both NRIs and OCI have the permission to buy both commercial and residential property in India. You do not need to submit any intimation or send any communication to the Central Bank for the purchase of a property. NRIs cannot buy agricultural land, plantation or farmhouses in India.
How much money can my parents send from India to the USA as a gift?
The annual limit for remittances under LRS is based on your residency. If you and your spouse are both Indian residents, you can collectively send up to INR 14 lakh per financial year. As per the RBI, Under the Liberalized Remittances Scheme (LRS), every Indian resident can send up to USD 2,50,000 in a financial year.
How much inheritance is tax free in India?
At present, India has no tax on inheritance. Hence, if you are inheriting any property or assets, you will not have to pay any taxes. However, if you are planning to sell off the inherited property, you must make a declaration of inheritance on your tax returns.
Do I have to declare foreign property to the IRS?
If you meet the applicable reporting threshold, you must report all of your specified foreign financial assets, including the specified foreign financial assets that have a de minimis maximum value during the tax year. For exceptions to reporting, see Exceptions to Reporting in the instructions for Form 8938.