Can I buy property in India if I am US citizen?
Asked by: Chloe Zboncak | Last update: September 30, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (59 votes)
Foreigners can largely buy residential and commercial properties in India. However, agricultural land, plantation property, and farmhouse property come under restrictive categories.
Can a US citizen own a property in India?
Foreigners residing in India, who have obtained valid long-term visas or resident permits, are eligible to purchase property in the country. Similar to foreigners residing outside of India, they need to adhere to certain conditions, such as the intended use of the property for residential purposes only.
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.
Can US citizens with OCI buy 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.
Can I buy property in India as a Canadian citizen?
Can a Canadian citizen buy property in India? Yes, Canadians residing in India may purchase immovable property in the country. However, they must obtain approvals and satisfy any relevant requirements imposed by governmental authorities such as State Governments.
NRIs - 13 Points You Must Know Before You Acquire Property In India - CA Dhanush Bolar
Can a Canadian citizen inherit property in India?
An NRI or OCI can inherit any immovable property (such as land or buildings) in India, whether it is residential or commercial. They can even inherit agricultural land or a farmhouse, which they are otherwise not entitled to acquire by way of purchase.
How can I 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.
What happens when a US citizen sells property in India?
Selling a property in India while living in the US can have tax implications on the capital gains. You need to be aware of the following before you sell your property: The buyer of your property will deduct a certain percentage of the sale price and pay it to the Income Tax Department in India on your behalf.
Can I live in India permanently with OCI?
(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.
Can NRI buy property in India without visiting?
Can an NRI Buy Property In India Without Coming To India? Yes, a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) with a Power of Attorney (POA) can purchase real estate in India without visiting India.
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.
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.
How can NRI inherit property in India?
A Non-Resident Indian (NRI), can inherit immovable property in India in two ways: Valid Will, i.e., testamentary succession; or. Laws of intestate succession i.e., when a person passes away without writing a valid Will and the property is inherited as per the relevant succession laws in India.
Can a US citizen own property in another country?
There are many countries where US citizens can buy property to retire, rent out, or live in. International real estate is a great investment because it opens up new income streams, appreciates in value, and, in many cases, allows you to have a better lifestyle with a lower cost of living.
Can you truly own land in India?
Land ownership is a complex process regulated by various rules and restrictions, which differ according to the state, land type, and community. Additionally, the ownership of agricultural land is more regulated than that of the land to be used for developing residential and commercial properties.
Can OCI get property in India?
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 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).
Do OCI pay more tax in India?
In India, the income tax system does not distinguish between OCI holders and foreigners. The primary distinction is between resident and non-resident. If you stay outside India for more than 182 days in a year, you are generally considered a non-resident.
Can I sell my property in India and bring money to Canada?
NRI selling property in India will have to pay capital gain tax in India. Further, he/she can claim exemption from capital gains by investing in any other asset in India for claiming exemption u/s 54 and 54F etc. NRIs can sell property in India and can legally repatriate the money to Canada.
Can a US citizen inherit property in India?
Foreign nationals of non Indian origin resident outside India are not permitted to acquire any immovable property in India unless such property is acquired by way of inheritance from a person who was resident in India.
Do US citizens pay property tax on foreign property?
For Americans, the taxes you owe on foreign real estate are largely identical to the taxes you owe on domestically held properties, but there may be different laws in the country your property is in which you must follow.
Can a Canadian citizen buy property in India?
Yes a Canadian citizen can buy property in India. However there are certain regulations and requirements that must be followed.
Can I sell property in India and bring money to USA?
There's not usually any US tax implication if you're sending money from the sale of a property you own in India to the US. However, depending on the amounts involved you may need to report this transfer using IRS Form 3520.
How many rupees does it cost to buy a house in India?
How much does it cost to buy a house in India? The cost of a house depends on the size and location of the property. While in Tier-1 cities, a 2 BHK flat may cost around Rs 50-80 lakh, in Tier-3 cities, it may be easily available within Rs 40 lakh.