Can OCI sell property in India with power of attorney?

Asked by: Ms. Marie Shields DVM  |  Last update: September 2, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (19 votes)

' Well, the answer is pretty simple: you can appoint a Power of Attorney (POA). You can either sell your property in India while staying abroad (through POA) or when you visit India.

Can OCI card holders sell their property in India?

As a Non-Resident Indian (NRI)/Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), you may sell any immovable property in India, including residential or commercial, to a person resident in India or another NRI/PIO/OCI.

Can I sell my property in India with Power of Attorney?

The latest significant Supreme Court judgment regarding power of attorney, from October 2021, ruled that property sales based solely on power of attorney are not valid. For a valid transfer of immovable property, there must be a registered sale deed.

Can an OCI card holder give Power of Attorney in India?

Embassy will attest the PoA for such categories of applicants only after those are apostilled. However, there is no need for PoA to be apostilled for OCI/PIO card holders. Such applicants may follow the same procedure for Indian nationals and enclose a notarized copy of OCI/PIO while applying.

Can I give Power of Attorney to someone in India from USA?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that lets someone (the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) act on behalf of another person (the “principal”) in specific matters. If you want someone to manage your property, handle finances, or represent you in legal matters, a POA from USA to India allows them to do so.

NRI Property sell through POA Attorney, What to check before you start

20 related questions found

Is Power of Attorney valid internationally?

One of the first questions many people have is whether they can or should appoint an attorney-in-fact who resides in a different jurisdiction. The answer is generally: yes, you can appoint someone who lives abroad! However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to this approach.

Can NRI give Power of Attorney without coming to India?

The Power of Attorney can be executed in India or overseas where the NRI/OCI customer is residing. NRIs can use a specific Power of Attorney to authorise an individual to purchase a property in India, on their behalf.

Can OCI 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.

How long is a Power of Attorney valid in India?

A POA is valid only during the lifetime of the principal. However, the principal can revoke/cancel it anytime, if required.

What are the new rules for OCI card holders in India?

Now, OCI cardholder is required to get the OCI card re-issued only once when a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age. However, OCI cardholder is required to upload Online a copy of the new passport and a latest photo each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age.

Can I sell a house if I have power of attorney?

For situations where selling real estate is necessary, a Durable Power of Attorney is typically required, as it remains in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated. Even with a durable POA, your authority to sell property rests on it being expressly stated within the document's language.

Can a power of attorney change ownership of property in India?

However, it is important to note that a POA itself does not transfer ownership, but gives authority to the agent to transfer ownership on behalf of the principal. The POA must be executed in writing, signed, and registered. The agent must act within the authority granted in the POA.

What is misuse of power of attorney in India?

Misuse of Power of Attorney (POA) occurs when the individual granted authority, known as the agent or attorney-in-fact, abuses their powers or acts contrary to the best interests of the person who granted them that authority, known as the principal.

Can NRI sell property in India through POA?

Can an NRI use Power of Attorney to sell property in India? Answer: Yes, an NRI can use Power of Attorney to sell property in India. The POA should clearly outline the authority granted to the appointed representative for property transactions.

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.

What can OCI not do in India?

A: The OCI Card holder is not entitled:
  • 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 OCI give power of attorney in India?

Visit the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate in India. Submit the original PoA, a photocopy, and your OCI card photocopy. Pay any applicable fees. The Embassy/Consulate will verify the document and signatures before attesting it.

Is power of attorney valid for sale of property in India?

The Supreme Court of India ruled that a power of attorney cannot be used for the sale of immovable property. Sale transactions must be done through registering a sale deed to ensure authenticity and legality. Power of attorney can authorise actions but not replace the actual transfer of property rights.

Is power of attorney made in USA valid in India?

Yes, US citizens can grant Power of Attorney for use in India. However, the document must be notarized in the US, attested by the Indian consulate, and comply with Indian laws to be legally valid.

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 a US citizen sell inherited property in India?

Selling Inherited Property

NRIs can sell inherited property to an Indian resident without RBI permission, but selling to a non-resident requires RBI approval. Capital gains tax may apply based on the property's purchase date.

Does OCI pay tax in India?

Taxation of OCIs

If an OCI is classified as a resident under these criteria, their global income will be taxed in India. “Any earnings, regardless of location, will be subject to Indian income tax," says Pallav Pradyumn Narang, partner, CNK. If classified as a non-resident, their taxation is different.

How to get power of attorney to sell property in India from USA?

The execution process for an NRI selling property in India while residing outside of India
  1. Step 1: Appointing an Attorney. ...
  2. Step 2: Drafting the Power of Attorney (POA) Document. ...
  3. Step 3: Notarization and Apostille. ...
  4. Step 4: Attestation by Indian Consulate/Embassy. ...
  5. Step 5: Legalization.

Can I open a bank account with a power of attorney?

When opening the account, the bank usually requires a legal power of attorney document and a photo ID. You may also need to fill out the bank's power of attorney form. Also, the account will usually be in the other party's name, but you will have authority over the account.

How much does a power of attorney cost in India?

Power of Attorney /Special Power of Attorney : Rs. 1000/- per instrument plus Rs. 100/- for pasting fee.