Can overseas citizen of India inherit property in India?

Asked by: Jean Prohaska III  |  Last update: September 11, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (70 votes)

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.

Can foreign citizen inherit property in India?

Foreign nationals of non-Indian origin resident outside India can acquire/ transfer immovable property in India, on lease not exceeding five years and can acquire immovable property in India by way of inheritance from a resident.

Can OCI card holders inherit property in India?

The guidelines also state that one can buy any number of residential or commercial properties. However, they are not permitted to invest in farmland, plantation land, and agriculture land. But, they can inherit the agricultural land/plantation property/ farmland.

Can a US citizen claim property in India?

There's good news. If you're a US citizen and hold an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, you'll be able to buy most types of property in India even if you're not living there. Key exceptions include agricultural land and properties, and plantations, which can't be bought by non-residents.

How can I transfer my inheritance from India to USA?

You need to write the inheritance to the IRS and submit Form 3520, with your annual tax return details. According to U.S. regulations, if you are gaining or making a profit from the inherited property, including capital gains, dividends, or interests, you will need to pay tax on such inherited income.

Inheritance of properties in India for Non Resident Indians #nriexperts #nriinheritance

17 related questions found

Can you sell property in India and bring money to USA?

Prior to transferring funds from India to the US you'll need to complete Form 15CB, and your bank will ask you to provide proof of the source of the money, such as a copy of the property sale agreement.

How can I sell my property in India while living in the US?

If you are a Non-Resident Indian, you can sell the property to a Resident Indian without restrictions. If the buyer is a Non-Resident Indian or a Person of Indian Origin (POI), you may need the approval of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). You are not allowed to sell the property to a foreigner.

Who can inherit property in India?

The Act gave equal rights to daughters and sons regarding succession. Before 2005, sons and daughters did not have the same rights. At that time, only unmarried daughters could claim right over their father's ancestral; properties. But after 2005, daughters acquired equal rights as sons.

Can OCI inherit farmland in India?

Any OCI/NRI is entitled to receive gift of immovable property from Indian/inherit/sell/purchase property in India. You need not come to India to sell/purchase/gift/receive gift of immovable property.

Can US citizens have Aadhar card in India?

YES. An NRI (whether minor or adult) with a valid Indian Passport can apply for Aadhaar from any Aadhaar Kendra. If your passport has the name of your spouse, then it can be used as Proof of Address for them.

Can US citizen buy property in India without OCI card?

Passport and/or OCI card: You will need to show your Indian passport. If you hold a foreign passport, you can buy property in India provided you have a PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) card or an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card. PAN Card: This is mandatory for property transactions.

Is inherited property taxable in India?

Taxation on inherited assets

As per the Income Tax Act of 1961, no tax is levied on the inherited assets, whether movable or immovable, as such. However, the tax will be levied if the new owner decides to sell the property.

Who inherits property if no will in India?

As per the Hindu Succession Act, 1965, if a person dies intestate, his property would go to Class I heirs. If the Class I heirs do not exist, then the property would be delegated to Class II heirs. However, if both the Class I and Class II heirs are not alive, then the property would be transferred to Agnates.

Can non US citizens inherit property?

The answer is yes; noncitizens can inherit property just as citizens can. So when you make your will or living trust, or name beneficiaries for your retirement accounts or life insurance policies, there is no problem with naming your noncitizen spouse.

Can NRI gift property to parents in India?

Gifts from NRI Relative are exempted from tax – When an NRI gives gifts in the form of cash, cheque, items, or property to a Resident Indian who is a relative, both giver and receiver are exempt from tax in India.

What is the new rules for OCI card holders?

It allows them to live and work in India indefinitely but does not grant citizenship or voting rights. In 2021, new rules were introduced, requiring OCI cardholders to seek permission for certain activities. Violating the rules can result in penalties and even blacklisting.

What are the rights of OCI card holders in India?

Following benefits will be allowed to an OCI: (a) Multi-purpose, multiple entry, lifelong visa for visiting India. (b) Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India.

What are the restrictions of OCI in India?

Limitations of OCI
  • Vote.
  • Become a member of a Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council or the Parliament.
  • Hold constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court, or High Court.
  • Hold employment in the Government.
  • Hold an Indian passport.
  • Purchase agricultural or plantation properties in India.

Who gets property after parents death in India?

In 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that daughters have the right to inherit their parents' self-acquired property and any other property of which they are absolute owners, adding that this rule would apply even in cases where the parents of a daughter died intestate before the codification of the Hindu Succession Act, ...

How is property ownership transferred in India after death?

In case of a single heir of the testator, the person (heir) needs to approach the competent court with the certified copy of the death certificate of the testator, will, and ownership deed of the property, for the purpose of establishing the ownership right in the estate.

Who gets father's property in India?

Under the Hindu Succession Act, the property of a Hindu father is first distributed equally among his Class I heirs, which includes his widow, children (including daughters), and mother. If the father's mother is not alive, then the property will be distributed equally among his widow and children.

What happens when a US citizen sells property in India?

You'll also usually need to pay tax on the sale, including capital gains tax. If you're selling a property as a NRI, the buyer will be required to retain tax deducted at source (TDS) of 20% of the capital gain in most cases. If you've owned the property for less than 2 years, you may need to pay 30% capital gains tax.

Can I own house in USA from India?

Can Indians buy property in the United States? The simple answer is yes. As there is no citizenship requirement for real estate sales in the USA, any non-US citizens can buy any property. Furthermore, homeownership in the US is independent of your immigration status.

How NRI can sell property in India without coming to 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 authorised real estate dealer or a financial institution dealing with home loans.

What if an NRI sell property in India?

When an NRI sells property, the buyer is liable to deduct TDS @ 20%. In case the property has been sold before 2 years(reduced from the date of purchase) a TDS of 30% shall be applicable. NRIs can claim exemptions under Section 54, Section 54 EC, and Section 54F on long-term capital gains.