Can NRI buy agricultural land in India? (2024)

In case of NRI, OCI, PIO it is being governed byForeign Exchange Management (Acquisition and Transfer of Immovable Property in India) Regulations, 2018,section 3 of the act is recited as under:

3. Acquisition and Transfer of Property in India by a Non-Resident Indian or an Overseas Citizen of India:-

Can NRI buy agricultural land in India? (1)

An NRI or an OCI may

(a) acquire immovable property in India other than agricultural land/ farm house/ plantation property:

Provided that the consideration, if any, for transfer, shall be made out of (i) funds received in India through banking channels by way of inward remittance from any place outside India or (ii) funds held in any non-resident account maintained in accordance with the provisions of the Act, rules or regulations framed thereunder.

Provided further that no payment for any transfer of immovable property shall be made either by traveler’s cheque or by foreign currency notes or by any other mode other than those specifically permitted under this clause.

(b) acquire any immovable property in India other than agricultural land/ farm house/ plantation property by way of gift from a person resident in India or from an NRI or from an OCI, who in any case is a relative as defined in section 2(77) of the Companies Act, 2013;

(c) acquire any immovable property in India by way of inheritance from a person resident outside India who had acquired such property (a) in accordance with the provisions of the foreign exchange law in force at the time of acquisition by him or the provisions of these Regulations or (b) from a person resident in India;

(d) transfer any immovable property in India to a person resident in India;

(e) transfer any immovable property other than agricultural land/ farm house/ plantation property to an NRI or an OCI.

Going through the above it is clear that an NRI /OCI cannot buy Agricultural land/farm/property without prior approval from RBI, however,they can inheritthe property. Further, NRI /OCI also can not acquire agricultural property through gifts. The only manner to acquire the agricultural property by NRI / OCI is Inheritance.

If an NRI /OCI acquire agricultural property through inheritance then they can sell it only to a resident.

There is also some restriction on the repatriation of sale proceeds of immovable properties.

The author can also be reached at ananddube07@gmail.com


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Can NRI buy agricultural land in India? (2024)

FAQs

Can a NRI buy agricultural land in India? ›

NRIs can buy both residential and commercial property in India but not agricultural land, farm houses, or plantation properties. However, if an NRI is willing to purchase agricultural land in India, it requires permission from the Reserve Bank of India for doing so.

Can NRI buy agricultural land in India UPSC? ›

Going through the above it is clear that an NRI /OCI cannot buy Agricultural land/farm/property without prior approval from RBI, however, they can inherit the property.

Who Cannot buy agricultural land in India? ›

Besides, the income of the buyer from a non-agriculture occupation should not exceed more than Rs 25 lakh per annum. The Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and foreign citizens also face restrictions with respect to agricultural land purchase.

Can NRI buy agricultural land in India Quora? ›

according to FEMA an NRI cannot buy an agricultural land if you do so there are consequences as the land can get confiscated and you can be fined also. The only legal way is to inherit the agricultural land. NRI cannot be gifted the agricultural land.

Are NRIs allowed to buy agricultural land? ›

NRIs can only purchase commercial and residential properties in India. This also is subject to specific rules, and taxation applies to the purchase of property in India by NRIs. Regarding agricultural land, NRIs are NOT allowed to purchase agricultural land, farmland, farmhouses, or plantations in India.

Can NRI have agricultural income in India? ›

Under the exchange control law, NRIs can't own agricultural land in India. However, they may acquire such agricultural land through inheritance from a person resident in India.

Can resident wife of NRI husband buy agricultural land in India? ›

An NRI can gift residential and commercial property to a person residing in India, or another NRI. However, if the property is agricultural land, plantation property or a farmhouse, it can only be gifted to a citizen of India residing in India.

Can I buy an agricultural land in India if I am not a farmer? ›

Who can buy agricultural land in India. In some states like Telangana, anyone can buy agricultural land, regardless of whether or not they are farmers. However, in other states, like Karnataka, only registered farmers or those from farming families can buy agricultural land.

Can NRI buy agricultural land jointly with resident Indian? ›

So Yes! Relax NRIs – You CAN buy property jointly with resident Indians or other NRIs.

Can NRI buy farm house in India? ›

Under these guidelines the NRIs are allowed to purchase residential or commercial properties in India but they are not allowed to purchase any agricultural land, farm house or plantation property in India.

Can NRI buy property in India in parents name? ›

Being an NRI, it's understandable if you want to buy property in India in your parents' name. Buying any property in your parents' name makes the purchase a gift and not subject to tax in India.

Can Overseas Citizen of India buy agricultural land? ›

Answer: A person resident outside India, not being a Non-Resident Indian or an Overseas Citizen of India, who is a spouse of a Non-Resident Indian or an Overseas Citizen of India may acquire one immovable property (other than agricultural land/ farm house/ plantation property), jointly with his/ her NRI/ OCI spouse ...

Can NRI buy property in India without visiting? ›

Getting a power of attorney for NRI to buy property in India

If you're not able to travel to India to complete your property purchase personally, you can still buy property in India as an NRI by giving power of attorney (PoA) to a representative.

Is it worth buying property in India for NRI? ›

Purchasing power is at an all-time high for NRIs, and they should tap into this situation. Property and land prices are still stable in the Indian market with nominal increases expected in 2022.

Can NRI register land in India? ›

Ans:- Yes. Reserve Bank has granted general permission for sale of such property. However, where the property is purchased by another foreign citizen of Indian origin, funds towards the purchase consideration should either be remitted to India or paid out of balances in NRE/FCNR accounts.

Can anybody purchase agricultural land in India? ›

Not everyone can buy: As per the law, you need to be a farmer to own agricultural land in India. While most states have such a ruling, some have eased this prerequisite. You may also get receive such a land, through a gift or through inheritance.

Is RBI permission required for sale of property by NRI? ›

(iv) A NRI who has purchased residential / commercial property under general permission is not required to file any documents with the Reserve Bank.
...
INDEX
1.Introduction
2.Acquisition and Transfer of Immovable Property in India
A Non- Resident Indian (NRI)
B Person of Indian Origin (PIO)
12 more rows

How do I get RBI permission to buy agricultural land? ›

All requests for acquisition of agricultural land/plantation property/ farm house by any person resident outside India or foreign nationals may be made to The Chief General Manager, Reserve Bank of India, Central Office, Exchange Control Department, Foreign Investment Division (III), Mumbai 400 001.

Is agricultural income exempt for NRI? ›

As per section 10(1), agricultural income earned by the taxpayer in India is exempt from tax. Agricultural income is defined under section 2(1A) of the Income-tax Act.

Which income is not taxable for NRI? ›

Special provision related to investment income

When NRIs invest in certain Indian assets, they are taxed at 20% on the income earned. If the special investment income is the only income the NRI has during the financial year and TDS has been deducted, then such an NRI is not required to file an income tax return.

Does NRI have to pay tax in India? ›

By default, income earned by an NRI abroad is not taxable in India. But if the income in India through aspects like capital gains from investments in shares, mutual funds, property rental and term deposits exceed the basic exemption limit as defined in the Income Tax Act, an NRI would have to file a tax return.

Can NRI buy property in India with power of attorney? ›

Power of attorney: NRIs must provide a power of attorney in case they're not in India for executing the purchase transaction. Please note that you will need a special power of attorney which is registered and notarized and not a general power of attorney to execute a property transaction.

Can housewife be NRI? ›

In the case of a newly married couple, if the spouse accompanies her NRI spouse abroad, with an intention to stay for an uncertain period (i.e., through a family visa), he / she will immediately be classified as a non-resident.

Can NRI take land loan India? ›

Well the answer to the question is yes, an NRI can get a home loan just like any resident Indian by any Indian bank or Non Banking Financial Company (NBFC).

Can I buy 1000 acres of land in India? ›

The maximum extent of agricultural land one can purchase is 59.95 acres.

How many acres Can a person own in India? ›

In the case of an adult unmarried person or a family consisting of a sole surviving member the ceiling limit is five standard acres subject to a maximum of seven and a half acres. A family consisting of two or more but not more than five members can hold ten standard acres and up to a maximum of fifteen acres.

Which state in India has cheapest agricultural land? ›

For your kind information, with my travelling knowledge, i found Keral in india Has the cheapest agricultural land. There are many states that have cheap land but they are not so productive for farming but Keral has it all.

Can NRI buy property in India without Aadhar card? ›

Can NRIs buy property in India without Aadhar card? As per rule 114C, it is not compulsory for an NRI/PIO to have an Aadhar card for Buying/selling his/her property in India.

How many days can NRI stay in India? ›

So, deriving from that, an NRI is one who is: Present in India for less than 182 days during that fiscal year, or. Present in India for less than 60 days during that fiscal year and cumulatively 365 days or less during the preceding four fiscal years.

What are the consequences of NRI buying agricultural land in India? ›

Advocate Pipli Datta. As per notification No. FEMA21/2000 RBI dated May 3, 2000, NRI or PIO cannot acquire agricultural land or plantatiom (property or farm house) in India . Purchase of any property in violation of FEMA laws can result in fine or even confixation of such property.

Can a NRI buy property in India without physical presence? ›

For those NRIs who can't be physically present in India to buy property, there is such a thing known as Power of Attorney or POA. This means that you as an NRI can choose someone close to you such as a trusted relative, friend or even colleague and allow them (legally) to complete the transaction on your behalf.

Can a NRI inherit farm land? ›

As an NRI you can inherit any number of properties including agricultural land and farm house in India from a resident Indian whether relative or no.

Can you convert agricultural land to residential India? ›

As per the provisions of the land law, fertile land in India can only be used for agricultural purposes and nothing else. To use it for residential, commercial or industrial purposes, it is mandatory to seek land conversion permission from the authorities.

What is difference between NRI and OCI? ›

An NRI can invest in residential/commercial properties but is not allowed to invest in agricultural or plantation property or a farmhouse. An OCI can invest in various financial investment opportunities available in India.

Can NRI get Aadhar card? ›

YES. An NRI (whether minor or adult) with a valid Indian Passport can apply for Aadhaar from any Aadhaar Kendra.

What is the rule for NRI in India? ›

The NRI status in India is attained by people who are Indian citizens but stay in India for less than 182 days in the preceding financial year or people who live outside India for employment, business, or any other purpose for an uncertain period.

Can NRI sell property in India without PAN card? ›

If you are an NRI and want to sell your property in India, you actually don't need a PAN card. But when it comes to sending money back to your home in abroad, you need to have a PAN card.

What are the disadvantages of being an NRI? ›

Disadvantages of being an NRI
  • Even though NRIs do not pay income tax to the Indian government, they have to pay taxes to the government of the country of residence. ...
  • NRIs do not receive any benefits offered by the Indian government to the regular residents of India.

Which country is best for NRI? ›

NRI account options provided by financial institutions authorized by Reserve Bank of India allow NRIs residing in different countries to invest in Indian markets.
  • Saudi Arabia. ...
  • Malaysia. ...
  • United Arab Emirates. ...
  • United Kingdom. ...
  • South Africa. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • Myanmar. ...
  • Mauritius.

What documents are needed for an NRI to buy property in India? ›

To get a home loan, NRIs must furnish the following documents:
  • Copy of Indian passport and visa.
  • In case an Indian passport in unavailable.
  • PIO card if you hold a foreign passport.
  • OCI card if your parents are citizens of India.
  • Work permit / employment contract / appointment letter of your country of residence.
24 Jun 2021

What is the procedure to buy property from NRI? ›

Here are a few points Understand the tax applicable and the process of payment Get a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) Ask for the PAN of the seller Check if there are single or multiple owners of the property Know about the location of the seller.

Can NRI lease agricultural land in India? ›

1. It's not legally permissible for an N.R.I. to get the leased agricultural land. 2. Whether as an individual NRI or a corporate company owned by NRI can't take agricultural property on lease.

Can NRI sell property in India without going to India? ›

An NRI can sell property anytime but he or she will need some documents like: Title of the property (which is in the seller's name) Occupation Certificate from the municipal corporation in India. Sanction Certificate.

Can NRI gift his property in India? ›

NRIs can give and receive gifts in cash or kind (jewelry, antiques, property) to and from relatives and non-relatives in India.

How many properties can NRI own in India? ›

Moreover, there is no restriction as to the number of residential or commercial property, an NRI can purchase in India. For purchasing permitted immovable properties in India, the NRI has to either pay through banking channel by remittance from abroad or the NRI can use balance in his NRE/NRO or FCNR account.

Can an NRI buy property in India without PAN card? ›

PAN Card: This is mandatory for property transactions. Power of attorney: NRIs must provide a power of attorney in case they're not in India for executing the purchase transaction.

Do NRI pay property tax in India? ›

As an NRI, if you sell a property in India, the buyer deducts 20% as Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) as Long Term Capital Gains Tax for properties sold after two years. For properties sold before 2 years, the TDS rate is 30%, deducted as Short Term Capital Gains Tax.

Can you buy land in India without citizenship? ›

Yes, a Non-Resident Indian can buy property in India. This can be residential land, homes, or flats in India, but not agricultural land, plantation, or farmhouse properties. An NRI is defined as an Indian citizen residing outside the country for more than 182 days a year.

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