NRI FAQ'S
WHO IS PIO?
A foreign citizen (other than a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka or Nepal), is deemed to be of Indian origin if,
He/She held an Indian passport at any time, OR
He/She or their parents or paternal grand-father was a citizen of India by virtue of the Indian Constitution.
FOREIGN CITIZENS OF INDIAN ORIGIN REQUIRE PERMISSION OF RESERVE BANK TO PURCHASE IMMOVABLE PROPERTY IN INDIA FOR THEIR RESIDENTIAL USE?
Yes. However, Reserve Bank has granted general permission to foreign citizens of Indian origin, whether resident in India or abroad, to purchase immovable property in India for their bona fide residential purpose. They are, therefore, not required to obtain separate permission of Reserve Bank.
WHAT FORMALITIES ARE REQUIRED TO BE COMPLETED BY FOREIGN CITIZENS OF INDIAN ORIGIN FOR PURCHASING RESIDENTIAL IMMOVABLE PROPERTY IN INDIA UNDER THE GENERAL PERMISSION?
They are required to file a declaration in form IPI 7 with the Central Office of Reserve Bank at Mumbai within a period of 90 days from the date of purchase of immovable property or final payment of purchase consideration along with a certified copy of the document evidencing the transaction and bank certificate regarding the consideration paid.
CAN NRI ACQUIRE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IN INDIA?
Yes, under the general permission granted by the Reserve Bank, property other than agricultural land/farm house/plantation property can be acquired by NRIs provided the purchase consideration is met either out of inward remittances in foreign exchange through normal banking channels or out of funds from the purchaser's NRE/FCNR accounts maintained with banks in India and a declaration is submitted to the Central Office of Reserve Bank in form IPI 7 within a period of 90 days from the date of purchase of the property/final payment of purchase consideration.
CAN NRI'S SELL PROPERTY THEY HOLD IN INDIA WITHOUT RESERVE BANK'S PERMISSION?
Yes. Reserve Bank has granted 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 SALE PROCEEDS OF SUCH PROPERTY IF AND WHEN SOLD BE REMITTED OUT OF INDIA?
Yes, the Reserve Bank has granted general permission to NRIs to acquire or dispose of NRI India Properties by way of gift from or to a relative who may be an Indian citizen or a person of Indian origin (PIO) whether resident in India or not provided gift tax be paid.
CAN NRI'S OBTAIN LOANS FOR AQUISTITION OF HOME/ FLAT FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSE FROM FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PROVING HOUSING FINANCE?
The Reserve Bank has granted some general permission to certain financial institutions providing housing finance e.g. HDFC, LIC Housing Finance Ltd., etc, and authorized dealers to grant housing loans to NRI nationals for acquisition of a NRI house/flat for self-occupation subject to certain conditions. Criteria regarding the purpose of the loan, margin money and the quantum of loan will be at par with those applicable to resident Indians. Repayment of the loan should be made within a period not exceeding 15 years, out of inward remittance through banking channels or out of funds
CAN PROPERTIES (RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL) BE GIVEN ON RENT IF NOT REQUIRED FOR IMMEDIATE USE?
Yes. Reserve Bank has granted permission for letting out of any immovable property in India. The rental income or proceeds of any investment of such income has to be credited to NRO account.