NRI Legal Readiness
Are You Legally Ready to Buy Property in India?
NRIs face 4× more legal complications than residents. Run your free readiness check in 2 minutes and find out exactly what gaps to close before committing funds.
Tell us about your situation
Hague Convention country — apostille accepted for POA
DTAA treaty active — you may claim double-tax relief on rental income & capital gains
Your Readiness Score
Not Ready Yet
Critical gaps detected. Resolve these before proceeding.
Top gaps to close
I am an NRI / OCI / PIO (not a foreign national)
The property is residential or commercial — NOT agricultural / plantation / farmhouse
I am not buying in someone else's name (no benami ownership)
I understand repatriation is capped at 2 residential properties
My investment funds come from legitimate foreign income or NRE/NRO savings
+18 more…
Know the Risks
The 5 NRI Legal Traps
These are the most common legal mistakes NRIs make — and they cost years of savings. Each one is avoidable with the right preparation.
FEMA Property Ban
What goes wrong
NRIs buy agricultural land, farmhouses, or plantation property — often offered by brokers as 'good deals.'
How to avoid it
Stick to residential apartments, villas, or commercial units only. Agricultural land = forced divestment under FEMA.
20% TDS Shock
What goes wrong
Assuming TDS is 1% (like resident buyers). If your seller is also an NRI, you must deduct 20%+ on the FULL sale value.
How to avoid it
Always check the seller's residency status. Engage a CA before payment to compute correct TDS and file Form 26QB.
Illegal Fund Routing
What goes wrong
Sending money to a relative's account who pays the builder. Common practice — completely illegal under FEMA.
How to avoid it
Every rupee must flow from your NRE or NRO account directly to the builder's escrow. No exceptions.
POA Misuse
What goes wrong
Giving broad POA to a family member 'for convenience.' This allows them to sell, mortgage, or gift your property.
How to avoid it
Draft a limited POA that names only specific tasks (e.g., 'attend sub-registrar for registration of property X on date Y'). Nothing broader.
Title & Encumbrance Fraud
What goes wrong
NRIs trust builder assurances on title clarity. Disputed titles and undisclosed bank liens are the #1 source of NRI property fraud.
How to avoid it
Get an encumbrance certificate from the sub-registrar and an independent title opinion from a local property lawyer — not from the builder's panel.
Expert Legal Support
Get a Free Legal Readiness Review
Our legal team — specialists in FEMA, RERA, and NRI property compliance — will review your situation and tell you exactly what to prepare before you sign anything.