Repatriation Guide
How to Get Your Money
Out of India
The step-by-step process for NRIs to repatriate property sale proceeds from India to their country of residence — legally, efficiently, and tax-optimally.
The Process
5-Step Repatriation Process
Ensure the Property Was Purchased via NRE Account
Only funds originally remitted from abroad (via NRE account or foreign exchange) are freely repatriable. If you used an NRO account funded by Indian income, repatriation is capped at USD 1 million per financial year.
If you mixed NRE and NRO funds during purchase, only the NRE-funded portion is freely repatriable.
Obtain Tax Clearance — Form 15CA/15CB
Before repatriating sale proceeds, your CA must certify that all applicable taxes have been paid. This requires Form 15CB (CA certificate) and Form 15CA (self-declaration). Your bank will not release funds internationally without these.
TDS at 20% (for LTCG) or 30% (for STCG) is deducted at source by the buyer. Get TDS certificates before filing.
Deposit Sale Proceeds into NRO Account
Sale proceeds from Indian property are credited to your NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account in India. This is mandatory — even if the property was purchased via NRE funds.
Do not try to receive proceeds directly into your overseas account — this violates FEMA.
File for Repatriation via FEMA
From NRO, you can repatriate up to USD 1 million per financial year (after tax). Submit Form A2 to your bank along with Form 15CA/15CB, sale deed, TDS certificate, and PAN card.
USD 1M limit is per financial year (April–March), not per transaction.
Bank Processes the Transfer
Your Indian bank (HDFC, ICICI, SBI, etc.) will verify documents and initiate the SWIFT transfer to your overseas account. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days.
Keep copies of all submitted documents — you may need them for tax filing in your country of residence.
Tax Treaties
India DTAA — What It Means for Your Country
India has Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) with most NRI countries. This means you won't pay tax twice — the Indian TDS you pay is credited against your home country tax liability.
UAE
DTAA: YesNo tax in UAE on India property income. India DTAA exempts double taxation.
USA
DTAA: YesIndian TDS credited against US federal tax. Net liability reduces significantly.
UK
DTAA: YesDTAA credit available on Indian LTCG. UK CGT applies but Indian tax is credited.
Canada
DTAA: YesIndian TDS credited against Canadian income tax. Net liability minimized.
Singapore
DTAA: YesSingapore has no capital gains tax. Indian LTCG (20%) is your only tax.
Australia
DTAA: YesIndian TDS credited against Australian CGT. Net applicable.
Avoid These
Common Repatriation Mistakes
Buying with NRO (Indian income) funds, then expecting full repatriation
Always route purchase funds from abroad via NRE account to preserve full repatriation rights.
Forgetting Form 15CB before repatriation
Engage your CA 2–3 weeks before you plan to repatriate. Banks will reject without 15CB.
Repatriating more than USD 1M in one year
Plan your exit timing. If the sale is large, split repatriation across two financial years.
Not claiming DTAA credit in your home country
File Indian TDS certificates with your home country tax return to claim the treaty benefit.
Want a personalized repatriation plan?
Our advisors can walk you through the exact steps for your country of residence, NRE/NRO setup, and DTAA benefits before you buy.
Talk to an Advisor