NRIs are a significant buyer group in Noida's premium segment. The rules are workable, but the process has specific requirements that are easy to get wrong from abroad.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules under FEMA and the Income Tax Act change, so confirm the current position with a chartered accountant familiar with NRI transactions.
What NRIs can buy
Non-resident Indians are generally permitted to purchase residential and commercial property in India. Agricultural land, plantation property and farmhouses are generally not permitted for purchase, though they may be inherited. Verify your specific eligibility, particularly if you hold a foreign passport, since rules differ between NRIs, OCIs and foreign nationals.
Payment and banking
| Requirement | Position |
|---|---|
| Currency | Payment in Indian rupees through banking channels |
| Accounts | Through NRE, NRO or FCNR accounts, or inward remittance |
| Cash | Not permitted |
| Foreign currency to builder | Not permitted directly |
| Home loans | Available from Indian lenders to NRIs, subject to their terms |
Repatriation
Sale proceeds can generally be repatriated subject to conditions and annual limits, and the treatment depends on whether the purchase was funded from NRE or NRO sources. Keep complete records of how the purchase was funded — reconstructing this years later is difficult and it directly affects what you can take out.
Power of attorney
Most NRI buyers appoint a trusted family member through a power of attorney to complete registration and documentation. Practical points:
- A specific POA for the transaction is safer than a general one
- It must be properly executed, attested at the Indian consulate where you reside, and adjudicated in India as required
- Some lenders and sub-registrars have their own format requirements — confirm before executing
- Give the narrowest powers that get the job done
Tax points
- TDS applies on property purchases above a prescribed value, with a different rate where the seller is a non-resident
- A PAN is required for the transaction
- Rental income from the property is taxable in India
- Capital gains on sale are taxable, with holding-period rules determining treatment
- Check the double taxation avoidance agreement between India and your country of residence
Buying remotely: the practical risks
The recurring problem is relying entirely on a representative's description. Insist on a video walkthrough of the actual site, verify RERA registration yourself on up-rera.in from wherever you are, engage an independent lawyer in India rather than one recommended by the seller, and never transfer funds to an account other than the project's designated account.
Buying from abroad?
We can arrange a live video site walkthrough and share the complete document set for your lawyer's review before you commit anything.
Frequently asked questions
Can an NRI buy an apartment in Noida?
Yes. NRIs are generally permitted to purchase residential property in India, with payment made in rupees through banking channels.
Do NRIs need a power of attorney to buy property?
Not mandatorily, but it is common practice when the buyer cannot travel for registration. A transaction-specific POA is safer than a general one.