NRI Corner: Buy Plots from Abroad
What the rules say about NRIs and OCIs buying plots on the Yamuna Expressway, and how we can refer you to a lawyer or broker.
Buying as an NRI
Under the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019, a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) may buy immovable property in India other than agricultural land, a farmhouse or plantation property. A YEIDA residential, commercial or industrial plot can therefore be bought; agricultural land cannot. A YEIDA scheme’s brochure may add its own conditions, so check them for the scheme you are interested in.
Payment must come through normal banking channels: an inward remittance from abroad, or funds in an NRE, FCNR(B) or NRO account in India. Payment in foreign currency notes or traveller’s cheques is not allowed.
If you cannot be in India
- Power of attorney: you can appoint someone in India to act for you. A power of attorney signed abroad usually has to be attested at an Indian mission or notarised and apostilled, then stamped in Uttar Pradesh after it arrives; ask a lawyer which applies.
- See the plot: ask the seller, or someone you trust, to show you the actual plot and its boundaries before you pay.
- Tax: if you later sell, the buyer must deduct tax at source and capital gains are taxed in India; take advice from a chartered accountant.
How we can help
We do not handle transactions or documents. Send us an enquiry and we’ll tell you what we know and, if you agree, refer you to a local lawyer or broker.
Common questions
Yes. FEMA lets NRIs and OCIs buy immovable property other than agricultural land, farmhouses and plantation property, so YEIDA residential and commercial plots qualify. Check the scheme’s own eligibility terms.
Not necessarily. You can act through someone in India under a power of attorney; a lawyer can tell you how to execute and stamp it.
An inward remittance through banking channels, or funds in an NRE, FCNR(B) or NRO account. Foreign currency notes and traveller’s cheques are not allowed.