NRI guide · United States
Buying property in Mohali and the Tricity from the United States
How it works in the US
- 01
A call at your time
Tell us what you are looking for. We plan the call around your time zone, on WhatsApp or video.
- 02
A verified shortlist
Only projects whose RERA registration we have checked, with prices confirmed with the developer or seller.
- 03
Live video walkthroughs
We show you the actual tower, floor and unit on video, not just the sample flat, and send a written summary.
- 04
Paperwork with your lawyer
We coordinate the agreement, payments and registration with your lawyer, CA and family in India.
- 05
After the purchase
Possession, snag lists, leasing and, later, resale support.
Time difference
| Where you are | India Standard Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| New York, New Jersey (Eastern) | IST is 9 h 30 min ahead (10 h 30 min in winter) |
| Chicago, Houston (Central) | IST is 10 h 30 min ahead (11 h 30 min in winter) |
| California, Seattle (Pacific) | IST is 12 h 30 min ahead (13 h 30 min in winter) |
Your evening is early morning in India, so we usually suggest calls on your weekday evening or weekend morning. Tell us a time that suits you and we'll confirm it.
Paying in the US
Under the FEMA rules published by the RBI, NRIs and OCI cardholders generally pay through normal banking channels: an inward remittance from the US (USD), or a debit to an NRE, NRO or FCNR(B) account in India. Foreign currency cash and traveller's cheques are not allowed. Keep every bank record: your bank and CA will need them if you sell later and want to send the money abroad. Agricultural land, plantation property and farmhouses cannot be bought by NRIs or OCIs.
Signing documents in the US
If you can't travel for a step such as registration, you can give a power of attorney (PoA) to someone you trust in India. A PoA signed in the US is usually notarised and then apostilled (the country is a member of the Apostille Convention), or attested at an Indian mission. Once it reaches India, it generally has to be stamped within three months under the stamp law, and your lawyer will tell you the exact wording and stamp duty for Punjab.
The Embassy of India in Washington DC and the Consulates General of India across the US handle consular attestation; check which one covers your state. Find your nearest Indian mission(opens in a new tab)
Tax: questions for your accountant
- How the tax treaty between India and your country applies to rental income or a future sale.
- What tax is deducted at source (TDS) when you buy, and the different rules if you sell as an NRI.
- What you need to report about Indian property, income or bank accounts in the US.
General information only
We are not lawyers or tax advisers. FEMA, tax and document requirements change and depend on your situation: please confirm them with a qualified lawyer, CA and your bank before you pay or sign anything.Common questions
Can OCI cardholders buy property in Mohali or New Chandigarh?
Under the FEMA rules published by the RBI, NRIs and OCI cardholders can generally buy residential and commercial property in India, but not agricultural land, plantation property or farmhouses. Your CA and bank should confirm how the rules apply to you.
How do I pay for the property?
Payments generally go through normal banking channels: an inward remittance from abroad (for example from the US), or a debit to your NRE, NRO or FCNR(B) account in India. Cash in foreign currency and traveller's cheques are not allowed. Keep every bank record, as you will need them later, including if you ever sell and want to send the money abroad.
What should I ask my US tax adviser?
Ask how Indian property, any rental income and your Indian bank accounts should be reported in the US, and how the tax treaty between India and the US applies to you. We are not tax advisers and don't give tax advice.
Do I have to travel to India to buy?
Not for every step. We do live video walkthroughs of the actual tower and unit, share written summaries, and coordinate with your lawyer and family. Many buyers visit once, for example for the final unit selection or registration, and use a power of attorney for the rest. Your lawyer will advise what needs you in person.
Sources
- RBI Master Direction: Acquisition and Transfer of Immovable Property under FEMA(opens in a new tab)
- HCCH: Apostille Convention status table (member countries and dates)(opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of External Affairs: Apostille and attestation of documents(opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of External Affairs: Indian missions abroad(opens in a new tab)
Visiting home soon?
Tell us your travel dates and we'll line up accompanied visits to verified options in one or two days.