NRI Investments In India: The Essential Checklist (2024)

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NRI Investments In India: The Essential Checklist (1)

NRI Investment in India is not a small market, to begin with. Most Indians settled in countries outside of the nation tend to make investments in India, at times just as an emotional move and most other times, just as a backup/ security investment like that done in real estate. If you are an NRI hoping to make a viable investment in India, specifically in real estate, it is natural for you to have multiple questions in mind; and for the good news: we are here to answer it all!

NRI investment in real estate is considered to be one of the safest and most sensible investments. Real estate investment not only opens a passive source of income by simply renting it out but also because it means that you will always have a place to call home, in case you choose to return at any point in time. However, what also comes along with investment in real estate in India is a lot of potential risks. These risks, however again, can be easily avoided by just some scrutiny and diligence by the buyer.

Who is an NRI (non-resident Indian)?

An NRI is an Indian citizen who has lived in India for less than 183 days of the tax year or financial year. The financial year stretches from 1st of April t0 31st of March of the succeeding year. NRIs are Indian citizens who do not have to pay taxes here.

Investing in India has always been a struggle for non-resident Indians. Here we have brought to you all the basic NRI investments options in India and why you, as an NRI, must consider investing in the Indian market.

NRI Investment Options in India: Reasons Why an NRI Should Invest in India

Are you an NRI who is thinking of investing in India? We say you are on the right track. Here are four reasons why it will be a good investment:

  1. Retirement preparation
  2. Gain returns
  3. Financial help to your family
  4. Build financial assets

Let’s Look into The Details!

1. Retirement Preparation

Preparing for oldage begins the day you start earning. You need to have money put away in several forms of investment sp that in your oldage you have a secure retirement plan ready. The amount of money you save today will determine the kind of living you will be able tonafford in the future on your retirement.

2. Gain Returns

A wise investment will give you money in return so whatever you in invest in, make sure that its growth rate or interst rate is as per the guidelines of NRI investment in India. Now, how do you know if an investment is risky or not? Keep track of the investment’s interest rates. A higher interest rate indicates the investment is at a higher risk. To ensure good significant returns, make sure your investment strategy is wise enough to not put you at any risk.

3. Financial Help to Your Family

Good returns means enough money as savings for your younger generations as well as extended family. The salary you earn right no wmight be enough to run your immediate family but once you invest you get more than enough to save or spend. Needless to say, dollars converted to rupees is a significant amount.

4. Build Financial Assets

Investing will help you tp build up financial assets and grow financially. For instance, when you buy a property you can rent it out and even use it as security while availing loans. Secured loan have lower interest rates which means cheaper loans. The best NRI investment options in India will help you amass huge financial assets in small period of time.

If you are an NRI looking to invest in real estate in India, here's a quick checklist that may be of help-

1. Physical Assessment Of The Location

NRI Investments In India: The Essential Checklist (2)

Multiple builders and property dealers have recently started taking trips abroad in the pursuit of hosting an “NRI roadshow” where they present fancy brochures of property deals in India. It is advised to all NRI’s, however, to make sure that they physically assess the property. If you cannot afford to travel to India, try and have some of your local friends or relatives do it on your behalf. The bottom line, however, never to invest in a property without having inspected the ground reality.

2. Pricing Verification

NRI Investments In India: The Essential Checklist (3)

Another important aspect that needs to be on the checklist of every NRI investing in India is pricing. As NRI’s, it is natural for you to appear as an easy check to Indian builders and hence, you’d be more vulnerable to higher-than-market pricing by builders. You may also be kept from getting additional benefits and perks that Indians otherwise would, just because of being an NRI. Hence, always make sure to have the property rate verified by a citizen residing in India to avoid paying a higher amount.

It is also recommended to never pay a big amount of money upfront and to always look for properties that offer a construction-linked payment plan.

3. Loan > Cash

NRI Investments In India: The Essential Checklist (4)

As an NRI investing in property in India, the next thing to keep in mind is to take a bank loan instead of paying upfront cash (even if you have it) for your preferred property. Taking a loan from an Indian bank will render further assurance and security that the property in question is viable and not a poor investment. This is because banks always conduct a check on the property to assess multiple factors like whether the builder owns the land, if all land licenses are valid, if the property actually is worth the loan amount, the general legitimacy of the property etc.

4. Market Research

NRI Investments In India: The Essential Checklist (5)

Just like it is important to conduct in-depth research on the property you want to invest in, it is equally important to conduct research on the market itself. You may find yourself interested in a particular property investment proposal exhibited by a builder in an NRI roadshow. However, it must be understood that there are multiple new properties and builders coming up with projects every day in India. Do not just go with the first option you see. Instead, explore for yourself to make sure you invest in the best option of the lot.

5. Legal Reviewal

NRI Investments In India: The Essential Checklist (6)

As an NRI investing in India, another critical factor to keep in mind is to always learn about the Indian laws governing NRI transactions before initiating the deal. There are multiple restrictions imposed by the Indian government on the purchase of properties. For example, as an NRI, you are subjected to restrictions on how quickly the profit from a real estate transaction can be repatriated. Hence, make sure to conduct a legal reviewal to make sure you will be gaining from your investment. In order to be super-sure, it is also recommended to perhaps hire a legal counselor to do the job for you.

Final Thoughts: Real Estate ROI Expectations For NRIs Investment In India

The biggest concern for any investor, be it for a citizen investing in a local brand/ business/ fund or an NRI investment in India, is the ROI. Now speaking purely in terms of returns from real estate, it must be noted that experts suggest the return to be lower than they have been in the recent past. This is majorly due to the skug in the economy owing to the 2019 pandemic. It is also why a dip in residential real estate development has been noticed in the last 1.5 years and hence if you are indeed planning to invest, make sure you do it the right way and set reasonable return expectations.

We at PropertyGeek, up-to-date and passionate real estate geeks are always here to walk the journey with you!

FAQs: NRI Investments In India

1. What is NRI Investment India?

NRI investment stands for non-resident Indian's investment in India. NRI's are those people who hold an Indian passport but do not actively stay in India and instead, live in a country outside India's borders. NRI's are allowed to invest in multiple Indian assets like mutual funds, real estate, industrial shares, etc.

2. Can NRI invest in Indian real estate?

The RBI (Reserve Bank of India) permits NRI's to invest in Indian residential real estate, provided the buyer holds a valid Indian passport. No special permission is required as long as this criterion is fulfilled.

3. Are NRI's allowed to buy land in India?

NRI's are allowed to buy residential plots. However, under Fema and the Foreign Exchange Management (Acquisition and Transfer of Immovable Property in India) Regulations, 2018, purchase of an agricultural land/ plantation property or farmhouse is not permitted to NRI's.

4. What happens when NRI sells property in India?

When an NRI sells a property in India, the buyer of the property is supposed to deduct TDS @ 20%, in case the property is sold after two years of purchase. If the property, however, is sold before 2 years of purchase, the buyer is liable to deduct a TDS of 30%.

NRI Investments In India: The Essential Checklist (7)

NRI Investments In India: The Essential Checklist (8)

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NRI Investments In India: The Essential Checklist (2024)

FAQs

What is the best investment for NRI in India? ›

Best Investment Options for NRIs
  1. Fixed Deposits. Fixed Deposits, or FDs, are among the safer ways to invest in India for an NRI. ...
  2. National Pension Scheme. ...
  3. Equity. ...
  4. Mutual Funds. ...
  5. Real Estate. ...
  6. Public Provident Fund. ...
  7. Bonds and Non-Convertible Debentures. ...
  8. Pre-IPO Investment.
Nov 2, 2023

What are the rules for NRI investment in India? ›

NRIs must have a NRO or NRE bank account to invest in Indian mutual funds, as AMCs cannot accept foreign currency investments. All investments by NRIs are made in Indian Rupees. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) often seek investment opportunities in India to secure financial stability for themselves and their families.

What should NRI buy from India? ›

NRIs can buy both residential and commercial property in India but not agricultural land, farm houses, or plantation properties. However, if an NRI is willing to purchase agricultural land in India, it requires permission from the Reserve Bank of India for doing so.

What type of documentation does a NRI needs in India? ›

A passport and visa are the standard documents used as proof of Indian origin. The passport serves as primary proof of your identity, citizenship, and NRI status. The visa confirms your legal status as a non-resident Indian. Therefore, always ensure that your passport and visa are valid and up-to-date.

What NRI is not allowed to invest in? ›

Additionally, NRIs are barred from investing in instruments such as currency derivatives and commodities. Apart from these, NRIs cannot participate in intraday trading in the Indian stock markets, unlike resident Indians. They are only allowed to take the delivery of shares.

What is the safest investment with highest return in India? ›

10 Safest Investment Options in India
  • Public Provident Fund (PPF) ...
  • National Pension Scheme (NPS) ...
  • Gold. ...
  • Savings Bonds. ...
  • Recurring Deposits. ...
  • National Savings Certificate. ...
  • Post Office Monthly Income Schemes (POMIS) ...
  • Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
Feb 19, 2024

How much money NRI can deposit in India? ›

There are no restrictions on the amount of money you can transfer to India in one year. However, if you are transferring a large amount, you may be required to provide proof of the source of the funds, as per the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations.

Is it mandatory to declare NRI status in India? ›

As per the FEMA guidelines, there is no penalty for not declaring your NRI status. However, you must either close your existing savings account or convert it into a Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) savings account as soon as possible.

Is NRI investment taxable in India? ›

Yes, NRIs are taxed on their mutual fund investments in India, depending on the type, duration, and amount of the investment.

What is disadvantages of NRI in India? ›

Disadvantages of being an NRI

The rate of taxes on income is much higher than India in most first world countries. NRIs do not receive any benefits offered by the Indian government to the regular residents of India.

Can I buy a house in India from the USA? ›

Can US citizens buy property in India? Yes, a US citizen can purchase property in India. As per the regulations set by the RBI and FEMA, they are eligible to buy immovable property in India which includes residential and commercial properties.

Which is best NRI or NRE? ›

Tax benefits- NRE exempts the entire fund from any Income Tax. In FCNR accounts, only the interest is tax exempted. Purpose- NRE accounts take the deposit of earnings from the country where the NRI is currently residing but denominated in INR.

Can OCI inherit property in India? ›

Can a non-resident inherit immovable property in India? Yes, a person resident outside India (NRI / OCI) can inherit and hold immovable property in India from a person resident in India or Person resident outside India.

What are the disadvantages of an OCI card? ›

A: The OCI Card holder is not entitled:
  • to vote;
  • to be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of the Parliament of India;
  • to hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court etc.;

Can I own property in India with OCI? ›

Property Ownership Rights for OCIs

OCIs enjoy the same property ownership rights as NRIs, being able to purchase residential and commercial properties in India. However, they are barred from acquiring agricultural land, plantation property, or farmhouses.

Which bank gives highest interest for NRI in India? ›

Best NRE Savings Accounts For NRIs In 2023
  • AU Bank Savings A/C. Interest rate: Upto 7.25% Balance required: INR 2,000 onwards. Special feature: ...
  • Yes Bank Savings Account. Interest rate: Upto 6.25% Balance required: Zero. ...
  • Kotak 811 Zero Balance Savings Account. Interest rate: Upto 7% p.a. with ActivMoney. Balance required: Zero.

Is it worth buying property in India for NRI? ›

Potential capital appreciation, rental income, and portfolio diversification are the reasons why real estate is still the best investment in India for NRIs. However, it is important to understand the legal requirements and risks involved in the investment process.

Is it a good idea for NRI to buy property in India? ›

NRIs invest in India, as they earn a considerable amount of passive income in the form of rentals. Moreover, they also can settle in India if desired. The property market in India is showing a better growth trajectory, so it is the best time for NRI investment.

Where should I invest my money to get highest return in India? ›

20 Best Investment Options in India in 2024
Investment OptionsPeriod of Investment (Minimum)Returns Offered
Bank Fixed Deposits7 days to 10 years4-9% p.a.
Initial Public Offerings (IPO)As per the investment profile8-15%
Stock Market TradingAs per the investment Profile7- 20%
Mutual FundsMin. 3 years for ELSS8-20% p.a.
14 more rows

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