NRIs buying property in Tamil Nadu: what is allowed
NRIs can buy flats, houses, plots and commercial property in India, but not agricultural land, plantations or farmhouses. Payments, power of attorney and documents.
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) can buy residential and commercial property in Tamil Nadu under India’s foreign exchange rules (FEMA).
What NRIs can and cannot buy
- Allowed: flats, houses, villas, residential plots and commercial property, with no limit on the number.
- Not allowed (except by inheritance): agricultural land, plantation property and farmhouses.
Paying for it
- Pay from an NRE, NRO or FCNR account in India, or by money sent to India through banking channels.
- Cash or foreign currency cannot be used.
- Home loans for NRIs are available from Indian banks.
If you cannot come for registration
Give a power of attorney to a trusted person in India. It must be signed before the Indian embassy or consulate (or notarised and apostilled), then stamped and registered in Tamil Nadu within the time allowed. Your advocate should draft it for the specific property.
On UngalPro you can mark yourself as an NRI buyer when you enquire, so agents know to share video walk-throughs and documents online.
Adikkadi kekkura kelvigal
Can an NRI buy agricultural land in Tamil Nadu?
No. NRIs and OCIs cannot buy agricultural land, plantations or farmhouses; they can inherit them.
Can an NRI buy a flat in Chennai?
Yes. NRIs can buy any number of flats, houses, plots and commercial properties.