Can NRIs Buy Farm Land in India? Find Out Here

An NRI is someone who has Indian citizenship yet lives overseas for work or commercial reasons. To get classified as an NRI, a person must grab cheap tickets to India from Canada and have lived in India for less than 6 months. Now that we from Tripbeam, have stated the criteria of an NRI, let’s talk about whether NRIs can purchase agricultural property in India.

Many non-resident Indians want to retire and buy a farmhouse in a small village. NRIs, on the other hand, face different laws when it comes to financial investments and property acquisitions. NRIs buying agricultural land, plantation holdings, and farmhouses face different laws than those buying homes and businesses.

Land Classification and Prospects for Agricultural Investment

In India, local governments utilise scientific methods to classify land for monitoring and managing real estate development in various areas. These classifications encompass residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, public use, and infrastructural development.

Agricultural land, a prominent feature of India’s landscape, offers substantial potential for individuals interested in rural retreats or investment opportunities. Reading about the Insurance Policy Instructions for NRIs in India is essential since every NRI should have complete financial security and peace of mind.

Can Foreign Individuals Buy Farmland in India?

The Foreign Exchange Management Act of 1999 regulates international trade, remittances, NRI transactions, and the expansion of India’s foreign exchange market.

FEMA severely restricts non-resident individuals’ ability to buy agricultural land. In general, NRIs cannot directly buy agricultural land in India. If they purchase Business class flight tickets to India and seek to do so, the government may take the land, apply penalties and notify FEMA authorities.

The main reason for this prohibition is to safeguard India’s agricultural resources and prevent hypothetical activities that could inflate land prices. However, NRIs are not entirely barred from engaging with agricultural land in India, as there are certain circumstances under which they are allowed to do so.

Documents Required for Purchasing Farmland in India

For NRIs, purchasing agricultural land in India involves an extensive documentation process. A copy of the sale agreement or other title documents, records of the source of finances, a declaration that the land is not for limited uses, and proof that the land is not for commercial or speculative purposes are among the required documents.

In addition, applicants must provide a copy of the title documents to the state government where the land is located.

Special Permissions of RBI

Yes, NRIs can buy agricultural land, subject to special approval from the RBI, but it is a convoluted process that requires careful deliberation.

Individuals residing overseas or foreign citizens looking to purchase farmland or plantation property must direct their requests to the Chief General Manager of the RBI.

The RBI reviews each request individually, considering factors such as the purpose of the purchase, the source of funds, and compliance with local laws.

Taxes Paid by NRIs on Agricultural Land

Taxes on the sale of farming land vary between rural and urban regions. Rural agricultural lands are not considered capital assets, hence they are exempted from capital gains tax.

On the other hand, capital gains tax applies to the sale of farming land in urban areas. To guarantee compliance with Indian tax legislation, NRIs engaging in agricultural land transactions must understand the tax ramifications.

Gift Exchanges and NRIs Selling Agricultural Land

NRIs can not directly purchase agricultural land, although they have the option to gift it to others under specific conditions. Resident Indians can gift agricultural land to NRIs, but they cannot gift such properties.

When it comes to selling agricultural land, NRIs must adhere to regulations. Sales transactions require special authorization, and the NRI must deposit the proceeds from the sale into their non-resident ordinary (NRO) account.

Extra Points to Consider

Under the Benami Act, engaging in a “Benami transaction,” which involves purchasing real estate in someone else’s name, is prohibited. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are limited to buying property in the names of specific relatives, including spouses, siblings, and descendants.

NRIs must understand and adhere to Benami regulations when navigating the complex process of acquiring agricultural land in India.

To Sum Up

The process for NRIs seeking to buy farming land in India is intricate and governed by an elaborate framework of laws, permits, and restrictions.

NRIs can still engage with agricultural land by obtaining special approvals from the RBI and ensuring compliance with the law, despite the prohibition on direct acquisition. For NRIs navigating this intricate landscape, meticulous paperwork, legal counsel, and a nuanced understanding of local regulations are indispensable. To realize their aspiration of owning farmland in their homeland, NRIs must reserve last minute flights from Canada to India, remain informed and seek expert guidance, particularly as India’s land acquisition rules undergo changes and developments.