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NRI Legal Services Guides and Insights

NRI legal services help Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) manage legal, property and documentation matters in India from the UK. These guides cover selling, buying and inheriting Indian property, Power of Attorney, PAN, OCI and the compliance rules that apply when you live in the UK but hold interests in India. Start with the main service areas, or browse the full list below.

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Property Buying & selling Indian property as an NRI The process, compliance and repatriation of funds. Read guide › Inheritance Inheriting Indian property as an NRI Establishing title, succession and updating records. Read guide › Documents PAN card for NRIs & foreign citizens When you need a PAN and how to apply from the UK. Read guide ›

All NRI legal services guides

PAN-FORM 49AA

25 Nov 2022

Is there a difference between PAN application for an Indian National, NRI, Overseas Citizen of India, Foreign Citizen?  Yes there is. When applying for your PAN as an NRI, Overseas Citizen of India, Foreign Citizens, firstly you must apply using the correct form....

NRI PAN Uses

25 Nov 2022

“Including Overseas Citizen of Indian – Foreign Citizens” Continuing from What is a PAN Card. How to apply for NRI PAN?, in this section we further detail the uses of PAN as well as any apparent benefits for individuals living abroad in relation to the parameters of...

Common questions about NRI legal matters

Can an NRI sell property in India without travelling there?

Yes, in most cases, by appointing a trusted person in India through a registered Power of Attorney. The POA is signed in the UK, authenticated for use in India, and stamped and registered in the relevant state. The appointed person can then deal with the sale on the NRI's behalf, within the powers the deed grants.

Do NRIs need a PAN card for property and financial matters in India?

A PAN card is generally needed where an NRI sells property, receives certain income, or files a return in India. It is the tax identification number the Indian authorities use, and is often requested during property and banking transactions. NRIs and OCIs apply on the form for their status.

Can proceeds from an Indian property sale be brought to the UK?

Sale proceeds can generally be repatriated from India, subject to the Reserve Bank of India's foreign exchange rules and any tax deducted at source on the sale. Because tax and exchange rules apply, the position should be confirmed before the sale completes. Whytecroft Ford does not provide UK tax advice, which should be taken from a UK tax adviser.

How Whytecroft Ford can help

NRI matters turn on getting the cross-border sequence right. A document signed in the UK has to be authenticated in the form India accepts, and property, succession and revenue steps have to follow the rules of the relevant Indian state. A step taken in the wrong order stalls the whole matter.

The Whytecroft Ford Indian law team acts for UK-based NRIs and OCIs on property sales and management, Powers of Attorney, inheritance and succession, and Indian documentation such as PAN. To discuss an NRI legal matter with our team, call 0208 757 5751 or use the contact form.

Call 0208 757 5751 Contact form
The material in this article is provided for guidance and general information only and is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice upon which you should rely. In particular, the information should not be used as a substitute for a full and proper consultation with a suitably qualified professional. Indian Law is subject to change. Please do contact the Whytecroft Ford team if you require further advice.