Goa, with its scenic beaches 🌴, vibrant culture 🏖️, and thriving real estate market 📈, has become one of the most sought-after destinations for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to invest in property. However, purchasing and registering property in Goa as an NRI requires compliance with Indian laws, especially the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and state-specific regulations.
This article provides a step-by-step guide for NRIs to smoothly navigate the property registration process in Goa.
As per RBI and FEMA guidelines, NRIs and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are allowed to:
✔️ Buy residential or commercial property 🏢
✔️ Own multiple properties in India
✔️ Acquire property through inheritance or gift
❌ However, NRIs cannot buy agricultural land, plantation property, or farmhouses in Goa unless inherited or gifted.
Choose between residential, commercial, or villa projects.
Conduct thorough due diligence to ensure clear title and no encumbrances.
Hire a legal advisor to verify ownership records 📜.
Ensure the property has approvals from:
🔹 Town & Country Planning Department (TCP)
🔹 Municipal Corporation / Village Panchayat
🔹 Environment & Coastal Zone Regulations (for coastal properties) 🌊
📄 Passport & OCI/PIO Card (proof of NRI status)
📄 PAN Card (mandatory for property transactions)
📄 Address proof (India or abroad)
📄 Passport-size photographs 📷
📄 Sale deed/draft agreement
📄 NOC from builder or housing society (if applicable)
All transactions must be made in Indian Rupees (INR) 💰.
Payments should be routed through:
✔️ NRE (Non-Resident External) Account
✔️ NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) Account
✔️ FCNR (Foreign Currency Non-Resident) Account
Cash transactions are not permitted 🚫.
A Sale Deed is prepared and vetted by a lawyer ⚖️.
Both buyer and seller sign the document in the presence of witnesses.
If the NRI is abroad, a Power of Attorney (PoA) can be executed in favor of a trusted representative in Goa.
Stamp Duty: 5–6% of the property value 🧾
Registration Fee: Around 1% of the property value
Fees are paid at the Sub-Registrar’s Office.
Submit documents, pay fees, and get the property registered 🏛️.
The Sub-Registrar validates ownership transfer.
Once registered, the NRI becomes the legal owner of the property.
🔹 TDS (Tax Deducted at Source): If the seller is an NRI, the buyer must deduct TDS under the Income Tax Act.
🔹 Capital Gains Tax: Applies if the property is sold in the future.
🔹 Property Tax: Payable annually to local authorities 🏠.
🔹 Rental Income Tax: If property is rented, tax must be filed in India.
❌ Lack of clarity in title ownership
❌ Illegal land sales near coastal areas 🌊
❌ Fraudulent transactions without proper verification
❌ Delay in approvals and paperwork
💡 Solution: Always engage a lawyer and property consultant in Goa for due diligence, documentation, and smooth registration.
Registering property in Goa as an NRI is absolutely possible and highly rewarding 🌴✨, but it requires careful legal compliance and documentation. By ensuring that the property has a clear title, approvals from authorities, and by following RBI/FEMA guidelines, NRIs can secure their investment confidently.
📌 With proper guidance, the Property Registration Process for NRIs in Goa becomes straightforward, granting legal ownership, financial security, and peace of mind.
🏡 For NRIs, Goa is not just an investment—it’s a gateway to both lifestyle and opportunity! 🌍
Created & Posted by Nishu Sharma
Sales and Marketing Executive at TAXAJ