Buying a Flat in Mumbai as an NRI: A Simple Guide

⚡ Quick Answer

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) can generally buy residential property in India. Payments are usually made through NRE, NRO or FCNR accounts or inward remittance, home loans are available from Indian banks, and a power of attorney can help if you cannot be in India for every step.

Rules on eligibility, payments and tax can change - confirm the current position with your bank and a tax advisor.
Verify the project on MahaRERA - L&T The Gateway Sewri is No. P51900054969.
Ask for a virtual walkthrough and a written cost sheet before you book.

For many Indians living abroad, owning a home in Mumbai is about more than property. It can be a base for family, a place to return to, or a long-term asset in a city they know well. Buying from overseas has a few extra steps, but with the right preparation it is straightforward.

This guide covers the basics for NRIs and OCIs: who can buy, how payments work, home loans, documents and the checks to make. It is general information – rules are set by the Reserve Bank of India and tax authorities and can change, so please confirm the details with your bank and a qualified advisor.

Table of Contents

Who Can Buy Property in India?
How Payments Work
Home Loans for NRIs
Documents You Will Need
Using a Power of Attorney
Step-by-Step: Buying From Abroad
Tax Basics to Ask About
L&T The Gateway Sewri for NRI Buyers
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion: Buying From Abroad, Made Simple

Who Can Buy Property in India?

Under the current foreign exchange rules, NRIs (Indian citizens living abroad) and OCI cardholders can generally buy residential and commercial property in India. There are restrictions on certain types of property, such as agricultural land and farmhouses, which is why most NRI buyers focus on apartments in cities.

Since the rules are set by the Reserve Bank of India and may be updated, check the latest position with your bank before you start.

How Payments Work

Payments for property bought by NRIs are usually made in Indian rupees through normal banking channels:

Option	What it is
NRE account	A rupee account funded from income earned abroad
NRO account	A rupee account for income earned in India
FCNR deposit	A foreign currency deposit held with an Indian bank
Inward remittance	Money sent from abroad through banking channels
Home loan	A loan from an Indian bank or housing finance company

Payments are generally not allowed in foreign currency or through cash. Confirm current rules with your bank.

Tip: keep a clear record of every payment, bank statement and receipt. You may need them later for tax filings or if you sell the property and want to send the money abroad.

Home Loans for NRIs

Many Indian banks and housing finance companies offer home loans to NRIs. Requirements vary, but lenders usually ask for:

Passport and visa or OCI card.
Proof of overseas address and employment.
Salary slips, employment contract or business proof.
Overseas bank statements and, in some cases, a credit report.
Property documents from the developer.

EMIs are generally paid from your NRE or NRO account. Ask about the loan amount, tenure and whether the project is already approved by the lender.

Documents You Will Need

IdentityPassport and, if applicable, OCI card.
PAN cardUsually needed for property purchase and tax.
Address proofOverseas and Indian address details.
PhotographsPassport-size photos for agreements.
Bank detailsNRE/NRO account details for payments.
Power of attorneyIf someone in India will act for you.

Using a Power of Attorney

If you cannot travel to India for every step, you can give a trusted person a power of attorney (PoA) to act on your behalf – for example, to sign documents or register the agreement. A PoA signed abroad usually needs to be attested at an Indian embassy or consulate and then stamped in India.

Keep the PoA specific to the property and the tasks involved, and choose someone you trust completely.

Step-by-Step: Buying From Abroad

Shortlist projects and verify each one on the official MahaRERA website.
Ask for a virtual walkthrough, floor plans and a written, all-inclusive cost sheet.
Arrange funds through your NRE/NRO account or apply for a home loan.
Have a lawyer in India review the agreement for sale.
Sign the agreement in person or through a power of attorney, and register it.
Keep copies of all documents and payment records.

For more on costs, read our guide to the true cost of buying a flat in Mumbai, and see how to verify a project on MahaRERA.

Tax Basics to Ask About

Tax rules for NRIs differ from those for residents. Points to discuss with a tax advisor include tax deducted at source (TDS) when buying from or selling to an NRI, tax on rental income in India, capital gains tax when you sell, and how much of the sale proceeds you can send abroad. Rules can change with each budget, so get current advice.

L&T The Gateway Sewri for NRI Buyers

L&T The Gateway Sewri offers 3, 4 and 4.5 BHK residences by an L&T Realty company in central Mumbai, next to the Atal Setu. It is registered under MahaRERA No. P51900054969. The 4 BHK has a carpet area of 1,905 sq.ft and the 4.5 BHK 2,238 sq.ft. Prices are shared on request. Our team can share details by email and arrange a call to walk you through the project. See the project overview for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can NRIs buy a flat in Mumbai?

Yes. NRIs and OCI cardholders can generally buy residential property in India, including flats in Mumbai. Confirm the current rules with your bank.

How can NRIs pay for property in India?

Usually through NRE, NRO or FCNR accounts, inward remittance through banking channels, or a home loan from an Indian lender.

Can NRIs get a home loan in India?

Yes. Many Indian banks and housing finance companies offer home loans to NRIs, subject to their eligibility rules and documents.

Do I need to be in India to buy a flat?

Not for every step. You can give a trusted person a power of attorney to sign and register documents on your behalf.

Is L&T The Gateway Sewri registered with MahaRERA?

Yes. Its MahaRERA registration number is P51900054969.

How can I get details of L&T The Gateway Sewri from abroad?

Fill in the enquiry form on this page with your email, or call +91 80503 63647. Our team will send the floor plans and price sheet.

Conclusion: Buying From Abroad, Made Simple

Buying a flat in Mumbai as an NRI involves a few extra steps – the right bank accounts, documents and perhaps a power of attorney – but the core checks are the same as for any buyer: verify MahaRERA, get a full cost sheet and read the agreement carefully. If you are considering L&T The Gateway Sewri, enquire now or call +91 80503 63647.

L&T The Gateway, Sewri

Explore the Project From Anywhere

Get the floor plans, price sheet and project details by email for 3, 4 and 4.5 BHK residences in Sewri, Mumbai. Our team will call you back at a time that suits you.

Get Details by Email Call +91 80503 63647