An Indian citizen who stays abroad for employment/carrying on business or vocation outside India or stays abroad under circumstances indicating an intention for an uncertain duration of stay abroad is a non-resident. (Persons posted in U.N. organisations and officials deputed abroad by Central/State Governments and Public Sector undertakings on temporary assignments are also treated as non-temporary assignments are also treated as non-residents). Non-resident foreign citizens of Indian origin are treated on par with non- resident Indian citizens (NRIs).

A person of Indian origin means an individual (not being a citizen of Pakistan/ Bangladesh/ Sri Lanka/ Afghanistan/China/Iran/Bhutan who:
Held an Indian passport at any time. Or who or whose father or paternal grandfather was a citizen by virtue of the construction of Indian or the Citizenship Act 1955

1. Maintenance of bank accounts in India
2. Investments in securities/shares of and deposits with Indian firms/companiesInvestments in immovable properties in India

Under the general permission available, the following categories can freely purchase immovable property in India:
Non-Resident Indian (NRI) - that is a citizen of India resident outside India. Person of Indian Origin (PIO) - that is an individual (not being a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh or Sri Lanka or Afghanistan or China or Iran or Nepal or Bhutan), who at any time, held Indian passport, orWho or either of whose father or grandfather was a citizen of India by virtue of the Constitution of India or the Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955)

The general permission, whoever, covers only purchase of residential and commercial property.

Yes

Yes, RBI has granted general permission to NRIs to acquire or dispose of NRI Indian properties by way of gift from or to a relative who may be an Indian citizen or a person of Indian origin (PIO) whether resident in India or not.

The Reserve Bank has granted some general permission to certain financial institutions providing housing finance e.g. HDFC, LIC Housing Finance Ltd., etc, and authorized dealers to grant housing loans to NRI nationals for acquisition of a NRI house/flat for self-occupation subject to certain conditions. Criteria regarding the purpose of the loan, margin money and the quantum of loan will be at par with those applicable to resident Indians. Repayment of the loan should be made within a period not exceeding 15 years, out of inward remittance through banking channels or out of funds held in the investors NRE/FCNR/NRO accounts.

1. A Power Of Attorney (POA) or letter of attorney is a written authorization to represent or act on another's behalf in private affairs, business, or some other legal matter, sometimes against the wishes of the other. The person authorizing the other to act is the principal, grantor, or donor (of the power).
2. A Power Of Attorney is not an instrument of transfer in regard to any right, title or interest in an immovable property.
3. A Power Of Attorney, or letter of attorney, is a document that authorizes another person, known as the agent or attorney-in-fact-usually a legally competent relative or close friend over 18 years old-to handle any combination of financial, legal and health care decisions. A power of attorney is also referred to as a POA. Generally, one chooses a POA as a provision if he or she becomes incapacitated.
   

   Types of Power of Attorney:

4. A Power Of Attorney (POA) is an instrument that is used by people to confer authority on somebody else to legally act on their behalf. POA are of two types.
5. Special Power of Attorney (SPA), while an SPA is used for transfer of a specific right to the person on whom it is conferred.
6. General Power of Attorney (GPA), the GPA authorizes the holder to do whatever is necessary.
7. There is no sale clause of immovable property mentioned in POA (notarized)
8. Registered POA from registration office allows sale clause and POA to any one
   

   Following are the important things to be kept in mind while executing the POA

9. Customer Prepares POA as per defined format.
10. Executants has to paste his/her photograph along with signature on each page.
11. Authenticate/adjudicate the POA from Indian Embassy or local authority.
12. Send authenticated/adjudicated POA in India
13. In India, the POA holder has to paste his/her photograph along with his/her left hand thumb impression and signature.
14. Then this document will have to be stamped for Rs. 500/- (ESBTR, Franking, Stamp paper) and notarised from a Registered Notary. Please ensure that a stamp of "Before Me" is affixed on the document.
15. POA holder and executants Photo ID attach before Notary.

The documentation required to be submitted by the NRIs are different from the Resident Indians as they are required to submit additional documents, like copy of the passport and a copy of the works contract, etc. and of course NRIs have to follow certain eligibility criteria in order to get Home Loans in India. Another vital document required while processing an NRI home loan is the power of attorney (POA). The POA is important because, since the borrower is not based in India; the Home Finance Company would need a 'representative' 'in lieu of' the NRI to deal with and if needed. Although not obligatory, the POA is usually drawn on the NRI's parents/wife/children/ close relatives or friends.

The documents needed for obtaining NRI home loans are Bank specific. General list of documents are as mentioned below:

1. Passport and Visa
2. A copy of the appointment letter and contract from the company employing the applicant. The labour card/identity card (translated in English and countersigned by the consulate) if the person is employed in the Middle East Salary certificate (in English) specifying name, date of joining, designation and salary details.
3. Bank Statements for the last six months
4. List of Classified documents for Salaried and Self Employed NRI Applicants. Banks may have specific requirements apart from the below listed documents.
5. Salaried NRI Applicants:
6. Copy of valid passport showing VISA stamps
7. Copy of valid visa / work permit / equivalent document supporting the NRI status of the proposed account holder
8. Overseas Bank A/C for the last 3 months showing salary credits
9. Latest contract copy evidencing Salary / Salary Certificate / Wage Slips
10. Self-Employed NRI Applicants:
11. Passport copy with valid visa stamp
12. Brief profile of the applicant and business/ Trade license or equivalent document
13. 6 months overseas bank account statement and NRE/ NRO account
14. Computation of income, P&L account and B/Sheet for last 3 years certified by the C.A. / CPA or any other relevant authority as the case may be (or equivalent company accounts)