NRIs in Iraq can buy and sell residential and commercial property in India, other than agricultural land and farmhouses, without RBI permission. Purchases must be paid from NRE or NRO accounts or by inward remittance. On a sale, the buyer deducts tax at non-resident rates unless you obtain a lower deduction certificate, and net proceeds can be repatriated within FEMA limits.
- Document route
- Iraqi notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation, then Indian mission attestation
- Time difference
- IST is 2h30 ahead of Iraq all year
- Rules
- FEMA (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules 2019
- Not allowed to buy
- Agricultural land, plantation, farmhouse
Buying & Selling Property from Iraq: how it works
For a purchase, we search the title for at least 30 years, check approvals, encumbrances and the builder's RERA registration, review the agreement and payment plan, and complete registration through your attorney holder.
For a sale, we verify title, draft the agreement and deed, apply for a lower TDS certificate where the gain is small, and coordinate Forms 15CA and 15CB for remittance. We also advise on capital gains exemptions if you reinvest in another house.
Many clients in Iraq buy under-construction flats; we review the builder's agreement for delay compensation and advise on RERA remedies if possession is late.
What clients in Iraq should know
- Pay only through NRE or NRO accounts.
- Check RERA registration for new projects.
- Get a lower deduction certificate before signing the sale deed.
Step by step from Iraq
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Iraq, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Iraq
Iraqi notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation, then Indian mission attestation
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in Iraq where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Iraq. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Buying & Selling Property, or see all services for clients in Iraq and the NRI Property Law practice area.
Questions from clients in Iraq
Can I buy a flat in India while working in Iraq?
Yes, as an NRI, except agricultural land and farmhouses.
How do I sign the registration?
Through an attorney holder with a power signed at the Indian mission.
Can I send the money to Iraq?
Yes, within the repatriation limits after tax.