Indian citizens living in Iran are NRIs and can buy and sell Indian residential and commercial property, other than agricultural land and farmhouses, freely. A citizen of Iran living outside India needs prior RBI permission to acquire or transfer immovable property in India, other than a lease of up to five years. Remitting sale proceeds to Iran may not be possible, so funds usually stay in India or go to a third country.
- Document route
- Iranian notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation, then Indian mission attestation
- Time difference
- IST is 2 hours ahead of Iran all year
- Rules
- FEMA (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules 2019
- Not allowed to buy
- Agricultural land, plantation, farmhouse
Buying & Selling Property from Iran: how it works
For NRIs selling property, we verify title, draft the agreement and sale deed, apply for a lower TDS certificate where appropriate, and plan where the proceeds will go. For purchases, we check title, approvals and encumbrances.
For Iranian citizens, we usually recommend a lease of up to five years, which needs no permission, and draft a strong lease. If ownership is essential, we prepare the RBI application.
For Iranian citizens who inherit property, we explain that inheritance itself is recognised but that sale and repatriation need permission, and we plan accordingly.
What clients in Iran should know
- A lease of up to five years needs no RBI permission.
- Plan where sale proceeds will be received before signing.
- Keep purchase records for tax.
Step by step from Iran
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Iran, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Iran
Iranian 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 Iran where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Iran. 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 Iran and the NRI Property Law practice area.
Questions from clients in Iran
Can an Iranian student's family buy a flat in Pune?
Only with RBI permission; a lease is simpler.
Can I, an Indian in Tehran, sell my flat in Mumbai?
Yes, through an attorney holder.
Can I send the money to Iran?
Often not; we plan an alternative lawful route.