Indian citizens can buy and sell residential and commercial property in India while posted abroad, through a power of attorney. Payments must be through Indian banking channels. If you are a non-resident, the buyer deducts TDS at non-resident rates. Any buyer or seller connected with North Korea must be screened against sanctions before the transaction.
- Document route
- Indian mission in Pyongyang where available, or signing in a third country
- Time difference
- IST is 3h30 behind North Korea all year
- Rules
- FEMA (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules 2019
- Not allowed to buy
- Agricultural land, plantation, farmhouse
Buying & Selling Property from North Korea: how it works
We check the title, draft the agreement and deed, and arrange registration through your attorney holder. For sales, we deal with TDS and, if you are a non-resident, the lower deduction certificate and repatriation.
We keep all payments within Indian banking channels and avoid any counterparty that raises sanctions concerns.
If you are a Government of India employee on posting, check your service rules on acquiring and disposing of immovable property, which often require intimation or permission from your department.
What clients in North Korea should know
- Use only Indian bank accounts for payments.
- Check your residence status for TDS purposes.
- Keep the original title documents safe in India.
Step by step from North Korea
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits North Korea, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in North Korea
Indian mission in Pyongyang where available, or signing in a third country
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 North Korea where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in North Korea. 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 North Korea and the NRI Property Law practice area.
Questions from clients in North Korea
Can I sell my flat while posted abroad?
Yes, by appointing an attorney holder in India.
Will TDS be higher?
Only if you are a non-resident for tax.
Do sanctions affect a normal sale in India?
Not if no North Korean person or entity is involved.
Do government employees need permission to buy property?
Service conduct rules usually require intimation or prior sanction; check your department's rules.