NRIs and OCI cardholders can buy and sell residential and commercial property in India, other than agricultural land and farmhouses, without RBI permission. Syrian citizens without OCI generally cannot buy, but can lease and inherit. On a sale, the buyer withholds tax at non-resident rates unless a lower certificate is obtained, and proceeds are usually received in India or a third country.
- Document route
- Syrian notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation, then Indian Embassy attestation
- Time difference
- IST is 2h30 ahead of Syria all year
- Rules
- FEMA (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules 2019
- Not allowed to buy
- Agricultural land, plantation, farmhouse
Buying & Selling Property from Syria: how it works
For a purchase, we search title, check approvals and encumbrances, and complete registration through your attorney holder. For a sale, we draft the deed, apply for lower TDS where appropriate and plan where proceeds will go.
We also advise Syrian heirs of Indian property on holding, letting or selling it.
For couples where one spouse is Indian and one Syrian, we advise on whether joint ownership is possible and how to structure it.
Where a Syrian spouse inherits Indian property from an Indian husband or wife, we advise on holding, letting or selling it, and on how the proceeds can lawfully be received.
What clients in Syria should know
- Plan where proceeds will be received.
- Apply for lower TDS before the sale.
- Keep purchase records for tax.
Step by step from Syria
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Syria, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Syria
Syrian notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation, then Indian Embassy 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 Syria where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Syria. 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 Syria and the NRI Property Law practice area.
Questions from clients in Syria
Can a Syrian spouse with OCI buy a flat?
Yes, generally, like an NRI.
Can a Syrian citizen without OCI buy?
Generally no, but leasing and inheritance are possible.
Can the money be sent to Syria?
Banking links are limited; we plan a lawful route.
Can a Syrian widow inherit her Indian husband's flat?
Yes, inheritance is recognised; selling and remitting need care.