Sending property sale money abroad
Choose how you got the property to see which route applies when you move the sale money out of India. Then work through the steps, from the account the money lands in to the forms your bank will ask for. The limits come from Reserve Bank of India rules, and your bank applies them.
This is general information, not legal advice for your situation. What you type stays in your browser unless you choose to send it to an advocate.
How you got the property
Bought in rupees or while resident
- The USD 1 million facility applies: up to USD 1 million each financial year from NRO balances or sale proceeds, on documentary evidence.
- If you acquired the property while resident in India, RBI treats it as held under Section 6(5) of FEMA. You need RBI’s permission to repatriate outside that facility, but if you now live abroad you can use the USD 1 million facility.
- You may also transfer the money to your NRE account within the same limit.
Anything above USD 1 million in a financial year, or outside these routes, needs prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India. Your bank applies these rules and may ask for more.
Your steps
0 of 10 done. Your ticks stay in this browser page only.
The forms and accounts, in plain words
The two accounts
An NRO account holds income and money earned in India. An NRE account holds money from abroad and is freely repatriable. Under RBI rules, a transfer from NRO to NRE counts within the USD 1 million limit. Rent and similar current income can go to an NRE account when the bank is satisfied that tax has been dealt with.
The tax forms
For remittances made on or after 1 April 2026, Form 145 replaced Form 15CA and Form 146 replaced Form 15CB. Form 145 has four parts:
- Part A: a taxable remittance where the total does not exceed Rs 5 lakh in the year.
- Part B: a taxable remittance above Rs 5 lakh, with an Assessing Officer’s certificate under Section 395. Form 146 is not needed.
- Part C: a taxable remittance above Rs 5 lakh, with a chartered accountant’s certificate in Form 146.
- Part D: a remittance that is not taxable, other than those on the exempt list in Rule 220(3).
The RBI says remittances are subject to applicable taxes and leaves tax questions to tax law and your bank. So settle the tax first: see the TDS estimator for the deduction on your sale. You can also book a call through the advocate check form above.
Common questions
How much can an NRI send abroad from a property sale each year?
Under RBI rules, an NRI or person of Indian origin may remit up to USD 1 million each financial year, April to March, from NRO balances or sale proceeds, on documentary evidence and after applicable taxes. Separately, a property bought with foreign exchange may be repatriated on conditions, and beyond these, RBI approval is needed.
Should sale money go into an NRE or NRO account?
RBI rules allow an NRI to remit NRO balances, including sale proceeds, abroad, or to transfer them to an NRE account, within the USD 1 million yearly limit. NRE credits are generally limited to inward remittances and certain income. Your bank will confirm which account should receive the sale money for your purchase history.
Can sale money from an inherited property be sent abroad?
Yes, within limits. RBI rules let an NRI or person of Indian origin remit proceeds of assets acquired by inheritance or legacy, up to USD 1 million each financial year, on documentary evidence such as the will or succession papers. All instalments must go through one bank. Taxes must be paid first.
What is the two-property limit on repatriating sale money?
RBI rules allow repatriation of proceeds from a residential property bought through banking channels in foreign exchange, or from FCNR or NRE funds, but restrict this to not more than two residential properties. It does not remove the separate USD 1 million facility for NRO balances and sale proceeds. Your bank applies the conditions.
What are Forms 145 and 146, and have they replaced Forms 15CA and 15CB?
Yes. For remittances made on or after 1 April 2026, Form 145 replaced Form 15CA and Form 146 replaced Form 15CB under the Income-tax Rules, 2026. Form 146 is the chartered accountant’s certificate. Where you hold an Assessing Officer’s certificate under Section 395, Part B of Form 145 applies and Form 146 is not needed.
Can I sell inherited agricultural land and send the money abroad?
RBI’s repatriation condition for NRIs excludes agricultural land, farm houses and plantation property, and such land can be sold only to a person resident in India. Whether the money can leave under the USD 1 million facility depends on your facts. Ask your bank and an advocate before you sell or agree a price.
- Master Direction, Remittance of Assets, updated 29 June 2026, Reserve Bank of India
- Master Direction, Acquisition or Transfer of Immovable Property, updated 1 September 2022, Reserve Bank of India
- Master Direction, Deposits and Accounts, updated 2 September 2026, Reserve Bank of India
- FAQs, Purchase of Immovable Property, updated 6 April 2023, Reserve Bank of India
- Income Tax Forms FAQs (Forms 145 and 146), e-Filing portal