Repatriation of funds — the mechanics.
How to move sale proceeds and rental income from India back to your home country.
The USD 1 Million Cap
NRIs can repatriate up to USD 1 million per financial year from the sale proceeds of up to two residential properties in a lifetime. This is a lifetime cap on the number of properties, not on the annual sum.
Rental Income
Rental income credited to your NRO account is fully repatriable, subject to tax and Form 15CA/15CB compliance.
The Paperwork
Form 15CB (CA certificate that taxes have been paid), Form 15CA (self-declaration by remitter), original sale deed, tax-paid challans, and bank remittance forms. Your bank facilitates the final SWIFT transfer.
Bank Charges
Typically ₹1,500-3,000 in bank fees, plus FX conversion spread (usually 0.5-1.5%). Kotak, HDFC and ICICI have the best NRI FX desks.
Timeline
Once documents are in order, the remittance clears within 3-7 working days. Delays typically occur due to Form 15CB not being properly signed by the CA or mismatch in remitter/beneficiary details.
Common Pitfalls
Sale proceeds credited to NRO — remember, only USD 1M/FY repatriable. If proceeds go to NRE, need to prove funds originated from prior repatriable sources. Retain records for 8+ years.