OCI Card Property Rights India: What You Can & Cannot Buy 2026

May 30, 2026

What is an OCI Card?

An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is a lifelong visa and travel document issued to foreign nationals of Indian origin (or their spouses). OCI card holders enjoy most rights of Indian citizens except voting rights, holding public office, and purchasing agricultural land.

OCI Card Property Rights in India

OCI card holders have the same property purchase rights as NRIs under FEMA. This means:

What OCI Card Holders CAN Buy:

Residential property (apartments, villas, independent houses)
Commercial property (offices, shops, warehouses)
Plots for residential or commercial construction
Any number of properties (no limit)

What OCI Card Holders CANNOT Buy:

Agricultural land
Plantation property (tea, coffee, rubber, cardamom estates)
Farmhouses

These restrictions apply regardless of how the property is used — even if you intend to use agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes, OCI card holders cannot purchase it.

OCI Card Holder Home Loans in India

OCI card holders are eligible for NRI home loans from Indian banks and NBFCs. The eligibility criteria, documentation, and loan terms are the same as for NRIs. Blueberry FM facilitates home loans up to ₹10 Crores for OCI card holders purchasing property in Kerala.

Documents Required for OCI Card Holder Property Purchase

OCI card (both sides)
Foreign passport
PAN card (mandatory)
NRE/NRO bank account details
Overseas address proof
Property documents

Can OCI Card Holders Inherit Agricultural Land?

Yes. OCI card holders can inherit agricultural land, plantation property, or farmhouses from a relative. However, they cannot purchase such property. Inherited agricultural land can be held but not purchased additionally.