Country Guide · Europe

Legal Help in India for NRIs Living in Europe

An overview for Indian citizens, OCI cardholders and Indian-origin families living across Europe — including the Netherlands, France, Ireland, Italy, Belgium, Spain and the Nordic countries — with matters in India.

  • Apostille or Indian mission attestation, by country
  • Property, inheritance and family matters
  • Tax and repatriation
  • Separate guides for the UK and Germany

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Get Help from Europe

Tell us which country you live in and where in India your matter is.

Common matters

Matters Europe-Based NRIs Most Often Raise

Indians across Europe face the same core issues — property managed by relatives, inheritance and documents that must be accepted in India.

Selling or buying property

Selling property in India and moving the proceeds.
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Power of Attorney

Authorising someone in India to act for you.
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Inheritance

Claiming or transferring inherited property.
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Partition of family property

Dividing family property with relatives.
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Occupied or disputed property

Property occupied or disputed in India.
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Divorce

Divorce or recognition of a European divorce in India.
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Documents signed in Europe

Getting Documents Signed in Europe Accepted in India

Most European countries are parties to the Apostille Convention, but the position with India varies. Always check the current HCCH status table and what the Indian office accepts.

Route 1 — Local notary plus apostille

  • Available where both your country and India are parties to the Convention and your country has not objected to India’s accession.
  • Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands and Spain withdrew earlier objections; Germany’s objection remains — see our Germany guide.
  • The apostille is issued by the competent authority of your country (often the foreign ministry or a court).

Route 2 — Indian mission attestation

  • Indian Embassies across Europe attest documents for use in India.
  • For a power of attorney you generally sign in person before the consular officer.
  • Check the mission website for fees, appointments and outsourced centres.

Once the document reaches India

  • Have it stamped in India within three months of receipt, as the applicable stamp law requires — usually by adjudication at the stamp office.
  • A Power of Attorney used to register a sale or other deed must satisfy the authentication requirements of the Registration Act, 1908.
  • Register the deed where registration is compulsory, through your attorney holder at the sub-registrar’s office.
  • Keep scanned and certified copies — originals are sometimes retained by the registering office or a court.

Practical tips

  • Keep the power of attorney specific to the property or task.
  • Make sure your name matches across passport, residence permit, OCI card and Indian records.
  • Send originals to India by tracked courier and keep scans.
  • Remind your attorney holder about the three-month stamping deadline in India.

Tax, banking & FEMA

Money Matters Between India and Europe

Two tax systems can touch the same transaction. Take advice in India and where you live before you sign.

On the Indian side

  • Capital gains on selling property in India are taxed in India. The buyer must deduct tax at source when buying from a non-resident — under section 393(2) of the Income-tax Act, 2025 from 1 April 2026 (earlier section 195 of the 1961 Act).
  • If the TDS would exceed the tax actually due, you can apply to the Income Tax Department for a lower or nil deduction certificate before the sale.
  • Sale proceeds and other NRO balances can be repatriated up to USD 1 million per financial year under RBI rules, usually with Forms 15CA/15CB.
  • Under FEMA, NRIs and OCIs may buy residential and commercial property but not agricultural land, plantations or farmhouses — though they can inherit them.

In your country of residence

  • Most European countries tax residents on worldwide income, which can include gains on Indian property.
  • India has tax treaties with most European countries that may reduce double taxation.
  • Consult a local tax adviser. This page covers Indian law only.

Courts & family matters

Indian Court Proceedings from Europe

Video appearance

Many Indian courts allow parties abroad to join by video, subject to each High Court’s rules and the court’s permission.

Vakalatnama

Your lawyer appears for you on a vakalatnama that can usually be signed in your country of residence and sent to India.

European divorce decrees

Recognition in India depends on Section 13 of the Code of Civil Procedure — jurisdiction and grounds matter.

Children across borders

India is not a party to the Hague Child Abduction Convention; Indian courts decide custody on the child’s welfare.

Before travelling to India

If a complaint has been filed against you, take advice on anticipatory bail and any Look Out Circular before you book flights.

Time difference

India is 3½ to 5½ hours ahead of most of Europe, depending on the country and daylight saving.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an apostille from my European country?

Often yes, but not always — it depends on whether your country objected to India’s accession. Check the HCCH status table and ask the receiving office in India.

Is there a separate guide for my country?

We have dedicated guides for the United Kingdom and Germany. For other European countries, use this overview and your Indian mission’s website.

Is my European divorce recognised in India?

Not automatically — it must satisfy Section 13 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Related

Related NRI Services

NRI Power of Attorney

Authorising someone in India.
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NRI property disputes

Title, ownership and possession.
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NRI inheritance

Heirs living abroad.
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NRI divorce

Divorce in India from abroad.
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Other countries

NRI legal support worldwide.
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NRI legal FAQs

Common questions answered.
Read →

Handle Your Matter in India from Europe

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The information provided is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Applicable laws and procedures may vary depending on the facts, jurisdiction, and circumstances of each matter. Consult a qualified legal professional before taking action. Last reviewed: November 2026.