Country Overview
Economic Overview
Currency: INR — 87 per USD (approx.; -4% vs 1yr ago as of February 2026) Inflation: 2.75% current CPI (January 2026) · ~5.2% 5yr avg (2021–2025)
Property & Ownership
Freehold ownership: ✗ (for non-OCI foreign nationals) Mechanism: Under FEMA regulations, non-OCI foreign nationals cannot hold freehold title to Indian property. OCI holders can purchase freehold residential and commercial property. Non-OCI Americans can lease long-term but cannot own outright. Restricted zones: Vary by state and city; coastal and agricultural zones carry additional restrictions. Recent changes: Urban property prices in major metros rose 15–20% annually in 2024, driven by tech sector demand. Expat rental markets are active in Bengaluru, Goa, and Pondicherry, though pricing varies significantly by city.
Visa & Residency Options
India has no retirement visa. The main options for American expats:
- e-Tourist Visa: 90 days per visit, 180 days per year. Renewable but not designed for long-term stays.
- OCI (Overseas Citizen of India): Lifetime multi-entry for people with qualifying Indian ancestry. The strongest path to long-term residency.
- Employment Visa: Requires actual employment with an Indian company or Indian subsidiary. Not a retirement visa, but a viable pathway for working-age expats — particularly in Bengaluru’s tech economy.
- Business Visa: For those establishing or investing in Indian businesses. Requires documentation of business activity.
Social Security & Tax
SSA benefits portable: ✓ (US Social Security payments can be received in India; no totalization agreement means no credit-sharing between systems) Totalization agreement: None — SSA agreements overview US expat taxes: Greenback Tax Services — India guide
City Guides
At a Glance
Most affordable
Pondicherry (Puducherry) — ~$750/mo
Most queer-friendly
Bengaluru (Bangalore) — limited legal protections