Q432. Procedure of Transfer of Residency to claim reduced customs duties. Where can NRI

Question: Dear Sir, Where can UA.E. NRI’S can apply for TRASFER OF RESUDENCE to avail customs duty benefits. Rds, Harsha

Answer: There is no formal application to apply for taking benefit of ‘Transfer of Residency’. When an Indian or a foreign passport holder of Indian origin such as OCI, arrives in India with the intention of transferring their residence to India after a stay abroad of at least two years, they can avail customs duty benefits under the ‘Transfer of Residence’ rules. NRIs who meet the criteria of the two year stay abroad, can claim Transfer of Residency (TR) benefit exemptions on arrival in India if they intend to settle in India. No prior permission is required, your documents should prove your absence from India for the two year period to avail TR. Normally all NRIs transferring residence to India plan their return and to transport their household items use the services of packing/shipping companies. Most moving/shipping companies will provide all the necessary paper work required to clear items when they reach India by container etc. A customs broker can help clear the items through customs in India. The overseas moving company that you hire to perhaps pack/ship the items, should provide you with the required shipping documents. An example of some of the documents that may be required for customs clearance when availing benefits of transfer of residency are: • Shipping bills of lading • Passport copies of passenger availing concessional duties on transfer of residence • Completed and signed customs forms • Inventory List of items being imported Please note: All items shipped when taking transfer of residency, must be shipped out within 30 days of arrival date of the owner into India. The only exception here is that Car’s can be shipped within six months of arrival in India. When your shipment arrives in India, your presence will also be required by customs at the time of customs clearance of the goods.

More Info on Transfer of Residence

More information on Transfer of residence is available on this website in an article with the title: ‘TRANSFER OF RESIDENCE TO INDIA - CUSTOMS DUTIES IN INDIA’ to see the article click HERE