Q583. Reduced Customs Duties in India on Transfer of Residence

Q705. Availing Transfer of Residency to India for reduced customs duty

Question: Sir, I hold a “green card” in the US. I wish to avail the transfer of residence to India. I have l worked at the World Bank in the US for 26 years. Am I entitled to this benefit? I will be moving between the US and India - is there a minimum period of time I have to stay in India after availing the transfer of residence, I find it quite perplexing that this information is not easily found. I called the Indian Embassy in Washington, where they were not aware of anything called transfer of residence and had no information about it. Thank you for your help. feroza

Answer: Benefit of reduced customs duties can be claimed under India’s transfer of residency rules provided: • The minimum stay of at least two years abroad, immediately preceding the date of the passenger’s arrival on transfer of residence • Total stay in India on short visits during the 2 preceding years should not exceed 6 months • Transfer of residence (TR) applicant has not availed TR concession in the preceding three years. Regardless of how many years you have stayed abroad, the last two years are important.

Leaving India after Transfer of Residence

The rule that made it compulsory for those claiming TR to stay in India for one year was abolished several years ago. Those who avail TR and leave India, cannot claim benefits under TR again for three years.