In short: most legal matters in India can be handled while you live abroad. You sign a power of attorney or a vakalatnama before the Indian embassy or a notary with an apostille, your advocate files and appears in India, and many courts allow you to join hearings by video. You need to travel only for a few steps, such as registering a sale in person (unless your attorney does it) or giving evidence where the court does not allow video.
Common legal problems NRIs face in India
- Property: selling a flat, house or land from abroad (selling as an NRI), inherited family property (inherited property), forged deeds and relatives, tenants or caretakers occupying it (protecting your property), and the rules on buying, renting and repatriating money (NRI property rules).
- Inheritance: wills, probate and succession after a parent's death. See inheritance.
- Family: divorce, maintenance and child custody across countries. See NRI divorce and custody.
- Criminal: dowry or cruelty complaints, Look Out Circulars and passport issues. See false dowry cases and LOC.
- Money and business: recovering money, enforcing a foreign judgment, or setting up a company in India. See foreign judgments and setting up in India.
How it works from abroad
- Consultation by video or phone, sharing documents by email.
- Signing documents abroad: a power of attorney, vakalatnama or affidavit is signed before the Indian embassy or consulate, or before a local notary and apostilled in countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention (the USA, UK, Australia, Singapore and many others). For the UAE and other non-member countries, attestation is through the embassy.
- Stamping in India within three months of the document's arrival, where required.
- Your advocate files and appears, and you join hearings by video where the court permits.
Where NRIs commonly write to us from
The United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Europe. The law that applies is Indian law for matters in India, wherever you live.
Questions people ask
Can an NRI file a case in India without coming to India?
Yes. Through a power of attorney holder and an advocate, with the documents signed abroad before the embassy or a notary with an apostille. Many hearings can be attended by video.
How do I sign an Indian legal document in the USA or UK?
Sign before a notary and get an apostille, or sign at the Indian embassy or consulate. Then send the original to India for stamping and use.
How do NRIs in the UAE attest documents for India?
The UAE is not a party to the Apostille Convention, so documents are usually attested at the Indian embassy in Abu Dhabi or the consulate in Dubai, directly or through its authorised service centres.
Can I attend an Indian court hearing by video from abroad?
Many courts and tribunals allow video appearance, especially for mutual divorce, settlements and hearings where the party's presence is needed. It depends on the court and the stage.
Need help with a legal matter?
PKS Legal advocates have practised since 1980. We are based in Kolkata and advise clients from across India by phone and video call. Tell us about your matter and an advocate will get back to you.
Become a ClientCall +91 81001 21141This guide gives general information about the law in India as on 11 November 2026. It is not legal advice for your situation, and reading it does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Rules and limits change; please take advice on your own facts.