Frequently Asked Questions
Property & Real Estate
Q: I’m abroad and want to sell my property in India. Do I need to be physically present? A: Not necessarily. Through our Concierge Property Service, we handle everything from property valuation and finding buyers to executing the sale via a Power of Attorney (PoA). We also assist with the Lower TDS certificate application to ensure you don’t lose 20-23% of the sale value to taxes upfront.
Q: Can you help with “property patrolling” for my vacant home? A: Yes. We provide regular physical inspections, utility bill management, and maintenance oversight to ensure your asset remains secure and encroachment-free while you are away.
👵 Eldercare Services
Q: How does IndiaWapsi ensure my parents receive medical help in an emergency? A: We provide a dedicated Care Manager who acts as a primary contact. Our services include 24/7 emergency coordination, accompanied doctor visits, and home delivery of medicines. Think of us as the “surrogate children” on the ground.
Q: Do you offer non-medical support for seniors? A: Absolutely. We assist with “digital literacy” (teaching them to use UPI or video calls), banking chores, and even social engagement to combat loneliness.
💼 Employment & Career Transition
Q: Does IndiaWapsi help with job placements for returning NRIs? A: We provide Advisory Services rather than a traditional recruitment agency model. We help you localize your resume, provide salary benchmarking for the Indian market, and connect you with curated networking circles in your industry.
Q: I want to start a business in India. Can you help with the paperwork? A: Yes. Our business setup concierge covers company incorporation (Pvts, LLPs), GST registration, and finding your first office space.
🎓 Education & Admissions
Q: My children have studied abroad their whole lives. How do we find the right school? A: The transition to the Indian curriculum (CBSE/ICSE) or finding an IB school can be daunting. We provide a School Mapping Report based on your new location, assist with the admission process, and help secure “Equivalence Certificates” if required.
To help you build out those specific sections for IndiaWapsi.com, I’ve drafted deep-dive FAQs that address the more technical and emotional “deal-breakers” NRIs face when looking at Indian schools and the local financial landscape.
Q: My child is currently in an International (IB/IGCSE) system. Can they switch to a local Indian board (CBSE/ICSE)? A: Yes, but timing is key. Most Indian schools accept transitions easily up to Grade 8. For Grades 9-12, boards like CBSE have specific “Equivalence” requirements. We help you map out which board aligns best with your child’s future goals, whether they plan to stay in India for college or go back abroad.
Q: What is an “Equivalence Certificate” and do I need one? A: If your child is coming from a foreign school system, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) or specific boards may require a certificate to prove their grade level is “equivalent” to the Indian system. We handle the paperwork and coordination with the authorities to ensure a smooth transition.
Q: Can India Wapsi help secure admissions in “Elite” schools in cities like Delhi or Bangalore? A: While no one can “guarantee” admission to top-tier schools like Doon, Mayo, or Step-by-Step, we provide a School Concierge Service. We identify vacancies, manage the application timelines, and prepare your child for the interaction/assessment process.
📈 Investments & Financial Planning
Q: I have lived abroad for 15 years. What is the biggest tax advantage I have when I return? A: Your biggest advantage is the RNOR (Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident) status. If you have been an NRI for 9 out of the last 10 years, you can return to India and keep your global income (interest from foreign bank accounts, dividends, or rental income) tax-free in India for up to 3 financial years.
Q: Do I have to sell my foreign stocks and 401k/IRA before I move back? A: Not necessarily. India allows you to hold foreign assets. However, the taxation of withdrawals and the reporting requirements (Schedule FA in Indian Tax Returns) become complex once you become a resident. We provide advisory on whether to liquidate or hold based on your specific tax bracket.
Q: How do I track down “lost” family investments or physical share certificates? A: Many NRIs have family wealth locked in old physical shares or unclaimed insurance policies. Our Asset Recovery Service works with the IEPF (Investor Education and Protection Fund) to digitize these shares and transfer them into a modern Demat account in your name.
Q: Is it better to invest in Indian Real Estate or the Indian Stock Market (Mutual Funds) right now? A: This depends on your liquidity needs. While Real Estate offers emotional security (a place to live), the Indian equity market has historically offered higher transparency and ease of exit for NRIs. Our advisors provide a Portfolio Localization Report to help you rebalance your global wealth for the Indian market.
📈 Investments & Taxation
Q: What happens to my NRE/NRO accounts once I move back? A: Upon becoming a resident, your NRE/NRO accounts must be re-designated to resident accounts. We work with tax experts to help you navigate RNOR (Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident) status, which allows you to enjoy tax-free status on foreign income for up to three years.
Q: Can you help me recover “lost” physical shares or unclaimed dividends? A: Yes. We specialize in the IEPF (Investor Education and Protection Fund) recovery process, helping you digitize old physical certificates and reclaim your family’s forgotten investments.
🤝 General & Logistics
Q: Is IndiaWapsi a subscription-based service or pay-per-use? A: We offer both. You can opt for a Annual Concierge Membership for ongoing needs (like eldercare) or Bespoke Advisory for one-time projects like property sales or school admissions.
Q: How do I track the progress of my requests? A: Every client is assigned a dedicated Relationship Manager and access to our digital dashboard, where you can see real-time updates, photos of property visits, and status reports on your applications.