Assam is the only State that allows investment by outsiders. However, there are strict rules that protect the tribal areas within the State from outsider investments. That means, only parts of Assam are open for investment by outsiders. Apart from this, outsiders must also be aware of a law called the Sixth Schedule.
Assam follows specific land ownership rules aimed at protecting the rights of indigenous communities, so the process is not as straightforward as in many other Indian states.
In general:
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Private Land Purchase – Non-Assamese individuals who are Indian citizens can purchase certain types of land in Assam, provided the land does not fall under protected categories reserved for tribal or government purposes.
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Tribal Belt and Block Areas – These lands are strictly reserved for Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, and outsiders are not allowed to buy or transfer ownership here.
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Agricultural Land – In most cases, agricultural land in tribal or protected zones cannot be purchased by non-Assamese individuals.
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Urban and Town Areas – Buying property in cities and towns like Guwahati is generally permitted for non-Assamese people, subject to verification and compliance with state laws.
The legal process typically includes land record verification, a no-objection certificate (NOC) from local authorities, registration at the Sub-Registrar’s office, and mutation in revenue records. Engaging a local legal advisor is strongly recommended to ensure compliance with Assam’s land laws.
These restrictions are in place to protect the cultural, economic, and demographic balance of Assam, while still allowing regulated real estate transactions for non-residents in approved zones.