This circular now permits foreign investment (acquire, purchase, sell, transfer) in units of Investment Vehicles registered and regulated by SEBI or any other competent authority, subject to compliance with the applicable terms and conditions. For the purpose of investment under these Regulations: –
1. foreign investment in units of REITs registered and regulated under the SEBI (REITs) Regulations, 2014 will not be included in “real estate business”
2. Presently, an Investment Vehicle will mean: –
a. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) registered and regulated under the SEBI (REITs) Regulations 2014;
b. Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) registered and regulated under the SEBI (InvITs) Regulations, 2014;
c. Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) registered and regulated under the SEBI (AIFs) Regulations 2012.
3. Unit will mean beneficial interest of an investor in the Investment Vehicle and will include shares or partnership interests.
4. A person resident outside India will include a Registered Foreign Portfolio Investor (RFPI) and a Non-Resident Indian (NRI).
5. Payment for the units must be by way inward remittance or by debit to an NRE or an FCNR account.