Residential Status of a Person Leaving India for Studies Abroad
Facts
A is a resident individual of India.
A left India on December 24, 2022 to pursue further studies abroad.
The relevant financial year is 2022-23 (April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023).
A wants to determine his residential status under FEMA.
What does FEMA say?
Under FEMA, residential status is an ongoing process, not just a point in time.
Generally, an individual is considered a resident if he has stayed in India for more than 182 days during the preceding financial year (i.e., April 1 to March 31).
Exceptions where a person leaving India is still considered resident under FEMA include individuals leaving India for:
Taking up employment abroad,
Carrying on business or vocation abroad,
Or leaving for an uncertain period.
Application to A’s case
A stayed in India from April 1, 2022, to December 24, 2022, which is 267 days (more than 182 days).
A left India for studies abroad, which is not explicitly listed as an exception under FEMA.
Therefore, since A stayed for more than 182 days in the preceding financial year, and studying abroad is not an exception, A remains a resident of India under FEMA for the year 2022-23.
Summary
Condition
A’s Status
Days stayed in India > 182 days
Yes (267 days)
Reason for leaving India
Studies (not an exception)
Residential status under FEMA
Resident in India
Conclusion
A, having stayed in India for more than 182 days in the preceding financial year, continues to be treated as a resident under FEMA.
The purpose of leaving India for studies does not qualify for an exception, unlike employment or business.
Hence, A’s residential status remains Resident in India under FEMA for 2022-23.
If you want, I can also help you with the difference in residential status under Income Tax Act for such a case or with related foreign exchange compliance.
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