Dubai 11 march 2025 : Dubai is a preferred destination for Indians to buy gold as it is cheaper compared to India. Due to lower import duties and taxes in Dubai, gold prices are significantly lower. For instance, there is no GST on gold in Dubai, whereas in India, GST is 3%. Additionally, the making charges for gold jewelry in Dubai are lower, making 24-carat gold 5% to 7% cheaper than in India.
How Much Duty-Free Gold Can You Bring from Dubai to India?
There is a limit on the amount of gold that can be brought from abroad to India. If you exceed this limit, you may have to pay a high customs duty.
- If an Indian traveler returns from Dubai after staying for more than 6 months, they can bring up to 1 kg of gold after paying the applicable customs duty.
- The duty-free limit for bringing gold to India is:
- Male passengers can bring gold worth up to ₹50,000 without paying duty.
- Female passengers can bring gold worth up to ₹1,00,000 duty-free.
What Happens If You Break the Law?
If a traveler carries more than the allowed limit of undeclared gold or cash, legal action can be taken.
- Under Section 135 of the Customs Act, a penalty of up to 7 years of imprisonment and a fine may be imposed.
- Under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), a penalty of up to 1 year of imprisonment and a fine can be imposed.
- In both cases, your gold and cash will be confiscated.
It is advisable to follow the customs regulations to avoid legal trouble while bringing gold from Dubai to India.
Summary: Dubai offers gold at lower prices than India. Know the custom duty-free gold limits, import rules, and how much you can legally bring.