According to Indian rules, any male passenger coming to India from Dubai can bring a maximum of 20 grams of gold without any custom duty. But there are two conditions for this.
Dubai is called the “City of Gold”. This city has been a favorite destination for Indians to buy gold. Its excellent quality and lower prices than India attract people. But do you know that there is a legal limit on bringing gold from Dubai to India? The Indian Customs Department and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) have made strict rules for this, so that gold smuggling can be prevented and the country’s economic condition can be balanced.
Recently, the case of Ranya Rao came into the limelight, which is a high-profile case related to gold smuggling. Ranya Rao is a Kannada and Tamil film actress who was arrested on March 3, 2025 at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. She is accused of smuggling 14.2 to 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai to India. The value of this gold is said to be around Rs 12.56 crore. Ranya Rao was detained by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) when she was returning from Dubai to Bengaluru. Investigation revealed that she had hidden the gold bars in a belt and a specially designed jacket on her body. According to the DRI, Ranya had traveled to Dubai 30 times in the last one year and earned around Rs 12-13 lakh per trip by bringing 12-13 kg of gold each time. It was also revealed that she may be part of an organized smuggling network. Many similar cases have come to light. So let us know how much gold men, women and children can bring from Dubai to India and what are the rules behind it.
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Gold limit for men
As per Indian rules, any male traveller coming from Dubai to India can bring in a maximum of 20 grams of gold without paying any custom duty. But there are two conditions for this: first, the value of the gold should not exceed Rs 50,000, and second, it should be in the form of gold jewellery only. Gold coins or bars are not included in this exemption. If a man brings in more gold than this, he will have to pay custom duty on the additional quantity. Currently, the custom duty rate is 6%, to which a 1.25% social welfare surcharge is also added. If you have spent more than 6 months in Dubai, you can bring in up to 1 kg of gold, but will have to pay duty on this too.
Gold Limit for Women
The rules are a little more lenient for women. A female traveller can bring 40 grams of gold from Dubai without paying custom duty, provided its value does not exceed Rs 1 lakh. This limit also applies only to gold jewellery. If a woman brings more gold than this, she will have to pay custom duty on the additional gold. For example, if a woman brings 100 grams of gold, there will be no duty up to 40 grams, but the remaining 60 grams will be subject to duty.
The duty rates are as follows:
40-100 grams: 3%
100-200 grams: 6%
More than 200 grams: 10%
Gold Limit for Children
There are rules for children too, especially for children below the age of 15. If a child has stayed in Dubai for more than a year, he or she can bring up to 40 grams of gold jewellery without paying duty. This exemption is given for gifts or personal use. However, the guardian accompanying the child will have to provide proof of identity and relationship with the child. If the quantity of gold exceeds 40 grams, duty will have to be paid on the excess gold, as applicable in case of women.
Special rule for bringing up to 1 kg of gold
If you are an Indian passport holder and have stayed in Dubai for more than 6 months, then you can bring up to 1 kg of gold coins or bars in your luggage. But for this you will have to pay about 14 percent custom duty. If you have spent less than 6 months, then up to 1 kg of gold will attract a duty of about 37%. At the same time, according to the UAE Embassy, it is prohibited for any passenger to bring more than 10 kg of gold, even if it is jewelry.
India tightened the rules, increased strictness
In early 2025, the Indian government has talked about further tightening the custom rules to monitor gold imports. Recently, in view of the global surge in gold prices and the demand of the festive season in India, the government has increased surveillance at airports to prevent smuggling. In March 2025, there were many reports that excess gold was seized from passengers coming to India from Dubai, which makes it clear how important it is to follow the rules. Experts believe that these rules are important not only for economic balance but also to prevent illegal trade.
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What to keep in mind?
Documents required: Carry the bill of purchase of gold and purity certificate.
Declaration mandatory: If the gold is more than the prescribed limit, declare it in the red channel at the airport.
Security: Keep the gold in a hand bag to avoid theft or loss.
Prohibited forms: Gold in the form of coins, bars or biscuits cannot be brought in without duty.
How much cheaper is gold in Dubai than in India and why?
There are many reasons behind gold being cheaper in Dubai than in India, and this difference depends on various factors such as taxes, import duty, and market structure. Based on the situation as of March 7, 2025, let’s understand it in detail.
Price difference
According to recent data, the price of gold in Dubai can be 5-10% cheaper on average than in India. For example:
24 carat gold price (per 10 grams):
Dubai: Around Rs 75,000 to Rs 78,000 (AED 330-340 per gram, 1 AED = INR 22.98).
India: Around Rs 80,000 to Rs 87,000 (including local taxes and duties).
This means a saving of Rs 5,000 to Rs 9,000 per 10 grams, which can increase depending on the amount of purchase.
However, this difference changes daily as the price of gold depends on the global market, currency exchange rates (INR vs AED), and local demand.
Why is gold cheaper in Dubai?
Tax-free policy:
There is no VAT or import duty on gold purchases in Dubai if you are a tourist. Although 5% VAT is applicable in the UAE since 2018, tourists can get this amount refunded at the airport, reducing the effective cost.
In India, gold attracts 6% import duty (reduced from 15% in July 2024), 3% GST, and 5% making charges on GST, increasing the overall cost.
Low import cost:
Dubai is a global gold trading hub and gets gold directly from the producing countries, reducing intermediary costs.
India does not produce gold and imports it, which increases the cost. Dubai is also a major supplier of gold to India.
Market competition and bargaining:
Dubai’s Gold Souk is an open market where hundreds of shops compete. It is possible to negotiate on the making charge, which is usually fixed in India. Jewellers in India often charge high making charges (10-20%), while in Dubai it can be lower (2-5%).
Currency impact:
The UAE Dirham (AED) is pegged to the US Dollar (1 USD = 3.67 AED), which keeps the price of gold stable. The weakness of the Indian Rupee (1 USD = 84 INR) makes gold expensive in India.
Bringing gold from Dubai may be an attractive option, but it is extremely important to follow the Indian customs rules. Keep in mind the limit of 20 grams for men, 40 grams for women and 40 grams for children. If you violate the rules, the gold may be confiscated as well as you may face a fine or legal action. So, the next time you shop at Dubai’s famous Gold Souk, remember these rules and make your trip stress-free.
