Moving to Dubai from India: A Quick Guide for 2025

Low taxes for businesses

Businesspeople from India are drawn by the UAE’s competitive corporate tax environment. Compare:

UAE corporate tax — 9% standard rate, with the possibility to obtain 0% tax status under the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) framework.
India corporate tax —  22–30% for domestic companies and up to 40% for foreign ones.

No personal income tax

The UAE imposes no personal income tax. There are no taxes on salaries, property rental income, capital gains, dividends, inheritance, or gifts.

In India, by contrast, residents are subject to progressive income tax. They can choose to be taxed under the old or the new regime, but generally, the tax rate ranges from 5% to 30% depending on income.

Quality of life and safety

Dubai offers a standard of living and level of safety that few other major cities in the region — or even globally — can match. The contrast with India is striking.

• Strict law enforcement, an extensive CCTV network, and advanced systems of automated monitoring.
• The rate of road fatalities in the UAE stands at around 5.5 per 100,000 people.
• Petty theft, harassment, and street crime are rare in Dubai, limited mostly to busy tourist areas.

Proximity to India and a thriving Indian community

Most Indian cities are only a three-to-four-hour flight away, with dozens of direct connections every day.

Dubai is home to a vibrant Indian community which impacts the city’s social and economic life. There are Indian schools, cultural centers, restaurants, grocery stores, and even entire neighborhoods, such as Bur Dubai and Deira, where Indian traditions are preserved and celebrated.

English is the de facto language of business and everyday communication in the UAE, making adaptation easy for Indians.

Religious tolerance

Although the UAE is an Islamic country, religious tolerance is deeply rooted in its national values. This ensures that Indians of all faiths — Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Christian, or Buddhist — can live and worship freely, making Dubai one of the most welcoming destinations for Indian nationals in the world.

Dubai hosts several Hindu temples including the historic Shree Krishna Mandir and Shiva Mandir in Bur Dubai, and the recently inaugurated Hindu Temple complex in Jebel Ali.

Visa options for Indians

For Indian citizens planning to relocate to the UAE, there are several legal pathways to obtain residency in Dubai.

Employment visa

The employment visa remains the most common route for Indians moving to Dubai. It is issued for two years and sponsored by a UAE-based employer. Your company is responsible for the entire application process — from covering visa fees to arranging your medical insurance and residence permit. Once your visa is granted, you can sponsor your family members for residence visas as well.

This option suits professionals who already have a confirmed job offer in the UAE. The process and visa requirements typically include signing an employment contract, completing a medical test, and registering your biometrics before receiving an Emirates ID.

Property investor visa

Another popular route for Indian nationals is the real estate investor visa. To qualify, you must purchase property in Dubai worth at least AED 750,000 (approximately USD 204,000). The minimum down payment must be 50% of the property value. If it’s an off-plan property, construction must be at least 50% complete.

Mortgages are allowed only for completed properties.

The visa is valid for two years and can be extended as long as you retain ownership.

Holders can open UAE bank accounts, sponsor family members, and enjoy tax-free rental income, with an average ROI starting from 5%. However, properties under an active visa cannot be sold without cancelling the visa first.

Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa provides long-term residency for ten years and is designed for high-value investors, executives, and skilled professionals who decide to move to Dubai. You may obtain this type of residency if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Own property worth AED 2 million or more,
• Maintain bank deposits of at least AED 2 million,
• Hold a managerial position with a salary of AED 30,000 or higher, a bachelor’s degree or above, and at least two years of service in your company with a team of ten or more employees.

The Golden Visa allows full business ownership, family sponsorship, and extended residency without the need for renewal every two years.

Freelancer and remote work visas

The freelance visa allows you to work independently in the UAE under your own name by obtaining a freelance permit from a free zone authority. It is valid for two years and renewable.

For digital nomads and remote employees, the Virtual Work Visa provides the right to live in Dubai while working for an overseas employer. This visa is granted for one year and can be renewed if you continue to meet the requirements.

Investor visa — Company setup

If you plan to run your own business in Dubai, you can obtain residency through the investor visa. You must purchase a trade license — either in one of the UAE’s free zones or on the mainland. Offshore companies do not qualify for residence visas.

An investor visa is valid for two years and allows you to sponsor your dependents for residency, rent property in Dubai long-term, and open both personal and corporate bank accounts.

Corporate taxation in the UAE is highly competitive: the standard rate is 9%, but qualifying companies in free zones may enjoy 0% corporate tax under the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) scheme. VAT applies only to trading and commercial activities at 5%, while no personal income tax is levied.

Free zone vs mainland company setup

In recent years, an increasing number of Indian nationals have chosen entrepreneurship as their path to Dubai residency, launching businesses across a wide range of industries.

According to reports by Indiaspora and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Indians own tens of thousands of enterprises in the UAE, particularly within the SME segment, and play a major role in sectors such as real estate, trade, healthcare, and technology.

How Indians can start a business in Dubai

Indian entrepreneurs usually begin a company formation in the UAE by consulting business setup experts in Dubai to evaluate resources, clarify objectives, and build a customized action plan.

The typical steps include:

1. Choosing business activities and determining the right structure.
2. Selecting the jurisdiction — Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore (note: offshore entities do not provide residency visas).
3. Obtaining a trade license from the relevant authority and securing any required sectoral approvals.
4. Receiving company registration documents.
5. Applying for residency visas and Emirates IDs for owners and employees.
6. Completing medical tests and biometric registration.
7. Obtaining residence visas and Emirates IDs.
8. Opening a corporate and personal bank account in Dubai.

CALCULATE THE COST

Free zone vs mainland: key differences

Free zone

Free zones offer business packages that include flexible desk options (flexi-desk), startup promotions, and simplified licensing — all at relatively lower setup costs. Qualified free zone companies may also enjoy 0% corporate tax under the QFZP regime. However, the number of permitted business activities is smaller, and operations are limited to the free zone itself or international markets.

Mainland

Mainland companies, on the other hand, can operate throughout the UAE without geographical restrictions. They are ideal for local service businesses such as beauty salons, cafes, and retail outlets. The standard corporate tax rate is 9%, and most business activities require a dedicated office space. While the setup process can be slightly more expensive, it provides greater flexibility for expansion and access to government contracts.

Famous Dubai businesses with Indian roots

If you are looking to set up a company in Dubai, get inspiration from these cases of Indian entrepreneurs who have built regional empires from Dubai:

• FIVE Holdings, founded by Kabir Mulchandani, an Indian-born entrepreneur educated in the U.S., is known for its premium real estate and hotel developments in Dubai — including FIVE Palm Jumeirah, FIVE Jumeirah Village, and FIVE LUXE.
• LuLu Group International, founded by Yusuff Ali M.A. from Kerala, is one of the largest hypermarket chains and distributors in the region.
• Landmark Group, established by Micky Jagtiani, an Indian-origin businessman born in Kuwait, operates major retail brands including Centrepoint, Splash, Max, and Home Centre.
• Danube Group, founded by Rizwan Sajan, who moved from India to Dubai in 1993, began with building materials trading and later diversified into real estate, interior solutions, and home retail (Danube Home, Danube Properties).
• NMC Health, founded by B.R. Shetty from Karnataka, grew into one of the largest private healthcare networks in the Middle East.
• UAE Exchange / Finablr, also established by B.R. Shetty, became one of the region’s top money transfer and foreign exchange operators.
• Al Shirawi Group, a joint venture between Emirati and Indian businessmen, includes managing director Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a key role in expanding the group’s presence across construction, logistics, printing, and IT services.
• Stallion Group, led by Sunil Vaswani, an Indian entrepreneur raised in Nigeria, operates across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia in industries ranging from automotive to finance and consumer goods.

These success stories highlight how Dubai continues to attract ambitious Indian founders seeking a global base for business expansion.

Banking services for Indians in the UAE

Opening a bank account in the UAE is an essential step for anyone moving to Dubai from India or doing business in Dubai. The requirements differ for residents, non-residents, and business owners.

For UAE residents holding a residence visa, opening a personal account is relatively simple. Banks usually require a minimum set of documents (a valid passport, residence visa and Emirates ID, and a proof of employment or income).

Non-residents, such as frequent business visitors, can also open accounts, but typically only savings accounts. These accounts usually come with higher minimum balance requirements and may require additional proof of funds and income sources.

For Indian entrepreneurs, opening a corporate account is a more detailed process. Banks in the UAE conduct thorough due diligence on company ownership, management structure, and business activities.

In addition, Indian nationals are often asked to provide details about their business connections with India to ensure compliance with international standards such as AML (Anti-Money Laundering), KYC (Know Your Customer), and FATF guidelines.

Money transfers and remittances

Due to India’s strict foreign-exchange controls, UAE banks often verify the source of funds and the client’s tax residency status in India. Since the implementation of new FATF compliance measures, these checks have become more rigorous. Applicants may be asked to demonstrate income transparency and “substance” — proof of genuine business activity in the UAE.

Despite these requirements, the UAE banking sector remains highly welcoming toward Indian clients, with many banks offering specialized service packages designed for this demographic.

Top 5 Banks for Indians in the UAE

1. Emirates NBD

• Minimum balance: AED 3,000 on current accounts
• Dedicated SME and business account packages

2. ADCB (Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank)

• Quick account opening for residents with Emirates ID
• Corporate accounts require stronger compliance but remain attractive for Indian entrepreneurs

3. Mashreq Bank

• Favors startups and SMEs
• Offers online banking with English and Hindi support

4. RAKBANK (National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah)

• More flexible toward Free Zone companies
• Lower minimum balance for business accounts (starting from AED 25,000)

5. FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank)

• Suitable for large corporate accounts and international structures
• Preferred by Indian entrepreneurs handling significant transaction volumes

Important tips

For personal accounts, Emirates NBD, ADCB, and Mashreq are generally the easiest options, offering efficient onboarding and strong digital banking services.

For corporate accounts, RAKBANK and FAB are often recommended, especially for Free Zone companies and businesses with regional operations.

Cost of living in Dubai in INR

The cost of living can vary significantly depending on lifestyle, family size, and housing choices. Below is an approximate breakdown of typical monthly and yearly expenses in Dubai, converted into Indian rupees for clarity.

For single residents

For a family of four

Compared with major Indian cities like Mumbai, Dubai’s housing and schooling costs are higher, but the absence of personal income tax helps offset much of the difference. Many Indian expats note that day-to-day essentials such as groceries, dining, and public transport are comparable to big Indian cities when adjusted for income.

Tips for a smooth relocation

Below are some essential documents, relocation tips, and cultural insights to help Indian expats settle in comfortably.

Prepare key documents in advance

• A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity at the time of application.
• A work contract or business license (for entrepreneurs in a free zone or mainland).
• Any necessary approvals from relevant authorities.
• Proof of investment such as a property title deed or sale and purchase agreement (SPA).
• Proof of income or source of funds.
• Legalized educational and family documents (for dependent visa applications), including marriage and birth certificates.

Choose the place to live

• In Dubai

Bur Dubai and Deira — Two of the city’s most historic districts, home to hundreds of Indian-owned stores, restaurants, and small businesses. You’ll also find the Shree Krishna Mandir, Shiva Mandir, and a Sikh Gurdwara here — making it a cultural heart for the Indian community.

Al Karama — Often called “Little India,” Al Karama is filled with Indian restaurants, supermarkets, textile shops, and gold stores — perfect for those who enjoy familiar surroundings and easy access to authentic Indian cuisine.

International City (India Cluster) — A residential area where a large portion of the population consists of Indian expats. The India Cluster offers affordable housing options with a strong community feel.

Jebel Ali — Known for its industrial zones and large number of Indian professionals and workers. It’s also home to Dubai’s newest Hindu Temple, opened in 2022, serving as a major spiritual and cultural hub.

• In other Emirates

Sharjah — Traditionally a family-oriented emirate, Sharjah hosts a large segment of the Indian working population and professionals commuting daily to Dubai.

Abu Dhabi — The capital city is popular among Indian engineers, doctors, and corporate managers, as well as large Indian multinational offices.

Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman — These emirates offer more affordable housing and living costs, attracting many Indian workers and families seeking budget-friendly options close to Dubai.

Integrate culturally and find your community

Indians living in Dubai feel at home because of the developed infrastructure for this community.

• Hindu temples, such as the Hindu Temple in Jebel Ali, Shree Krishna Mandir in Bur Dubai, and BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
• Indian schools, including The Indian High School Dubai and Sharjah Indian School, offering Indian and international curricula.
• Markets and shopping zones, such as Gold Souk and the textile bazaars of Deira and Bur Dubai, where Indian goods are widely available.

Convert your driver’s license

Indian expats with valid UAE residency can convert their Indian driver’s license to a UAE one without taking a driving test.

If your Indian license is not in English, you may need a legalized translation in Arabic or English. The conversion applies to light vehicle licenses only.

If your license was issued recently (within the last 1–2 years), RTA may request an experience certificate from the Indian licensing authority.

Need help? Let Emirabiz guide you

Most Indians request assistance with the following issues when moving to Dubai from India:

• Visa assistance: employment, residence, investor, and family visas.
• Business setup: Free Zone and Mainland companies, from choosing the right license to obtaining approvals.
• Bank account opening: both personal and corporate accounts, with the most suitable banks for Indian clients.
• Tax and compliance support: guidance on UAE’s new corporate tax regulations and international reporting standards.
• Family relocation: housing search, school placement, and health insurance arrangements.
• Golden Visa consultation: for investors, property owners, and senior professionals eligible for 5- or 10-year residency.

All of these can be handled by Emirabiz business consultants and experts, with a quick response after the first application within 15 minutes and full support throughout the entire procedure and afterward.