How to Move Back to Kerala from UAE

How to Move Back to Kerala from UAE (2026)

A practical step-by-step guide for UAE-based Keralites planning to return home — covering visa exit, fund repatriation, property, business setup, and family relocation.

Step 1: Plan Your Exit from UAE

  • Serve notice period and collect end-of-service gratuity
  • Cancel UAE residence visa (or let it lapse)
  • Close UAE bank accounts or maintain for ongoing transactions
  • Collect all professional certificates and experience letters
  • Apostille educational documents for use in India

Step 2: Repatriate Your Funds

  • Transfer UAE savings to NRE account (tax-free in India)
  • Use wire transfer or exchange houses (Al Ansari, UAE Exchange)
  • FEMA allows unlimited repatriation from NRE accounts
  • Repatriate before losing NRI status to avoid tax complications
  • See: NRI Banking Guide — NRE vs NRO vs FCNR

Step 3: Sort Property & Accommodation

Step 4: Ship Household Goods

  • Use sea freight for cost-effective shipping (4–6 weeks)
  • Apply for Transfer of Residence (TR) customs exemption
  • TR allows duty-free import of household goods after 2+ years abroad
  • Budget: ₹1.5–5 Lakhs for shipping — Full Cost Breakdown

Step 5: Update Financial & Legal Status

  • Notify all Indian banks of change from NRI to Resident status
  • Convert NRE/NRO accounts to resident savings accounts
  • Update Aadhaar with Kerala address
  • File income tax return for the year of return
  • Maximise RNOR status (2–3 years) — NRI Tax Planning Guide

Step 6: Start Your Business

Most returning NRIs start a business. Register before or immediately after return:

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. UAE visa, customs, and FEMA regulations are subject to change. Consult qualified legal, financial, and tax advisors before making decisions. Blueberry FM is a financial services facilitator, not a legal or immigration advisor. RBI · FEMA · ASCI compliant.