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

• Confirm Kerala property or arrange rental accommodation
• Apply for NRI home loan if buying — NRI Home Loan up to ₹10 Crores
• If building: NRI Construction Loan
• If buying plot: NRI Plot Purchase Loan
• See: How NRIs Can Buy Property in Kerala

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: