Gold smuggling, popularized in the ’70s through Hindi films, has resurfaced following the arrest of Kannada actress Ranya Rao in 2025.
Gold smuggling cases have been reported from Dubai, London, and various other locations. The reason. Gold is cheaper in Dubai than in India. “People often bring gold from Dubai because it has lower gold prices (8-9% cheaper than India), lower making charges and no VAT on exports,” says Dr. Renisha Chainani, Head – Research at Augmont.
Bringing gold from Dubai or London isn’t illegal, but you need to be absolutely clear with the rules. The day you land in India, expect a welcome from the customs before your family members greet you.
And ofcourse, you need to declare all imported goods, including gold, when bringing them from abroad.
Now comes the most crucial part. The amount of gold you can bring depends on your gender and duration abroad, with no duty up to a certain limit; beyond that, customs duty applies.
So, how much gold can you bring to India from Dubai, after paying duty and as duty-free?
The maximum gold allowed via check-in baggage, if declared and duty is paid, is up to 1 kg of gold (1,000 grams). You should have stayed abroad for at least 6 months to bring 1 kg under customs rules.
Essentially, you have to prove your eligibility to bring gold on a flight from abroad.
An ‘eligible passenger’ can import gold (in any form except ornaments studded with stones and pearls), subject to payment of customs duty and compliance. An ‘eligible passenger’ has been defined as an Indian passenger holding a valid Indian passport who is returning to India after 6 months of stay abroad. Further, any short visit not exceeding 30 days during such 6-month period shall be ignored,” says Ayush A Mehrotra, Partner at Khaitan & Co.
Duty-Free Limit for Gold Imports into India
In India, the 1 kg gold rate today is about Rs 84 lakh. If you are saying that’s too much and you would rather buy a 2-Bhk home in the National Capital Region (NCR), here are the rules of gold buying in Dubai for fewer rupees.
Indian Passport Holders can bring up to 20 grams of gold (maximum value up to Rs 50,000) duty-free,
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