Sending Gift Money to Dubai From India | Best Guide for 2025

Sending gift money to Dubai from India is a thoughtful and increasingly common gesture, especially with over 3.4 million Indians residing in the UAE. Whether for a celebration, festival, or family support, Indians frequently transfer money as gifts. This guide offers a complete breakdown of the legal ways, required documents, TCS applicability, and the most cost-effective platforms available in 2025 to help you send money safely and efficiently. From understanding RBI’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme to choosing services like HPO Remit by moneyHOP, here’s everything you need to know before you initiate your next gift remittance.

Why Do Indians Send Gift Money to Dubai?

Every family has its own ways of staying connected, and for many Indians with loved ones in Dubai, sending a gift of money is one of them. It’s not always about large sums — sometimes it’s a gesture for a festival, a celebration, or simply a way of saying, “I’m thinking of you.” These transfers, though financial in nature, carry meaning that goes well beyond the amount sent.

India’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) allows individuals to send up to USD 2,50,000 abroad annually. Gift remittances fall within this limit if sent through authorized channels.

If you’re also planning to support your family with recurring payments, here’s a guide on sending living expenses to Dubai from India.

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Is It Legal to Send Gift Money to Dubai From India?

Absolutely. Under RBI’s LRS guidelines, sending money abroad as a gift is perfectly legal, provided:

• Transfers stay within the USD 2,50,000 annual limit.

• Transfers are made through RBI-authorized channels.

• Documentation like a gift letter is properly submitted.

Best Ways to Send Gift Money to Dubai From India

1. Bank Wire Transfers

Traditional but slow. Transfers via SWIFT usually take 3-5 working days and involve high service fees and lower exchange rates.

2. Digital Remittance Platforms

Platforms like HOP Remit by moneyHOP offer digital, seamless experiences with highly competitive rates, low transfer fees, and same-day processing.

3. Money Transfer Operators (MTOs)

Services like Western Union are suitable for cash pickups but charge higher margins and fees.

4. Gift Cards

Virtual or physical gift cards are convenient but restrict recipients to limited merchant networks.

5. Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

A rare method today, gifting a CD is less flexible due to maturity requirements.

Cost & Speed Comparison of Cross-Border Gift Transfers

Check our live rate calculator to see how much you can save with HOP Remit.

Real-Life Example: How HOP Remit Makes a Difference

Case Study: Riya, a software engineer in Mumbai, wanted to gift ₹500,000 to her sister in Dubai for her wedding.
She initially approached her bank, which quoted high transfer fees and poor exchange rates.

Switching to HOP Remit, she:

• Saved over ₹8,000 in fees and conversion charges

• Completed the transfer within 24 hours

• Locked in a favorable exchange rate for up to 24 hours

• Avoided hidden commissions and charges

This real-world example shows why choosing the right platform matters when you’re sending gift money to Dubai from India.

Documents Required for Sending Gift Money to Dubai

To complete a gift transfer, you generally need:

• Passport (or PAN Card/Aadhaar for identity)

• Gift Letter (declaring the money is a non-repayable gift)

• Recipient Bank Details

• Proof of Relationship (optional but advisable for family remittances)

Additional documents may be requested based on transaction size or relationship claims.

Understanding TCS on Gift Transfers

Note: TCS paid can be claimed as a refund while filing your annual Income Tax Return (ITR).

For a detailed breakdown of applicable tax collected at source, check out our 2025 guide on TCS for international remittances.

5 Simple Steps to Send Gift Money With HOP Remit by moneyHOP

• Create an Account: Sign up on the HOP Remit app/website.

• Enter Transfer Details: Choose Dubai, enter the gift amount.

• Complete KYC: Upload your PAN and Aadhaar.

• Add Recipient Info: Name, account number, SWIFT code.

• Make Payment: Choose from UPI, Net Banking, or Debit Card.

Transaction confirmation usually happens within minutes. When sending gift money to Dubai from India, these simple steps ensure a fast and compliant experience.

Not sure how to begin? Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on transferring money from India to the Dubai that walks you through the process.

Before you make your next transfer, take a quick look at this handy checklist 👇

It’ll help you make sure you’re sending gift money to Dubai from India the smart way.

Who Qualifies as a Close Relative?

According to Indian tax law:

• Parents (including step-parents)

• Children (including step-children)

• Siblings (including step-siblings)

• Spouse

• Grandchildren and in-laws

• Members of Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)

Gifting to these relatives often comes with tax exemptions.

Additional Tips Before Sending Gift Money

• Track Exchange Rates: Use the “Freeze Rate” option on HOP Remit.

• Plan Transfers: Avoid last-minute rushes to lock in better rates.

• Stay Updated: Follow changes in TCS and LRS rules.

• Secure Your Documents: Always submit verified copies.

Sending gift money to Dubai from India becomes stress-free when you’re prepared.

Final Thoughts

Sending gift money to Dubai from India has never been easier — but your choice of platform determines your experience. With HOP Remit by moneyHOP, you not only reduce costs but also ensure a swift, compliant, and worry-free transaction.

As global remittance practices evolve, using a transparent, secure, and RBI-compliant service is the smartest decision.

Ready to send your gift the right way? Start with HOP Remit today.