This page summarises options for sending money from United Arab Emirates to India and links the relevant regulator. Always compare the recipient amount and exchange rate on each provider's own site before sending - rates and fees change.
Editor's note
Outbound remittances from the UAE are regulated by the UAE Central Bank, which licenses and supervises exchange houses and banks operating in the mainland UAE. Exchange houses and payment service providers operating within the Dubai International Financial Centre are regulated by the DFSA. Transfers to India must comply with both UAE anti-money laundering requirements and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) inward remittance regulations.
Providers we have referenced for United Arab Emirates to India
Pricing changes. Confirm the current fee, exchange rate, and recipient amount on each provider's own site.
| Provider | Fee | Speed | Exchange rate | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise charges a small upfront fee that varies by transfer amount and payment method. See wise.com for a live fee estimate before transferring. | Many transfers arrive within hours, though some may take 1-2 business days depending on the receiving bank. | Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and adds a percentage-based margin. The rate is displayed before you confirm the transfer. | Wise is licensed in the UAE. Transfers are sent via local bank rails in India, often arriving as an IMPS or NEFT credit to the recipient's Indian bank account. | |
| Revolut | Fees depend on your Revolut plan and the amount sent. Standard plan users may incur a fee above a monthly free allowance. Check the Revolut app for current fee details. | Transfers to India typically arrive within 1-2 business days. | Revolut applies the interbank rate during market hours. A markup may apply on weekends or for certain currencies. Confirm the rate in-app before sending. | Revolut operates in the UAE under a UAE Central Bank licence. Availability of features may differ from the European version of the product. | |
| Al Ansari Exchange | Fees vary by transfer amount and destination. Al Ansari Exchange operates a wide branch network across the UAE. Visit a branch or the official website for current fee schedules. | Cash pickup and bank transfers to India are often processed the same day or within 24 hours, subject to cut-off times. | Al Ansari sets its own exchange rate, which includes a margin above the mid-market rate. The rate is shown at the point of transaction. | Al Ansari Exchange is regulated by the UAE Central Bank. It is one of the larger licensed exchange houses in the UAE and has established remittance corridors to India. | |
| LuLu Exchange | Fees depend on the transfer amount and the service selected. Current rates are available at branches or on the official LuLu Exchange website. | Transfers to India can be credited within hours for supported bank accounts, subject to transaction timing and receiving bank processing. | LuLu Exchange applies a proprietary exchange rate. The applicable rate is disclosed at the time of transaction. | LuLu Exchange is licensed by the UAE Central Bank. It has an extensive branch presence across the Emirates and supports transfers to major Indian banks. | |
| UAE Exchange (now part of Finablr / operating as Unimoni in some markets) | Fees and service availability should be confirmed directly with the operator, as the brand has undergone structural changes. See official channels for current information. | Speed information should be verified through official channels given the brand's operational changes. | Exchange rate details should be confirmed at the point of service. | Verify current licensing status and operational details directly with the provider before initiating a transfer. | |
| Bank wire (UAE bank to Indian bank) | UAE banks typically charge an outward remittance fee plus a correspondent bank fee. Fees differ by institution and transfer amount. Contact your bank directly for a fee schedule. | International wire transfers from UAE banks to India generally take 1-3 business days, depending on the banks involved and any intermediary routing. | Banks apply their own foreign exchange rate, which includes a margin above the mid-market rate. The rate is provided at the time of transaction. | UAE banks are regulated by the UAE Central Bank. For large transfers, banks may request documentation for anti-money laundering compliance purposes. SWIFT transfers to India use the recipient's IFSC code and account number. |
The general process
- Choose a provider that is licensed in United Arab Emirates and serves the India corridor.
- Open and verify an account. You will typically need a valid government-issued ID and proof of address.
- Enter the transfer details. Recipient name must match their bank account exactly, with the correct account number or IBAN.
- Check the total cost. Compare the recipient amount and exchange rate against at least one other provider.
- Fund the transfer using a method the provider supports.
- Confirm delivery. Keep the reference number; it helps if you need to query the transfer with either provider.
The real cost of a transfer
A "low fee" is not always the same as a low cost. The total cost of a transfer is the explicit fee plus any markup between the provider's exchange rate and the mid-market rate (the rate you see on Google or Reuters). The clearest way to compare providers is to look at the amount the recipient actually receives in INR for a given amount of AED.
Total cost = transfer fee + (mid-market rate − provider rate) x amount
Worked example
Suppose you want to send 10,000 AED to India. Two providers, two structures:
| Item | Provider A | Provider B |
|---|---|---|
| Headline fee | 30 AED | 0 AED |
| Exchange-rate margin | 0% (mid-market) | 1.5% |
| Hidden FX cost on 10,000 | 0 AED | 150 AED |
| Total cost | 30 AED | 150 AED |
The "zero fee" option costs five times as much in this example because the FX margin is hidden inside the rate. The numbers above are illustrative - real margins and fees vary by provider and corridor. Always check the recipient amount on the provider's own quote screen before sending.
Tips
- 1Always compare the total cost of a transfer, including both the upfront fee and the exchange rate margin, not just the fee in isolation. A lower fee does not always mean a lower total cost.
- 2Check whether your Indian recipient's bank supports IMPS, NEFT, or RTGS, as the credit speed in India depends on which payment rail is used and the time of day the transfer arrives.
- 3For transfers above certain thresholds, the provider may request source-of-funds documentation. Having payslips or bank statements ready can help avoid delays.
- 4Exchange rates fluctuate throughout the day. If you are sending a large amount, check the rate at different times and confirm the locked-in rate before completing your transaction.
- 5Ensure the recipient's bank account details - including the IFSC code, account number, and full name - are correct before submitting a transfer. Errors can cause delays or failed transfers that are time-consuming to reverse.
- 6UAE exchange houses are regulated by the UAE Central Bank (not the DFSA, which covers the DIFC). If you have a complaint about a money transfer, the UAE Central Bank is the relevant regulator for mainland-licensed operators.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a limit on how much money I can send from the UAE to India?
- The UAE does not impose a standard per-transaction cap for licensed remittance providers, but individual providers set their own transaction and daily limits. On the Indian side, the Reserve Bank of India governs inward remittances. For large transfers, both your UAE provider and the Indian receiving bank may request documentation. Check with your specific provider for their current limits.
- Do I need to pay tax on money sent from the UAE to India?
- The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals. In India, inward remittances from family members abroad are generally not treated as taxable income for the recipient, but tax treatment can depend on the purpose of the transfer and the recipient's circumstances. Consult a qualified tax adviser in India for guidance specific to your situation.
- What details do I need to send money to an Indian bank account?
- You will typically need the recipient's full name as it appears on the bank account, the bank account number, the bank's IFSC code (an 11-character code identifying the specific branch), the bank name, and the branch address. Some providers also ask for the recipient's mobile number.
- Can I send money to India using cash at an exchange house in the UAE?
- Yes. Most licensed exchange houses in the UAE accept cash payments for remittances to India. The recipient can receive funds either via a direct bank credit or, through some providers, as a cash pickup arrangement. Check with the specific exchange house for available payout options.
- How long does it take for money to reach an Indian bank account from the UAE?
- Transfer times vary by provider and payment method. Some fintech providers and exchange houses process transfers within a few hours for Indian bank accounts that support IMPS. Bank wire transfers via SWIFT typically take 1-3 business days. The actual credit time also depends on when the receiving Indian bank processes the inward payment.
- Are exchange houses in the UAE regulated?
- Yes. Exchange houses operating in mainland UAE are licensed and regulated by the UAE Central Bank. Providers operating within the Dubai International Financial Centre are regulated by the DFSA. You can verify a provider's licence status through the UAE Central Bank's official channels before using their services.
Official sources
Verify any provider is licensed before sending money: Central Bank of the UAE - Licensed Financial Institutions.