Dubai's famed Gold Raffle Draw is back as part of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025, running from June 27 to August 31. As per Gulf News, this year’s minimum spend to participate in the raffle has been reduced from AED 1,500 to AED 1,000, making it even more attractive for tourists.
If you've bought gold in Dubai to enter the draw and are now planning to travel back to India, you may be wondering about 2 things:
This article breaks down both the customs and income tax implications clearly.
Whether you purchased gold to participate in the DSS draw or simply as an investment, there are clear guidelines on how much gold you can carry back to India.
Category | Maximum Weight | Value Cap |
Male passengers | 20 grams | ₹50,000 |
Female passengers | 40 grams | ₹1,00,000 |
Eligibility
If you exceed the above limit, you’ll be required to declare gold at customs (Red Channel) and pay applicable duties. Here are the details:
If the gold weight exceeds the duty-free threshold, customs duty will apply. As of FY 2025, in case you have been living abroad for at least 6 months:
However, in case your stay abroad is less than 6 months:
Once you return with the gold and decide to sell it in India, the sale is treated as a capital gains transaction under the Income Tax Act.
Holding Period:
1. Less than 36 months: Short-Term Capital Gain (STCG)
2. More than 36 months: Long-Term Capital Gain (LTCG)
Read More: How to Get VAT Refund When Buying Gold From Dubai Gold Souk?
Buying gold in Dubai to enter the DSS raffle can be exciting. But if you're bringing that gold into India or planning to sell it here you must comply with Indian customs and income tax laws. A little planning and documentation can help you avoid hefty duties or tax complications later.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Published on: Jul 3, 2025, 11:02 PM IST
Neha Dubey
Neha Dubey is a Content Analyst with 3 years of experience in financial journalism, having written for a leading newswire agency and multiple newspapers. At Angel One, she creates daily content on finance and the economy. Neha holds a degree in Economics and a Master’s in Journalism.
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