A UAE-based NRI or OCI holder can invest in an Indian company or LLP on a repatriation basis, treated as foreign investment with pricing and reporting rules, or on a non-repatriation basis, treated like domestic money. We check the business, negotiate a shareholders agreement that protects you from the UAE and ensure FEMA filings so that your capital and profits can later come back.
- Document route
- UAE notary, MOFA attestation, then Indian Embassy or Consulate attestation
- Time difference
- IST is 1h30 ahead of UAE time all year (no daylight saving)
- Law
- FEMA 1999 and NDI Rules 2019
- Routes
- Repatriable (Schedule 1) or non-repatriable (Schedule 4)
Legal Advisory for NRI Investors from the UAE: how it works
We discuss your goals and the business, then recommend the route. Due diligence covers the company's filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, capital history, charges, litigation, GST and tax compliance, and ownership of key assets such as land, licences and trademarks. Where you are investing through a UAE company rather than personally, the investment becomes foreign direct investment by that company, with different documents and reporting, and we explain the trade-offs.
We negotiate a term sheet and shareholders agreement covering information rights, consent over new share issues and borrowing, a board or observer seat with video meetings, pre-emption and exit rights, and arbitration seated in India with online hearings. Repatriable funds come from the UAE by bank remittance or from your NRE account, and the company files Form FC-GPR within 30 days. We stay available to review accounts and board papers each year so you are not caught out on your next visit.
What clients in the UAE should know
- Investing through a UAE free zone company changes the structure; consider the India-UAE treaty and Indian rules on beneficial ownership before choosing.
- Investment in agriculture, plantations and real estate business is prohibited for NRIs on either route.
- Dividends from Indian companies are taxed in India; the UAE does not tax them for individuals.
Step by step from the UAE
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits the UAE, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in the UAE
UAE notary, MOFA attestation, then Indian Embassy or Consulate attestation
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in the UAE where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in the UAE. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Legal Advisory for NRI Investors, or see all services for clients in the UAE and the Doing Business in India practice area.
Questions from clients in the UAE
Should I invest personally or through my UAE company?
Each has consequences for tax, reporting and control. We advise after understanding your plans and your UAE structure.
Can I invest from my NRO account?
Only on a non-repatriation basis.
Can I be a director while living in Dubai?
Yes, with a DIN and digital signature; board meetings can be held by video.