Union Budget 2026-27 shakes up NRI money: What Indians in UAE must do now
As Indiaโs Union Budget 2026โ27 was unveiled on February 01, 2026, NRIs including millions living in the UAE found a mix of relief, opportunities and compliance changes that could reshape how they invest, remit money, sell property and engage with the Indian economy. Read on as we breakdown the practical implications for UAE-based NRIs in finance, property and cross-border money flows
Easier and larger equity investments
One of the most talked-about changes is that the investment limit for Persons Resident Outside India (PROIs), a category that includes NRIs, has been doubled:
- Individual PROIs can now invest up to 10% directly in a listed Indian company (up from 5%).
- The aggregate cap, total share that all PROIs can hold, has been raised to 24% from 10%.
This means that UAE-based Indians can build larger stakes in Indian equities without going through complex foreign portfolio investor (FPI) routes, offering greater flexibility for long-term wealth creation and portfolio diversification.
Simpler tax compliance in property sales
Property transactions involving NRIs have long been cumbersome due to procedural requirements like obtaining a Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) account number (TAN). Budget 2026 eliminates this hurdle:
- TDS for sales of immovable property by NRIs will now be deducted and deposited using the resident buyerโs PAN, instead of needing a separate TAN. This streamlines compliance and reduces friction in cross-border property deals.
- For diaspora Indians holding real estate in India, this is a significant administrative simplification that can cut delays and costs in selling or transferring property.
Cost-effective overseas travel and education remittances
The Budget introduces substantial reductions in Tax Collected at Source (TCS), a tax levied on certain overseas remittances, including travel, education and medical treatment:
- TCS on overseas tour packages has been cut to 2% (from 5โ20%).
- Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), TCS for education and medical payments is also now 2%.
For UAE NRIs who frequently send money home for childrenโs studies, family trips or healthcare, this lowers the upfront tax cost and improves cash flow, especially for large remittances.
Expanded investment access and portfolio options
The budget also aims to broaden how NRIs can invest in India beyond traditional routes:
- NRIs can directly invest in Indian equities under the PIS framework, a pathway previously less accessible without intermediaries.
- This supports a trend where diaspora investors are increasingly engaging with domestic markets, not just through mutual funds or FPIs but through direct share ownership, enhancing their financial footprint in India.
Compliance relief and tax procedure simplification
Several procedural reforms benefit NRIs, particularly those balancing cross-border income reporting and asset holdings:
- TDS on property sales by NRIs will be streamlined via PAN.
- Certain foreign asset disclosure requirements have been relaxed with a one-time amnesty window, allowing individuals to regularise previously undisclosed overseas assets, albeit with penalties for larger values.
- Tax filing processes, including extended deadlines and automated procedures, were introduced to reduce compliance burdens.
These changes signal the governmentโs intent to ease administrative pressure on NRIs and align cross-border financial activity with modern standards.
Why this matters for NRIs in the UAE
The budgetโs philosophy goes beyond narrow tax tweaks: it reflects a continuity and stability approach that appeals to global Indian investors and expatriates. Financial leaders have described the Budget 2026 as pragmatic and growth-oriented, easing tax burdens while ensuring fiscal discipline, which boosts investor confidence in Indiaโs long-term economic trajectory, a critical factor for NRIs considering large investments or business engagements.This is especially relevant in the UAE, where many Indians balance overseas income with Indian assets, equities and property portfolios. The absence of new taxes on remittances or overseas income, confirmed by analysts, signals that India is not tightening access but rather fine-tuning it for global engagement.For many diaspora Indians in the UAE, a community marked by significant remittances, property ownership and cross-border investments, Budget 2026 represents a shift toward ease, access and cost efficiency:
- Lower TCS means more cost-effective travel and education remittances, a big deal for families and students abroad.
- Simpler property tax compliance removes administrative barriers that often delay deals.
- Higher investment limits give UAE-based Indians a broader role in Indiaโs equity markets.
Compliance modernisation reduces friction for NRIs juggling dual economic identities. In short, this budget makes India more welcoming to its global diaspora, not by cutting benefits recklessly, but by reducing barriers and aligning policy with the realities of cross-border economic life.For UAE-based Indians, the Union Budget 2026 is not just another fiscal exercise, it is a diaspora-friendly, growth-oriented package that simplifies taxation, expands investment opportunity and eases the cost of global financial ties to India. Whether you are investing in Indian stocks, selling property back home, paying for childrenโs education or planning travel, the new rules offer relief and a clearer framework for engagement.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)