Finfluencers all set to take Dubai flight - it’s not the lifetime visa, but tightening regulations

“Several traders and finfluencers have been steadily relocating to Dubai for the past few years,” said Rochit Singh, a finance educator with over 250,000 followers. The lure? A cleaner runway to build their businesses.

If you’ve ever dreamed of earning in dollars, living tax-free, and sidestepping India’s ever-expanding regulatory minefield — Dubai’s calling. For a moment, it looked like the dream got even sweeter: the internet lit up with chatter that the UAE was offering a lifetime visa for a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (around Rs 23 lakh). The buzz? Electric. The mood? Euphoric. The catch? It wasn’t real. The Dubai government has since clarified — no such change in visa rules.

Still, for India’s finfluencers and stock market educators, the Dubai dream lives on — and has been picking up pace for a while now. “Several traders and finfluencers have been steadily relocating to Dubai for the past few years,” said Rochit Singh, a finance educator with over 250,000 followers. The lure? A cleaner runway to build their businesses. With India tightening norms on financial influencers, Dubai offers the magic mix: zero personal income tax, and global market access, stability and lifestyle — all without regulatory whiplash.

Why digital pros are taking it seriously

Over the last couple of years, India has significantly tightened the screws on the finfluencer economy. SEBI barred registered market participants from working with unregistered influencers in April 2024. ASCI toughened disclosure norms, and GST authorities began scrutinising invoices, course fees, and affiliate earnings.

This crackdown is pushing both credible and questionable players to look abroad. Jay Awtani, a finance content creator based in Dubai, said, “The stricter rules on finfluencers in India were kind of inevitable. Fault lied in the shady tips, unverified returns, and pump-and-dump style operations, and shady forex transactions had all become very easy and rampant. And now, a number of these operators have been moving to Dubai as regulatory scrutiny has increased.”

Even legitimate educators are feeling the strain. “Honestly, it’s becoming harder to function,” said Singh. “Some brokers cut affiliate ties overnight. And the rules are murky — between SEBI, ASCI, GST and income tax, we’re constantly second-guessing compliance. You spend more time with your CA than making content,” he added.

Awtani adds, “It’s about peace of mind, and the freedom to operate without fear of regulation shifting under your feet. If Dubai offers that, a lot of people will consider it.”

Ali Azar, SEBI-registered research analyst and founder of Magnus Hathaway, highlights the difference in regulatory tone. “Finfluencers in India often feel like they’re looked down upon… even those of us who are genuinely focused on education and awareness face skepticism from regulators, legacy media, and audience at large,” he said.

He recalls a creator friend being invited by the UAE’s SCA. “Her fears of the meeting being a compliance warning were short-lived… as the regulator rather initiated a chat over trying to understand what would make the environment conducive for creators. You don’t expect that kind of openness in India right now,” added Azar.

Global access, lower friction

Beyond regulation, Dubai offers strategic benefits to traders and advisors. PR Sundar, who moved two years ago, explains: “It offers a better lifestyle, a more conducive environment for content creators, and access to international markets is a major consideration. If you’re an Indian resident, you can’t trade in foreign derivatives. But once you become an NRI and are based abroad, you can trade in global markets — and still invest in India, through NRE or NRO accounts.”

Tax advantages are another major lure. “I’m primarily a trader. And I hold foreign citizenship,” Sundar said. “But if I had stayed in India for more than 180 days, I’d be liable to pay tax on my global income. By shifting base to Dubai, I can avoid that — and that’s a significant incentive,” he added. Read More

Still, tax isn’t entirely avoidable. “If you’re trading global markets, Dubai gives you freedom,” Sundar said. “But it’s not like you can walk away from Indian taxes. Unless you cut all financial ties — which most of us don’t — you’re still in the net.”

Awtani agreed: “Dubai is not a shortcut. Yes, the lifestyle and convenience are real. But if you don’t already have a business or base here, it’s hard work.” But surely, the trend of people actively considering relocating to Dubai is on the rise – with or without lower visa costs.

And Dubai’s pitch is clear: come for the tax perks, stay for the freedom.