Back to Kerala after the Gulf
What to finish before you fly, what to sort out in the first 90 days, and how to keep earning from abroad while living at home.
In this article
Coming home is easier when you keep your income
Many Malayalis in the Gulf think about coming home for years before they do it. The question is usually not "do I want to go back?" but "what will I earn there?"
That question has a new answer. Many skills that earn well in the Gulf, such as design, marketing, accounting, software and video, can now be done remotely. You can live in Kerala and keep working for clients in Dubai, Doha or Riyadh. You do not have to go abroad to work for abroad.
Before you leave the Gulf
- Settle your end of service. Get your final settlement and gratuity in writing, and keep copies.
- Cancel your visa properly. Make sure your residence visa is cancelled and you have proof.
- Close or clear local loans and credit cards. Unpaid dues can cause problems later.
- Collect documents. Experience letters, salary certificates and any degree attestations you may need.
- Ask for references. Your current manager and clients may become your first remote clients.
- Plan school transfers early. In Kerala the school year usually starts in June, so admissions open earlier.
Money and banking
- Tell your bank you are returning. NRE and NRO accounts generally need to be converted to resident accounts once you move back for good. Your bank will tell you the steps.
- Get tax advice for the year you return. Your tax residency in the year you move can change what you owe. A chartered accountant can help you plan it.
- If you will earn from abroad, open an account that receives international payments easily, and keep invoices for every client payment.
Choosing where to live
| City | Why people choose it |
|---|---|
| Kochi | The most job and business activity, good schools and hospitals, an international airport and a metro. |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Calmer capital city, Technopark, an international airport, strong in education. |
| Kozhikode | Close-knit city with an international airport and a growing design and media scene. |
| Thrissur | Central location, good schools, a slower pace, within driving distance of Kochi airport. |
If you will work for Gulf clients, being close to an airport makes the occasional client visit easy.
Ways to keep earning from Kerala
- Go remote with your current employer. Some companies agree if you have a good track record. Ask before you resign.
- Freelance for Gulf clients. Your network, language and market knowledge are your advantage.
- Start a small service business. A team of two or three in Kerala can serve clients abroad.
- Check support for returnees. NORKA Roots, the Kerala government agency for non-resident Keralites, runs programmes for returning NRIs. Check their current schemes before you plan.
Your first 90 days
- Bank accounts updated to resident status
- Local SIM and a reliable home internet connection, with a mobile backup
- A proper work desk at home, or a coworking space nearby
- School admissions done, if you have children
- A profile with your work samples online, so clients can find you
- Two or three Gulf contacts told that you are available for remote work
Frequently asked questions
What should I do before leaving the Gulf for good?
Get your final settlement and gratuity in writing, make sure your residence visa is cancelled with proof, clear local loans and credit cards, and collect experience letters and salary certificates.
Do I need to change my NRE and NRO accounts when I return to Kerala?
NRE and NRO accounts generally need to be converted to resident accounts once you move back for good. Your bank will explain the steps, and a chartered accountant can advise on tax for the year you return.
Can I keep earning from the Gulf while living in Kerala?
Yes, many skills such as design, marketing, accounting, software and video can be done remotely for clients in the Gulf. Some people go remote with their current employer, and others freelance or set up a small service team.
Which city in Kerala is best for returning NRIs?
Kochi has the most business activity and an international airport. Thiruvananthapuram is calmer and has Technopark, Kozhikode has a close-knit community and its own airport, and Thrissur offers a central location and a slower pace.
Is there government support for Gulf returnees in Kerala?
NORKA Roots, the Kerala government agency for non-resident Keralites, runs programmes for returning NRIs. Schemes change, so check their current offerings before you plan.
Work for abroad, from Keralam
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