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Updated August 2024

Key takeaway

India offers two work visas: business visas (‘B’ visa) and employment visas (‘E’ visa).

Business visas permit foreign individuals to engage in business activities in India for up to 6 months per visit.

Employment visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to work in India, with a validity ranging from 2 to 5 years.

Table of Contents

What are the types of work visas in India?

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs in India, there are two types of work visas, namely:

Business visa classified as a ‘B’ visa
Employment visa classified as an ‘E’ visa

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Business visa

A business visa is a visa category provided to foreign individuals intending to travel to India for matters related to commerce and trade.

This type of visa permits individuals to partake in a range of business-related activities within the country, including participation in business meetings, conferences, trade exhibitions, and the facilitation of business negotiations.

Eligibility

The following categories of individuals are eligible to apply for the India business visa:

Individuals hoping to establish or explore industrial/business ventures.
Individuals buying or selling industrial, commercial, or consumer products.
Visitors participating in technical meetings, board meetings, or providing business services.
Persons recruiting manpower.
Individuals holding positions as business partners or directors.
Consultations related to exhibitions, trade fairs, or business events.
Foreign buyers assessing suppliers or potential suppliers in India.
Experts/specialists overseeing ongoing projects or providing technical guidance.
Individuals engaging in pre-sales or post-sales activities, excluding actual project execution.
Trainees of multinational companies undergoing in-house training.
Students sponsored by AIESEC for project-based internships.
Tour conductors, travel agents, and those involved in business tours or related activities.

Validity

A business visa with multiple entries can be issued for up to 5 years or shorter, depending on your needs. Each visit under this visa allows a maximum stay of 6 months, determined by the Indian Mission.

However, Indian Missions have the authority to provide business visas with a 10-year validity and the privilege of multiple entries to citizens of the United States of America. For each visit, the visa stipulates that the duration of the stay in India should not exceed 6 months.

Please note that if the Mission decides on a maximum 6-month stay for each visit, the visa will be endorsed as “each stay not to exceed 6 months, registration not required.” If there’s no such stay stipulation, the endorsement will be “registration within 14 days.” This provides flexibility based on the nature of your business activity in India.

Requirements

The following are some prerequisites and documents required to apply for the India business visa:

Prerequisites

The following are some of the prerequisites that must be met to apply for the India business visa:

Obtain your business visa from your country of origin or your habitual domicile, provided you have resided there for over two years. In cases of shorter residence, approval from the Indian Mission in your country of origin is required.
Prepare registration documents for your proposed business activities, such as company registration under the Companies Act or affiliation with recognized industry or trade promotion bodies.
Remember that the grant of a business visa is subject to the Government of India’s instructions, which may change based on reciprocity with other countries.
The purpose of your visit should not involve money lending, running a small business, or seeking full-time employment in India.
Comply with all tax obligations and requirements during your stay.

Documents required

The following are some of the necessary documents to apply for the India business visa:

A passport that is valid for at least one year, with at least three blank pages
A 51 x 51 mm photograph to accompany your visa application.
Ensure you have a valid travel document and, if necessary, a re-entry permit based on your country’s laws.
Proof of financial stability and provide documentation to support your intended business visit to India.
Documents related to the proposed business activity, such as the company’s registration under the Companies Act, evidence of the firm’s registration with the State Industries Department or the relevant Export Promotion Council, or any recognized promotional body in the relevant industry or trade sector, and more.

Please note that some additional documents might be required. Hence, make sure to consult your Embassy/Consulate or visa application centre regarding the documents to be submitted.

You can refer to the Ministry of Home Affairs official website for more information.

Employment visa

An employment visa is issued to foreign individuals who intend to work in India, provided they meet some conditions.

Eligibility

The following categories of individuals are eligible to apply for the India employment visa:

Consultants on contract receive fixed remuneration from Indian companies.
Foreign artists employed for regular performances by hotels, clubs, or other organizations.
Coaches of national/state-level teams or reputed sports clubs.
Sportsmen with contracts from Indian clubs/organizations.
Self-employed foreign professionals providing specialized services like engineering, medical, accounting, or legal expertise if permitted by law.
Foreign language teachers or interpreters.
Specialist chefs from abroad.
Foreign engineers/technicians for equipment/machine/tool installation and commissioning as per the contract.
Foreign nationals providing technical support or know-how transfer for which Indian companies pay fees/royalties to foreign companies.

Validity

The validity of an employment visa is as follows:

For foreign experts under bilateral agreements or approved collaborations – 5 years with multiple entries.
Highly skilled IT professionals – 3 years or the assignment’s duration, with multiple entries.
Other foreign employees – 2 years or the assignment’s term, with multiple entries.

Please note that visas for 180 days or less do not require registration. More extended visas must be registered with the FRRO/FRO (Foreigners Registration Office) within 14 days of arrival.

Requirements

The following are some prerequisites and documents required to apply for the India employment visa:

Prerequisites

The following are some of the prerequisites to be met to apply for the India employment visa:

The applicant should be a highly skilled or qualified professional hired by an Indian company, organization, industry, or undertaking on a contract or employment basis.
Employment visas are not issued for jobs where qualified Indian candidates are available, and they are not granted for routine, ordinary, or clerical positions.
The foreign national must intend to work for either an Indian-registered company or a foreign company engaged in a project in India.
The applicant sponsored for an employment visa in any sector must earn an annual salary exceeding US$ 25,000, except for ethnic cooks, language teachers (excluding English), translators, and embassy/high commission staff in India.
Compliance with all legal requirements, including tax liabilities, is mandatory.
The employment visa must be obtained from the country of the applicant’s origin or domicile, provided they have resided there for more than 2 years.
Documentation related to the proposed employment, such as company registration, firm registration, or recognition from industry and trade bodies, will determine the visa category issued.

Documents required

The following are some of the necessary documents to apply for the India employment visa:

A passport that is valid for at least one year, with at least three blank pages
A 51 x 51 mm photograph to accompany your visa application.
Ensure you have a valid travel document and, if necessary, a re-entry permit based on your country’s laws.
The foreign national must provide proof of employment, contract, or engagement with a company or organization in India.
Submit documentary evidence of your educational qualifications and professional expertise.

Please note that some additional documents might be required. Hence, make sure to consult your Embassy/Consulate or visa application centre regarding the documents to be submitted.

You can refer to the Ministry of Home Affairs official website for more information.

How to apply for an India work visa?

Indian Missions or authorized visa application centres in various countries typically handle the issuance of Indian work visas.

To apply for an Indian work visa, follow the steps given below:

Register using the official portal of the Government of India.
Complete the application form.
After submitting your application, you will receive an appointment at the Embassy/Consulate near your location.
During this appointment, you will need to attend an interview and provide all the necessary documents.

After the interview, the consulate or embassy will inform you about your application status.

Processing time

The processing time for Indian work visas can vary based on your country of application and the type of visa you’re seeking. Hence, starting the application process well in advance is essential to account for any discrepancies or additional requirements that may arise during processing.

Please make sure to consult your Embassy/Consulate or the visa application centres for the accurate processing time of your India work visa.

What is the cost of an India work visa?

The visa fee for an Indian work visa can vary depending on the individual’s country of application and its category.

According to some sources, the visa fee typically ranges from USD 120 to USD 250 for a business visa. Similarly, an employment visa can cost anywhere from USD 120 to USD 560, depending on your country of application and the duration of your stay.

Please make sure to consult your nearest Embassy/Consulate or the visa application centres for the accurate cost of India work visas.

Alternatively, you can also refer to our dedicated article on India visa price.