India – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to India?

With very limited exceptions, all foreign nationals travelling to India are required to hold a valid visa before arrival. The precise requirements depend on your nationality, so it is essential to verify your obligations well in advance of any planned travel.

Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan enjoy a unique exemption — they may enter, live, and work in India without any visa or travel authorisation. Every other nationality requires some form of permission to enter.

Japanese, South Korean, and UAE nationals may obtain a visa on arrival at certain designated airports, though UAE nationals must previously have held an e-Visa or regular paper visa for India. All other eligible travellers must apply online for an e-Visa and receive confirmation of approval before they depart for India.

Holders of a valid Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or a Persons of Indian Origin Card are also free from visa requirements and may reside and work in India without any restriction on length of stay. The OCI scheme holds particular significance for members of the Indian diaspora and their close family members.

It is critical to note that short-stay permissions — such as a tourist e-Visa or visitor visa — do not confer the right to live in India long-term or to take up employment. Anyone intending to work or settle in India must obtain the relevant long-term visa category. Indian immigration rules are subject to frequent revision, so always verify your circumstances through the Bureau of Immigration, India or the Indian embassy or consulate nearest to you.

What visa categories are available for people relocating to India?

India provides a wide array of visa categories designed for different purposes and durations of stay. For those planning a genuine relocation rather than a temporary visit, the most relevant categories are the Employment Visa, the e-Student Visa, the Entry (X) Visa for accompanying family members, and the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme.

Employment (E) Visa
India does not issue a separate work permit document. The primary route for foreign nationals seeking to work in the country is the Employment (E) Visa, which incorporates work authorisation within the visa itself — in contrast to systems such as those in Germany or Canada, which issue distinct permit documents. The Employment Visa is generally granted for up to one year or the duration of the employment contract, whichever is shorter, and can be renewed within India by the FRRO or FRO for a cumulative total of up to five years from the date of first issue. Applicants must generally earn at least INR 16,25,000 per year (approximately USD 19,500), a threshold reflecting India’s policy of attracting skilled professionals from abroad.

The Employment Visa is available for those coming to work for an Indian company, for expatriates joining international organisations or NGOs, and for intra-company transferees. Importantly, it is not permissible to convert any other visa type — including a business visa — into an Employment Visa from within India.

e-Visa categories (short to medium-term stays)
India’s e-Visa system encompasses 14 sub-categories: e-Tourist Visa (available for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years), e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa, e-Conference Visa, e-Ayush Visa, e-Ayush Attendant Visa, e-Student Visa, e-Student Dependent Visa, e-Transit Visa, e-Mountaineering Visa, e-Film Visa, e-Entry Visa, and e-Production Investment Visa. These categories are appropriate for shorter visits, study, or medical purposes, but do not permit long-term residence or employment in India.

Entry (X) Visa
The Entry, or ‘X’, Visa is designed for dependants and family members of foreign nationals already resident in India on Employment or other long-term visas. Those who are persons of Indian origin, or foreign nationals who are the spouse or child of an Indian citizen or person of Indian origin and hold an X-1 visa, are permitted to take up employment — including with an NGO — without needing to convert to an Employment Visa. The individual must notify the relevant FRRO or FRO of their intention to begin employment at least 10 days beforehand.

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
The OCI scheme, introduced in 2005 in response to calls from the Indian diaspora for a form of dual citizenship, offers a type of permanent residency enabling people of Indian origin to live and work in India without restriction on duration of stay. However, OCI status does not amount to full Indian citizenship — OCI cardholders are not entitled to vote, stand for public office, or acquire agricultural land in India.

Project Visa
The Project Visa is available to foreign specialists and technicians engaged on specific large-scale projects, particularly in India’s power and steel sectors. It requires employer sponsorship and supporting project documentation. The visa period is tied directly to the project, with firm deadlines and no scope for ancillary work outside the project’s remit.

India’s e-Visa programme for tourist and business categories does not authorise employment — an Employment Visa obtained through a mission is required for that purpose. For the complete and current list of visa categories, refer to the official India Visa Online portal.

How do I apply for an Indian visa?

The method of application depends on which visa category you require. Most short-stay visas can be applied for entirely online through the e-Visa system. Employment Visas and other long-stay categories must be applied for through an Indian embassy, consulate, or authorised visa application centre.

Applying for an e-Visa (online)

1. Verify eligibility: Check whether your nationality qualifies for an e-Visa at indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. Those holding Pakistani passports or of Pakistani origin are not eligible for e-Visas and must apply at an Indian diplomatic mission.
2. Submit the online application: The e-Visa process is fully online and does not require the assistance of any agent or intermediary. Applications should be submitted at least four days before the intended arrival date.
3. Upload the required documents: You must upload a recent passport-style photograph against a plain white background, along with the biographical data page of your passport showing your name, date of birth, nationality, and passport expiry date.
4. Pay the application fee: Payment is made online by credit or debit card. The e-Visa fee is non-refundable once submitted, regardless of the outcome of the application.
5. Await your Electronic Travel Authorisation: Processing takes up to 72 hours. You will receive notification by email. Do not travel until your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) status displays as ‘GRANTED’.
6. Arrive via approved entry points: e-Visas cannot be used at land border crossings. Cruise passengers may enter through five designated seaports: Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Goa, and Mangalore.

Applying for a regular (paper) visa, including Employment Visas

1. Complete the application form online: Fill in the form at indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html, then print and sign it in line with your passport signature.
2. Compile supporting documents: Gather all documents relevant to your visa category (detailed in the documents section below).
3. Submit your application: Depending on your country of residence, you may submit in person or by post to an Indian consulate, or through a designated visa service provider.
4. Retrieve your visa: Collect your passport and visa from the Indian mission or Visa Application Centre, or have it returned by post.
5. Register after arrival: Foreign employees whose stay will exceed 180 days are required to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival. This registration is mandatory to obtain a Residence Permit and remain lawfully in India.

Applicants based in the United States: VFS Global, appointed by the Government of India, provides visa application services across the United States. Those residing within the consular jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India, New York, may submit their regular visa application to VFS Global Indian Visa Application Centre, 128 East 32nd Street, 2nd Floor, New York, 10016. Applicants should also consult the Embassy of India, Washington D.C. to confirm their consular jurisdiction.

Applicants based in the United Kingdom: Regular visa applications in the UK are handled by VFS Global on behalf of the Indian High Commission. Current procedures, application centre locations, and appointment information are available at the High Commission of India, London.

Applicants elsewhere should contact their nearest Indian embassy or consulate. Always use only the official government portal — a number of unauthorised websites have attempted to collect applications and fees from visa seekers. The sole authorised online portal for Indian visas is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in.

What documents are required for an Indian visa application?

The documentation required varies according to your visa category. The items listed below represent the standard requirements applicable to most application types. You should always confirm the precise checklist on the official portal or with the Indian mission in your country, as requirements may differ by nationality and consular post.

Core documents required for most visa types

• Passport: Must be valid for a minimum of six months and contain at least two blank pages available for visa stamps.
• Photographs: Two recent, identical colour photographs measuring 5 cm x 5 cm, taken against a white background with the face occupying approximately 70% of the frame.
• Completed visa application form: Completed via the online portal, printed, and signed in a manner consistent with your passport signature.
• Proof of residence in country of application: Most missions require evidence that you are lawfully resident in the country from which you are applying.

Additional documents for Employment Visa applications

• A signed employment contract and offer letter; the Indian employer’s corporate registration documents; educational and professional qualifications (often requiring apostille) demonstrating suitability for the role; a declaration regarding Indian tax liability; passport, photographs, completed form, and fee payment.
• Evidence of the applicant’s professional credentials, given that the Employment Visa is restricted to skilled and highly qualified professionals.
• Documentation confirming that the salary meets the minimum annual threshold (INR 16,25,000 per year in most cases, as of 2025).

Documents for minor applicants

Applications for minors must include a notarised parental consent form bearing the signatures of both parents, along with copies of their passports and marriage certificate.

Translation requirements

All documents submitted must be in English; those in other languages must be accompanied by a certified English translation, otherwise the application risks rejection. Check with the relevant Indian mission whether apostilled or notarised translations are required for particular document types.

For a comprehensive and current document checklist, refer to the official India Visa Online portal or the Indian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

How long does Indian visa processing take?

Processing times vary considerably depending on the visa type, your nationality, and which consular post is handling your application. Particularly for Employment Visas — which require more thorough document verification — it is advisable to begin the process well in advance of your intended travel date.

e-Visa processing

As of 2025, e-Visa applications are processed within up to 72 hours. The application fee must be paid at least four days before the planned date of travel or the application will not proceed. This places India’s e-Visa among the faster entry authorisations available globally, comparable in turnaround to Australia’s ETA or the US ESTA for eligible nationalities.

Regular (paper) visa processing

Processing times for regular paper visas — including the Employment Visa — are typically longer, ranging from several days to several weeks depending on the consulate involved and the complexity of the application. Those who have ever held Pakistani citizenship, or whose parent or spouse has held Pakistani citizenship, are ineligible for e-Visas and must apply at their local Indian mission; applicants with prior Pakistani citizenship should expect potentially extended processing times.

Processing timelines cannot be guaranteed, and delays do occur. Begin preparations early — obtaining police clearances, apostilles, and certified copies of educational qualifications can itself take several weeks. Consult the Bureau of Immigration India website and your local Indian mission for the most current time estimates before you set a relocation date.

What are the costs involved in applying for an Indian visa?

Indian visa fees are determined by nationality, visa category, and the location of the submitting applicant. Fees differ between consulates and regions. All fees are set by the Government of India and may change at any time — always consult the official portal or your nearest Indian mission for the current fee schedule before submitting an application.

e-Visa fees

e-Visa fees are collected online during the application process and vary according to your nationality and the specific e-Visa sub-category you are applying for. A payment processing surcharge applies: credit or debit card transactions incur an additional charge of 3% of the applicable e-Visa fee, while payments via PayPal attract a surcharge of 4%. For the fee applicable to your nationality and chosen category, visit the official e-Visa portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in.

Regular (paper) visa fees

The visa fee — which differs by nationality — is payable at the time of application submission. Some applicants may also be required to undergo biometric enrolment as directed by their consulate. Visa handling services may levy a modest additional charge for verifying that application documents comply with requirements and for submitting the paperwork on the applicant’s behalf.

Additional costs to budget for

• Translation and apostille costs: Where documents require translation into English or official legalisation, fees will vary depending on the provider and the type of document involved.
• FRRO registration: Longer-stay arrivals must complete registration with the FRRO online via the e-FRRO portal; consult the Bureau of Immigration for details of any associated charges.
• Legal or immigration adviser fees: Engaging a licensed immigration lawyer or registered adviser will incur professional fees. While this is not compulsory for all visa categories, professional guidance is strongly recommended for Employment Visa applications.
• Medical examinations: Certain visa categories or specific nationalities may be required to undergo a medical examination as part of the application. Confirm whether this applies to you with the relevant Indian mission.

The Government of India does not levy emergency fees or expedited processing charges for any e-Visa. Any third party claiming to offer such a service should be treated with considerable caution.

Can family members accompany me to India on a visa?

India has provisions in place for dependants of Employment Visa holders and certain other long-stay visa categories. Whether accompanying family members are permitted to work or study in India depends on the visa type held by the principal applicant.

Dependants and family members of a foreign national holding an Employment Visa are eligible for an Employment Dependent Visa — commonly referred to as the ‘X’ (Entry) Visa. Each dependant must submit a separate application; they cannot be included on the primary holder’s visa.

Persons of Indian origin, or foreign nationals who are the spouse or child of an Indian citizen or person of Indian origin and who hold an X-1 visa, are permitted to take up employment — including with an NGO — without needing to convert their X-1 visa to an Employment Visa. They must, however, inform the relevant FRRO or FRO of their intention to begin work at least 10 days in advance.

Children of Employment Visa holders are generally eligible to apply for student visas to attend school or university in India. Dependant family members who do not qualify for an X-1 visa but wish to work must apply for their own Employment Visa and satisfy the standard salary threshold — as of 2025, generally INR 16,25,000 per year for most categories.

As of 2025, e-Visa sub-categories for students and their dependants have been introduced, broadening the online application pathway for this group. Long-stay student visas can also be obtained through the regular paper visa route via an Indian mission.

All dependant applicants should verify the current requirements with the relevant Indian embassy or consulate, as rules may vary by nationality and are periodically updated. The official India Visa Online portal is the authoritative reference for current dependant visa provisions.

Can I extend my visa or pursue permanent residence in India?

India’s framework for long-term residence and visa extension differs considerably from that of many other countries. There is no straightforward permanent residency pathway available to most foreign nationals in the manner that exists in countries such as Canada or Germany. The options open to you depend on your visa category and personal background.

Extending an Employment Visa
The Employment Visa is usually issued for up to one year or the contract period — whichever is shorter — and can be extended within India by the FRRO or FRO for a total of up to five years from the original date of issue. Extensions can only be processed by the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Officer in the city where the visa holder is employed. Indian embassies abroad will not handle renewal applications unless the holder has accepted a contract with a new employer.

e-Visas cannot be extended
The e-Visa is non-extendable and cannot be converted to any other visa category. It is also not valid for travel to Protected, Restricted, or Cantonment Areas. If your situation changes and a different visa type becomes necessary, you must depart India and apply for the appropriate visa from your home country.

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) — the nearest equivalent to permanent residence
For those of Indian origin, the OCI scheme offers a form of permanent residency that allows indefinite residence and employment in India. As of 2025, the OCI application process is largely digital, though applicants must still attend a consulate or FRRO in person to complete the process. Once granted, OCI status is lifelong, but it does not confer Indian citizenship and comes with certain limitations.

Pathway to Indian citizenship
India does not recognise dual citizenship. Naturalisation as an Indian citizen is theoretically possible after a qualifying period of residence, but the criteria are strict — typically requiring at least 11 years of ordinary residence, including a continuous period immediately prior to the application. Consult the Bureau of Immigration India and a qualified immigration lawyer for current eligibility criteria, as the rules are subject to change.

What are the most frequent reasons Indian visa applications are refused?

Being aware of the most common grounds for refusal will help you put together a stronger application. India’s immigration authorities exercise considerable discretion, and there is no universal appeals mechanism that guarantees reconsideration of a refused application.

Common grounds for refusal

• Inconsistent or incorrect documentation: Discrepancies between documents — for instance, a salary figure that differs from the offer letter, or a photograph that fails to meet the specified dimensions — are among the most common reasons for rejection.
• Wrong visa category selected: Working in India on an e-Business or e-Tourist visa is not permitted. Employment requires a dedicated Employment Visa issued by an Indian mission. Misrepresenting the true purpose of your visit is treated as a serious matter.
• Failure to meet the salary threshold: Employment Visa applications where the declared salary falls below INR 16,25,000 per year (approximately USD 19,500, as of 2025) will typically be refused in most circumstances.
• Incomplete applications or missing documents: Unfilled sections, unsigned forms, or absent supporting documents — such as a missing employer letter or omitted proof of qualifications — can lead to outright rejection.
• Nationality-based restrictions: Anyone who has previously held Pakistani citizenship, or whose parent or spouse has held Pakistani citizenship, is not eligible for e-Visas and must apply directly at a local Indian mission.
• Criminal record or security concerns: India may refuse entry to individuals with certain criminal convictions or those flagged for security reasons. Breaches of Indian immigration law are treated with great seriousness, and travellers presenting invalid documents or the wrong visa type may face imprisonment, fines, or refusal of entry.
• Prior immigration violations: Having overstayed a previous visa or having misused a visa category can result in refusal of subsequent applications or a ban on re-entry to India.

How to strengthen your application

• Submit through the official portal only, and review every field carefully before finalising your application.
• Confirm that all supporting documents are in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
• Apply well ahead of your intended travel date and obtain apostilles, educational certificates, and police clearances early, as sourcing these documents can take several weeks.
• For Employment Visa applications, ensure your employer has supplied comprehensive corporate documentation and a detailed, signed contract.

If your application is refused

India does not operate a formal statutory visa appeal mechanism comparable to, for example, the UK’s immigration tribunal system. Following a refusal, it may be possible to reapply with corrected or supplementary documentation. Seek guidance from a qualified immigration lawyer who specialises in Indian immigration law and contact the relevant Indian mission for advice on how to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter India as a tourist and then switch to an Employment Visa once I am there?

Converting any other visa type — including a business visa — into an Employment Visa from within India is not permitted. Foreign nationals who find themselves in this situation must return to their country of permanent residence and make a fresh application at the appropriate Indian embassy or consulate, providing all documentation required for an Employment Visa.

How many times can I enter India on a tourist e-Visa?

An Indian e-Tourist Visa may only be applied for and obtained twice within any single calendar year. For the one-year and five-year e-Tourist Visa options, total time spent in India within any one calendar year must not exceed 180 days. Should you need to remain beyond this limit, a different visa category obtained through an Indian mission will be necessary.

Do I need to register with the FRRO if I have an e-Visa?

Where your intended stay exceeds 180 days, registration with the relevant FRRO or FRO is required within two weeks of that 180-day period expiring. For Employment Visa holders whose visa is valid for more than 180 days, registration must take place within 14 days of first arriving in India. Registration is completed online via the e-FRRO portal at boi.gov.in.

Is there a retirement visa for India?

India does not currently offer a dedicated retirement visa in the way that countries such as Portugal or Thailand do. Those of Indian origin who are retiring may be eligible for the OCI card, granting them the right to reside in India indefinitely. All other retirees would need to obtain a long-stay visa connected to a permitted purpose. Consult the official portal and a qualified immigration lawyer for the most current options available.

Can I use my e-Visa to enter India through a land border?

No — e-Visas are not valid for entry through land border crossings. They are accepted only at designated airports and specified seaports. Anyone planning to enter India via a land border must obtain a regular paper visa from an Indian embassy or consulate before travelling.

What is the OCI card and who is eligible?

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a form of permanent residency designed for people of Indian origin, permitting them to live and work in India without any restriction on the length of their stay. Those broadly eligible include individuals who were citizens of India at any time after 26 January 1950, those who would have been eligible to become Indian citizens, and the spouses and minor children of existing OCI cardholders. Applications are submitted via ociservices.gov.in.

Does my dependant spouse have the right to work in India?

Persons of Indian origin, or foreign nationals who are the spouse or child of an Indian citizen or person of Indian origin and hold an X-1 visa, may take up employment — including with an NGO — on their X-1 visa without converting to an Employment Visa. Spouses who hold neither OCI status nor an X-1 visa and who wish to work must in most cases apply for their own Employment Visa, satisfying the standard eligibility criteria. Always verify the current position with the relevant Indian mission.

Where can I find reliable, official information about Indian visa requirements?

The principal authoritative sources are the India Visa Online portal (for both e-Visa and regular visa applications), the Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the website of the Indian embassy or high commission in your country. Rely exclusively on official government websites — numerous fraudulent webpages exist with the aim of harvesting personal data from visa applicants.