Your life in India starts here
Make your move to India
Vast, varied and very affordable, India draws people with its landscapes, cuisine and widely spoken English. Employment offers a welcoming route into everyday life here.
Photo: Jai Suriya / Pexels
At a glance
India, in brief.
How India compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. India ranks among the best for cost of living (3rd of 77) and property affordability (3rd of 75).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Very low
- Property
- Very affordable
- Healthcare
- Limited
- Safety
- Moderate
- Climate
- Warm (~27°C)
- English
- Widely spoken
- Expat community
- Minimal
No retiree visa, no dual, work visa only
Worldwide residents, progressive ~30% plus surcharge
Life in India
My name is Amanda, and I am an Australian born and raised 32-year-old female. Where, when and why did you move abroad? I moved to Chandigarh, India in…
Health insurance in India
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotesMoving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
India, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about India into clear answers.
Loading the insurance checker…
- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in India.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The India moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in India share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All India stories
- Mumbai
Carissa Hickling
I am Carissa, originally from Canada, call India home while working and traveling around Asia. My profession is consulting with a focus…
- Bangalore
Deborah and Jon
We are a family of three – Deborah, Jon and Myles (11) – originally from Toronto, Canada but our home is in…
- Nagpur
Lauren Mokasdar
Hello, my name is Lauren and I am originally from England. I have a master’s degree in pharmacy, but I have now…
Fresh from India
Latest articles.
Preparing for an Indian Wedding: Tips for Expats
Indian weddings are a rich and intricate tapestry of customs, traditions, and rituals. For expats living in India, attending an Indian wedding can be…
How To Open A Bank Account In India
When India gained independence and was established as a republic, the Rupee (currency code: INR, symbol: ₹, and equivalent to: £0.011, $0.013 or €0.012)…
How To Learn The Language In India
India is an ancient and very diverse country, both culturally and linguistically, and you will find that many languages are spoken here. If you…
Need an international mover?
Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to India, and compare them side by side.
Newsletter
Your move, in your inbox.
Our free monthly newsletter: stories, practical tips and everything you need to plan a new life abroad.