Business Visa
for Indians
Business Visa
Foreign investors can apply for different types of visas depending on their purpose of visit. With the introduction of the e-Visa, available to applicants from 166 countries, the process has become much simpler. Applicants can now apply online without needing to visit an Indian embassy or consulate.
Business visas are non-extendable and non-convertible, and they are granted for up to one year with multiple entries. If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days, you must register with the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
Although there is no mandatory qualification for visa consultants in India, a strong understanding of immigration laws and visa processes is crucial. Pursuing online courses or certifications related to visa consultancy can enhance your expertise.
Dependent Visas: Family members or dependents of a foreign national granted a business visa will be issued a dependent visa of the appropriate sub-category. The validity of the dependent visa will match that of the principal visa holder or may be shortened as deemed necessary by the Indian Mission. Family members may also be eligible for a Student or Research Visa, provided they meet the required criteria.
Key Visa Types: e-Visa
e-Visa.
The introduction of e-Visas for applicants from 166 countries has simplified the process of obtaining an Indian visa. Applicants should note that visa guidelines may change periodically.
The e-Visa has for sub-categories:
- e-Tourist Visa: For tourism, sightseeing, casual visits to friends or family, or short-term yoga programs.
- e-Business Visa: For business activities permitted under a normal business visa.
- e-Medical Visa: For medical treatment, including traditional Indian medicine.
- e-Medical Attendant Visa: For attendants of e-Medical visa holders.
- e-Conference Visa: For attending conferences or seminars organized by government bodies or public sector organizations in India.
Business Visa
Foreign nationals seeking to conduct business in India should apply for an e-Business Visa. This visa is granted for up to five years and can be extended. The visa is suitable for the following purposes:
- Establishing or exploring industrial or business ventures in India.
- Purchasing or selling industrial, commercial products, or consumer durables.
- Attending technical meetings, board or general meetings, or providing business service support.
- Recruiting manpower.
- Acting as partners or directors of a company.
- Conducting meetings or monitoring ongoing projects during short visits.
- Engaging in pre-sales or post-sales activities that do not involve contract execution.
Employment Visa
Skilled and qualified foreign nationals looking to work in India should apply for an Employment Visa if their job matches the following purposes:
- Executing projects or contracts.
- Working as consultants on fixed remuneration.
- Provision of technical support services or transfer of know-how for which an Indian Company pays fees or royalties;
- Providing technical support services or transferring know-how, with fees or royalties paid by an Indian company.
- Installing and commissioning equipment, machines, or tools as part of a supply contract.
- Serving as foreign artists, coaches for national/state teams, sports professionals, or specialist chefs.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Employment with an entity registered in India or a foreign company engaged in a project in India.
- The applicant must be highly skilled and qualified, hired on a contract or employment basis.
- The position must be one that could not be filled by a qualified Indian employee.
- The applicant (except language teachers, ethnic cooks for foreign missions, embassy or High Commission staff, voluntary workers, and certain professionals) must earn an annual gross salary of over INR 1.625 million.
Project Visa
A Project Visa is issued to highly skilled foreign nationals visiting India to execute projects in the power or steel sectors. It is a multiple-entry visa granted for either one year or the duration of the project, whichever is shorter, and can be extended for another year.
- The State Government or Union Territory Administration grants the first extension, while subsequent extensions are handled by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Holders of a Project Visa cannot take up employment with the same Indian company for two years after the project's completion.
- If the visa is valid for more than 180 days, the visa holder must register with the FRRO/FRO within 14 days of arrival. For visas valid for 180 days or less, registration is not required.
- There are sector-specific limits on the number of Project Visas allowed for each project in the power and steel sectors.