Asia Pacific
India immigration and visa guide
India offers the Employment Visa (E-Visa) for skilled expatriates, the Business Visa (B-Visa), and the lifelong Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
Bureau of Immigration & Ministry of Home Affairs (e-FRRO / FRRO)
- Processing time
- 3 – 8 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- No
- Digital nomad friendly
- No
Visa options in India
Key requirements
- Employment contract with an Indian company or multinational operating in India with minimum annual salary of $25,000 USD (exempt for IT specialists and language teachers)
- Proof of academic qualifications and professional credentials justifying recruitment of foreign national
- Registration on e-FRRO portal within 14 days of arrival in India for stay permits exceeding 180 days
How to apply for a India visa: step by step
- 1
Indian Visa Online Portal Submission
Submit Employment Visa application online with signed contract, salary certificate, and Indian company incorporation papers.
2 - 4 weeks
- 2
Consular Visa Stamp Collection
Collect physical visa sticker at Indian Embassy or VFS / BLS center.
1 - 2 weeks
- 3
e-FRRO Online Registration & Residential Permit
Upload landing stamp and residential proof on e-FRRO portal to receive digital Residential Permit (RP).
1 - 2 weeks post-arrival
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
What is the OCI card in India?
The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is a lifelong visa and residency status granted to foreign citizens of Indian origin (and their spouses), giving them parity with Indian citizens in financial, economic, and educational fields, without requiring police registration.
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in India. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.
Bureau of Immigration & Ministry of Home Affairs (e-FRRO / FRRO)General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Bureau of Immigration & Ministry of Home Affairs (e-FRRO / FRRO) on the official website before applying.