Your essential survival guide for living and working in India. From visa procedures to daily life, banking to housing, schooling to compliances — everything you need for a successful India assignment.
Jump directly to what you need — from touchdown to fully settled
India's administrative system is logical, but missing steps causes months of complications
First week feels overwhelming. Multiple registrations, deadlines you didn't know about, and everything depends on everything else.
This guide shows you WHAT, WHY, and WHEN — not just checklists. Understand the sequence and everything flows smoothly.
90 days from now, you'll be ordering chai in Hindi, paying with UPI, and helping other new expats get settled.
Each document unlocks the next step. Get your Form C → Register with FRRO → Apply for PAN → Open bank account → Get UPI working → You're in the game! This guide shows you the exact sequence so you don't miss anything.
Get everything ready now while you're still in your home country where getting apostilled documents and certificates is easier
Relocation is like building a house - you need the foundation documents before you can build anything else. Without the right papers, you can't open a bank account, receive your salary, register your residence, or even buy a SIM card properly.
Get everything ready now while you're still in your home country where getting apostilled documents and certificates is easier.
Check employer name matches
From employer on company letterhead
Coverage confirmation documents
COVID-19, Yellow Fever if applicable
Keep extras for multiple applications
Plus doctor's letter explaining them
If planning to drive in India
International payments and sufficient cash
Bring power adaptor (Type C/D, 230V). India uses different plugs!
Notify your home bank about card usage in India to avoid blocks
Save embassy, HR, and emergency contacts before departure
Confirm airport pickup arrangement & first night hotel booking
All foreign passport holders must complete an online e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before your flight's arrival at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or via the official Su-Swagatam mobile app.
Required information: Full name (as per passport), Nationality and passport number, Date of arrival and purpose of visit, Countries visited in the last 6 days, Local address and contact details in India.
This is where everything either clicks into place or becomes a nightmare — here's the exact sequence
Right after landing, get your Indian SIM card and set up payment options.
Your landlord/hotel files Form C within 24 hours. This is your proof of stay — you'll need it for everything.
If your visa is >180 days, register with FRRO within 14 days. Fully online process.
Your tax ID in India. Required for salary, tax, and banking. Apply online via NSDL.
Once you have Form C, FRRO, and PAN — open your Indian bank account for salary and UPI.
India's payment revolution — from cash to cashless in days
UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is India's real-time payment system. It's how India went cashless.
Once your arrival formalities are complete, setting up a bank account enables salary credits and UPI access.
Before you even have a bank account, you can get UPI One World wallet at major airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad). Load money using your international card, get instant UPI access. Valid for 30 days, can be extended with full KYC.
From serviced apartments to family homes — choosing the right accommodation
| Type | What's Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Unfurnished Apartment | Empty unit with fixtures (fans, cupboards). You arrange furniture. | Long-term stays, corporate-leased housing, importing own goods |
| Fully Furnished | Furniture, appliances, complete kitchen setup included. | Most popular for expats on 1-3 year assignments |
| Serviced Apartment | Furnished + housekeeping + maintenance + utilities + concierge. | Senior executives, families, temporary accommodation |
Understanding boards, admissions, and timelines for children's education
For expat families moving countries
For long-term India residents
Apply 6-8 months in advance. Academic year starts Apr-Jun. Admission season is Sep-Jan. Schools conduct entrance tests and parent interviews (can be virtual if not yet in India). Once admitted, pay fees quickly — waitlists move fast!
Apps and services that make India life convenient
Zomato & Swiggy — Order from thousands of restaurants. Choose 4★+ for hygiene. Most deliver until midnight.
Blinkit, Zepto, BigBasket — 10-minute delivery. Also: Foodhall, Modern Bazaar, Reliance Smart stores.
Uber, Ola, Rapido — Cars, autos, bikes. Avoid peak hours 8-10am / 6-8pm. Always verify driver details.
Practo, Apollo, 1mg — Book doctors, online consultations, pharmacy delivery. Emergency: Dial 108.
Tax, PF, Aadhaar, and other legal requirements
Every expat goes through these phases. You're not alone!
"What do I do? Where do I start? Why is everything so complicated?"
"I'll never figure this out. Should I just hire someone to do everything?"
"Wait, this might actually work. Things are starting to click."
"I'm getting the hang of it. UPI is amazing! I love ordering food at midnight."
"I got this! I can navigate the metro without maps. I know the best chai spots."
"This feels like home now. I'm helping new expats settle in. India grows on you!"
Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] for personalized assistance with any step in your India journey.
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