The definitive guide to Form C reporting for hotels, corporates, startups, hospitals, and every entity hosting foreign nationals.
Each sector faces unique challenges — choose your article
Foundational guide covering registration, FRRO linkage, documentation, and best practices.
Read Full Article →Guide for hotels, Airbnb hosts, guesthouses, and hospitality providers on filing.
Read Full Article →Essential guide for factories hosting foreign engineers, technicians, and project managers.
Read Full Article →Insights for founders using co-living spaces, serviced apartments, and shared offices.
Read Full Article →Everything you need to know — from legal basis to filing process — in one place
Mandated under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946 and Rule 14 of the Registration of Foreigners Rules, 1992. A mandatory online submission to the Bureau of Immigration.
Form C is a host-filed notification. FRRO Registration is separate — required for stays beyond 180 days. Form C supports FRRO but both are distinct obligations.
Entirely online via indianfrro.gov.in. Hosts register, submit electronically, and receive an e-Form C receipt to share with the guest.
Hotels, guesthouses, hostels
Guesthouses, serviced apts
Factory guesthouses
Inpatient foreign care
Short-term rentals
Shared accommodations
University hostels
Ashrams, dharamshalas
| Nationality | Deadline | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran | 12 hours of check-in | Urgent |
| All other nationalities | 24 hours of check-in | Standard |
| Nepal & Bhutan | Not required | Exempt |
| Departure / Check-out (all) | Mandatory under 2025 Rules | New 2025 |
Visit indianfrro.gov.in. Create account, upload establishment docs and authorization letter.
FRRO/FRO reviews and activates your establishment's portal account.
Log in, navigate to 'Form C' under services. Start a new submission per guest.
Passport, visa, photo, travel history, accommodation, contact info, purpose of visit.
Receive e-Form C receipt instantly. Retain copy and provide one to the guest.
Under 2025 rules, file check-out information when the guest leaves.
Form C compliance has been expanded to include checkout reporting — creating end-to-end tracking of foreign nationals via the Bureau of Immigration. The new framework replaces the colonial-era Foreigners Act, 1946.
Must report both arrival and departure
FRRO portal as primary system
Entry to exit data capture
Higher fines, expanded powers
Ignorance is not a defense — enforcement is active across India
Monetary penalties may apply to non-compliant hosts
Possible criminal proceedings under applicable law
May affect future visa and entry decisions
Operational, licensing, and reputational risks
In 2013, hospital staff in Pune were arrested for failing to file Form C for a foreign patient with a bullet injury — enforcement is real and active across India.
Personal relationship manager
Complex compliance challenges
Visa, payroll, tax — one roof
Proven expat management