Navigate India's immigration framework with confidence. From visa selection to FRRO compliance, departure formalities to restricted area permits — everything you need for a lawful, uninterrupted assignment.
New to Indian immigration? Jump to the section you need most.
E-Visa, Regular Visa, all categories explained
Key differences & common mistakes
From visa selection to departure
Registration requirements & timelines
Extensions, updates & permits
36+ country-specific documents
Answers to common questions
Whether you're an expatriate relocating to India or a global mobility professional managing international assignments, this guide provides clear, actionable insights for managing secondments and individual assignments.
Newly established entities requiring end-to-end visa planning and assignment compliance for incoming foreign personnel.
Professionals managing international transfers needing clarity on Indian visa intricacies and compliance requirements.
Individuals employed in India seeking a clear and compliant immigration pathway throughout their assignment.
Advisors supporting global mobility programs, looking for a reliable India-specific reference guide.
Founders and investors establishing a presence in India, requiring visa planning and legal structuring guidance.
Independent professionals engaged by Indian firms who need visa eligibility clarity for project-based work.
Visa compliance is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of global mobility. Without a clear understanding of India's immigration framework, organisations and expatriates can expose themselves to regulatory risks.
Using a business or tourist visa for roles that mandate an employment visa — a common mistake that leads to compliance violations and potential deportation.
Submitting incomplete documents or missing embassy-specific requirements, leading to delays, rejections, or requests for additional documentation.
Overlooking local registrations like FRRO registration, Form C submission, tax, and social security due to incorrect visa classification.
Violating visa terms by travelling to restricted areas without permits, missing minimum income thresholds, dual employment, or overstaying.
India has stepped up enforcement of visa regulations, with recent violations involving global companies like Vivo and Netflix. These cases highlight risks tied to foreign employees operating under incorrect visa categories or engaging in activities beyond the permitted scope.
India offers different modes for foreign nationals to apply for visas. Understanding which mode applies to your situation is the first step.
Issued electronically before travel. Suitable for short-term visits such as business meetings, conferences, or medical treatment. Apply online and receive ETA via email.
Physical visa label affixed to the passport. Suitable for long-term stays and work assignments. Requires online application and physical document submission.
For citizens of Japan, South Korea, and UAE (with prior visa history). Available at selected airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| e-Tourist Visa | Tourism, sightseeing, casual visits | 1 month / 1 year / 5 years |
| e-Business Visa | Business meetings and purposes | 1 year |
| e-Conference Visa | Conferences, seminars, workshops | 30 days |
| e-Medical Visa | Short-term medical treatment | 60 days |
| e-Student Visa | Higher education purposes | 1 year |
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Visa | Work for local registered company | 1 year / contract period |
| Business Visa | Business purposes and investments | Up to 5 years |
| Tourist Visa | Sightseeing, recreation, casual visits | Up to 5 years (10 years for USA, Canada, Japan) |
| Student Visa | Pursue education at institutions | Up to 5 years |
| Research Visa | Academic research or field work | Up to 3 years (extendable to 5) |
| Conference Visa | Attend conferences/seminars | Duration of conference or up to 6 months |
| Medical Visa | Medical treatment | Up to 1 year |
| Intern Visa | Internship with Indian companies | Up to 1 year (non-renewable) |
| Project Visa | Projects in power and steel sectors | 1 year or project duration |
Family members (spouse and minor children) of foreign nationals holding certain work-related visas can apply for a Dependent Visa, allowing them to accompany the primary visa holder. Dependent visas are co-terminus with the primary visa's validity.
These are the two most commonly issued work-related visa categories. Understanding the distinction is critical — misclassification is a violation of Indian immigration law.
For working with Indian entities
For business activities without employment
All employment cases (except intra-company transfers)
Intra-company transferees (secondments)
Employment with registered NGOs
Project roles in Power & Steel sectors
Establishing industrial/business ventures
All other business activities
Sports persons and coaches
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Can you correctly identify which visa type is needed? Click your answer to see if you're right!
Leading a technical implementation project on-ground for your company's Indian subsidiary
Which visa type is required?
Each stage has specific compliance checkpoints and planning considerations to reduce common challenges.
Align the purpose of travel, nature of assignment, and employment structure with the appropriate visa category.
Assess the mode of application — e-visa or regular visa — based on purpose and eligibility.
Obtain Form C from property owner and initiate FRRO registration as per visa timelines.
Monitor visa/FRRO validity, initiate extensions on time, and stay compliant with visa conditions.
Complete exit formalities including FRRO deregistration and securing exit permits if needed.
The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) is the primary authority for managing immigration functions of foreign nationals in India.
Form C must be submitted within 24 hours of arrival at any accommodation. It is filed by the landlord/hotel and issued to the foreign national. A copy is required for FRRO registration.
New 2025 Update: India's Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025 now mandate Form C reporting for foreign nationals' arrival, stay, and departure via the online portal managed by the Bureau of Immigration. Previously limited to check-in, hosts (hotels, guesthouses, etc.) must now facilitate checkout reporting to close records and avoid penalties, inspections, or visa issues. This end-to-end tracking ensures complete immigration monitoring.
| Visa Type | When to Register |
|---|---|
| Employment Visa | Within 14 days (if visa > 180 days) |
| Business Visa | If aggregate stay > 180 days/year |
| Student/Research | Within 14 days (if visa > 180 days) |
| Delay Duration | Penalty (INR) |
|---|---|
| 1 – 15 days | NIL |
| 16 – 90 days | ₹10,000 |
| 91 days – 2 years | ₹20,000 |
| Above 2 years | ₹50,000 |
Central digital platform for pre-arrival and post-arrival immigration formalities, positioned as the primary hub for India's immigration services going forward.
Designed to serve both foreign travellers and host institutions.
Key processes you may need during your India assignment — all handled through the FRRO portal.
Apply at least 30-60 days before visa expiry. Submit online through FRRO portal with extended employment contract.
Note: Tourist, VOA, and e-Visas are non-extendable.
If initial registration doesn't align with visa validity, apply for extension at least 1 month before expiry.
Notify FRRO within 2 weeks of changing residence. Submit 'Change of Address' with Form C or rental agreement.
Required when moving between FRRO jurisdictions (e.g., Delhi to Mumbai) for stay exceeding 8 weeks.
Update details within 2 weeks of receiving new passport. Submit copies of old and new passports.
Required if overstayed, lost passport, have pending applications, or leaving with India-born child.
Embassy checklists vary by country. Our guidebook includes tailored checklists for nationals of 36+ countries.
Quick answers to the most common visa and immigration queries.
A practical, printable resource designed for expatriates and HR teams managing India assignments.
Get instant access to our comprehensive Visa & Immigration Guidebook — your practical companion for a compliant India assignment.
