Work Permits and Visa Requirements in India
Work Permits & Passport Requirements
Those who come in the country should have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of departure. There are different types of visas that are accepted. Keep reading to learn about the appropriate visas allowed in India.
If you are planning on staying for an extended period of time, you’ll have to secure a Registration Certificate as well as a Residence Permit at the local Foreigner’s Registration Office within 14 days after arriving. These offices are often found in the cities, so if you are in a rural area, you might need to travel to get to an office. Overstaying past your permit is not allowed, and you’ll have to pay fines or even face prosecution. Also, as a general rule, it’s wise to carry a copy of your passport all the time.
When leaving the country, you’ll have to pass certain exit requirements. Registered individuals have to submit an exit permit, and if necessary, secure a re-entry permit as well. If you (and your spouse) have been in the country for at least 120 days, it is required to get a tax clearance certificate from the Foreign Section of India’s Income Tax Office.
Everyone needs to fill out Disembarkation (arrival) cards and Embarkation (departure) cards. These contain information about your passport, visa, flight details, address where you will stay, the purpose of your stay, and other related data.
Visas
All foreigners need to have a visa to enter India, with the exception of those from Bhutan and Nepal. A handful of citizens are allowed to secure a visa upon arrival. For more information, visit India’s immigration page.
There are different categories of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. Visas are issued by the Indian Consulate or Embassy in your country. It is not allowed to change your visa category after you have already arrived in India.
Business visas are valid for 6 months or 1 or more years with multiple entries (granted that each visit is limited to 6 months). Having a business visa requires a letter from the sponsor organisation or company, indicating the business nature, the estimated length of stay, firms, and places covered by the visit, and a guarantee of financial support while in the country.
The visa can be valid for 10 years and encompass multiple entries for foreign businesspeople who intend to set up joint ventures in India.
Employment visas are those which are initially issued for a 1-year stay. It can be extended at the FFRO (Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office) in India, should the employment and job contract continue. Children and spouses will be given an X-visa containing the same expiration date as the employee’s visa.
You can get more info about the difference between a business and an employment visa from the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs.
Entry visas (also called X-visa) are issued to family members of the foreigner who is taking up employment in India. The X-visa is good for 6 months, or up to 5 years with multiple entries, but for legitimate purposes only.
The family member has to return to his or her country of origin if he or she wants to obtain his or her own employment visa and change the visa category if he or she wants to work in India as well.
Residence visas are for those who intend to stay longer in India and possibly establish permanent residence there, for business purposes mostly. Application proceedings will begin through their sponsoring company for at least 3 months in advance. You can get application forms and a list of requirements at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.
Other visas are also available. There are specific visas for students, journalists, missionaries, attendees of conferences, and travelers in transit.
Registration Certificates
Every foreigner staying in India for over 6 months have to register at the FRRO within 14 days after arriving in the country. Children below age 16 are exempt from this requirement.
You’ll have to submit certain documents to obtain a registration certificate, including:
● Registration form, 3 copies
● Passport-sized photos, 4 copies
● Passport copy with visa stamp
● Employment contract copy
To secure a residence permit, you’ll have to submit the following requirements:
● Passport
● Visa
● Passport-sized photos, 4 copies
● Copy of lease (or other proof of address)
● Appointment letter, photocopy
● Letter from the employer with a guarantee of financial support
● Medical certificate (including HIV status)
It is possible for the requirements to be changed over time. It is best to check with the local registration office for a list of updated requirements.
If you relocate or do not stay in your registered address for over 8 weeks, you need to inform the authorities at the local registration office as well.