The rapidly growing Indian economy is poised to become the fourth largest in the world by 2025 and the third largest by 2030. The IMF forecasts that the Indian GDP will increase by 7% in 2025 and 6.5% in 2026. Competitive labour costs, well-established infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment make it an attractive location for entrepreneurs. The world’s most populated country also offers a massive and diverse consumer base for various businesses.  A strategic location and connectivity via land, air and sea routes make it ideal for businesses planning to expand across Asia.

Immigration and Visa Regulations in India

Work visas to India are limited to highly skilled workers or business owners. Foreign nationals are not permitted a visa for regular clerical jobs. However, certain occupations are exempted from this, for example:

• Ethnic cooks on foreign missions
• Language translators or teachers
• Embassy staff
• Circus artists
• Honorary workers for NGOs
• University faculties on exchange programmes or collaborations/research

Getting a Work Permit for India

To apply for a work permit in India, a passport with at least two blank pages and six months of validity is mandatory. Work permits in India include:

Employment Visa

Only highly skilled professionals employed with companies registered in India or with a physical office in the country may apply for a Visa having received an employment contract. A minimum salary of ₹2,118,888 ($25,000) per year is mandatory, except for the exempted occupations.

An Employee Visa to India can be extended for up to five years, including the initial term. There are specific terms that the employee must meet for a visa extension:

• Maintain good conduct during initial tenure.
• Have the employment contract extended.
• Regularly file income tax or the employer deducts from pay diligently.
• There are no adverse security inputs against the employee.

Documents Required to Apply for Employee Visa:

• Invitation letter from the employer.
• Cover letter from a foreign company.
• Employment contract and income statement.
• Certificate of incorporation of the host company.
• Employees’ educational qualifications and professional experience certificates.

Business Visa

A Business Visa is granted to individuals of an assured financial standing and with proof of expertise in the field of intended work. Business owners with one or more of the purposes listed below can apply for a visa in India:

• Explore possibilities of business/industrial venture.
• Purchase/sell industrial, commercial, or consumer products.
• Recruitment of Indian job seekers.
• Business functioning/meetings/monitoring of ongoing projects or existing businesses.
• Pre/post-sale activities do not amount to actual (start or execution) projects.

Documents Required to Apply for Businesses Visa:

• Proof of financial standing and expertise in the field of intended business.
• Passport with at least two blank pages and six months’ validity.
• Support/introduction letter by an Indian entity.
• Certificate of incorporation of the entity in India.

A Business Visa can also be extended for up to 5 years, subject to meeting the following conditions:

A minimum of ₹10,000,000 ($118,022.65) turnover must be achieved within two years of establishment or initial grant of the visa, whichever ends earlier.

Project Visa

This is issued to highly skilled foreign workers who come to India to execute specific projects in the power and steel sectors.

Documents Required:

• Letter from Indian contracting company
• Letter from a foreign employer describing the job role
• Certificate of incorporation of the Indian company

While initially, the visa may be approved by the administration of the concerned state/union territory, any extension requests must be forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The request must state the reason and expected duration of work.

Individuals with a visa that exceeds 180 days must register with the Foreign Registration Office (FRO) within 14 days of arrival. This can be done online.

How Long Does the Visa Process in India Take?

Visa processing takes a minimum of three working days.

How Access Financial Can Help

India is an affordable business destination. However, diverse regulations across states and union territories make navigating the system complex. Access Financial provides a full suite of services to employers, recruitment agencies, and contractors to ensure they meet all local and national obligations. Our Employed and Self-employed solutions support immigration, payroll, and talent management while fully complying with the laws of the country.