India Work Visas and Permits
Like any other country, India has its own visa regulations that enable employees to live and work in the country.
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Like any other country, India has its own visa regulations that enable employees to live and work in the country.
Types of work visas in India
In India, there are specific requirements for issuing visas and work permits to international team members. The main type of visa is simply called an employment visa or E visa. E visas are only available to employees of organizations registered in India. As a result, employees cannot begin the process of obtaining a permit until they have an employment contract. In addition, your company must have a legal entity registered in India, or partner with an employer of record, to process the visa.
Requirements to obtain India work visas
Individuals must meet several requirements to qualify for an India work visa. Qualifying individuals can include those who are:
- Employed by either an India-based company or a company with multinational operations including a branch office in India.
- Employed by an international company in India as a specialist on a specific project.
- Involved in a non-government organization (NGO).
- In a senior management role at an international company.
This list includes circumstances that may be relevant to your company, but it’s by no means a comprehensive list.
Application process
The documents your employees will need to obtain an India working visa may vary depending on their country of origin as well as the nature of the work they’ll be doing for your company in India. Generally required documents include:
- A passport that’s valid for at least 1 year and contains 3 or more blank pages
- 2 passport-size identity photos
- A copy of the passport’s first pages
- An employment contract, written in English and containing the duration and employment conditions
- A copy of the company’s registration certificate
- A visa application form
- An extra work visa application form
- Tax liability details
- A resume that’s composed in English
- Copies of diplomas and any supporting documents related to professional competencies, such as a CV or letters of recommendation
To obtain an E visa, employees must also submit facial biometrics and fingerprints.
The process for obtaining a work visa in India is outlined on the Government of India website. In order to get an India work visa, an employee will need to complete and submit an online visa application. They must also print out a physical copy of the completed application and bring it to their nearest India embassy along with the required documents for identification. After the application is approved, the visa can be picked up at the embassy or mailed to the applicant.
Processing takes a minimum of 3 business days from the receipt of the visa application, but it’s always a good idea for employees to obtain visas well in advance to avoid any delays for your company. India work visas are generally valid for 1 year, though they can be valid for up to 5 and are also eligible for extensions. Visas can be extended by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) of the employee’s state of residence in India.
Other important considerations
Some of your employees may be relocating to India along with family members and other dependents. Any spouses and dependent family members accompanying the applicant will need to apply for an entry visa, not just a tourist visa. The duration of their entry visa will be assessed according to the main applicant’s visa.
Employees should also be advised that the duration of their visa begins from the day it’s issued, not from the day they enter India.
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For this particular location, G-P may offer support processing certain work visas and permits. Contact us today to assess your specific needs.
THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). G-P does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect G-P’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. G-P makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.