Why Europeans are moving to India
Around 6,000 EU companies operate in India and employ roughly 3.7 million people there. Many need European managers, engineers and specialists for plant start-ups, quality systems, R&D centres, hotel openings and energy projects. Global capability centres, the in-house tech, finance and engineering hubs that multinationals run in India, keep expanding: 183 new units were added in the first half of 2026 alone, according to industry tracker UnearthInsight.
For a European professional, a few years in India often means senior responsibility early and a very large market to work in.
Visas and registration
- India's employment visaIf an Indian company pays you, this is the visa you need.
- India's business visaMeetings and site visits, yes. A salary from India, no.
- Registering with the FRROStaying more than 180 days? Register within 14 days of landing.
City guides
Bengaluru
India's technology capital, with a large European community.
Mumbai
India's financial capital: finance, media and corporate head offices.
Delhi NCR
Government and embassies in Delhi, company offices in Gurugram and Noida.
Pune
Automotive, engineering and IT, with a strong German presence.
Hyderabad
Large technology campuses and a major pharmaceutical cluster.
Chennai
Car plants, electronics and wind turbines, by the sea.
Living and working in India
- Tax in India for foreign employeesHow long you stay decides what India taxes.
- Cost of living in IndiaDaily life is cheap. Rent in a good area, school fees and healthcare are not.
- Working with Indian colleaguesRelationships first, hierarchy matters, and a 'yes' needs a follow-up.
Roles in demand for Europeans
- What Indian employers want from EuropeansIndian employers hire Europeans for specialist know-how, not general roles.
- Running hotels in IndiaHotel openings need GMs, chefs and revenue people who have done it before.
- Renewable energy jobs in IndiaWind, solar and hydrogen projects need people who have built them in Europe.
