India's employment visa
If you will be employed or paid by a company in India, you need an employment visa. A business visa is not enough, however short the job.
Who needs an employment visa
You need one if you will:
- be employed by an Indian company, branch, subsidiary or other registered entity
- work in India on a project or contract and be paid for it
- be seconded to an Indian entity for a longer assignment
A business visa does not allow employment in India. See business visa for what it does cover.
The main conditions
- A sponsoring entity in India. The employer must be registered in India and issue a contract or appointment letter.
- A skilled role. The employment visa is meant for skilled and qualified professionals, not roles that can be filled locally.
- Minimum salary. The salary generally has to be above USD 25,000 a year. A few roles are exempt, for example ethnic cooks, translators and non-English language teachers.
- Valid passport with enough validity and blank pages.
Validity
The visa is generally granted for the length of the contract or up to five years, whichever is shorter. It can be extended in India through the FRRO.
How to apply from Europe
- Fill in the online application on the Indian Visa Online portal.
- Book an appointment at the visa application centre that serves the Indian embassy or consulate in your country.
- Submit the documents: passport, photographs, the employment contract, the employer's registration documents, your CV and qualifications, and any other documents the mission requests.
- Wait for processing, which varies by mission and season.
After arrival
- Register with the FRRO within 14 days if your visa is for more than 180 days. See FRRO registration.
- Get a PAN (Permanent Account Number) for tax purposes.
- Open a bank account for salary payments.
Family
Spouses and dependent children can usually apply for entry (X) visas linked to your employment visa. An entry visa does not allow employment; a spouse who wants to work needs their own employment visa.
Common mistakes
- Starting work on a business or tourist visa "while the employment visa is processed"
- Contracts that do not state the salary clearly in a way that shows the threshold is met
- Missing the FRRO registration deadline
Quick answers
Who needs an Indian employment visa?
Anyone from abroad who will be employed by an Indian entity, paid for a project or contract in India, or seconded to an Indian company for a longer assignment.
What is the minimum salary for an Indian employment visa?
Generally above USD 25,000 a year. A few roles are exempt, such as ethnic cooks, translators and non-English language teachers.
How long is an Indian employment visa valid?
For the length of the contract or up to five years, whichever is shorter. It can be extended in India through the FRRO.
Do I need to register after arriving in India?
Yes, with the FRRO within 14 days if your visa is for more than 180 days.
Can I work in India on a business visa?
No. A business visa does not allow employment in India.
