India (IN)
India is the world's most populous nation and a fast-rising global power — a vibrant federal republic of extraordinary cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity.
Visa & Immigration
Entry and residence options for India.
✈️ Visa-Free Access
India does not offer visa-free entry to most nationalities. Bhutan and Nepal nationals can enter visa-free. Maldivian nationals can enter without a visa. Most other nationalities require at least an e-Visa or regular visa. However, citizens of 170+ countries are eligible for the e-Visa system, which allows online application without visiting an embassy.
India has no standard permanent residency route for non-OCI foreigners. Foreigners staying more than 180 days must register with the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) at indianfrro.gov.in within 14 days of arrival. This is strictly enforced. Long-Term Visas (LTV) are available for specific limited categories. There is no Digital Nomad Visa — remote workers typically use the Tourist e-Visa (with caveats about working for foreign clients). Visa extensions inside India are only granted in exceptional circumstances — plan your visa carefully before arrival. FRRO also handles visa conversions and extensions. Pakistan and Bangladesh nationals face significantly more restrictions and must apply for regular visas (not e-Visa).
Tourist e-Visa (30-day double entry)
Citizens of 170+ eligible countries. Check indianvisaonline.gov.in for the full list.
72 hours (3 business days). Apply at least 4 days before travel.
- ✓Valid passport (6+ months validity from arrival)
- ✓Return/onward ticket
- ✓Proof of sufficient funds
- ✓Hotel booking or invitation letter
- ✓Recent passport-sized photograph (digital)
- ✓Passport scan (bio page)
Tourist e-Visa (1-year multiple entry)
Citizens of most eligible countries. Allows multiple entries within 1 year from first entry.
72 hours to 4 business days
- ✓Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- ✓Recent digital photograph
- ✓Passport bio page scan
- ✓Travel itinerary / hotel booking
- ✓Proof of sufficient funds
Tourist e-Visa (5-year multiple entry)
Available to citizens of select nationalities. Maximum 90 days per visit.
4–7 business days
- ✓Valid passport with 6+ months validity beyond visa expiry
- ✓Digital photograph
- ✓Passport scan
- ✓Travel justification
Business e-Visa
Citizens of 170+ eligible countries. For business meetings, trade visits, technical/short-term consulting (not employment).
3–5 business days
- ✓Passport (6+ months validity)
- ✓Letter from Indian company confirming purpose of visit
- ✓Letter from home company
- ✓Business card scan
- ✓Digital photograph
Employment Visa
Foreigners employed by Indian companies or Indian subsidiaries of foreign companies. Salary must exceed USD $25,000 per year (or INR equivalent at current rate). Ethnic Indian nationals and those employed in some sectors may be exempt from salary requirement.
4–8 weeks at Indian embassy in home country
- ✓Employment contract with Indian company
- ✓Proof of salary meeting minimum threshold (USD $25,000+/year)
- ✓Educational qualifications (degree certificates)
- ✓Experience certificates
- ✓Letter from Indian employer on company letterhead
- ✓Passport photographs
- ✓Health certificate (some nationalities)
OCI Card (Overseas Citizen of India)
Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who is a citizen of another country (except Pakistan and Bangladesh). Spouse and minor children of OCI holders or Indian nationals (if of foreign citizenship) also eligible. Former Indian citizens who later acquired foreign citizenship.
8–16 weeks via Indian embassy in home country
- ✓Foreign passport
- ✓Proof of Indian origin (own birth certificate, parents' or grandparents' Indian citizenship/birth certificates)
- ✓Renunciation of Indian citizenship certificate (if formerly Indian)
- ✓Foreign nationality evidence
Student Visa
Foreigners enrolled in a recognised Indian educational institution (university, language school, yoga/Ayurveda programmes for 6+ months).
3–6 weeks
- ✓Admission letter from Indian educational institution (recognised by UGC/AICTE/Medical Council etc.)
- ✓Proof of financial means
- ✓Passport photographs
- ✓Academic qualifications
Medical e-Visa
Foreigners seeking medical treatment at recognised Indian hospitals.
72 hours
- ✓Letter from recognised Indian hospital confirming treatment
- ✓Passport
- ✓Medical records / diagnosis
No Dedicated Digital Nomad Visa (India)
Digital NomadIndia has no dedicated digital nomad or remote work visa as of 2026. The 1-year or 5-year multiple-entry Tourist e-Visa (USD 25–80) is the de facto option used by most remote workers for medium-term stays. Working remotely for foreign clients while on a tourist visa exists in a legal grey zone — tolerated in practice but not officially authorised under Indian visa rules.
Tourist/Business e-Visa: 72 hours to 4–7 business days.
- ✓Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- ✓Online application at indianvisaonline.gov.in
- ✓Digital photograph and passport bio page scan
- ✓No formal income or remote employment proof required for tourist or business e-Visa entry
- ✓For long-term legal residence and employment: Employment Visa (USD 25,000+/year salary from Indian employer required — see Employment Visa above)
Visa & Immigration
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