Electronic Travel Visa for India
Irrespective of origin, foreign nationals need various Indian residence permits based on immigration purpose and stay duration. These permits are categorised accordingly, and our Indian agents offer personalised assistance and information on permit prerequisites for those moving to India.
India offers a variety of temporary residence permits for foreign citizens wishing to stay in the country for extended periods, typically exceeding 90 days or three months within a six-month timeframe. These residence permits include:
One of the straightforward avenues for immigration to India and securing residency is through employment. This visa category offers the advantage of a potential issuance for up to 5 years, with the possibility of extensions, ultimately paving the way for permanent residency in India.
To qualify for this visa, certain conditions must be met:
Notably, foreign technicians and experts may stay in India for up to 5 years if a bilateral agreement exists between India and their home country. However, for highly qualified foreign workers in the IT and related sectors, the maximum duration allowed is 3 years.
Individuals, whether for business purposes or personal relocation, who plan to register a company in India or reside in the country for an extended period exceeding 180 days are required to apply for a residence permit. The registration process must commence within 14 days from the date of arrival in India.
For those intending to stay in India for more than 180 days, mandatory registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) is necessary. However, it's important to note that individuals below the age of 16 are exempt from the requirement to register for a residence permit in India.
To obtain a residence permit in India, foreign nationals must complete the registration process with the nearest FRRO, which is typically located in major Indian cities, including:
For those planning to reside in regions not covered by the aforementioned cities, registration must be carried out with the District Superintendents of Police operating in their respective regions. These authorities function under the FRRO and possess the legal authority to facilitate this registration process.
Individuals seeking to apply for a residence permit in India in 2023 must prepare and submit the following essential documents:
For individuals arriving in India with the intention of starting a company, additional specific documents are required in addition to those mentioned above. These include information related to the Permanent Account Number (PAN), a letter in a prescribed format signed by the company's director, and any other corporate documents deemed necessary.
There are several avenues for obtaining permanent resident status (PRC) in India, each catering to different circumstances:
It's important to note that the duration of the residence permit can vary depending on the specific scenario that applies to you.
Securing residence permits for individuals wishing to relocate to India in 2023 is a relatively straightforward process. There are two primary routes for prospective residents: establishing companies or seeking employment opportunities within the country.
The process of obtaining an Indian residence permit in 2023 can often be initiated online. However, it's essential for applicants to consider the specific regulations and requirements of their home country and the Embassy or Consulate serving their region.
As reported by the United Nations, the migration rates in India for the year 2023 are as follows:
Permanent residency status in India is available to foreign nationals who are willing to invest through the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) route, subject to specific conditions outlined by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion under the FDI policy.
To qualify for this status, applicants are required to meet the following criteria:
Additionally, there may be security-related restrictions imposed based on the applicant's country of origin as per FDI regulations.
Acquiring permanent residency status in India comes with several advantages, including:
These benefits make permanent residency status in India an attractive option for eligible investors and their families.
The application process for obtaining permanent residency status in India follows these key steps:
- Valid Passport and Visa
- Passport-size Photographs
- Proof of Residency
It's important to adhere to the specified procedures and document requirements to ensure a smooth application process for obtaining permanent residency status in India.
The revocation of Permanent Residency Status (PRS) in India can occur under certain circumstances as outlined below:
Procedure for Securing a Long-Term Visa and Registering as a Foreigner in India
For non-Indian foreigners seeking a long-term visa, defined as one allowing stays exceeding 180 days (six months) continuously, India offers various visa categories such as Employment, Entry, and Student visas. Here's a step-by-step guide to the process:
Step 1: Choose the right visa type based on your purpose of stay.
Step 2: Register at the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival.
Step 3: Provide the required documents, including registration form, passport, visa, proof of residence, and registration fee.
Step 4: Complete the registration process and obtain a certificate of registration.
Step 5: Apply for a residence permit if your stay exceeds 180 days.
Step 6: Obtain a PAN if you are working in India.
Step 7: Apply for visa extensions well in advance of your current visa's expiry date.
Important notes:
By following these steps and adhering to the necessary documentation, foreigners can secure long-term visas and register as residents in India.
Foreign companies looking to establish a business in India have several options, each suited to different business needs and circumstances. Here are various approaches to starting a business in India:
Under the Companies Act, 2013, foreign companies can choose to register as a Private Limited Company (PLC) or a Public Limited Company, offering flexibility and ease of doing business in India. Minimum shareholder and paid-up capital requirements differ for PLC and Public Limited Company structures.
Foreign companies in India can consider various permissible structures such as Liaison and Branch Offices for communication and specific business activities, Joint Ventures in partnership with local entities, Wholly-owned Subsidiaries through 100% FDI, and Project Offices for project execution, subject to RBI approval.
For registration, the required documents vary based on the chosen business structure, including incorporation documents, agreements, financial records, approvals, and taxation-related paperwork.
To establish a Joint Venture in India, negotiate and create an MOU that aligns with legal requirements, covering key aspects such as dispute resolution, shareholding, confidentiality, and intellectual property ownership, ensuring compliance with domestic and international laws.
To register a company in India, obtain DIN and digital signatures, reserve a unique company name, file SPICe+ e-form with MOA and AOA, and pay relevant fees and stamp duty based on authorised capital during the incorporation process.
To establish a Liaison Office in India, foreign companies should meet financial criteria, apply through an AD Category–I Bank, submit essential documents, obtain an RBI identification number, and cover expenses through inward remittances of foreign exchange.
These different approaches provide foreign companies with options to establish and operate businesses in India, each with its own set of requirements and benefits.