Companies all throughout the world are changing the way they do business. Many causes, such as the ongoing shift to remote and hybrid workplaces and the global labor shortage, have prompted companies to start adapting. Business owners are not limited to the local labor pool any longer, thanks to technology that enables worldwide mobility. It is suggested to open an office in India or to make use of the skilled workforce there.

India has a large workforce: 41.6% of the country’s workforce is employed. Many professionals with expertise in biotech, aviation, technology, and other areas that could help your firm are employed around the country. However, people may be deterred from relocating to India or hiring Indian labor if it is difficult to secure a work permit there.

The steps and conditions for acquiring an Indian work visa are outlined in this guide.

India work permit classifications

Securing a work visa is often imperative for individuals planning an extended stay in India, given the country’s more stringent immigration processes. India witnessed an annual influx of 5 to 6 million immigrants from 2005 to 2015, primarily welcoming highly-skilled professionals. Notably, certain roles, such as clerical and administrative positions, are typically reserved for Indian workers.

For those aspiring to obtain an Indian work visa, there are three distinct classifications:

1. Business Visa:
   • Granted to individuals intending to establish a business or industry in India.
   • Applicable for activities like buying and selling industrial or commercial products, recruiting employees, offering business consulting, or engaging with Indian suppliers or businesses.
   • Special circumstances, such as participation in cultural events, athletes in Indian leagues, or those involved in the Global Initiative for Academic Networks, may warrant a business visa.
   • Visa validity ranges from six months to five years, with an extension option up to ten years for individuals from the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, or South Africa.
   • Permits a stay of up to 180 days.
   • Recommended for those planning significant business activities or recruiting purposes, requiring financial stability and compliance with local tax regulations.
2. Employment Visa:
   • Designed for highly skilled professionals and employees of multinational companies relocating to their Indian branches.
   • Limited to roles requiring specific technical skills or management-level positions.
   • Sponsored by a registered company in India, with a minimum annual income requirement of $25,000 U.S. dollars.
   • Excludes jobs readily available to Indian workers.
3. Project Visa:
   • Available for project managers in sectors like steel and electricity, granted on a per-project basis.
   • Valid for a year or the project’s duration, emphasizing its project-specific nature.
   • Not advisable for use across multiple projects, as this would violate the intended per-project nature.
   • Reserved for highly skilled workers in positions where Indian nationals are unavailable.

It is crucial to note that both employment and project visas are tailored for roles beyond the reach of the local workforce. Meticulously selecting and applying for the appropriate visa aligns with India’s immigration rules, ensuring a smoother transition and legal compliance for individuals eager to contribute their expertise to the country.

India visa requirements

If the idea of relocating to India has sparked your interest, here’s a comprehensive guide outlining the essential steps for your visa application. The initial stage involves completing the India visa application, and the following documents are crucial:

1. Personal Documents:
   • A valid passport.
   • Two passport-sized photos.
   • A copy of the first two pages of your passport.
2. Employment Details:
   • An active employment contract.
   • A letter from your company detailing the nature and duration of your job.
3. Educational Credentials:
   • Your updated resume.
   • Copies of diplomas and/or credentials.
   • Relevant tax documents.
4. Company Sponsorship:
   • A copy of your company’s registration certificate within India.
   • For multinational companies, include a copy of the registration certificates for the Indian branch office.
5. Application Process:
   • Apply online and print the application.
   • Submit a hard copy at the nearest Indian consulate.
   • Provide required forms and documentation at an Indian application center or mission.
6. Approval and Collection:
   • Upon approval, retrieve your passport and visa from the visa application center, Indian mission, or through mail.
   • Keep in mind that the processing time is a minimum of six weeks, so early application is advisable.
7. Fees:
   • Costs vary based on your country of origin and intended duration of work.
   • For a six-month visa, fees range from $102.90 to $1,022.90 (including consular and service fees).
   • For a 12-month visa, fees range from $142.90 to $1,062.90 (inclusive of consular and service fees).
   • On average, anticipate application costs of approximately $150-$250 for a six-month visa and $200-$250 for a 12-month visa.
8. Considerations:
   • Initiate the application process well in advance.
   • While expedited processing may be possible, early initiation is recommended.
9. EOR Services Partnership:
   • For a more streamlined process, consider partnering with EOR Services for work permit sponsorship in India.
   • EOR Services act as the employer of record, expediting the process and eliminating the need to establish a physical presence in the country.

While navigating the complexities of obtaining a work permit in India can be challenging, utilizing services like EOR Services can simplify the process, ensuring a smoother transition to your new work environment.

Eligibility for an India work visa

India maintains strict visa requirements to protect job opportunities for its citizens, viewing immigration as a positive avenue for highly skilled individuals who can significantly contribute to the country’s progress. Unlike many other countries, India excludes administrative or clerical roles from the category of skilled workers. Generally, individuals with over two years of work experience in their field or possessing exceptional skills are eligible for an employment visa.

India’s work visas cover a broad spectrum of professions, but approval is more likely if employers can showcase the applicant’s unique knowledge and skills. Management-level workers overseeing Indian branch offices or projects within their companies often secure approval for employment visas. Alongside the visa application, the submission of a comprehensive resume or CV is typically required.

For those seeking short-term visas, such as business visas, an eVisa option is available, streamlining the application process through online channels. Applicants can apply and upload necessary documents to a designated website, eliminating the need to submit paper copies to missions or government offices. However, eBusiness visas, valid for 90 days, are not suitable for long-term employment. This category is ideal for recruitment activities within India or business meetings with clients and vendors in the region.

It’s crucial to note that eVisas require approval before travel, so initiating the application process at least a month before departure is advisable. While the listed professions offer a general guideline, India’s emphasis on skills and expertise means that approval is more likely when employers can convincingly showcase the applicant’s unique contributions to the workforce.

Hiring employees and contractors from India

Any talent you wish to hire in India for your remote team may require a work visa. To guarantee adherence to labor laws, tax rules, and visa restrictions, open an office in India or choose a partner with a local presence.

The process for securing a work visa for associates situated in India would be contingent upon the legal statutes and policies of your country. Some countries, like Canada, make it easier for citizens of other countries to obtain a visa. You might be able to finish the process by yourself. Alternatively, in order to streamline the process, you could work with EOR Services.