Eligibility quiz
Do you want to establish or explore an industrial or business venture in India?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in India
You can stay in India for the time and purpose allowed by your visa.
An X-1 entry visa for a person of Indian origin without an Overseas Citizen of India card may last up to five years.
Business visas may last up to five years; student visas last no longer than the course or five years, whichever is shorter.
Study in India
A student visa lets you study full-time on campus in the recognised course and institution named in your visa.
Do business in India
A business visa can allow you to explore or set up a business, buy and sell commercially, recruit, or direct or partner in a company.
It can also allow technical or board meetings, trade fairs and supervision of Indian suppliers.
Travel to India
Your visa lets you travel to India through an authorised immigration checkpoint, but an officer can still refuse entry.
Your visa says whether and how often you can leave and return.
How to apply
From outside IndiaFrom outside India
Find your consulate
Find the Indian consulate responsible for your application in the country where you apply.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Indian consulate covers your city for a Business Visa application?”
Open the application form
Open the regular visa application form on the India Visa Online portal.
Open the formGather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsFill in the form
Complete the online form yourself, choosing Business Visa and your reason for visiting. Upload the requested files in English and in the format and size stated on the portal.
Fill in the formSubmit and print
Submit the online form, then print and sign the completed application.
Submit the formBook an appointment
Follow the portal and your consulate's instructions to register or book an appointment. Pay any fee online at this stage if instructed.
Book your appointmentGo to your appointment
Bring your signed application, passport and supporting documents to the consulate or its designated visa application centre, along with photographs if requested. Pay the final fee at the counter, following the payment instructions you are given.
Find submission instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit an India regular Business Visa application at the consulate or visa application centre?”
Attend an interview
Attend a personal interview if you have been a permanent resident in the country where you apply for less than two years, or if the consulate asks for one. Give your fingerprints or other biometric information if requested.
Find interview instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I attend an interview for an India regular Business Visa application?”
Wait for the decision
Track your application online and answer any questions or requests for more documents from the consulate. If you have been a permanent resident in the country where you apply for less than two years, the consulate must also obtain clearance before it can issue your visa.
Track your applicationCollect your passport
Once your visa is approved, collect your passport and visa from the consulate or visa application centre, or receive them by post where offered. You can then travel to India under the terms of your visa.
Find collection instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect my passport after an India regular Business Visa is approved?”
Once in IndiaOnce in India
Register after arrival
If your visa is for more than 180 days, register through the e-FRRO portal within 14 days of arriving in India and attend the responsible registration office if instructed. Registration lets you comply with the conditions of your stay.
Register your stayDocuments needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Proof of expertise
Provide documents showing your expertise in the business field you intend to work in. Check your consulate’s instructions for the evidence it wants.
Business registration records
Provide papers showing the proposed business activity. These can include company registration records or registration with a state industries department, export promotion council or another recognised business promotion body.
Proof of funds
Provide financial records showing that you have enough money to support your business visit. Check your consulate’s instructions for the records it wants.
Passport and copy
Bring your valid passport or other valid travel document. Upload a copy of the personal details page from the same passport you used in your application.
Application form
Provide your completed regular visa application form, printed and signed. Any documents you upload must be in English and follow the portal’s upload requirements.
Business visit evidence
Provide documents showing the purpose of your proposed business visit, such as a company letter. They should explain your plans to invest in or explore a business in India.
Passport photographs *
Provide photographs of yourself. Check your consulate’s instructions for how many to bring and how they should be prepared.
* Only if your consulate asks for photographs.
Re-entry permit *
Provide your re-entry permit. It must allow you to return to your country of nationality.
* Only if your country of nationality requires you to have a re-entry permit.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Immigration records and checks
Keep your passport and visa valid, report required arrival and departure details, and register when required.
Follow immigration directions and rules for restricted or protected areas, and give fingerprints or other identity details when required.
Purpose and work limits
You must follow your visa's purpose.
A business visa does not allow full-time employment, petty trade or money-lending.
Other work needs a separate employment visa or an approved change of visa.
Permission can end
Your visa ends when it expires and can be shortened or cancelled, or become unusable if you break its conditions.
Apply for an extension before expiry; an extension is not automatic.
Overstaying or breaking visa conditions can lead to a fine, up to five years in prison, removal and problems with future immigration.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
OCI, Indian Passport Renewal, POA, INDIA EVisa, Renunciation help
English Facebook group for people living in India interested in Indian visas
Join on FacebookIndian Visa Application Experience Sharing Group
English Facebook group for people interested in Indian visas
Join on FacebookIndian Visa Helping Community
English Facebook group for people interested in Indian visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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