India•AsiaEmployment Visa
At a Glance
15 business days
USD $100
Up to 5 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Work visa for foreign nationals employed by Indian companies/organizations. Requires job offer and employer sponsorship. Valid for up to 1 year, renewable.
The Indian Employment Visa is designed for highly skilled and qualified foreign nationals who are recruited by Indian companies, organizations, or multinational entities operating within India. This visa category is essential for professionals whose skills are deemed necessary and not readily available within the domestic workforce. It facilitates the legal entry of expatriates for roles such as technical experts, project managers, and specialized consultants, ensuring that foreign talent can contribute effectively to Indian industries while adhering to national labor regulations and immigration standards.
To qualify for this visa, applicants must secure a formal employment contract with a registered Indian entity and meet a minimum gross annual salary threshold of 1,625,000 INR. This financial requirement is intended to ensure that the employment is legitimate and that the foreign national is engaged in a professional capacity. The visa is typically issued for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of five years, and is renewable. Applicants must provide comprehensive documentation, including proof of qualifications, an employer sponsorship letter, and a detailed employment agreement to support their application.
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a highly skilled or qualified professional.
Must have a valid employment contract with an Indian company or organization.
The position must be one for which a qualified Indian national is not readily available.
Minimum annual salary threshold (typically USD 25,000, with some exceptions).
The employer must be a registered entity in India.
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Min. Income
1,625,000 INR/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Passport photos
Job offer letter
Educational certificates
Employment history
Character certificate
Company registration certificate (sponsor)
Company letterhead documentation (sponsor)
Salary justification (sponsor)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Allows for long-term stay and work in India.
- Can be extended while in India through the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office).
- Allows for the inclusion of dependents under an 'X' (Entry) visa.
Worth Knowing
- Requires in-person submission at an embassy/consulate; not an e-Visa.
- Strict salary and qualification requirements.
- Mandatory registration with the FRRO/FRO within 14 days of arrival if the stay exceeds 180 days.
- Employer must justify the hiring of a foreign national over a local candidate.
Application Process
Secure job offer
Obtain formal job offer from Indian employer meeting salary requirements
Employer initiates visa
Indian employer files visa request with Ministry of External Affairs
Receive FRRO approval
Get approval from Ministry of Home Affairs/FRRO
Apply at embassy
Submit visa application at Indian embassy/consulate in home country
Attend visa interview
Appear for interview with required documents
Collect employment visa
Receive stamped passport with employment visa
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