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3 ways to enter

India visas

India work visa

An employment visa covers work in India. It is listed for 1 year or the contract period and can be extended.

Ways to get a India work visa

  1. Employment visa through a consulate

    Visa needed

    Applicants with proof of employment and its terms and conditions.

    Valid for
    1 year or the contract period.
    Entries
    Multiple entries.
    Fee
    Costs vary by consulate and region. Service providers may charge an extra fee.
    1. Prepare the application and employment documents.
    2. Submit it to an Indian consulate in person or by post, or through a designated provider where available.
  2. Visa-free work for citizens of Bhutan and Nepal

    No visa needed

    Citizens of Bhutan and Nepal who have not arrived from, or travelled through, mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau or Pakistan before seeking entry.

    Stay
    No limit.

    Passports that qualify (2)

  3. Visa-free work with an Indian overseas citizenship or origin card

    No visa needed

    Foreign nationals with a valid Overseas Citizen of India card or Persons of Indian Origin Card.

    Stay
    No limit.

Who needs it

Travellers taking employment in India can apply with proof of their job and its terms.

Who doesn't

Citizens of Bhutan and Nepal can live and work without a visa, subject to their entry conditions. Eligible Overseas Citizen of India and Persons of Indian Origin card holders can also live and work without a visa.

How to apply

  1. Prepare the application, proof of employment and employment terms.
  2. Submit it to an Indian consulate in person or by post, or through a designated provider where available.

What to bring

  • Proof of employment, such as an appointment document.
  • Employment terms and conditions.

Good to know

  • This visa can be extended in India.

Questions

Do I need a work visa for India?

Travellers taking employment in India can apply with proof of their job and its terms. Citizens of Bhutan and Nepal can live and work without a visa, subject to their entry conditions. Eligible Overseas Citizen of India and Persons of Indian Origin card holders can also live and work without a visa.

What are the ways to get a work visa for India?

There are 3 options: Employment visa through a consulate (a visa from an embassy); Visa-free work for citizens of Bhutan and Nepal (no visa at all); Visa-free work with an Indian overseas citizenship or origin card (no visa at all).

Who can go to India without a work visa?

Citizens of Bhutan and Nepal who have not arrived from, or travelled through, mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau or Pakistan before seeking entry. Foreign nationals with a valid Overseas Citizen of India card or Persons of Indian Origin Card.

How much does a India work visa cost?

Costs vary by consulate and region.

How long is a India work visa valid?

1 year or the period of the employment contract. Entries: Multiple entries..

What documents do I need for a India work visa?

Proof of employment, such as an appointment document.; Employment terms and conditions..

How do I apply for a India work visa?

1. 1. Prepare the application, proof of employment and employment terms. 2. 2. Submit it to an Indian consulate in person or by post, or through a designated provider where available.

Does my passport change whether I need a work visa for India?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the India visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a work visa for India be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest India work visa rules?

On India's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

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