Visa & Requirements5 min read2026-03-16
India Visa & Work Permit Complete Guide 2026
Employment Visa, Business Visa, OCI Card and more — a complete guide to living and working in India.
India is the world's most populous country, with a rapidly growing economy and expanding IT sector drawing international professionals to cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi.
Main Visa Types
Employment Visa
For foreign nationals with a confirmed job offer from an Indian employer.
- Minimum annual salary: USD 25,000+ (some sectors exempt)
- Validity: 1 year initially, renewable up to 5 years
Business Visa
For short-term commercial activities — direct employment not permitted.
- Validity: up to 5 years (multi-entry)
Intra-Company Transfer
For multinational company employees relocating to an Indian office.
OCI Card (Overseas Citizen of India)
For people of Indian origin.
- Lifelong multiple-entry visa to India
- Near-equal rights to Indian citizens for work, study, and property
Tax Overview
| Taxable Income (INR) | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 300,000 | 0% |
| 300,001–600,000 | 5% |
| 600,001–900,000 | 10% |
| 900,001–1,200,000 | 15% |
| 1,200,001–1,500,000 | 20% |
| Above 1,500,000 | 30% |
Cost Overview
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Employment Visa | ~USD 80–160 |
| Business Visa | ~USD 80–160 |
| OCI Card | ~USD 275 |
Key Checklist Before You Move
- FRRO Registration: Must register within 14 days of arrival
- PAN Card: India's tax ID — essential for employment and banking
- AADHAAR Card: India's national ID (available to resident foreigners in some cases)
- Health Insurance: Indian public healthcare is not available to foreign nationals
Use MoveWorth to simulate your tax burden and living costs in India.
Ready to simulate your relocation plan?
Try MoveWorth's free simulator to see your post-relocation asset trajectory.
Try Free Simulation