India Employment Visa
India IND
India's Employment Visa is issued to foreign nationals hired by Indian companies or entities to work in skilled or highly skilled roles, with a minimum annual salary of $25,000 USD. The visa requires employer sponsorship and is not open to self-employed individuals. It does not provide a pathway to permanent residency in India, but can be renewed for up to five years as long as the employment relationship continues.
Program Details
- Category
- Skilled Worker
- Processing Time
- 1 months
- Application Fee
- $80
- Minimum Income
- $25,000/yr
- Minimum Investment
- N/A
- Family Included
- Spouse and dependent children may obtain an X (Dependent) visa to accompany the primary Employment Visa holder.
- Path to PR
- No
- Path to Citizenship
- No
- Physical Presence
- Typically valid for 1 year or the contract duration, renewable up to 5 years. Holder must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival if staying more than 180 days.
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
- Tax Impact
- Employment Visa holders residing in India for 182+ days in a financial year are treated as tax residents and subject to Indian income tax on India-sourced income.
- Renewal Cost
- $80
Minimum annual gross salary of $25,000 USD. Exceptions exist for ethnic Indian professionals and language/culture teachers who may qualify at lower salary levels.
Key Requirements
- ✓Sponsoring Indian employer must apply and provide a formal appointment/employment letter
- ✓Annual gross salary of at least $25,000 USD (exceptions for some specialized roles)
- ✓Must be in a highly skilled or specialized role; unskilled or semi-skilled positions are not eligible
- ✓Educational qualifications and professional experience relevant to the role
- ✓Register with FRRO within 14 days of arrival for stays exceeding 180 days
- ✓No adverse criminal or immigration record
Nationality Restrictions
This program restricts applications from nationals of: Pakistani nationals are generally not eligible. Chinese nationals face additional screening requirements.