- Foreign nationals need an Employment Visa sponsored by a registered Indian entity to work legally.
- Applicants must earn a minimum gross salary of Rs. 16.25 lakhs per annum to qualify.
- Employment visas are valid for up to 5 years and extendable to 10 years in some cases.
- Foreigners staying over 180 days must register with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival.
- Employers must provide contracts, sponsorship documents, and ensure full labor law compliance.
- Companies without a registered Indian entity can use an Employer of Record like Gloroots to sponsor employment visas and manage compliance for foreign hires in India.
Expanding your business to India often means relocating key foreign employees or hiring skilled professionals already based there. Either way, securing the right work authorization is a critical first step.
India's work visa system is structured but complex, with distinct categories and strict eligibility requirements.
As of 2026, most foreign employees must meet a minimum annual salary of around INR 16.25 lakhs (about USD 25,000) to qualify for an Indian employment visa, with only narrow exemptions for roles such as teachers, ethnic cooks, and certain NGO workers.
Navigating work permits and visas in India requires understanding visa types, documentation, salary thresholds, and employer obligations, all within India's immigration and labor law framework.
Key steps involved include:
- Identifying the correct visa category for your employee
- Ensuring employer sponsorship from a registered Indian entity
- Meeting the minimum annual salary threshold
- Registering with the FRRO for long-term stays
You will learn how to navigate the work permit and visa process in India, including types, eligibility, application steps, costs, and how Gloroots simplifies compliance.
Who Needs Work Permits in India?
A work permit, also called a work visa, is an official document issued by the Indian government allowing foreign nationals to legally enter and work in the country for a defined period. Different eligibility rules apply based on the type of work and the intended length of stay.
Work Permit Eligibility in India
Work visas in India are not granted for general clerical or mid-level roles. They are reserved exclusively for highly skilled professionals employed by companies officially registered in India.
Several categories are exempt from the standard work visa requirement:
- Ethnic cooks employed by foreign diplomatic missions in India
- Language teachers and translators (excluding English language teachers)
- Staff employed by embassies and high commissions
- Foreigners doing honorary, unpaid work with registered NGOs
- Faculty at South Asian University, Nalanda University, or as foreign teaching faculty
- Circus artists seeking employment in India
Foreign workers outside these exempt categories must demonstrate senior executive roles or exceptional specialized skills, with an annual income exceeding $25,000 USD. Ensuring correct visa status for foreign hires is essential; non-compliance can result in fines, penalties, or deportation for both the employer and the employee.
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What are the Types of Work Visas in India?
Indian work visas differ based on the applicant's skill profile, employment nature, and intended duration of stay, ranging from six months to five years. Understanding each visa type ensures you select the correct category for your employee.
1. Employment Visa (E-Visa)
The Employment Visa, commonly called the E-Visa, is the primary work permit in India for foreign nationals. It is designed for highly skilled professionals sponsored by a registered Indian company, a multinational with an Indian entity, or for those on inter-company transfers.
Key features of the Employment Visa include:
- Sponsored by a registered Indian employer or entity
- Requires a gross annual salary above Rs. 16.25 lakhs
- Valid for up to 5 years, extendable to 10 years
- Renewable through the FRRO if the employment contract remains active
- Also available for NGO workers earning at least Rs. 10,000 per month
NGO-related employment falls under a separate E-Visa subcategory. Employers without an Indian entity can use an Employer of Record like Gloroots to serve as the legal sponsor for the E-Visa application.
2. Project Visa
The Project Visa is tailored for foreign nationals working on specific infrastructure or industrial projects, typically in sectors like power and steel.
Key features include:
- Valid only for the duration of the specific approved project
- Restricted to defined industry sectors such as power and steel
- Not transferable to other employers or projects
- Project scope and timelines must be documented in the application
- Sponsored by the contracting Indian company executing the project
The Project Visa is a niche category and is not suitable for general employment roles. It applies when a foreign national is brought in specifically for a defined, time-bound project deliverable.
3. Intern Visa
The Intern Visa is designed for foreign nationals pursuing internships or structured training programs with Indian companies, educational institutions, or NGOs.
Key features include:
- Applicable for formal internships and training, not full employment
- Can be sponsored by companies, universities, or registered NGOs
- Duration is tied to the length of the internship or training program
- Applicants must provide an offer letter from the hosting organization
- Not convertible to an Employment Visa from within India
The Intern Visa is suitable for students or early-career professionals gaining structured exposure to Indian operations. It does not permit the holder to undertake paid employment outside the internship scope.
4. Business Visa
The Business Visa is designed for entrepreneurs and business representatives who need to enter India for short-term, non-employment activities such as attending meetings, exploring investment opportunities, or setting up a business.
Key features of the Business Visa include:
- Allows multiple entries during the approved validity period
- Valid from six months to 10 years for eligible businesspeople
- Requires a sponsorship letter from the inviting Indian organization
- Cannot be used for employment or receiving a salary in India
- The gap between visits must not exceed six months
The Business Visa is not a substitute for an Employment Visa. Foreign nationals working in India, even temporarily, must hold the correct employment authorization.
How to Apply for a Work Permit in India? (A Step-by-Step Process)
Applying for a work permit in India involves a structured end-to-end process, from gathering documents to post-arrival compliance. Both the employer and employee have defined responsibilities at each stage.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Sponsorship
Before anything else, confirm that the applicant meets the core eligibility conditions for an Employment Visa.
Key eligibility requirements include:
- A registered Indian entity must sponsor the applicant
- The gross annual salary must exceed Rs. 16.25 lakhs per annum
- The role must be for a highly skilled or qualified professional
- The employer must confirm that no qualified Indian national was available for the role
- The sponsoring entity can be the direct employer or an Employer of Record like Gloroots
Confirming eligibility at this stage prevents delays and rejection further into the process. Employers without a registered Indian entity can use Gloroots as the legal sponsor.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Once eligibility is confirmed, both the employer and employee must prepare all documentation before proceeding to the online application.
Required documents for the Employment Visa include:
- Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
- Employment contract or offer letter detailing role, salary, and terms
- Documentary proof of educational qualifications and professional experience
- Employer registration documents from the sponsoring Indian entity
- Undertaking from the employer confirming no qualified Indian national was available
- Passport-size photographs with a white background
Having complete documentation ready at this stage avoids back-and-forth with the consulate and speeds up overall processing time.
Step 3: Apply Online via the Indian Visa Portal
With documents in order, the applicant submits a formal application through India's official immigration portal.
The online application steps are:
- Visit the Indian Visa Online portal and complete the visa application form
- Select the correct visa category: Employment Visa for work purposes
- Upload the required documents, including the employment contract and employer registration certificate
- Review and submit the application form
- Print a physical copy of the completed application for consulate submission
The printed application, along with original documents, passport, and ID photos, must be carried to the consulate appointment.
Step 4: Submit Documents and Biometrics at the Consulate
After submitting the online application, the applicant must visit the nearest BLS center or the Consulate General of India in person.
At this stage:
- Submit the printed application form along with all required supporting documents
- Provide fingerprints and facial biometrics as part of the standard verification process
- Collect a receipt or acknowledgment for the submitted application
- Await processing timelines range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the country of origin and consulate workload
- Upon approval, collect the visa in person or opt for delivery to the applicant's address
It is advisable to initiate the application at least 120 days before the planned relocation date to account for processing delays.
Step 5: Complete FRRO Registration Upon Arrival
Foreign nationals whose visa is valid for more than 180 days must complete mandatory registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) after arriving in India.
FRRO registration requirements include:
- Registration must be completed within 14 days of arriving in India
- Submit four ID photos, an approved visa and passport, and proof of residency
- Provide a request letter from the employer or sponsor
- Submit a notarized letter of undertaking
- Registration can be done through the local FRRO, FRO, or the online e-FRRO portal
Failure to register within the 14-day window can result in penalties. Employers should brief relocating employees on this requirement well before their travel date.
What is the Processing Time for an Indian Work Visa?
The visa processing times can vary widely depending on the:
- Applicant's country of origin
- Type of visa needed
- Intended duration of stay
- Workload of Indian immigration authorities
Application processing times can range from a few days to several weeks, so it's advisable to apply at least 120 days ahead to ensure that all your employees' visas are valid before relocating to India. For the most up-to-date information, you can contact the Indian consulate or embassy in your employees' home country.
Read More: How to hire employees in India
How Much Does It Cost for an Indian Work Visa?
The cost of an Indian work visa is not fixed. Depending on your country and its currency, the application cost will vary.
For a Business Visa, it can range anywhere from $130 USD to $495 USD. Typically, a single or multiple-entry B Visa with a shorter validity period tends to be more affordable than a multiple-entry Visa valid for five years.
Conversely, for an Employment Visa, the cost can vary significantly, ranging from $120 USD to $560 USD, depending on your country of origin and the intended duration of stay. To obtain precise and up-to-date cost information for each application, it is advisable to contact the High Commission of India in your respective country.
Factors to Consider for Work Permits and Visas
Beyond the application process, there are key conditions that affect the ongoing validity and use of work permits and visas in India.
- Validity and Renewal: Employment visas are typically granted for up to 5 years. Extensions of up to 10 years may be granted for eligible roles.
- Dependents: Spouses and children of Indian citizens, PIOs, or OCI cardholders must earn a minimum of Rs. 3.60 lakhs per annum to qualify.
- Employer Restrictions: You cannot change employers while on an Employment Visa. Work is permitted only for the sponsoring company.
Employer Obligations for Work Permits and Visas
To work in India, the process of obtaining work visas and permits involves several steps. It is crucial to adhere to each and ensure compliance with the following requirements:
- Employment Contract: The most important document required before hiring foreign workers in India.
- Sponsorship Document: Employers sponsoring foreign employees must provide a formal letter of invitation and supporting documentation.
- Legal Compliance: Employers must comply with all Indian labor laws and immigration regulations, ensuring valid work permits at all times.
- Documentation: Accurate and up-to-date records of foreign employees, including visa and work permit documents, must be maintained.
- Salary and Benefits: Foreign employees must be paid in accordance with Indian labor laws and the terms of their employment contracts, including access to benefits such as social security and insurance.
- Taxes: Employers are responsible for deducting applicable taxes, including income tax and social security contributions, from foreign employee salaries and providing documentation such as Form 16.
If you have an employee relocating to India and wish to retain them, consider using an Employer of Record (EOR) service like Gloroots. With Gloroots' EOR services, you can onboard your employees in their new location and facilitate work permits for relocated employees.
Navigating Work Permits and Visas in India with Gloroots
Managing work permits and visas across borders is operationally demanding. Gloroots takes that burden off your plate entirely.
As a global Employer of Record (EOR), Gloroots serves as the legal employer for your foreign hires in India. This means you don't need to set up a local entity to sponsor visas. Gloroots handles it directly.
Here's what Gloroots brings to your visa and work permit process:
- Visa sponsorship: Gloroots acts as the registered Indian entity sponsoring your employee's Employment Visa application.
- Document management: We coordinate employment contracts, employer undertakings, and supporting documentation, reducing errors and delays.
- FRRO compliance: We brief your employees on registration requirements and timelines, ensuring no post-arrival penalties.
- Payroll integration: Gloroots manages compliant payroll in India, ensuring salary thresholds and tax deductions align with visa conditions.
- Ongoing compliance tracking: We monitor visa validity, renewal windows, and regulatory changes so you stay ahead.
Gloroots also provides full visibility into application status at every stage. No chasing consulates, no navigating bureaucracy alone. Whether you're relocating one employee or scaling a team, Gloroots simplifies what's complex.
India Work Permit FAQs
1. Does the Indian company sponsoring the visa have to be the direct employer?
No. Agencies and Employer of Record services like Gloroots can act as the sponsoring entity, making it easier to hire without setting up a local company.
2. Can I switch from a Business Visa to an Employment Visa while in India?
No. Foreigners in India on a Business Visa cannot convert it to a work visa locally. You must return to your home country to apply for a new visa.
3. Can I work in India on a Business Visa?
No. A Business Visa does not permit employment in India. An Employment Visa is the only valid authorization for working for an Indian employer.
4. How do you renew an Indian work permit?
Not all Indian work visas are renewable. For Employment Visas, request an extension through your local FRRO or FRO. Initiate the process no later than two months before your current visa expires.
5. Can family members be included in a work visa application?
Yes. Spouses and dependent children can be brought into India on an X visa with the same expiry date. Proof of relationship, financial documents, and separate entry visa applications are typically required.
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