Business visas
Foreign nationals wishing to conduct business transactions
in India must obtain a business visa from an Indian embassy or consulate
abroad. Business visas may be issued for up to five years, with a multiple
entry provision, but usually with a cumulative stay of not more than 180 days.
Business visas can be renewed or extended within India. Business and tourist
visas are usually not convertible into employment visas while the holder of the
relevant visa is in India.
Residential permits
Foreign nationals wishing to work in India must obtain a
residential permit from a Foreigners’ Regional Registrar Office (FRRO), which
are located in all major cities. A foreign national holding a visa (other than
a tourist visa) valid for a period exceeding 180 days is required to be
registered with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival in India. Certain categories
of people are exempt from registration requirements, including United States
nationals with a ten-year tourist/business visa, provided their period of stay
is less than 180 days.
Employment visa
Foreign nationals intending to take up employment in India
also require an employment visa or work permit issued by Indian missions
abroad. The visas are issued for a period of one year, and may be extended in
India for the period of the foreign national’s contract of employment.
Income tax clearance certificate Foreign employees are
required to register for tax purposes by obtaining a permanent account number
with the Indian income tax authorities upon their arrival in India. This is a
one-time registration number, which must be included in correspondences with
the tax authorities. A person not domiciled in India, intending to stay for
more than 120 days, must produce an income tax clearance certificate, which
certifies that the person’s stay in India was self-financed.