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India continues to rise as a global business hub, attracting foreign professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors seeking to explore new opportunities. Whether you're planning to take up a job in India or looking to enter its dynamic market for business expansion, the Employment Visa and Business Visa are the primary legal pathways.

This guide outlines key aspects such as eligibility, purpose, validity, registration, and major distinctions between the two visa types — so you can confidently plan your travel to India.

Employment Visa (E Visa) to India

The Employment Visa is issued to foreign nationals who are hired by Indian organizations in specialized, technical, or senior-level roles. This visa is strictly for skilled professionals and is not intended for clerical or routine employment.

Who is Eligible?

• Foreign nationals appointed by Indian companies, educational institutions, NGOs, or foreign entities executing projects in India.
• Applicants must possess technical expertise or senior-level skills that cannot be sourced locally.
• A minimum annual salary of USD 25,000 is required, except in special categories such as:
  • Language experts
  • Ethnic chefs
  • Embassy/mission staff
  • Volunteers working with NGOs (subject to approval)

Validity and Extension

• The visa is granted for up to 1 year or the duration of the contract, whichever is shorter.
• It can be extended in India for a total duration of up to 5 years by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) or local FRRO offices.

Registration Requirements

• Employment Visa holders must register with FRRO/FRO within 14 days of arrival in India.
• Registration is mandatory and must be completed online.

Dependents

• Spouse and dependent children are eligible for an Entry (X) Visa.
• The dependent visa will be valid for the same duration as the Employment Visa.

Business Visa (B Visa) to India

The Business Visa is intended for foreign nationals visiting India for commercial and business-related activities — but not for direct employment or earning income in India.

Who is Eligible?

• Executives, managers, investors, and entrepreneurs visiting India for:
  • Business meetings and consultations
  • Contract negotiations and vendor assessments
  • Exploring investments or establishing partnerships
  • Participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, or industry events
  • Setting up liaison, branch, or project offices

Note: A Business Visa does not authorize the holder to take up employment or undertake full-time project implementation activities.

Validity and Stay

• The visa is typically granted for 6 months to 5 years with multiple entries.
• Each visit must not exceed 180 days.
• For longer stays, the applicant must obtain FRRO registration.

FRRO Registration

• Not required if each visit is under 180 days.
• Compulsory registration is necessary for continuous stays exceeding 180 days or if specifically required by the visa.

Key Differences at a Glance

Important Considerations

• Misuse of visa categories (e.g., working on a Business Visa) may lead to cancellation and blacklisting.
• Business Visa holders are not allowed to receive income in India or engage in hands-on implementation of projects.
• Employment Visa holders may need to obtain tax registrations (e.g., PAN) and comply with Indian labor and tax laws.
• Business Visas generally cannot be extended from within India and must be reapplied for from the country of residence.

Expert Support for Your Indian Visa

Applying for an Indian Employment or Business Visa can be a complex process, particularly with evolving immigration regulations and compliance checks. At IMB Immigration Law, we offer end-to-end visa assistance tailored to professionals and businesses.

Led by Attorney Ravneet Kaur Brar — licensed in India, Canada, and California (USA) — we combine global expertise with local compliance, ensuring your visa journey is smooth, lawful, and strategically sound.

Need help applying for an Indian visa?
📞 Contact us today for personalized support and legal guidance.