Businesses all over the world are transforming the way they conduct business. Companies have begun to adapt due to a number of factors, including a global labor shortage, long-term changes to remote and hybrid workplaces, and more. Thanks to technology that allows for global mobility, business owners are no longer constrained to the labor pool in their local area. It is advised to establish an office in India or to take advantage of the talent found there.

India has a sizable labor force—41.6% of the nation is employed. The nation employs a large number of people with experience in biotech, aviation, technology, and other fields that could benefit your business. On the other hand, the difficulty of obtaining a work permit in India may discourage individuals from moving there or employing Indian labor.

This guide describes the requirements and procedure for obtaining an Indian work visa.

India work permit classifications

Individuals seeking to stay in India may find it necessary to obtain a work visa, a critical authorization for their extended stay. India has experienced an annual influx of 5 to 6 million immigrants from 2005 to 2015, with immigration processes often more stringent than those in other countries. Notably, visas are typically granted to highly-skilled professionals, with certain roles, such as clerical and administrative positions, reserved for Indian workers.

For those seeking an Indian work visa, there are three distinct classifications:

1. Business Visa:

• • Granted to individuals intending to establish a business or industry in India.
  • Applicable for buying and selling industrial or commercial products, recruiting employees, offering business consulting, or engaging with Indian suppliers or businesses.
  • Special circumstances, such as participation in cultural events, athletes in Indian leagues, or those involved in the Global Initiative for Academic Networks, may warrant a business visa.
  • Visa validity ranges from six months to five years, with an extension option up to ten years for individuals from the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, or South Africa.
  • Permits a stay of up to 180 days.
  • Recommended for those planning significant business activities or recruiting purposes, requiring good financial standing and compliance with local tax regulations.

2. Employment Visa:

• • Designed for highly skilled professionals and employees of multinational companies relocating to their Indian branches.
  • Limited to roles requiring specific technical skills or management-level positions.
  • Sponsored by a registered company in India, with a minimum annual income requirement of $25,000 U.S. dollars.
  • Excludes jobs readily available to Indian workers.

3. Project Visa:

• • Available for project managers in sectors like steel and electricity, granted on a per-project basis.
  • Valid for a year or the project’s duration, emphasizing its project-specific nature.
  • Not advisable for use across multiple projects, as this would violate the intended per-project nature.
  • Reserved for highly skilled workers in positions where Indian nationals are unavailable.

It is crucial to note that both employment and project visas are tailored for roles beyond the reach of the local workforce. The meticulous selection and application for the appropriate visa align with India’s immigration rules, ensuring a smoother transition and legal compliance for individuals seeking to contribute their expertise to the country.

India visa requirements

If the prospect of relocating to India has piqued your interest, here’s a comprehensive guide on the essentials you’ll need for your visa application. The initial step involves completing the India visa application, and the following documents are imperative:

1. Personal Documents:
   • Valid passport.
   • Two passport-sized photos.
   •  Copy of the first two pages of your passport.
2. Employment Details:
   • Valid employment contract.
   • Letter from your company outlining the nature and duration of your job.
3. Educational Credentials:
   • Resume.
   • Copies of diplomas and/or credentials.
   • Tax documents.
4. Company Sponsorship:
   • Copy of your company’s registration certificate within India.
   • For multinational companies, a copy of the registration certificates for the Indian branch office.
5. Application Process:
   • Apply online and print the application.
   • Submit a paper copy at the nearest Indian consulate.
   • Submit required forms and documentation at an Indian application center or mission.
6. Approval and Collection:
   • Upon approval, collect your passport and visa from the visa application center, Indian mission, or via mail.
   • Processing time is a minimum of six weeks, so early application is advisable.
7. Fees:
   • Costs vary based on your country of origin and intended duration of work.
   • For a six-month visa, fees range from $102.90 to $1,022.90 (including consular and service fees).
   • For a 12-month visa, fees range from $142.90 to $1,062.90 (inclusive of consular and service fees).
   • Average application costs are approximately $150-$250 for a six-month visa and $200-$250 for a 12-month visa.
8. Considerations:
   • Start the application process well in advance.
   • Expedited processing may be possible, but early initiation is recommended.
9. Marzuna Partnership:
   • For a streamlined process, consider partnering with Marzuna for work permit sponsorship in India.
   • Marzuna serves as the employer of record, expediting the process and eliminating the need to set up a physical presence in the country.

While navigating the intricacies of obtaining a work permit in India can be challenging, leveraging services like Marzuna can simplify the process, ensuring a smoother transition to your new work environment.

Eligibility for an India work visa

India maintains stringent visa requirements to safeguard job opportunities for its citizens, considering immigration a desirable avenue for highly skilled individuals who can significantly contribute to the country’s growth. While the criteria for skilled workers differ globally, in India, administrative or clerical roles are excluded from the category of skilled workers. Generally, those with over two years of work experience in their field or possessing exceptional skills are eligible for an employment visa.

The scope of India’s work visas extends beyond specific professions, but approval is more likely if employers can demonstrate the applicant’s unique knowledge and skills. Management-level workers overseeing Indian branch offices or projects within their companies often secure approval for employment visas. Alongside the visa application, submission of a comprehensive resume or CV is typically required.

For those in need of short-term visas, such as business visas, an eVisa option is available, simplifying the application process through online channels. Applicants can apply and upload necessary documents to a designated website, eliminating the requirement to submit paper copies to the mission or government offices. However, eBusiness visas, valid for 90 days, are not suitable for long-term employment. This category is ideal for recruitment activities within India or business meetings with clients and vendors in the region.

It’s important to note that eVisas need approval before travel, so initiating the application process at least a month before departure is advisable. While the listed professions provide a general guideline, India’s emphasis on skills and expertise means that approval is more likely when the employer can convincingly showcase the applicant’s unique contributions to the workforce.

Hiring employees and contractors from India

You might need to obtain a work visa for any talent you want to hire in India for your remote team. Establishing an office in India or selecting a partner with a local presence is necessary to ensure compliance with labor laws, tax regulations, and visa requirements.

The procedure for obtaining a work visa for team members based in India would depend on the laws and regulations of your nation. Certain nations, such as Canada, facilitate the process of obtaining a visa for foreign nationals. The procedure could be completed by you alone. Or, if you want to make things easier, you could collaborate with Marzuna.