Business Visa for India: Essential Information
India offers business visas to foreign nationals for various commercial and professional activities. Here’s an overview of the official guidelines based on information from the Indian government:
Eligibility and Purpose
The Indian government grants business visas for activities such as:
- Establishing industrial or business ventures
- Exploring business opportunities
- Purchasing or selling commercial products
- Attending technical meetings or board meetings
- Recruiting manpower
- Participating in exhibitions and trade fairs
- Conducting business transactions with Indian partners
- Short-term visits by experts for ongoing projects
- Pre-sales or post-sales activities
- In-house training at Indian branches of multinational companies
- Conducting business tours as travel agents
- Participating in paid cultural events or commercial sports events1
Application Process
To apply for an Indian business visa:
- Visit the official Indian visa website (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in)
- Complete the online application form
- Upload required documents, including passport and business-related documentation
- Pay the visa fee online
- Schedule an appointment at the nearest Indian visa application center for biometrics, if applicable1
Key Requirements
Applicants must provide:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
- Proof of financial standing and business expertise
- Documentation supporting the proposed business activity
- Return or onward ticket and sufficient funds for the stay in India
- Business card or invitation letter from the Indian company1
Validity and Duration of Stay
- Business visas can be granted for up to 5 years with multiple entries
- For 1-year and 5-year visas, continuous stay during each visit should not exceed 180 days
- Registration with FRRO/FRO is required within 2 weeks after 180 days for stays exceeding this duration1
Important Notes
- The Indian government has not authorized any agents to charge fees for expedited visa processing
- A valid visa along with a passport is mandatory for travel to India, except for categories exempted under bilateral arrangements
- Persons of Indian origin must have an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card1
For the most up-to-date and detailed information, always refer to the official Indian visa website at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in.
