Hire in India

Work visas and immigration

Visas for foreign nationals

In India, hiring foreigners without valid work permits can result in fines, legal action, or visa cancellation. Strict monitoring is undertaken by the Indian government to ensure jobs are first available to Indian citizens unless specialized skills are required. Therefore, India has limited skilled migration programs for foreigners, but there are provisions for highly skilled professionals in sectors like IT, finance, engineering, and healthcare.  

For certain work categories, foreigners may apply for an employment visa (“E Visa”). A short-term business visa (“B Visa”) can be issued to foreign nationals for business visits, meetings, or to explore business opportunities in India. A business visa does not permit employment in an Indian company. 

Once a person has applied for an Indian employment visa, the processing time varies, but it typically ranges from seven to 10 working days. The fees for an employment visa vary based on the applicant's nationality and the duration of the visa. Consult with the nearest Indian Embassy or High Commission for the latest visa fees. 

Sponsorship and employer responsibilities 

Hiring a foreign national on an employment visa in India requires adherence to specific eligibility criteria, submission of necessary documentation, and payment of applicable fees.  

Eligibility criteria 

• Specialized skills: The foreign national should possess specialized skills or qualifications not readily available in India. 
• Minimum salary: The applicant must have a minimum annual salary of $25,000 USD. Exceptions to this salary threshold include ethnic cooks, language teachers (excluding English), translators, and staff working for foreign embassies / high commissions in India. 

Required documentation

• Valid passport: An applicant passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay 
• Employment contract: A detailed contract specifying the terms of employment, including job role, salary, and duration 
• Company registration: Proof of the Indian company's registration, such as the certificate of incorporation 
• Educational qualifications: Copies of degrees or certificates relevant to the job position 
• Resume / CV: A comprehensive resume detailing the applicant's professional experience 
• Visa application form: Completed and signed visa application form 
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs meeting the specifications set by the Indian consulate or embassy 

Post-arrival requirements

• Registration: Foreign nationals holding an Employment Visa valid for more than 180 days must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival in India. 
• Tax obligations: Ensure compliance with Indian tax laws, including obtaining a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and fulfilling any tax liabilities.