Indian Business Visa for Entrepreneurs: What You Need to Know
India has emerged as a start-up hub. It is an attractive market for international businesses today. Do you know that India ranked third in the global list of technology start-up-friendly environments? A number of factors together make India an attractive place to start or run your business.
India is ranked fifth in the list of largest economies in the world. Apart from that, it has a massive consumer base, and a young workforce.
Furthermore, you will also have opportunities to obtain support under government initiatives like the PM Gati Shakti project and Production Linked Incentive schemes.
So, if you are someone planning to take advantage of India’s start-up ecosystem, you will need an e business visa for India. Continue reading for more information below.
What is an Indian Business Visa?
A business visa is what you need if you plan to visit India for market or industry-related purposes. You can either get a regular stamped one or an electronic copy of an India multi entry visa* for business.
*Note: It means there is no restriction on the number of times to exit and enter the country in a given period of ten years. However, you cannot stay for longer than half-a-year at a stretch during the ten-year period.*
This visa will be issued to people from outside India who wish to invest in, explore, or start a business here.
Duration and Validity
Indian business visas come with a validity of up to ten years. You can also obtain one with shorter validity if that is what you need. You will be permitted to remain in the country for a maximum of 180 days each time you visit.
You can obtain a business visa with a validity period of 10 years as a US or Canada citizen. This 10-year validity is also granted to the nationals of Japan, United Kingdom, and South Africa.
Nationals of other countries except for Kuwait, Turkey, Bahrain and Morocco, among others, will be eligible for a five year, multiple-entry business visa.
Your business visa can also be extended. However, you must meet some conditions to be eligible for this extension.
The gross turnover of sales from the business for which you are granted a visa must be INR 10 million or USD 119,433 per year. Your business must also achieve this figure within two years of the initial grant or business setup date.
The E-business visa for India will be valid for up to a year. You will also be allowed multiple entries into the country within the validity period if you go for an e-visa. Make sure that each of your stays does not exceed six months.
Extension on e-visa is also not possible during your stay in the country.
Eligibility for Business Visa
The key eligibility criteria for an Indian business visa can be seen below.
General Criteria for Foreign Nationals
You are eligible for a business visa if you have plans to set up a venture or explore possibilities. A business visa will also let you visit India for business meetings, conferences, and seminars.
You can obtain the visa for commercial purposes as simple as signing contracts. Foreign inventors also apply for business visas to find business partners and company directors.
Some other criteria include being a surveyor of a project going in the country, or attending a training program.
Other Criteria
If you are from Nepal or Bhutan, you won’t need a have a visa for living and working in India. If you are a Maldives national, then you not need a visa to stay for three months. If you are a citizen of Nepal, or Bhutan, you will need to have a visa, if you’re flying in from the Maldives, Pakistan, or China.
If you’re a Chinese citizen, then you must also produce a letter of invitation issued by the Indian business organization who has invited you, registered Indian organisation to apply for a business visa.
However, you will not be eligible for a e-business visa for India as a Pakistani national or person of Pakistani origin.
You will instead have to apply for a regular stamp visa from the nearest Consulate or Embassy. Now consider the documents you need to apply for an Indian business visa below.
Documents needed for Business Visa Application
You need to have a valid passport to apply for a business visa to India. Your passport should remain valid for six months. If you are experienced with crossing borders, you already know that there should be two blank pages on your passport.
You should also keep photographs ready for submission.
You will need a business support letter addressed to the Indian Consulate issued by your current organization as well. Letters of invitation and incorporation from a registered Indian company will also be needed.
You will need to produce a document mentioning your status as an immigrant, if applicable.
Next, let’s see what are the steps to apply for an India multi-entry visa for business purposes.
Application Process For Business Visa to India
You can either apply for a regular visa or go for an electronic one. The same documents will be needed.
Regular Stamp Visa
Apply for a stamp visa if you do not mind a trip to the Indian embassy. First, locate your nearest Indian embassy and visit it with your valid documents. Ask the concerned officials for the form, and then fill it.
After that, pay the applicable fee and attend the interview. Upon approval, your visa will reach you by post. You can also collect it physically from the Embassy itself.
Electronic Visa
You simply have to visit the website, click Apply Now, fill in the details, upload the documents and pay the fees for this visa. The authorities will send you your e-business visa for India via email, after its approved.
Key Rules and Restrictions to remember
Remember that what you are applying for is a business visa. It is granted only for purposes like setting up a business or exploring the market. So you cannot take an employment or salaried role when staying in India on a business visa.
Keep in mind that your Indian multi-entry visa for business can hold a validity of up to five or ten years. But you can only stay for six months per visit. If you want to stay for a longer duration, register yourself within two weeks of your arrival in India.
You must do it within 2 weeks after entering the country.
Also, remember that you cannot extend an e-business visa for India. Exiting the country and entering again is the only option if your work in the country is not complete within the permitted 180 days.
Finally, you need to be aware of some of the tips we’ve outlined below for a successful enterprise.
Tips for Entrepreneurs Doing Business in India
You need to decide on the right city or region to do business in India. We would recommend Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru. These cities offer opportunities in the fields of ice cream parlours, online coaching, bakery chains, logistics businesses and co-working spaces.
You must also do your research on local business etiquette and culture to carry out smooth business negotiations.
We would recommend hiring native local talents and legal consultants. That’s because they will help you grow your business better due to local knowledge.
Check if you are eligible for the Start-Up Tax Incentives. It will exempt your start-up from taxes for a limited period. Also, check out areas that fall under the Special Economic Zones in your chosen city. These areas are:
- Completely exempt from tax for five years from the state of business
- 50% exempt for the next five years
So you can start a business in one of these areas to benefit from liberal economic laws.
Remember to network with Indian investors and start-up owners during your visit. It will also make entry into the Indian market easier.
Ready To Do Business in India?
You should either get a stamp or an e-business visa for India in advance before your visit. Make sure you have all your documents ready, including the letters required from Indian companies.
Do not forget to check if you’re eligible for tax exemptions. Also try to learn some common phrases in the native language of the state you will establish your business in. Finally, remember to complete your business trip within 180 days per visit.