Work Permit in India: Types, Eligibility, Application Process & Costs (2026)

Expanding your business to India often means relocating key foreign employees or hiring skilled professionals already based there. Either way, securing the right work authorization is a critical first step.

India's work visa system is structured but complex, with distinct categories and strict eligibility requirements. 

As of 2026, most foreign employees must meet a minimum annual salary of around INR 16.25 lakhs (about USD 25,000) to qualify for an Indian employment visa, with only narrow exemptions for roles such as teachers, ethnic cooks, and certain NGO workers.

Navigating work permits and visas in India requires understanding visa types, documentation, salary thresholds, and employer obligations, all within India's immigration and labor law framework.

Key steps involved include:

• Identifying the correct visa category for your employee
• Ensuring employer sponsorship from a registered Indian entity
• Meeting the minimum annual salary threshold
• Registering with the FRRO for long-term stays

You will learn how to navigate the work permit and visa process in India, including types, eligibility, application steps, costs, and how Gloroots simplifies compliance.

Who Needs Work Permits in India?

A work permit, also called a work visa, is an official document issued by the Indian government allowing foreign nationals to legally enter and work in the country for a defined period. Different eligibility rules apply based on the type of work and the intended length of stay.

Work Permit Eligibility in India

Work visas in India are not granted for general clerical or mid-level roles. They are reserved exclusively for highly skilled professionals employed by companies officially registered in India.

Several categories are exempt from the standard work visa requirement:

• Ethnic cooks employed by foreign diplomatic missions in India
• Language teachers and translators (excluding English language teachers)
• Staff employed by embassies and high commissions
• Foreigners doing honorary, unpaid work with registered NGOs
• Faculty at South Asian University, Nalanda University, or as foreign teaching faculty
• Circus artists seeking employment in India

Foreign workers outside these exempt categories must demonstrate senior executive roles or exceptional specialized skills, with an annual income exceeding $25,000 USD. Ensuring correct visa status for foreign hires is essential; non-compliance can result in fines, penalties, or deportation for both the employer and the employee.

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What are the Types of Work Visas in India?

Indian work visas differ based on the applicant's skill profile, employment nature, and intended duration of stay, ranging from six months to five years. Understanding each visa type ensures you select the correct category for your employee.

1. Employment Visa (E-Visa)

The Employment Visa, commonly called the E-Visa, is the primary work permit in India for foreign nationals. It is designed for highly skilled professionals sponsored by a registered Indian company, a multinational with an Indian entity, or for those on inter-company transfers.

Key features of the Employment Visa include:

• Sponsored by a registered Indian employer or entity
• Requires a gross annual salary above Rs. 16.25 lakhs
• Valid for up to 5 years, extendable to 10 years
• Renewable through the FRRO if the employment contract remains active
• Also available for NGO workers earning at least Rs. 10,000 per month

NGO-related employment falls under a separate E-Visa subcategory. Employers without an Indian entity can use an Employer of Record like Gloroots to serve as the legal sponsor for the E-Visa application.

2. Project Visa

The Project Visa is tailored for foreign nationals working on specific infrastructure or industrial projects, typically in sectors like power and steel.

Key features include:

• Valid only for the duration of the specific approved project
• Restricted to defined industry sectors such as power and steel
• Not transferable to other employers or projects
• Project scope and timelines must be documented in the application
• Sponsored by the contracting Indian company executing the project

The Project Visa is a niche category and is not suitable for general employment roles. It applies when a foreign national is brought in specifically for a defined, time-bound project deliverable.

3. Intern Visa

The Intern Visa is designed for foreign nationals pursuing internships or structured training programs with Indian companies, educational institutions, or NGOs.

Key features include:

• Applicable for formal internships and training, not full employment
• Can be sponsored by companies, universities, or registered NGOs
• Duration is tied to the length of the internship or training program
• Applicants must provide an offer letter from the hosting organization
• Not convertible to an Employment Visa from within India

The Intern Visa is suitable for students or early-career professionals gaining structured exposure to Indian operations. It does not permit the holder to undertake paid employment outside the internship scope.

4. Business Visa

The Business Visa is designed for entrepreneurs and business representatives who need to enter India for short-term, non-employment activities such as attending meetings, exploring investment opportunities, or setting up a business.

Key features of the Business Visa include:

• Allows multiple entries during the approved validity period
• Valid from six months to 10 years for eligible businesspeople
• Requires a sponsorship letter from the inviting Indian organization
• Cannot be used for employment or receiving a salary in India
• The gap between visits must not exceed six months

The Business Visa is not a substitute for an Employment Visa. Foreign nationals working in India, even temporarily, must hold the correct employment authorization.

How to Apply for a Work Permit in India: 5-Step Process

Applying for a work permit in India involves a structured end-to-end process, from gathering documents to post-arrival compliance. Both the employer and employee have defined responsibilities at each stage.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Sponsorship

Before anything else, confirm that the applicant meets the core eligibility conditions for an Employment Visa.

Key eligibility requirements include:

• A registered Indian entity must sponsor the applicant
• The gross annual salary must exceed Rs. 16.25 lakhs per annum
• The role must be for a highly skilled or qualified professional
• The employer must confirm that no qualified Indian national was available for the role
• The sponsoring entity can be the direct employer or an Employer of Record like Gloroots

Confirming eligibility at this stage prevents delays and rejection further into the process. Employers without a registered Indian entity can use Gloroots as the legal sponsor.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Once eligibility is confirmed, both the employer and employee must prepare all documentation before proceeding to the online application.

Required documents for the Employment Visa include:

• Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
• Employment contract or offer letter detailing role, salary, and terms
• Documentary proof of educational qualifications and professional experience
• Employer registration documents from the sponsoring Indian entity
• Undertaking from the employer confirming no qualified Indian national was available
• Passport-size photographs with a white background

Having complete documentation ready at this stage avoids back-and-forth with the consulate and speeds up overall processing time.

Step 3: Apply Online via the Indian Visa Portal

With documents in order, the applicant submits a formal application through India's official immigration portal.

The online application steps are:

• Visit the Indian Visa Online portal and complete the visa application form
• Select the correct visa category: Employment Visa for work purposes
• Upload the required documents, including the employment contract and employer registration certificate
• Review and submit the application form
• Print a physical copy of the completed application for consulate submission

The printed application, along with original documents, passport, and ID photos, must be carried to the consulate appointment.

Step 4: Submit Documents and Biometrics at the Consulate

After submitting the online application, the applicant must visit the nearest BLS center or the Consulate General of India in person.

At this stage:

• Submit the printed application form along with all required supporting documents
• Provide fingerprints and facial biometrics as part of the standard verification process
• Collect a receipt or acknowledgment for the submitted application
• Await processing  timelines range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the country of origin and consulate workload
• Upon approval, collect the visa in person or opt for delivery to the applicant's address

It is advisable to initiate the application at least 120 days before the planned relocation date to account for processing delays.

Step 5: Complete FRRO Registration Upon Arrival

Foreign nationals whose visa is valid for more than 180 days must complete mandatory registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) after arriving in India.

FRRO registration requirements include:

• Registration must be completed within 14 days of arriving in India
• Submit four ID photos, an approved visa and passport, and proof of residency
• Provide a request letter from the employer or sponsor
• Submit a notarized letter of undertaking
• Registration can be done through the local FRRO, FRO, or the online e-FRRO portal

Failure to register within the 14-day window can result in penalties. Employers should brief relocating employees on this requirement well before their travel date.

What is the Processing Time for an Indian Work Visa?

The visa processing times can vary widely depending on the:

• Applicant's country of origin
• Type of visa needed
• Intended duration of stay
• Workload of Indian immigration authorities

Application processing times can range from a few days to several weeks, so it's advisable to apply at least 120 days ahead to ensure that all your employees' visas are valid before relocating to India. For the most up-to-date information, you can contact the Indian consulate or embassy in your employees' home country.

Read More: How to hire employees in India

How Much Does It Cost for an Indian Work Visa?

The cost of an Indian work visa is not fixed. Depending on your country and its currency, the application cost will vary.

For a Business Visa, it can range anywhere from $130 USD to $495 USD. Typically, a single or multiple-entry B Visa with a shorter validity period tends to be more affordable than a multiple-entry Visa valid for five years.

Conversely, for an Employment Visa, the cost can vary significantly, ranging from $120 USD to $560 USD, depending on your country of origin and the intended duration of stay. To obtain precise and up-to-date cost information for each application, it is advisable to contact the High Commission of India in your respective country.

What our clients are saying

"Gloroots made hiring in India seamless. They handled visas, compliance, and payroll, letting us focus on growing our business."

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Personal Assistant to the CEO, Mixam

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FRRO Registration in India: What Foreign Employees Must Do After Arrival

Every foreign national holding an Employment Visa valid for more than 180 days is legally required to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) after arriving in India. This obligation falls under the Foreigners Act and the Registration of Foreigners Rules. Non-compliance carries penalties, including fines and potential deportation.

Who Must Register?

• All Employment Visa holders (since most are valid for 1+ years)
• Foreign nationals staying in India for more than 180 days on any long-term visa
• Spouses and dependents accompanying Employment Visa holders on X visas

Key Deadline

Registration must be completed within 14 days of arrival in India. Do not wait  penalties apply from day 15 onward.

Documents Required for FRRO Registration

• Valid passport with the approved Employment Visa
• 4 recent passport-size photographs (white background)
• Proof of current residential address in India (rental agreement or employer-provided letter)
• Request letter from the sponsoring employer confirming the employee's status and role
• Notarized letter of undertaking from the employer
• Copy of the signed employment contract
• Recent bank statement or proof of financial means (where required)

How to Register

• Online: Through the e-FRRO portal at indianfrro.gov.in  the fastest method for most cities
• In person: At the nearest FRRO or FRO office in the employee's city of residence

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Financial penalties and potential blacklisting from future Indian visa applications
• Risk of deportation for repeat non-compliance or extended overstay
• Employers may also face compliance penalties for failing to brief employees on this requirement

Gloroots proactively briefs all relocating employees on FRRO obligations and timelines, ensuring no post-arrival compliance gaps for companies using Gloroots as their Employer of Record.

Key Factors That Affect Your Work Permit Validity and Use in India

Beyond the application process, there are key conditions that affect the ongoing validity and use of work permits and visas in India.

• Validity and Renewal: Employment visas are typically granted for up to 5 years. Extensions of up to 10 years may be granted for eligible roles.
• Dependents: Spouses and children of Indian citizens, PIOs, or OCI cardholders must earn a minimum of Rs. 3.60 lakhs per annum to qualify.‍
• Employer Restrictions: You cannot change employers while on an Employment Visa. Work is permitted only for the sponsoring company.

Employer Obligations for Work Permits and Visas

To work in India, the process of obtaining work visas and permits involves several steps. It is crucial to adhere to each and ensure compliance with the following requirements:

• Employment Contract: The most important document required before hiring foreign workers in India.
• Sponsorship Document: Employers sponsoring foreign employees must provide a formal letter of invitation and supporting documentation.
• Legal Compliance: Employers must comply with all Indian labor laws and immigration regulations, ensuring valid work permits at all times.
• Documentation: Accurate and up-to-date records of foreign employees, including visa and work permit documents, must be maintained.
• Salary and Benefits: Foreign employees must be paid in accordance with Indian labor laws and the terms of their employment contracts, including access to benefits such as social security and insurance.
• Taxes: Employers are responsible for deducting applicable taxes, including income tax and social security contributions, from foreign employee salaries and providing documentation such as Form 16.

If you have an employee relocating to India and wish to retain them, consider using an Employer of Record (EOR) service like Gloroots. With Gloroots' EOR services, you can onboard your employees in their new location and facilitate work permits for relocated employees.

Navigating Work Permits and Visas in India with Gloroots

Managing work permits and visas across borders is operationally demanding. Gloroots takes that burden off your plate entirely.

As a global Employer of Record (EOR), Gloroots serves as the legal employer for your foreign hires in India. This means you don't need to set up a local entity to sponsor visas. Gloroots handles it directly.

Here's what Gloroots brings to your visa and work permit process:

• Visa sponsorship: Gloroots acts as the registered Indian entity sponsoring your employee's Employment Visa application.
• Document management: We coordinate employment contracts, employer undertakings, and supporting documentation, reducing errors and delays.
• FRRO compliance: We brief your employees on registration requirements and timelines, ensuring no post-arrival penalties.
• Payroll integration: Gloroots manages compliant payroll in India, ensuring salary thresholds and tax deductions align with visa conditions.
• Ongoing compliance tracking: We monitor visa validity, renewal windows, and regulatory changes so you stay ahead.

Gloroots also provides full visibility into application status at every stage. No chasing consulates, no navigating bureaucracy alone. Whether you're relocating one employee or scaling a team, Gloroots simplifies what's complex.

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India Work Permit FAQs

1. Does the Indian company sponsoring the visa have to be the direct employer?

No. Agencies and Employer of Record services like Gloroots can act as the sponsoring entity, making it easier to hire without setting up a local company.

2. Can I switch from a Business Visa to an Employment Visa while in India?

No. Foreigners in India on a Business Visa cannot convert it to a work visa locally. You must return to your home country to apply for a new visa.

3. Can I work in India on a Business Visa?

No. A Business Visa does not permit employment in India. An Employment Visa is the only valid authorization for working for an Indian employer.

4. How do you renew an Indian work permit?

Not all Indian work visas are renewable. For Employment Visas, request an extension through your local FRRO or FRO. Initiate the process no later than two months before your current visa expires.

5. Can family members be included in a work visa application?

Yes. Spouses and dependent children can be brought into India on an X visa with the same expiry date. Proof of relationship, financial documents, and separate entry visa applications are typically required.

6. What is the minimum salary required for an India work permit?

The minimum gross annual salary for an Indian Employment Visa is Rs. 16.25 lakhs per annum (approximately USD 25,000). This threshold applies to most categories of foreign professionals. Exceptions include NGO workers, who must earn at least Rs. 10,000 per month, and categories such as ethnic cooks, language teachers, embassy staff, and certain academic faculty who may be exempt from the standard salary requirement. The salary stated in the employment contract and sponsorship documents must meet this threshold  understating compensation to reduce tax liability while claiming visa eligibility is a compliance risk employers must avoid.

7. How long does it take to get an Indian work visa approved?

Processing times for Indian work visas typically range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the applicant's country of origin, the consulate workload, the visa type, and whether additional document requests are raised. Employment Visas usually take 2–6 weeks from submission to approval in most markets. To avoid disruptions to relocation timelines, it is advisable to initiate the application at least 120 days before the planned start date. Gloroots proactively manages document preparation and submission to minimize delays and prevent rejection on technicalities.

8. Can a foreign national on an Employment Visa change employers in India?

No. An Employment Visa in India is tied to the specific sponsoring employer named in the visa application. Foreign nationals cannot transfer their Employment Visa to a new employer without leaving India and applying for a fresh visa under the new employer's sponsorship. Working for an entity other than the visa sponsor  even temporarily or informally  constitutes a visa violation and can result in visa cancellation, deportation, and future application bans. Companies planning to restructure employment arrangements (e.g., transitioning from EOR sponsorship to direct entity sponsorship) must plan this carefully to avoid compliance gaps.

9. What happens if an Employment Visa expires while the employee is still in India?

If an Employment Visa expires while the employee is in India, they are considered to be in violation of immigration law from the day after expiry. Penalties include daily fines for overstay, potential detention, and a ban on future Indian visa applications. Employers must monitor visa expiry dates and initiate renewal through the FRRO at least two months before expiration. Gloroots' compliance tracking system flags renewal windows proactively, preventing inadvertent overstay situations for employees on its payroll.

10. What are the tax obligations for foreign employees working in India?

Foreign employees working in India on an Employment Visa are subject to Indian income tax (under the Income Tax Act, 1961) on income earned in India. Tax residency is determined by the number of days spent in India  generally, individuals present for 182 days or more in a financial year are treated as tax residents and taxed on global income. Employers are responsible for deducting Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) from salaries and issuing Form 16 at year-end. Additionally, contributions to Employee Provident Fund (EPF) may be required for international employees, depending on bilateral Social Security Agreements (SSAs) between India and the employee's home country.

11. Can a company without an Indian entity hire foreign nationals and sponsor their visa?

Yes  by using an Employer of Record (EOR) like Gloroots. Indian immigration law requires the sponsoring entity to be a registered Indian company with active corporate registration, tax compliance history, and payroll infrastructure. Companies without a local entity cannot directly sponsor Employment Visas. An EOR acts as the registered legal employer, meets all sponsorship eligibility requirements, and manages the entire visa application process on your behalf. This is the fastest and most cost-effective path to hiring foreign nationals in India without entity setup overhead.