Business Visa for India – The Business Visa is designed for individuals engaging in commercial activities, such as meetings, trade, establishing ventures, or sourcing goods. It comes in two forms: the e-Business Visa for short-term visits and the regular Business Visa for longer or more complex engagements.
Toc=#(Table of Content)
Types of Business Visa for India
1. e-Business Visa
Eligibility
Citizens of over 160 countries (e.g., USA, UK, Australia, Canada, EU nations, Japan).
Not Eligible:
- Nationals of Pakistan or those of Pakistani origin (must apply for regular visa).
- Holders of diplomatic/official passports.
- Applicants with military/security backgrounds.
Purpose
- Attending business meetings, conferences, or trade fairs.
- Setting up industrial/business ventures.
- Recruiting manpower.
- Short-term activities like sourcing goods (e.g., buying mojris or sarees from Bapu Bazaar for export).
Not Allowed: Employment or long-term work (requires Employment Visa).
Validity and Stay
- Validity: 1 year from issuance (multiple entries).
- Stay: Up to 180 days per visit. Must leave and re-enter for another 180 days.
Note: Cannot stay continuously for 1 year; a break (e.g., exiting to a neighboring country) is required after 180 days.
Requirements
Passport:
- Valid for 6 months from arrival.
- At least 2 blank pages.
Digital Documents:
- Recent passport-style photo (color, white background, full face).
- Scanned passport bio page (PDF, 10KB-300KB).
Business Documents:
- Invitation Letter: From the Indian company/organization, including their name, address, and registration details.
- Business Card: Of the applicant, showing company details (optional but recommended).
- Alternatively, a letter from the applicant’s employer stating the purpose and duration of the visit.
Payment:
- Fee: $80-$100 (varies by nationality; higher for USA, UK, Canada due to reciprocity).
- Paid online via credit/debit card or PayPal.
- Some countries (e.g., Argentina, Brazil) may have lower/no fees.
Email Address: To receive the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
Travel Details: Return/onward ticket recommended (not mandatory).
Application Process
- Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in and select “e-Visa Application.”
- Choose “e-Business Visa” and fill out the form (personal, passport, and business details).
- Upload photo, passport scan, and business documents.
- Pay the non-refundable fee.
- Submit the application; receive a reference number to track status.
- Get the ETA via email within 3-4 business days (rush: 1-2 days for extra cost).
- Carry a printed or digital ETA for entry.
Entry Points
Allowed at 31 airports (e.g., Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai) and 6 seaports (e.g., Chennai, Goa).
Cost
- $80-$100 for most nationalities; check exact fees on the portal.
- Non-refundable, even if denied.
2. Regular Business Visa
Eligibility
Open to all nationalities, including those ineligible for e-Visas (e.g., Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China).
For complex or long-term business activities requiring embassy processing.
Purpose
- Long-term business ventures (e.g., setting up a company branch).
- Technical collaborations, project execution, or consultancy.
- Bulk sourcing or export/import deals (e.g., establishing supply chains for Jaipur’s handicrafts).
Not Allowed: Paid employment or journalism (separate visas required).
Validity and Stay
- Validity: Typically 6 months to 1 year (multiple entries); up to 5 years for select nationalities (e.g., USA, UK, Japan).
- Stay: Up to 6 months per visit, extendable in India via FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office).
Note: Pakistani nationals may get shorter validity (3-6 months) with single/double entry.
Requirements
Passport:
- Valid for 6 months beyond intended stay.
- 2 blank pages.
Application Form:
- Completed online at indianvisaonline.gov.in or embassy portal.
- Printed and signed.
Photographs:
- Two passport-sized (2x2 inches, white background, recent).
Business Documents:
- Invitation Letter: From the Indian company, detailing purpose, duration, and company registration (e.g., GSTIN, PAN).
- Employer Letter: From the applicant’s company, stating business purpose, applicant’s role, and financial support.
- Company Registration: Proof of the Indian company’s legitimacy (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation).
- Business Profile: Applicant’s company details (optional for established firms).
- Financial Proof: Bank statements or company financials to show solvency.
Additional Documents:
- Travel Itinerary: Flight bookings or proposed dates.
- Residence Proof: Utility bill or ID (especially for non-residents applying abroad).
- Previous Visas: Copies of prior Indian visas, if any.
- For Pakistani nationals: Detailed background info, proof of non-Pakistani citizenship (if applicable), and police clearance.
Biometrics:
Fingerprints and photo at visa centers (e.g., VFS Global), if required.
Fees:
- $100-$400, depending on nationality, duration, and entries.
- Additional service fees for agencies (e.g., $20-$50).
- Non-refundable.
Application Process
- Complete the online form at indianvisaonline.gov.in or the embassy’s portal.
- Book an appointment at the nearest Indian embassy, consulate, or visa center (e.g., VFS Global, BLS International).
- Submit the form, documents, and biometrics (if needed) in person or by mail (where allowed).
- Pay the fee online or at the center.
- Track status using the application reference number.
- Processing takes 5-15 business days (longer for Pakistani-origin applicants).
- Collect the passport with the visa sticker or receive it by mail.
Entry Points
Any international airport, seaport, or land border checkpost (e.g., Attari-Wagah for road entry).
Cost
- Varies widely: $100 for short-term, up to $400 for multi-year visas (e.g., USA citizens).
- Pakistani nationals may face higher fees due to additional checks.
Business Visa: Key Considerations
Restrictions
- Cannot be used for paid employment (e.g., working as a manager in India).
- No volunteering or religious activities allowed.
- Conversion to other visa types (e.g., tourist) is prohibited without exiting India.
Health Requirements
- Yellow Fever Vaccination: Mandatory for travelers from affected countries (e.g., parts of Africa, South America).
- COVID-19: No vaccine proof required as of April 2025, but verify updates.
Rejections
Common reasons: Incomplete documents, unclear business purpose, or security concerns (especially for Pakistani-origin applicants).
Solution: Provide detailed letters and registered company info; reapply after corrections.
Overstay
- Penalties include fines (~$30-$300), deportation, or bans.
- Extensions possible for regular Business Visas via FRRO; e-Business Visas are non-extendable.
FRRO Registration
- Required for stays over 180 days (regular Business Visa).
- e-Business Visa holders staying under 180 days per visit are exempt.
Comparison: e-Business Visa vs. Regular Business Visa
| Feature | e-Business Visa | Regular Business Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | 160+ countries (not Pakistan) | All nationalities |
| Validity | 1 year (multiple entries) | 6 months to 5 years (varies) |
| Stay per Visit | Up to 180 days | Up to 6 months (extendable) |
| Application | Online only | Embassy/consulate, agencies |
| Processing Time | 3-4 days | 5-15 days (longer for some nationalities) |
| Documents | Passport, photo, invitation letter | Extensive (letters, financials, registrations) |
| Cost | $80-$100 | $100-$400 |
| Entry Points | 31 airports, 6 seaports | Any port of entry |
| Extensions | Not allowed | Possible via FRRO |
Tips for Business Visa Applicants
Choose the Right Visa:
- Use e-Business Visa for short trips (e.g., sourcing goods in Jaipur’s markets).
- Opt for regular Business Visa for long-term ventures or non-eligible nationalities.
Prepare Documents:
- Ensure the Indian company’s invitation letter includes registration details.
- Double-check passport validity and document clarity.
Apply Early:
At least 4 days for e-Visas, 2-4 weeks for regular visas.
Use Official Channels:
- Apply via indianvisaonline.gov.in or authorized agencies (VFS, BLS).
- Avoid unverified agents charging exorbitant fees.
Track Application:
Use the reference number to monitor status online.
On Arrival:
- Present ETA (e-Visa) or visa sticker (regular visa) with passport.
- Biometrics (fingerprints, photo) are taken at immigration.
Conclusion
India offers a variety of visas, with the e-Business Visa and regular Business Visa being ideal for commercial activities. The e-Business Visa is quick and convenient for short-term visits (up to 180 days), requiring minimal documents and online application.
The regular Business Visa suits longer or complex engagements, with embassy processing and extensive paperwork. Ensure your passport is valid, secure a clear invitation letter, and apply early to avoid delays.
Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in for applications or contact your local Indian embassy for clarification.
