Republic of India · work sponsored
India Employment Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Visa for highly skilled foreign professionals engaged by an Indian or foreign company to work in India.
- Processing time
- Indicative only. Apply through an Indian mission or the Indian Visa Online portal; confirm current timelines on the official page before applying.
- Government fees
- Indicative only. Fees vary by nationality and duration; refer to the official Indian Visa Online portal for the current schedule.
- Typical duration
- Generally up to one to five years, tied to the employment contract; renewable.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
The Employment Visa is issued to highly skilled and qualified professionals engaged or appointed by a company, organisation, industry or undertaking in India. The Bureau of Immigration sets a gross salary floor above Rs. 16.25 lakh per annum for most sectors (certain notified sectors and roles are exempt), and the visa is tied to the sponsoring employer. Foreign nationals on long-stay Employment Visas must register with the FRRO/FRO after arrival.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Applicant is a highly skilled or qualified professional engaged by a company or organisation in India.Bureau of Immigration / Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- ✓Gross salary exceeds Rs. 16.25 lakh per annum, unless employed in a sector notified as exempt by the Government of India.Bureau of Immigration / Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- ✓The role is not one for which large numbers of qualified Indians are available.Bureau of Immigration / Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- ✓The applicant holds a valid contract or appointment letter from the sponsoring entity.Bureau of Immigration / Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
Common blockers
- !Gross annual salary below the Rs. 16.25 lakh floor in a non-exempt sector.Bureau of Immigration / Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- !Seeking to change employer while in India, which is not permitted on the current visa.Bureau of Immigration / Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- !Routine, clerical or unskilled work that does not meet the skilled-professional test.Bureau of Immigration / Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Employment contract or appointment letter from the sponsoring company.Bureau of Immigration / Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- ·Proof of professional qualifications and experience.Bureau of Immigration / Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- ·Passport valid for the required period with blank pages.Bureau of Immigration / Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- ·Documents evidencing the salary offered.Bureau of Immigration / Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
Application pathway
Secure a qualifying job offer
Obtain an appointment from an Indian or foreign company that meets the skilled-professional and salary criteria.
Apply for the Employment Visa
Submit the application via the Indian Visa Online portal and the relevant Indian mission.
Travel to India on the visa
Enter India within the visa validity and carry supporting employment documents.
Register with the FRRO/FRO
Complete registration after arrival where required for the stay duration.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official India Employment Visa route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for India Employment Visa.
Bureau of Immigration / Ministry of Home Affairs (India) · verified
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Frequently asked questions
Can I change employer on an India Employment Visa?+
No. No change of employer is permitted during the currency of an Employment Visa. To change employer you must leave India and apply for a fresh Employment Visa.
Is there a minimum salary for an India Employment Visa?+
Yes. Foreigners employed in most sectors must draw a gross salary above Rs. 16.25 lakh per annum, although certain sectors notified by the Government of India are exempt from this floor.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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