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India Business Visa allows travelers from foreign countries to visit India for business related purposes like attending meetings, establishing ventures, taking interviews, trade purposes, and so on. With the India Business Visa, you can expect multiple entries, and it is valid for 6 months to 5 years, depending on your nationality and type of entry chosen.
But do know that with this visa you cannot indulge in Employment. To apply for an Indian Business Visa, a letter from an Indian business and supporting documents are required for application.
What is the India Business Visa?
The Indian Business is one of the online visas provided by the government of India to the foreign nationals, especially for those who wish to visit India for business purposes only. Once you receive the visa you can use it for meetings, conferences, trade fairs, establishing business ventures, or exploring potential business opportunities.
To go forward with the India Business Visa application process, the business traveler who is filling the form application form will have to provide a letter of invitation from an Indian company and proof of business, if he has his own business. The applicant must know that this business visa does not permit employment or paid work, it is completely for business related activities.
To apply for the Indian Business Visa, the applicant who needs to obtain the Indian Visa they need to submit the visa online and getting approval is subject to the discretion of Indian authorities.
Who are granted permission to apply for the Indian Business Visa?
Citizens from certain Indian Business Visa eligible countries can apply if they intend to visit India only for legitimate business purposes. Those foreign nationals who are considered eligible include:
- Employees working in international companies and need to attend meetings, conferences, exhibitions, events or trade fairs
- Those conducting market research
- Investors or potential business partners
- Business entrepreneurs and owners
- Individuals who are looking for joint ventures or partnerships with Indian companies
- Representatives of foreign companies negotiating contracts or extending contracts
What are the necessary requirements to apply for the India Business Visa?
To apply for the Indian Business Visa, the applicant who needs to obtain the Indian Visa they need to submit certain documents which are listed below:
Valid Passport
- Should have 2 blank pages
- Valid beyond the date of visa application, that is more than six months
Completed Visa Application Form
- Visit the site and submit the application for Indian Business Visa Online.
Passport-Sized Photographs
- Photo with white background that’s recently clicked
- Follow the photo size as per India visa photo specifications
Business Invitation Letter from the Company in India
- Should have the business cover letter from the company applicants company.
- The company letterhead you are going to furnish for application should outline the purpose of the visit, business relationship, and financial responsibility
Business Card
- A business card showing your designation and business details
How to apply for the India Business Visa? Stepwise guide
Those who must visit India for business related activities, they should follow the steps below:
Step 1: Determine your Eligibility
Citizens from certain Indian Business Visa eligible countries can apply if they intend to visit India only for legitimate business purposes. Those foreign nationals who are considered eligible include:
- Employees working in international companies and needs to attend meetings, conferences, exhibitions, events or trade fairs
- Those conducting market research
- Investors or potential business partners, setting up industrial/business ventures
- Business entrepreneurs and owners, exploring business ventures or opportunities
- Individuals who are looking for joint ventures or partnerships with Indian companies
- Representatives of foreign companies negotiating contracts or extending contracts
- Taking part in business meetings or negotiations
- Taking part in trade fairs or exhibitions
You can check your eligibility for Indian e-Visa using the Indian Visa Eligibility Checker
Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Visa Type
India offers two types of business visa, based on your need you can apply for whichever visa you want.
e-Business Visa: This is a short-term business visa, suitable only for short business visits and the application process takes place online. This visa is valid for one year (365 days) from the date of issue and the maximum stay granted is 180 days per visit and allows multiple entry, meaning you can enter multiple times during your visa validity period.
Regular Business Visa: This type of visa is for longer visits to the country for business related activities and you will have to apply through the embassy. The maximum validity period offered in this visa is five years and stay is limited to 180 days per visit. In this visa extensions are possible through the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) in India.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
To apply for the Indian Business Visa Online and regular business visa, you must provide the documents mentioned below, failing to apply will lead to denial of visa.
Valid Passport: Valid beyond the date of visa application, that is more than six months and must have blank pages for stamp.
Photograph: Colored Photo with white background that’s recently clicked and follow the photo size as per India visa photo specifications
Business Invitation Letter: Should have a letter from the Indian organization or company. The purpose of the visit should be mentioned along with duration and financial arrangements
Company Cover Letter: The company letterhead you are going to furnish for application should outline the purpose of the visit, business relationship, and financial responsibility
Proof of Employment: An ID proving you have a business to run, if you are a business owner or your position in the company, if visiting through a company.
Business Card: Show your business card, if you run your own business, otherwise, a business letter from your Indian counterpart explaining the requirement.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Business e-Visa: To apply for the Indian Business Visa, the applicant who needs to obtain the Indian Visa they need to submit the visa online with the designated documents mentioned above.
Regular Business Visa: You will have to visit the embassy to apply for a long-term business visa on the day you are given an appointment along with your application form and designated documents.
Step 5: Pay Visa Fee
e-Business Visa: Pay the fees according to your nationality.
Regular Business Visa: Pay the fees according to your nationality and the duration of the visa.
To pay the fees you will have to use your credit/debit cards.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
e-Business Visa: Submit the visa application online with the designated documents mentioned above. The processing time taken ranges from 2 to 4 business days, so apply at least 7 days before your intended travel date.
Regular Business Visa: Submit the visa application with the designated documents mentioned above to the Indian embassy or consulate in your country. The processing time taken ranges, so apply in advance before your intended travel date.
Step 7: Receive Your Visa
e-Business Visa: The approved application forms after review will receive the eVisa by email.
Regular Business Visa: The approved application forms after verification will receive the visa stamp on the passport. You will have to collect your passport from the embassy, you will be notified.
Step 8: Register with FRRO/FRO (If Required)
Those business visitors who want to extend their stay beyond 180 days, they need to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 14 days of arrival, otherwise they might not be able to extend.
What is the validity period of an Indian Business Visa?
Indian Business e-Visa: This visa is valid for one year (365 days) from the date of issue and the maximum stay granted is 180 days per visit and allows multiple entry, meaning you can enter multiple times during your visa validity period.
Regular Indian Business Visa: The maximum validity period offered in this visa is five years and stay is limited to 180 days per visit. In this visa extensions are possible through the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) in India.