India Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in India

Any foreign national (non-citizen) seeking employment in India requires a valid work permit or visa. Employers are responsible for initiating and supporting the work visa application process. This includes ensuring employees meet the necessary criteria and providing relevant supporting documentation, which we’ll unpack in more detail below.

Types of Work Visas in India

India offers various types of visas depending on the nature of work and duration of stay. Some of the most common types of work visas include:

Employment Visa (E Visa)

The Employment Visa (E Visa) is the primary work visa for foreign nationals taking up skilled employment in India. It is issued to professionals hired by an Indian-registered entity for roles that require specialized knowledge, senior-level expertise, or technical skills not readily available in the local labor market. It is typically issued for 1 year or the duration of the contract, with the possibility of extension up to 5 years.

Eligibility criteria include:

• A minimum annual salary threshold (currently USD $25,000 or equivalent, with some exceptions)
• A formal employment contract
• The sponsoring company must be registered in India and provide proof of need for the foreign hire

Employers are responsible for providing offer letters, corporate registration documents, and justifying the foreign hire based on role requirements.

💡Best work permit option if: You are hiring skilled foreign professionals, senior executives, or technical experts into full-time roles at your Indian entity. It is the go-to visa for most long-term in-country employment.

Project Visa (P Visa)

The Project Visa is issued to foreign nationals coming to India to execute specific projects in sectors such as power, steel, infrastructure, and engineering. It is role- and project-specific, meaning it cannot be used for general employment. The visa is typically granted for the duration of the project or up to 1 year, whichever is shorter, and is non-renewable.

The hiring company must be an Indian-registered entity executing a specific contract. The visa application must include project documentation, the employee’s role description, and confirmation that the role is temporary and tied to project completion.

This visa is ideal for employers looking to hire foreign staff for defined, time-bound, technical assignments, especially where local talent is unavailable.

💡Best work permit option if: You are bringing in foreign technicians, engineers, or specialists to work on a fixed-term infrastructure or industrial project in India.

Intern Visa

The Intern Visa is designed for foreign nationals undertaking internships in Indian companies, NGOs, or educational institutions. The visa is valid for the duration of the internship or up to 1 year, whichever is shorter. There must be a minimum gap of one year between the completion of formal education and the start of the internship.

The host organization must issue a formal internship offer letter, and the intern’s role must relate to their academic background. The intern must also demonstrate sufficient financial support during their stay.

This visa allows employers to legally onboard international interns for training, research, or short-term functional exposure.

💡Best work permit option if: You offer international internship programs or exchange opportunities and want to onboard recent graduates for short-term assignments or early-career exposure in India.

Journalist Visa (J Visa)

The Journalist Visa (J Visa) is issued to foreign journalists, media professionals, and documentary filmmakers traveling to India for media coverage, including reporting, filming, or interviewing. It is valid for 3 months to 6 months, often with restrictions on travel to sensitive areas.

Journalists must declare their itinerary and seek additional permissions for specific activities or locations. The visa does not permit general employment in India and must be applied for with clear editorial intent.

This will likely be relevant if your company is a media outlet, production house, or broadcasting firm bringing foreign media personnel into India for specific assignments.

💡Best work permit option if: You are hiring or sending media professionals to India for short-term assignments like news reporting, documentary production, or interviews. Use this for non-commercial, editorial work requiring formal press credentials.

Entry Visa (X Visa)

The Entry Visa (X Visa) is a non-employment, non-tourist visa granted to foreign nationals for purposes such as accompanying family members of foreign employees, dependents of Indian citizens, or persons of Indian origin. In some cases, the X Visa may be issued to spouses or dependents of individuals working in India under an Employment Visa.

This visa does not grant the right to work, although some dependents may later apply for work authorization in specific cases.

While employers do not sponsor the X Visa directly, it’s important to support employees and their families with the documentation needed for smooth visa processing and settlement in India.

💡Best work permit option if: You are relocating foreign employees with families and want to facilitate dependent relocation as part of a comprehensive talent mobility strategy. Essential for long-term hires relocating to India for extended assignments.

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Requirements for a Work Permit in India

To apply for an employment visa or work permit in India, foreign workers must typically provide the following documents:

 
• A valid passport.
 
• A completed visa application form.
 
• An employment contract from an employer in India, in English, that details the length of employment and work conditions.
 
• Proof of educational qualifications and experience relevant to the job.
 
• Passport-sized photos.
 
• A copy of their CV or resume in English.
 
• Proof of residency (required when registering with the Foreign Regional Registration Offices).
 
• Supporting documents from their employer.

India Work Permit Application Process

The visa application process typically involves the following steps:

 
• Submit a new visa application: Complete the application on the Indian government’s visa website and schedule a visa appointment with the local embassy or consulate. Print a copy of the application once complete.
 
• Gather necessary documents: Collect all required documents as outlined previously.
 
• Attend physical visa appointment: Submit original documents, passport, and pay the visa fees. The visa is typically issued within two weeks.
 
• Collect the visa: Return to the embassy to collect the passport with the visa stamp or have it mailed.
 
• Post-arrival in India: Register with the Foreign Regional Registration Offices (FRRO) within 14 days if the visa is valid for more than 180 days.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in India

Employers in India must ensure their foreign hires have the proper work authorization. According to the Foreigner’s Act, illegal immigrants can be fined, imprisoned, or deported. Employers are also responsible for assisting with the work visa application process and supporting the employee during FRRO registration once they arrive in India.

Employers should provide documents such as:

 
• A copy of the company registration.
 
• A letter of undertaking, on company letterhead, stating responsibility for the employee’s activities and conduct.
 
• An employment contract detailing salary and employment period.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in India

Work visa fees in India vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the length of the visa.

Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in India, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.

Processing Time for a Work Permit or Visa in India

Processing times vary depending on the visa type and the applicant’s nationality. On average, work visas take between 2 to 6 weeks to process, though Employment Visas can take up to 5 months. Employers should account for potential delays due to missing documentation or high application volumes.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in India

Work visas in India can be renewed based on the nature of employment. Typically, Employment Visas can be renewed annually, with a total stay not exceeding five years from the initial issuance date. Employers must support their employees in the extension process by providing updated employment contracts and proof of continued employment. The renewal process should begin well before the current visa’s expiration to avoid any disruptions.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in India

Currently, India does not offer a specific digital nomad visa. Foreign nationals who wish to work remotely from India, even for an employer located abroad, must obtain an appropriate visa, such as a Business Visa or Employment Visa, depending on the nature of their work. Working remotely while on a tourist visa is not permitted.

Employers should ensure that their remote employees understand the visa restrictions and apply for the correct visa category. Violating visa conditions can lead to penalties, deportation, or bans on future travel to India.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in India

Employers in India often face several challenges in the recruitment process. These challenges include shortages of qualified talent, high application volumes, and the need to implement fair hiring practices. Here are some common challenges and tips to address them:

 
• Shortage of Qualified Talent: Certain industries lack candidates with the necessary skills, creating intense competition among employers.
 
• High Volume of Applications: Sorting through a large number of applicants can be time-consuming. Using recruitment technology can help streamline this process.
 
• Diversity and Inclusion: Implementing fair hiring practices requires addressing biases and promoting inclusivity.
 
• Technological Adaptation: Ensuring recruiters are trained in new recruitment technologies can improve efficiency.
 
• Candidate Integrity: Misrepresentation of qualifications can complicate hiring decisions. Conduct thorough background checks to verify credentials.
 
• Retention of New Hires: Providing growth opportunities and a positive work culture can help retain talent.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
• Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.