From IT to agriculture, companies around the world conduct business in India, a major global power with many thriving industries—meaning you may be called there for work purposes. If that’s the case, you’ll need to get a business visa.

India Business Visa Basics

A business visa is required if you’re traveling to India for the following reasons:

  • If you are a partner or director of a company headquartered or operating in India
  • To establish or explore an industrial/business venture
  • To sell or purchase industrial products or commercial products
  • To attend technical meetings, discussions, board meetings, or general business meetings
  • For recruitment of manpower
  • For legitimate business transactions with suppliers

India Business Visa Types

There are two types of business visas: regular and e-Business.

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Regular Business Visa

For regular or traditional business visas, you will be required to submit an application form, supporting documents, and payment to the corresponding Embassy or consulate in your country. (In some locations, this could be a Visa Acceptance Center instead of a government facility.)  Once approved, you may need to visit the embassy or consulate to collect your issued visas. Entriva offers traditional visa services in some but not all countries.

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e-Business Visa

The business e-Visa is an online visa application form for a digital and print copy of your Indian visa. Entriva can take care of the details for you, or you can apply online at the Government of India’s official e-Visa website. Either way, you pay the fees and then receive your business visa via email.

How to Apply for an Indian Business Visa Online

Whether you’re looking for a regular visa or e-Visa, Entriva is here to make the process fast and simple. Here’s all the information you’ll need to provide for us to complete your visa application form:

  • Personal information (full name on passport, nationality, address, date of birth, email, phone number, gender, etc.)
  • Passport information (number, expiration date, place of issue, date of issue, etc.)
  • Type of visa (regular or e-Visa)
  • Location of closest India embassy or consulate
  • Travel dates
  • Port of arrival and expected port of departure
  • Information on any current or previous e-Visas or visas for India travel
  • Emergency Contact/Family details (names, addresses, email, phone, nationality, etc.)
  • Two photos and copy of passport page (see Required Documents below for more information)
  • Copy of business card and/or invitation letter from Indian company
  • Payment information for processing fees

You can check the status of your visa on your personal Traveler Hub.

India Business Visa Documents

The following are the necessary documents you’ll need to apply for a business visa to India. All supporting documents should be in PDF format.

  • A valid passport with two blank pages (passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the visa application date)
  • Scanned copy of passport bio page, clearly showing personal details and photo
  • One digital photo in JPG format, minimum size 10 KB and maximum size 1 MB; photo should be equal height and width, no borders
  • Invitation or support letters from an Indian company(s)

India Business Visa Validity

  • Regular Visa: Up to 10 years for US nationals. For UK, Canada, Japan, South Africa, and other nationals, validity depends on the consulate and can range from three months to five years.
  • e-Business Visa: Valid for 365 days from the date that it’s granted.

If you plan on staying in India longer than 180 days, you’ll need to register with the Foreign Regional Registration Office.

India Business Visa Fees

In addition to mandatory government fees—which for India vary by country of origin, and are typically between $25 to $100—some additional processing fees and bank transaction fees may apply. Entriva charges amongst the industry’s lowest handling fees (starting at just $50).

Booking a visa with Entriva ensures you get the right visa in time, every time. Start your visa application now to receive a quote.

FAQs About India Business Visas

Here are some commonly asked questions about Indian Business Visas:

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How long does it take to get a Business Visa?

e-Visas generally take three working days to process, though it could take longer depending on demand and other factors. For the regular visa, processing time starts once the application is received at the embassy or consulate and varies on jurisdiction.

Can I renew or extend my Business Visa?

Yes, you can apply to extend your India Business Visa either in person or online at the Foreign Regional Registration Office.

How far in advance should I get my Indian Business Visa?

It’s recommended that you apply for your business visa at least two weeks in advance of travel, even more if you’re applying for a traditional visa. The e-Visa generally processes in three to five business days.

Is a business visa the same as an employment visa?

No, they are not the same. Employment visas are for foreigners coming to India for the purpose of being employed and working, not already engaged in business activities.

Is the business visa a multiple-entry visa?

Both regular and e-Visa business visas permit multiple entries. This means you can leave and reenter the country multiple times on the same visa.

Where do I keep my business visa while traveling?

Keep a print copy of your business visa and your passport in a safe place. International travel document holders will help keep all your essential documents in one place.

Other India Visas

If your purpose for visiting India isn’t to conduct business, there are other visa types available, including e-Visas and tourist visas. We can help with those, too.

Preparing for Your India Trip

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a India visa. Start your visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to India, such as health and safety and cultural customs, visit our India content hub.