Residence permit of India

A temporary residence permit in India is a permit granted to citizens of foreign countries for temporary stay in the country. The document is issued for a period of 1 year or more and can be extended if there are appropriate justifications.

India is actively developing, providing wide benefits for foreign citizens. A residence permit ensures the legality of staying in India, freeing you from the need to obtain a visa for each entry. This is especially important for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking to establish long-term business relationships or work in the territory of the state.

Types of residence permit in India

India offers various types of residence permits for foreigners. At the same time, the purpose of arrival is necessarily taken into account. There are several categories of residence permits issued depending on the purpose of stay. At the same time, each application requires the applicant to submit the necessary documents. The most common types of residence permits are for employment and business.

A residence permit also gives the right to open bank accounts and conduct financial transactions in the country on an equal basis with citizens. This simplifies the management of personal and corporate finances. Moreover, permit holders can take advantage of Indian health and education systems, which is a significant advantage for those who plan to live in India with their family.

Residence permit for the purchase of real estate

The purchase of real estate can contribute to obtaining a long-term visa if the transaction is accompanied by business activity or investments in the local economy in the amount of at least $ 1.5 million.

Foreign citizens have the right to purchase real estate in India, provided that they have lived here for more than 182 days during the previous financial year and comply with the requirements of the Office of Registration of Foreigners.

Necessary justifications

• Proof of ownership of real estate acquired in accordance with Indian law. 
• Evidence of the legality of obtaining sources of funds used to purchase real estate. 
• Compliance of real estate with the requirements established for the issuance of a residence permit. 
• Plans for long-term residence and interaction with the Indian community. 

List of documents

• Purchase and sale agreement, documents confirming ownership of the purchased object. 
• Financial documents confirming the sources of income and the legality of their origin. 
• Reports on the location and valuation of real estate. 
• Notarized copies of personal documents. 

Student residence permits

India attracts international students with active development, growth of various sectors of the economy, affordable prices for accommodation and education. To obtain a residence permit, students must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution in the country.

The process of obtaining a student visa involves providing evidence of admission to a university and the availability of sufficient financial resources for self-sufficiency. An Indian student visa allows you to stay in the country during the study period with the possibility of extending the validity of the previously received document for the required period.

Necessary justifications

• Admission to an accredited educational institution: the presence of an official letter of admission to an Indian institute. 
• The purpose of the training: an explanation of the applicant's educational and professional goals. 
• Financial capacity: evidence of the availability of funds to cover educational and living expenses. 
• The desire to return to his native country: justification of future plans after completing his studies. 

List of documents

• Letter of admission: An official invitation from an Indian educational institution. 
• Financial documents: confirmation of the availability of necessary financing. 
• Recommendations from educational institutions: confirmation of academic performance and characteristics of the student. 
• Visa application form and photos: completed student visa application form and current photos of the applicant. 

Residence permit for financially independent (freelance, digital nomad)

Financially independent individuals, including freelancers and digital nomads, increasingly consider India as a place for permanent residence. The interest is explained by the rapidly growing economy of the country, the expansion of infrastructure and the emergence of new opportunities for remote work.

However, at the moment, India does not offer direct programs for this segment of relocators. Financially independent foreigners can use tourist or business visas with regular extension of the right of stay. At the same time, it is necessary to comply with all requirements applicable to foreign citizens.

Necessary justifications

• Proof of a stable income that ensures financial independence. 
• Confirmation of regular professional activity in the field of remote work. 
• Justification of the need to live in India in connection with professional activities. 
• Evidence that staying in India does not harm the local labor market and economic development. 

List of documents

• Bank statements confirming financial viability. 
• Contracts or agreements with foreign clients and companies. 
• Information confirming professional activity. 

Important

The applicant must provide a valid passport with no restrictions on entry to India.

Residence permit by marriage

A residence permit by marriage is one of the most common forms of stay in India for foreigners. After the wedding, it is necessary to apply for the appropriate visa, usually a long-term one, and undergo a security check. First of all, the applicant must confirm the authenticity of the marital relationship.

After registration of a family union, a foreigner receives the right to permanent residence, and in the future, citizenship. But this is possible with a long, permanent stay in the country and compliance with additional requirements.

Necessary justifications

• Proof of marriage with an Indian citizen. 
• Confirmation of cohabitation with a spouse. 
• Evidence of a stable relationship. 
• Confirmation of intentions to continue family life after moving. 

List of documents

• A marriage certificate registered or legalized in India. 
• Documents confirming cohabitation (for example, utility bills). 
• Joint bank accounts or other financial evidence of living together. 
• Passports of both spouses.

Family reunion

Family reunification programs provide foreigners with the opportunity to live in India with close relatives who have resident status or citizenship. To obtain a permit, documents confirming family ties are required.

A foreigner who has a residence in the territory of the state must demonstrate his financial viability. The obligation to provide for a new family member may also be imposed on a citizen of the country. He will have to prove his financial worth and act as a sponsor.

Necessary justifications

• Confirmation of family ties with a citizen of the country or the holder of a valid residence permit. 
• Evidence of dependence on the resident of the country (if necessary). 
• Justification of the intentions of permanent residence in the immediate family environment. 
• Evidence of compliance with all migration rules of the country. 

List of documents

• Birth certificates or other evidence confirming family ties. 
• Evidence of financial support from an Indian family member. 
• Documentation confirming the existence of the place of residence of an Indian relative. 
• Valid passports of the applicant and relatives. 

Work permit

It is suitable for qualified specialists who come to the territory of the country for the purpose of further employment. Work visas are issued to foreign citizens who have received an offer of employment from an Indian company.

The employer usually guarantees the proper fulfillment of all legal, material obligations to the employee during the entire term of the employment contract.

Necessary justifications

• A job offer from an Indian employer. 
• Matching qualifications to the nature of the job. 
• Evidence of the need to hire a foreign specialist. 
• A contract confirming the official employment relationship with the employer. 
• Description of the working conditions (position, duration of the contract, salary). 

List of documents

• A foreign passport with copies of all pages.
• A completed application form.
• Passport-sized photos. 
• A job offer and a contract. 
• Certificates and diplomas of education and qualifications. 

Residence permit for business and sole proprietor

For entrepreneurs interested in doing business, work visas are available, which help to obtain the right to long-term stay in the country. The right comes depending on the success and scale of the projects being implemented. There is support from the government, but the activity of the entrepreneur has a direct impact on the decision being made.

An entrepreneurial visa is issued on condition that the applicant will be able to create at least 20 jobs for citizens and make a tangible contribution to the economic development of the region and the country as a whole.

Necessary justifications

• Creation or management of an operating company. Stakeholders must demonstrate an intention or an existing enterprise to create jobs. 
• Economic feasibility. It is required to prove the existence of business potential for a significant contribution to the country's economy. 
• Innovation and technology. Providing information on the availability of financially advantageous offers for the economic development of a particular region.
• Financial stability. Evidence of sufficient financial resources to live in the territory of the State. 

List of documents

• A business plan with predictable financial results and a development strategy. 
• Licenses, certificates confirming the legality of the business. 
• Financial statements: bank statements confirming the financial viability of the applicant. 
• Letters of recommendation from partners and clients confirming the applicant's business reputation. 

Residence permit for investors

India offers profitable opportunities for investors. The Government of the country uses various programs to attract foreign investors. If a foreigner invests significant amounts in the economy, business and investment projects, he can get a long-term visa.

Investors can take part in existing large-scale projects or start their own business. At the same time, the organization must create at least 20 jobs for active citizens of the country and contribute to the economic development of the state. First, the investor receives a business visa, and then can replace it with a residence permit.

Necessary justifications

• Substantiation of the importance of planned investments for the state economy. 
• Confirmation of making the minimum fixed amount of investments in Indian enterprises. 
• Evidence of the availability of financial resources for investment activities. 
• Plans for the long-term economic and/or social benefits of the proposed investments. 

Important

To participate in the current residence permit program, investors need to invest about $1,200,000 within 18 months or about $3,000,000, but within 3 years. 

List of documents

• Confirmation of financial condition and investment intentions (bank account statements). 
• Business registration certificates. 
• A list and description of investment projects. 
• Confirmation of investment plans. 

Extension of a residence permit in India

The process of extending a residence permit requires compliance with several key requirements. A foreign citizen must apply to the immigration service at the place of permanent residence and file an appropriate application. The application review procedure usually takes about 2-4 weeks. The fees for the extension of a residence permit depend on the type of visa permit and the duration of the extension.

List of documents:

• Passport with copies of pages. 
• Current residence permit. 
• A completed application form for renewal. 
• Actual evidence of the purpose of the stay.
• Passport-sized photos.

All the nuances of obtaining and extending a residence permit must be clarified at the migration service or consulate. Many issues can be solved remotely through the official website of the Indian Bureau of Immigration.