India residence 2026 — work, study & family permits

India’s residence framework blends historic openness with modern digitalisation. Foreign nationals now enter structured visa categories that can evolve into long-term residence through renewals and registration. The country issues employment, business, study and family permits, each overseen by the Bureau of Immigration and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Residence is typically maintained through e-FRRO — the online portal replacing paper-based registration. For those planning a long stay, understanding these categories prevents costly mistakes. If your end goal is naturalisation, plan ahead with the India citizenship 2026 guide to map the long-term route.

Key terms

FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office): authority responsible for registering and extending residence of foreign nationals.

e-FRRO: digital portal for visa conversions, renewals and address registration — mandatory for long-term stays.

Employment visa (E): issued to skilled professionals, managers and technical staff employed in India.

Business visa (B): granted to investors, board members and entrepreneurs managing Indian entities.

Entry visa (X): used for family members of Indian citizens or foreigners already holding long-term visas.

Student visa (S): covers full-time study in recognised Indian universities or educational institutions.

OCI card: Overseas Citizen of India — lifelong multiple-entry status for foreign nationals of Indian origin.

Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): mandatory background document for most residence categories.

Residence types

• Work (Employment Visa E): For skilled specialists, technical experts, managers and highly qualified professionals. The sponsoring employer in India must have a registered entity and offer a minimum annual salary threshold. Valid up to five years with renewals inside India via e-FRRO. Expats in IT, energy, and manufacturing sectors most often use this route.
• Business (B Visa): Designed for investors, directors, or business owners who intend to conduct trade, attend board meetings or establish operations. Initial stay up to one year, renewable up to five. Requires proof of commercial purpose and financial capability.
• Study (S Visa): Granted to students enrolled in recognised universities, language schools or research institutions. Must show proof of admission, funds and accommodation. Extensions are tied to the academic term and verified by the institution.
• Family (Entry Visa X): Enables spouses, dependent children and parents of Indian citizens or foreign residents to stay together. Duration usually mirrors the sponsor’s visa. Work is not allowed unless separately authorised.
• Research and culture: Issued for scientific, academic or cultural collaboration projects. Applicants must provide institutional endorsements and subject relevance.
• Medical and humanitarian: Given to individuals receiving long-term treatment in accredited Indian hospitals or under special humanitarian programmes.
• Financially independent: Available for retirees and individuals with consistent overseas income who wish to reside in India long-term.
• Permanent residence (PRC): Select foreign investors and persons of Indian origin may qualify for long-term residence up to 10 years under national security clearance.

Routes & timelines

Step-by-step

1. Choose the correct category and confirm eligibility via FRRO guidelines.
2. Gather passport, photographs, invitation/employment letters and supporting financials.
3. Apply for visa at Indian Mission abroad or via e-Visa if applicable.
4. Enter India and register through e-FRRO within 14 days for long-term visas.
5. Attend biometric verification and submit residence address.
6. Monitor renewal reminders in the e-FRRO dashboard and extend on time.

Documents

Typical requirements include passport copies, national ID, contract or admission letter, financial proof, medical insurance, and police clearance. All foreign-language papers must be officially translated into English. To prevent refusals for untranslated records, use professional translation support (B) before you file.

Costs

Visa and residence fees depend on category and nationality. Additional costs include translation, notarisation and health insurance. To benchmark fees and renewal cycles across other jurisdictions, explore the Residency & Citizenship section (C).

Renewals

Renew through e-FRRO at least 60 days before expiry. Continuous residence depends on timely renewal and updated address. Late submission may break legal continuity, affecting eligibility for long-term or permanent residence. Dependents must renew separately but may attach to the same sponsor.

Integration

India values social participation, tax compliance, and local contribution. Many long-term residents engage in corporate, educational or cultural life. Keeping tax filings clean and maintaining local bank records supports later applications for permanent residence or OCI status.

What changed in 2026

India expanded the digital residence dashboard in 2026. Applicants can now upload biometrics appointment confirmations, pay online and receive automated reminders for renewal. Medical and research visa categories were also aligned with e-FRRO to simplify extensions without physical visits.

Did you know?

Foreign students completing higher education in India can apply for an 18-month post-study residence to work or start a business under pilot programmes in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Common mistakes

• Failing to register within 14 days of arrival.
• Using the wrong visa type (business instead of employment).
• Missing renewal deadlines.
• Submitting incomplete address details in e-FRRO.
• Overstaying without grace-period application.
• Ignoring spouse’s dependent renewal timeline.

FAQ

Expert opinion

India’s residence system rewards consistency: timely e-FRRO filings, legal employment, and clean taxation records build credibility. Understanding each visa’s boundaries avoids overstays and rejections. Start preparing renewal documentation well before expiry — the digital system favours organised applicants.

— Aarav, Global Visa Consultant, VelesClub Int.

Next steps

Planning a long-term life or business in India? Get a free consultation with VelesClub Int. to secure your visa category, renewal plan and tax alignment. Start on our main platform or explore the Residency & Citizenship section (D) for region-specific insights and cross-border comparisons.