Business Visa India – Fast Guide for Entrepreneurs

Thinking about setting up a shop, meeting partners, or scouting suppliers in India? A business visa is the ticket you need. It lets you enter the country for short‑term commercial activities without the hassle of a work permit.

Eligibility and Required Documents

First, check if your trip fits the visa’s purpose. The Indian business visa covers meetings, conferences, market research, and contract negotiations. It’s not for taking up a salaried job or long‑term employment.

You’ll need a valid passport (at least six months left and two blank pages), a recent passport‑photo, and a completed online application. The key supporting papers are an invitation letter from an Indian company, a business card, and a brief itinerary that shows where you’ll be and what you’ll do. If you’re a lawyer, consultant, or journalist, add a certificate from your home‑country employer.

For owners of small firms or startups, a copy of your company’s registration, tax returns, and a letter explaining the business purpose can smooth things out. Keep everything in PDF and under 2 MB – the immigration portal rejects oversized files.

Application Process and Tips

Apply through the official Indian Visa Online (e‑Visa) portal or the nearest Indian consulate. The e‑Visa is quicker: you fill the form, upload the PDFs, pay the fee (around $100 for a 6‑month stay) and wait 3‑5 business days. For longer stays (up to 12 months) you’ll need the regular Business Visa, which can take up to two weeks.

Pro tip: double‑check the spelling of your name and the invitation letter’s address. A tiny typo can send your application back, costing extra time. Also, print the e‑Visa approval (PDF) and carry it on your phone – immigration officers often ask for it before they stamp your passport.

When you land, the immigration officer may ask about the meetings you have scheduled. Have a printed copy of your itinerary and the invitation letter ready. If you’re traveling with a team, each member needs their own visa, even if the invitation is for the whole group.

Once you’re in India, the visa is typically valid for multiple entries. You can leave and re‑enter as many times as you need, as long as each stay doesn’t exceed the maximum duration (usually 180 days per visit). If your business expands and you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) before the current visa expires.

Common pitfalls many first‑time visitors hit are ignoring the visa’s expiry date and forgetting to register with the local police if you stay longer than 90 days. Skipping registration can lead to fines or trouble when you leave. Also, don’t assume a tourist visa will cover business meetings – immigration officers are strict about that.

If your stay exceeds 90 days, you must register at the nearest FRRO within 14 days. Bring your passport, visa copy, passport‑size photos, and a proof of residence (like a hotel invoice or rental agreement). The registration fee is modest, and once done you’ll get a stamped card that proves you’re legally staying in the country.

Finally, remember that a business visa does NOT allow you to receive a salary from an Indian employer. If you decide to take a job, you’ll have to switch to an Employment Visa, which has its own set of requirements.

Got more questions? Browse our other articles on finance, startup funding, and tax tips – they’ll help you plan the whole venture, not just the visa.