Business in India: How do I obtain a visa?

The business visa plays a crucial role for travellers going to India for business purposes. It allows you to carry out commercial activities, business meetings and collaborations with Indian companies. The aim of this page is to provide you with detailed information on the steps you need to take to apply for a business visa for India. Whether you are considering the traditional business visa or the online business e-Visa, we will guide you through the eligibility conditions, document requirements, application procedures and much more. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business executive or self-employed professional, our aim is to help you obtain your business visa with ease. Follow our practical advice and instructions for a successful business visa application and discover the differences between the two options so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Get ready to explore India's exciting business opportunities by obtaining your hassle-free business visa.

India business visa application: in brief

• Requirement: A business visa is required for UK and EU nationals wishing to travel to India for business activities such as meetings, conferences, training or business negotiations.
• Procedure (online): You can apply for a business visa online via the Indian government website. You will need to fill in a form, provide supporting documents and pay the visa fee.
• Processing time: The processing time for a business visa is generally 2 to 4 working days from receipt of your complete application.
• Price: The price of a business visa is USD 80 for multiple entries.
• Validity period: Business visas are generally valid for 3 months to 1 year from the date of issue.

India Business visa application!

The classic business visa for India: Features and procedure

The classic business visa is a traditional option for travelling to India for business purposes. It allows travellers to carry out business activities, attend business meetings, participate in conferences or negotiate contracts. This type of visa offers flexibility for longer stays and a variety of business commitments.

To be eligible for the Classic Business Visa, you must meet certain conditions such as having a registered business, having business links with India or being invited by an Indian company. The documents required include a letter of invitation from the Indian company, a letter from the employer, proof of financial solvency, a valid passport, recent photographs, and possibly other documents specific to your professional situation.

Steps to follow to apply for a classic business visa :

• Gather the required documents: Prepare all the necessary documents in accordance with the requirements of the Indian embassy or consulate.
• Fill in the application form: Fill in the visa application form carefully and provide accurate information.
• Payment of fees: Pay the visa application fee in accordance with the instructions provided.
• Submitting the application: Submit your visa application with all the required documents to the relevant Indian embassy or consulate.
• Tracking the status of your application: Use the reference number provided to track the status of your application online or by other means of communication.

Processing times for the classic business visa may vary depending on the time of year and the place of application. It is advisable to submit your application well in advance to avoid delays. Visa application fees are generally set by the Indian embassy or consulate and may vary depending on the length of stay and the nationality of the applicant. Be sure to check the current fees when you apply.

The online business e-Visa for India: Features and procedure

The Business e-Visa is a fast and convenient alternative for obtaining a visa to travel to India for business purposes. It allows eligible travellers to apply for their visa online, avoiding trips to the Indian embassy or consulate. This simplified process offers added convenience for business travellers.

The Business e-Visa offers a number of advantages, such as simplified procedures, faster processing times and flexibility for short-term business trips. However, it is important to note that the Business e-Visa has certain limitations, including a limited length of stay and specific validity, as well as restrictions on permitted business activities.

Eligibility criteria for the Business e-Visa may vary depending on the nationality of the applicant. Generally, it is necessary to have business links with India, have a valid passport, upload a recent photograph and provide information about the company and the reason for the business trip.

Online application procedure for the Business e-Visa

• Access the official website or the website of a private service provider for business e-Visa.
• Fill in the online application form, providing accurate and complete information.
• Upload the required documents, such as a photograph and scanned passport.
• Pay the application fee online using the accepted payment options.
• Submit your application and obtain a reference number to track the status of your application.

Processing times for the e-Business Visa are generally faster than those for the traditional visa, often being processed within a few days of submission of the application. Fees for e-Business Visas vary depending on the length of stay requested and the nationality of the applicant. Be sure to check current fees and processing times when you apply.

How do I fill in the business visa application form for India?

Completing the India business visa application form requires you to provide detailed information about your identity, travel and planned business activities. Here are the different parts of the form and the items to be completed:

1. Personal details

• Full Name: Enter your surname, first name and other names (if applicable) exactly as shown on your passport.
• Sex: Select your sex.
• Date of Birth: Enter your date of birth (day/month/year).
• City and Country of Birth: Indicate the city and country where you were born.
• Nationality: Indicate your current nationality and any previous nationalities.
• Passport number: Enter your passport number.
• Place of Passport Issue: Indicate the place where your passport was issued.
• Date of Passport Issue and Expiry: Enter the dates of issue and expiry of your passport.

2. Contact Information

• Residential Address: Provide your full residential address.
• Telephone Number: Enter your telephone number, including country code.
• Email Address: Provide a valid email address to receive notifications about your application.

3. Professional Information

• Occupation: Indicate your current occupation.
• Employer Name: Provide the name of your current employer.
• Employer Address: Enter the full address of your employer.
• Employer's Telephone Number: Provide your employer's telephone number.
• Length of Employment: Indicate how long you have worked for your current employer.

4. Trip Details

• Purpose of Trip: Select "Business" as the main reason for your trip.
• Expected Date of Arrival: Indicate your expected date of arrival in India.
• Duration of Stay: Enter the expected duration of your stay in India.
• Address in India: Enter the full address of your place of stay in India, for example the address of the hotel or the office of your business partner.
• Port of Entry in India: Indicate the city through which you will be entering India (e.g. Delhi, Mumbai).

5. Visitor Details

• Countries Visited in the Last 10 Years: Indicate the countries you have visited in the last ten years.
• Details of Previously Obtained Indian Visa: If you have previously obtained a visa for India, provide the relevant details (visa number, date of issue, place of issue).

6. References

• Reference in India: Provide details of a person or company in India, including name, address and telephone number.
• Reference in your Country of Origin: Provide the contact details of a person in your country of origin, including name, address and telephone number.

7. Declaration and Signature

• Declaration: Carefully read the declaration at the end of the form.
• Signature: Sign the form, indicating the date and place of signature. If you are submitting the application online, you will also need to upload a digital passport photo and a copy of your passport.

Practical tips for a successful business visa application

• Preparing the documents and submitting a complete application: To maximise your chances of success, make sure you carefully prepare all the documents required for your business visa application. Make sure they are complete, up to date and comply with the requirements of the Indian embassy or consulate. Check the accepted file formats and make sure you provide clear, legible copies. Organise your documents in the order requested and add annotations or additional explanations if necessary. A complete and well-prepared application will facilitate the review process.
• Importance of clearly detailing the reasons for the business trip: When submitting your business visa application, it is crucial to provide detailed information on the specific reasons for your business trip to India. Clearly explain the purpose of your visit, any planned business meetings, partnerships or business negotiations. The more specific and detailed you are, the easier it will be for the authorities to understand the legitimate nature of your trip. This will enhance the credibility of your business visa application.
• Advice on planning in terms of deadlines and making appointments: It is advisable to plan your business visa application in advance to avoid delays or time constraints. Processing times can vary depending on a number of factors, so it's best to submit your application well in advance. Take into account any busy periods, holidays or public holidays, which may affect processing times. In addition, check the information on how to make an appointment, whether online or by other means. You should also allow enough time to obtain the required documents and for any additional formalities.

By following these practical tips, you can increase your chances of success when applying for a business visa for India. Careful preparation, a clear explanation of your reasons and proper planning will help to smooth the process and ensure that you get your business visa quickly.