Bangalore at a Glance

Visa and Work Permits for Bangalore

The political and economic capital of Karnataka state, Bangalore attracts many new residents.

Are you thinking of moving to Bangalore for an expat assignment? The “Silicon Valley of India” may present you with unexpected challenges. The InterNations guide on moving to Bangalore gives you basic info on climate, population, visa options and permits, to help you prepare for moving to Bangalore.

Visa Applications

Everyone needs a valid visa for Bangalore. Visa applications are processed at all Indian overseas missions. If you are unsure as to where the nearest Indian mission is located, please consult the National Portal of India.

While there are no restrictions on skilled immigration (except for Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals), make sure to fulfill all formal requirements and submit the application in time. The Indian embassy or consulate should provide you with the correct application form and advice on any additional documents. If this information is not available online, request it via phone.

Standard requirements for all visas are:

passport, valid for at least 180 days from the start date of one’s stay, containing at least two blank visa pages
official document showing the applicant’s name and address of current residence
birth certificate (copy)
marriage certificate (copy) if the applicant’s name has changed due to marriage
completed application form
passport-sized photographs
fee

Visa fees include consular fees and, sometimes, a referral fee, which both vary according to visa type and duration of stay. Different types of visas require additional documentation (see below).

Visa and Work Permits

The following two visa categories are the most common among expats, simultaneously serving as work permits:

Employment Visa: You need a job with an Indian company or must be on a work assignment from your current employer. It should be a position for highly qualified staff with an annual salary of more than 25,000 USD. This visa is valid for an initial period of two years, but it can be renewed in Bangalore. Necessary documents include proof of employment (i.e. a signed work contract) and of the applicant’s ability to carry out the job (e.g. academic and professional qualifications).

Business Visa: This is for entrepreneurs or investors wishing to set up a business in Bangalore, establish ties with an Indian company or purchase/sell industrial products. It requires a written statement from the client or contracting body, detailing the nature of the business and the length of the stay, as well as a letter of invitation from an Indian company (if applicable). A Business Visa cannot be converted into an Employment Visa in India. Applicants must return to their respective home country first and go through the application process again.

Other Visa Categories

Apart from visas for tourists, medical tourists, and students, there are several other visa categories, some of which might be relevant for expats too.

Entry Visa: Family members and dependants of expats can apply for an Entry Visa. This does not automatically grant them the right to work. However, expat spouses can look for work in India and briefly return to their home country to apply for an Employment Visa. As an expat spouse, you need to present your marriage certificate, a letter from your partner as well as a copy of their work contract and their Employment Visa.
Journalist Visa: Journalists travelling to India, irrespective of the purpose of their stay, need a Journalist Visa. If they want to work as journalists in India, they must register for accreditation with the Press Information Bureau of the Government of India to obtain a PIB card. Additional documentation is required. In most cases, this is a letter from the employer stating the purpose of travel. If no media-related work is carried out in India, this must be documented in a written statement. A Journalist Visa is valid for up to three months.

Conference Visa: You can only apply for a Conference Visa with an official invitation to a conference organized either by a government or public agency or by a recognized educational institution. NGO-sponsored conferences require the approval of the relevant government authority.

Research Visa: Research professors or scholars may apply for a three-year Research Visa if they produce evidence of their financial resources and the original letter of admission from their university. A research proposal and proof of financial funds must also be submitted.