IndiaBusiness and self-employment

India business visa

Business visa (B-1)

In short

The business visa covers business activities in India such as meetings, sales and purchases, technical discussions and sports engagements on contract; cultural performances and conferences have their own categories. You need an invitation from the Indian company and papers from your own company; the fee depends on your nationality and the Indian mission where you apply.

Apply on Indian Visa Online (Government of India) checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Fee
The business visa fee depends on your nationality and the Indian mission where you apply, which also states how to pay; it is not refunded if the visa is refused.
Processing time
Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
Work
Business activities only; employment requires an employment visa
Where to apply
Online form on indianvisaonline.gov.in, then submission with passport and documents at the Indian mission responsible for your place of residence, in the way that mission specifies

Scope

The Bureau of Immigration lists B-1 for business activities other than those covered by B-2 (sports and coaching on contract), B-3 (cultural or commercial performances) and B-4 (production investment, e-Visa only), including maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft and ships. Conferences are covered by a separate conference visa.

Documents

An invitation from the company in India with its Indian company registration, a letter from your employer stating your position, the reason for the visit and the companies to be visited, and your own company's papers: registration record, proof of activity, list of authorised signatories, tax return, registration documents and company bank statement.

Required documents

Identity

  • Original passport valid at least six months beyond departure from India, with a photocopy of the first pages
  • Proof of residence in the country where you apply; non-nationals add their residence permit

Money

  • Proof of payment of the visa fee, as the mission requires

Work

  • Invitation letter from the Indian company with its Indian registration
  • Employer letter stating your position, purpose and companies to be visited
  • Your company's papers: registration record, proof of activity, list of authorised signatories, tax return, company bank statement

Other

  • Online visa application form from indianvisaonline.gov.in with uploaded photo, printed and signed
  • Two recent passport-size photographs

Fee

Business visa fees depend on your nationality; some nationalities pay reciprocal rates, for example USD 140 for up to one year for US citizens. The Indian mission where you apply states the amount and how to pay.

Arrival card and FRRO registration

Foreigners complete the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arrival on boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app. Holders of student, employment, medical or missionary work visas valid for more than 180 days must register with the jurisdictional FRRO or FRO within 14 days of arrival; holders of other visas, including business visas, must register if they stay more than 180 days continuously or within a calendar year. Children under 12 are exempt. Extensions and conversions are requested on indianfrro.gov.in while you are in India and before your visa expires.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Obtain the invitation from your Indian partner and prepare your company's registration and tax documents.
  2. Fill in the regular visa application on indianvisaonline.gov.in well before travel and upload your photo; handwritten forms are not accepted.
  3. Pay the visa fee in the way the Indian mission where you apply specifies; the amount depends on your nationality and is not refunded if the visa is refused.
  4. Submit the printed, signed form with your passport and documents at the Indian mission responsible for your place of residence, or where it directs you, on your appointment day; biometrics may be taken.
  5. Collect the passport once the mission has decided.
  6. Submit the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arriving in India and register with the FRRO if your visa requires it.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work for an Indian company on a business visa?

No. Employment, including intra-company transfers, requires an employment visa.

Do I have to register with the FRRO?

Only if your continuous stay, or your total stay in a calendar year, exceeds 180 days.

Is a conference covered by the business visa?

International conferences, seminars and workshops have a separate conference visa.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for India

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
  • Medical treatment visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
  • Culture, sports and events visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: Up to 15 days, single or double entry

Study and training

  • Student visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Work

  • Work visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Family

  • Family reunification visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa Maximum stay: e-Tourist 30 days, 1 year or 5 years (max. 180 days per calendar year for 1- and 5-year visas); e-Business up to 180 days per visit

India visa guide